Medicine Lodge Ski Hill is a treasured local asset that should be protected from commercial and residential development, says a master plan designed to chart the recreation area’s future.
Of the 360 people who responded to a survey, 72 per cent completely agree the ski hill contributes to the quality of life of residents of the nearby Town of Bentley. Almost as many — 62 per cent — completely agree the facility contributes positively to the local economy.
Eight-five per cent said the hill, 15 km west of Bentley, should be protected from future development.
The results show there is a tremendous amount of support in the region for the volunteer-run ski hill, consultant Joe Pavelka, told Lacombe County council in a presentation Thursday.
Pavelka is with PlanVision Consulting Ltd., which was contracted to create the $100,000 master plan. Central Alberta Economic Partnership contributed $50,000 and the Town of Bentley and the county $25,000.
“People want it to remain a ski hill and a recreational asset,” said Pavelka.
There was plenty of support for taking the ski hill to the next level.
Ninety-five per cent of the general public completely, mostly or slightly agreed an improved indoor concession and seating area should be developed, 94 per cent supported cross-country ski trails, 92 per cent liked hiking trails, 90 per cent more outdoor spaces, 88 per cent more community events and 87 per cent mountain bike trails.
There was also strong support — 92 per cent — who supported adding snow-making equipment to extend the skiing season, which in some warm years has been measured in days. Using artificially made snow potentially to increase the season from two to four months “represents a huge expansion,” said Pavelka. “We really don’t see that in the near-term development.”
One of the challenges of expanding on what the ski hill offers is that it has been run for many years only by a dedicated group of volunteers.
The town and county may have to consider paying for staffers if the hill becomes a bigger local destination, council was told.
Any move to upgrading the hill must also involve participation by local Indigenous representatives to ensure sites sacred to them are considered in any plans, said Bentley chief administrative officer Marc Fortais, who said he has already been in close contact with area First Nations representatives.
The Medicine Lodge Ski Hill Board is reviewing the master plan and will provide their response soon.
Fortais said the master plan is just the starting point to start talking about how to go forward and to use when pursuing grant funding.
County Reeve Barb Shepherd said “I feel like this is a good start.”