Photo by Anna Crawford
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT – Softball Yukon executive director George Arcand announces $70,000 in funding towards Mount Sima this afternoon at Sport Yukon.
Softball Yukon steps up to fund Mount Sima
Softball Yukon stepped up to the plate in a big way today, announcing $70,000 in funding that may yet save the local ski hill's winter season.
Softball Yukon stepped up to the plate in a big way today, announcing $70,000 in funding that may yet save the local ski hill's winter season.
Speaking at Sport Yukon this afternoon, Softball Yukon's executive director George Arcand announced that a donation of $20,000 will be given to the Friends of Mount Sima, alongside an interest-free $50,000 bridge loan.
The Friends group has been working to get the hill reopened since its closure in July.
The Whitehorse ski hill supports three local user groups – snowboarding, alpine skiing and freestyle skiing, and has been facing closure this winter with the most recent request for $70,000 in funding denied by the city last week.
Council voted 4-2 to defeat the motion to provide the funds as well as study supplying a bus to the ski hill this winter.
"We don't want to see a local facility that supports three sports not functioning,” Arcand said. "We understand the challenges of building a facility and the community support that needs to go into it. As a member of the sport community, we felt we needed to step up because the youth need this hill.”
The announcement was met with whistles and applause from a large group of supporters in attendance.
Arcand said Softball Yukon felt it was important that the community retain access to its ski hill.
"It was after the decision the city had made,” he said of the board's reasoning to support Sima. "We were looking for ways to help. We were disappointed ... We've had it very well in softball. We worked hard to get there, but we're doing well.”
Today's contribution provided by Softball Yukon will allow the Friends of Mount Sima to move forward with funding plans, calling in the pledges from people who either promised to buy a season's pass or make a donation to the hill.
It also provides them with the stability to continue garnering additional support from corporate partners.
"All along, Friends of Mount Sima has said this has to be a community solution,” said Laurie Henderson, the newly-minted president of the Friends of Mount Sima. "We've had support from the corporate community and the territorial government. Now, local sports groups and user groups are stepping up.
"I am so happy that Softball Yukon has been able to do this,” Henderson added. "The fact that they have been able to contribute to maintaining this hill, which is so important to so many of us, I can't even begin to give them my thanks on behalf of all of you.”
Following the announcement, local freestyle skier Etienne Geoffroy-Gagnon took the microphone to thank Softball Yukon on behalf of the youth of Whitehorse.
"We're really thankful for what we have just heard,” he said.
About 800 season's passes have been pledged, as well as an additional $85,000 in donations and sponsorship.
The Alpine Ski Association of Yukon, Snowboard Yukon, and Yukon Freestyle Ski Association are each applying for a $20,000 grant from the Arctic Winter Games legacy fund, and will be giving the money to Mount Sima if successful.
Volunteers are currently working at Sima to ensure maintenance and preparation of the hill doesn't fall behind in the event they can open for the season.
See tomorrow's Star for more details on today's announcement.
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Comments (35)
Up 4 Down 3
Just say'in on Oct 8, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Two things really bugging me here. One is that the Hill refers to these as "pledges for donation". Buying a membership is not a donation in anyway. Why don't you go to your group and get true donations where people write you a cheque no strings attached. That is a donation. Secondly YTG has said that they will match these donations. Remember folks these are not donations only a commitment to purchase a pass. I will guarantee you that they are not even under any type of commitment to purchase, only a suggestion that if they can get a discount they may. That is quite the donation!!!!
Up 5 Down 2
Don McLaughlin on Oct 6, 2013 at 7:13 am
Clive, the closest ski area to me is primarily a regional/destination resort which gives them a large market area and they can charge what the market will bear and not worry about making the area more affordable to those living in communities next to the ski area.
Up 9 Down 0
bobby bitman on Oct 6, 2013 at 4:41 am
Thank you for the info. Don. I can see that you honestly did think the prices were there. I apologize for being angry, my 'excuse' is that I am so used to Mt Sima hiding numbers and facts and forcing people to really go digging to find out what is going on.
Up 18 Down 2
Clive Wailing on Oct 5, 2013 at 8:34 am
@ Don -this is a problem with Sima, if you pay double for passes then Sima users are NOT paying enough for the hill.
@ yukonlinda - they didn't make enough money on the passes and came to CoW begging for taxmoney (with some nasty comments when denied) - maybe the pass should be $500. Supporters need to put their money where their mouth is and pay AT LEAST what other hills charge and maybe a bit more to keep it open - at least do a fundraiser. And yes, I donate to charities and volunteer for activities I believe in. I don't need to pay more taxes to support what other people believe in. There is no need for the above comments that CoW has been put to shame, IT HASN'T, it asked for supporters to step forward and that is what we are seeing. CoW should NOT put money towards the hill, LOCAL residents and businesses should.
Up 10 Down 10
yukonlinda on Oct 5, 2013 at 1:28 am
Bobby, the up to $395 is the discounted amount. Typically adult season's passes start around $500. The reason the words "up to" were included was because there would have been a chance to make them cheaper if enough people bought them.
