Strathcona Resources Ltd. has kicked off a timely three-year funding partnership to support Mount Joy Snow Resort.
The Lloydminster-based heavy oil producer will help foot some needed operational costs with a $150,000 sponsorship worth $50,000 per year.
Greg Nohnychuk, senior operations manager of Strathcona Resources Ltd.'s thermal division, announced the partnership at the resort on Oct. 10 in advance of a potentially-costly replacement of the T-bar cable.
"That money is going to be used to maintain the existing facilities, upgrading any of the facilities, and expanding any future opportunities at the hill for multi-seasonal events," said Nohnychuk.
Mount Joy's board secretary, Sheldon Gallagher, was all smiles knowing Strathcona's funding commitment couldn't have come at a better time.
He noted the resort needs to conduct a non-destructive test on the steel cable rope in the next week or two. If it doesn't pass, they need to act quickly to replace it before the ski season can start.
"It will probably be $60,000-$65,000 to have it installed. Without Strathcona's help, we wouldn't be to achieve that at all," Gallagher said.
"It's overwhelming to see that kind of generosity and commitment to the community."
In appreciation, Mount Joy has erected several large Strathcona Resources Signs recognizing their financial support.
Gallagher went on to say if the test finds the rope is usable for another year, they can look at making upgrades to the hill, hire an employee to help with snowmaking, and things like that with the funding.
"If not, we put those plans on hold and divert everything towards the cable," he said.
Nohnychuk explained Strathcona decided a funding partnership with Mount Joy was a great opportunity to give back to the community.
"This hill has been around for over 60 years and I think many people in the Lloydminster area have fond memories of the hill," he said.
"We're looking forward to continuing with those memories for future families."
Nohnychuk says a lot Strathcona's employees also participate at the hill.
"They have young families and use these facilities year round," he said.
Nohnychuk has made lot of great memories with his own family at Mount Joy over the years, including teaching his daughter how to ski when she was young.
"It's a great hill," he said, adding he uses the trails himself to run.
Gallagher expects some of the funding from Strathcona will go towards trail maintenance.
He also said, "Greg is part of a really strong, dedicated running group that comes out to Mount Joy to enjoy our summer trail system as well as the mountain bikers."
"I think what sparked the partnership was Greg saw what we were trying to achieve out here and have this as a year-round facility. We've got the manpower to do it, but it's also the funds that are a big part of the equation."
It was fitting that dozens of Grade 3 and 5 students from Winston Churchill School, some who ski or snowboard, were on hand for an Indigenous land-based learning field trip.
Winston's vice-president, Craig Blythe, who runs on the trails, was bowled over by Strathcona's generous contribution.
"It's so nice to get funding for an incredible spot like this for our families to be able to ski and hike and cycle and enjoy the great outdoors," said Blythe.
"My family and I ski here in the winter and we've seen quite a few students from Winston and other schools here enjoying the slopes."
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