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Airdrie City Council hears update on cross-country ski trail development

The project stems from the 2020 Winter Games Legacy Funds – a $258,000 surplus of public Legacy Funds following the 2020 Alberta Winter Games that were hosted in Airdrie.

Airdronians looking to have fun in the snow can retire their ice skates, toboggans, and snowshoes in exchange for a new set of skis to be used on the City’s prospective Cross Country Ski Trail to be opened to the public later this month at Chinook Winds Park.

Jennifer Lutz, team leader of community development with the City, provided an update on the new winter ski trail and legacy project to council during a regular meeting on Dec. 5.

The project stems from the 2020 Winter Games Legacy Funds – a $258,000 surplus of public Legacy Funds following the 2020 Alberta Winter Games that were hosted in Airdrie.

Though cross-country skiing was not hosted in the city, the 2020 Alberta Winter Games Society pledged $25,000 in funding for the development of a trail in the community. The item was first presented to council in late June 2021.

“Cross-country was one sport that was not held in Airdrie during the Games for various factors,” read the council agenda report. “The plan to develop a Cross Country Ski Trail at Chinook Winds Park will provide residents access to a new outdoor winter opportunity.

“The establishment of a trail in Airdrie will be an increased level of service for residents.”

The trail is developed through a collaboration between the City and the newly created Sport Council (led by the 2020 Alberta Winter Games Society) to be used during the winter season with an anticipated opening of January 2023.

Additionally, the feasibility of cross-country trails in future locations such as the new Northeast Regional Park will also be explored, according to the report.

“Access to the track will be dependent on weather conditions and will be completed after priority pathway clearing has been completed,” continued the report.

“Parks are not resourced to expand services to operations of the Cross-Country Ski Trails.”

The Parks Department will be responsible for the maintenance, development, and operation of the trail throughout the year.

Equipment has also been purchased to support the trails including a snow machine, ski trail groomer and parts, and snow machine accessories. Additional funds ($5,000) will be allocated to the creation of a “Nordic Club” to help promote and develop cross-country skiing in the community.

“The [formation of the club] is in its early stages and will be developed by the Airdrie Sport Council as cross-country skiing in Airdrie becomes more popular,” stated the report. “A cross-country ski club will further assist with the awareness and development of a new sport within Airdrie.

The trail comes with an approximately $40,000 price tag with $25,000 of those funds coming from the Legacy Funds, and an additional $15,677 procured through a Community Initiative Program (CIP) Provincial grant.

According to the City, the hope of the project is the initial trail will be used by families and beginner skiers free of charge to help develop a new winter sport in Airdrie.

“Once a Nordic Club is formed, a “try it” cross-country ski day with equipment provided, will be held free of charge for anyone new to the sport,” read the agenda report.

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