If public safety is an issue at Mount Sima, or could become one, the city needs to be involved, says Mayor Bev Buckway.

"And, if there is any question whatsoever of the continued safety of people using the hill, the city needs to examine if and how we can assist,” Buckway said in a prepared statement read at city council's meeting Tuesday night.

"To that end, the city will work with the Great Northern Ski Society to assess their needs.

"We will look at all the information, look at the available options, and act in the best interest of the community and in the interest of public safety.”

Buckway noted the problems the local ski hill had with its chairlift through last winter.

The city understands the issues surround the age of the equipment, and how its continued use could lead to public safety concerns, she said.

Buckway said Mount Sima is a significant community asset which helps fulfill the city's desire to promote recreation.

City council heard last week from a delegation of high school students who believe Mount Sima needs a new $3-million chairlift if it's to remain a solid and cherished recreational attraction.

The aging lift, they pointed out, was shut down a few times over the past winter, including one time which required a full chairlift evacuation, the first in the facility's 17-year history.

If uncertainty over the lift's reliability is allowed to continue, uncertainty will grow among snowboarders and skiers wondering whether a trip to hill will be worth it, they suggested.

They said if the situation is allowed to continue, uncertainty would grow among parents wondering if their kids will be OK at the hill for the day.

The students have formed SOS, the Save Our Sima organization, to raise awareness about the importance of the facility and the need to do what is required to ensure it remains a cornerstone of the city's recreational infrastructure.

The mayor thanked the ski society and its volunteers in her statement last night for keeping the hill open over the years and the equipment in good repair.

"I can assure you that the city is looking into this matter and that any decisions made as we move forward will be made with the best information available with the community in mind,” Buckway said.

"We will see if and how we can assist with expertise and/or resources and will be sure to keep the community informed as we move forward.”

Meanwhile, as part of its annual spring recreational grants to non-profit organizations, the city approved $30,000 last night for the Great Northern Ski Society.