Up 10 Down 7
Don McLaughlin on Oct 4, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I am sorry bobby, you are correct that it shows 'up to' which is strange way of marketing them as it seems to allow the person set their own rate. The 'up to' amounts are reasonable compared to previous years for the various season's pass rates while still providing a good return for the ski area. I felt that the previous season pass rates were a bit high for a ski area that was not operating 7 days a week. I can't see anyone that skis or rides passing up these new rates. The past day pass rates and half day pass rates are a good rate and should not be reduced. Where I ski the day rates and the season rates are almost double that of Sima.
Up 8 Down 6
Don McLaughlin on Oct 4, 2013 at 11:50 am
Bobby, the wording is misleading. The 'up to' is referring to age not the price.
Up 11 Down 6
Arn Anderson on Oct 4, 2013 at 11:08 am
All this rage and discussion for a ski hill to be accountable, yet very little or no discussion on real issues that affect our species as a whole. Good job, here is a lolly pop.
Up 18 Down 9
bobby bitman on Oct 4, 2013 at 8:03 am
To answer Don McLaughlin: Your 'troll' has gone a second time to the Mt Sima website and looked for any references to the actual price of these 'pledge' memberships. The only dollar amount given was on a 'survey monkey' survey which said the following, "The pricing is "up to", or, no more than these amounts."
The adult pass was 'up to' $395 for the entire season. But there was no mention anywhere of how much lower the actual amount would be.
Got any more insults to hurl, Don? Typical Mt. Sima attitude showing. Nothing but resentment toward people who want accountability.
Up 18 Down 7
bobby bitman on Oct 4, 2013 at 7:07 am
Actually Don dear, I did go look at the site back before they went to council. Perhaps it has been updated or maybe the request for pledges was in more than one place. If you have this information, why did you not simply post WHAT THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY IS rather than blathering on about 'trolls'?
So, what is the amount? Or at least where can the amount be found? Which 'MS site'? URL please? Gawd, why does this always have to be such a game of pulling teeth to get info out of you people?
Up 11 Down 27
Don McLaughlin on Oct 3, 2013 at 3:14 pm
The discounted seasons pass rates were posted on the MS site if you bothered to look. It is unfortunate that the protesting trollers cannot bother
to make the effort to verify the statements that they make in their comments. Now they are including Softball Yukon in their attacks.
Up 23 Down 5
bobby bitman on Oct 3, 2013 at 8:26 am
Now it is up to those 800 pledgers to pay up. What is the discounted price anyway? Is that still secret? Or was it ever decided in the first place? Seems wierd to me that they just offer 'a discounted price', but do not say what the discount is. I don't like that.
Anyway, let's see if this time they do stay on budget, and pay back the $50,000 to Softball Yukon. It's going to be a lot harder to say, "Oops!", to a thousand softball players than it was to say that to the amphorous 'city tax payer'. Looking forward to seeing what happens. Good luck.
Up 21 Down 0
No complaint filed on Oct 3, 2013 at 7:51 am
Max Mack, just so you know corproate affairs will not step in unless they have a written complaint and the society is actually in violation of the societies act, from my understanding HSY had many written complaints submitted to the registrar. At least that is my understanding.
Up 34 Down 9
Wha?? on Oct 3, 2013 at 7:24 am
Arcand's move is questionable here to say the least.
I assume he had the approval of his board for this move but I'm not so sure he'd have the support of the membership of Softball Yukon, after all it is their money, not his.
If Softball Yukon is so flush with cash why aren't they lowering rates or raising the quality of the fields?
I'd be curious to know what kind of lease arrangement Softball Yukon has with the CoW, I've heard it is a pittance. George may have shot himself in the foot here when the city looks at a new lease in the future with such a rich tenant. Personally, I'd be choked if I were a player and he was shoveling my dues into that bottomless pit known as Sima.
Up 42 Down 8
Max Mack on Oct 2, 2013 at 12:04 pm
While I understand Mr. Arcand's desire to help, I don't think it can be overstated that Softball Yukon's cash "reserves" are for Softball Yukon and its members. I fail to see how this "gift/loan" is consistent with Softball Yukon's purpose, bylaws or fund-raising efforts.
What are the legal issues concerned with a non-profit society giving funds or lending money to another, unrelated non-profit society?
Corporate Affairs was all over Mae Bachur for perceived irregularities, but is strangely mute on the Mt. Sima issue.
Up 26 Down 20
Gerald Benson on Oct 2, 2013 at 9:31 am
I always take kids to Sima. It is a remarkable facility to have so close to town, and the price of a lift ticket is cheap. I can spend nearly as much on one afternoon at the movies.
I am astounded that some people don't see Sima/Canada Games Center/ Softball park / Yukon River as parts of a total recreation package that makes life in Whitehorse not only bearable, but desirable.
If you really want to give up on these things, then you can also expect to see the other civic and private services become 2nd rate. The population will start to dwindle, and the value of your house will eventually be down around your ankles.
I love the fact that Whitehorse has these things, and we need to do our very best to retain them all.
Up 33 Down 8
non skier on Oct 2, 2013 at 8:58 am
So I am to assume that Softball Yukon has enough monies to host next year worlds without asking for funding from the government or from the City. Next spring George will be asking for funding to fix up the diamonds, that $70,000.00 invested back into the ball diamonds is where it should have gone.
I also hope that all this money being raised does not go towards any debt of GNSS. As we learned from the past we will never know where the money goes.
Up 38 Down 17
Single parent on Oct 2, 2013 at 7:37 am
June, DO you even know what the cost is to ski at the hill? it is around $30 (youth) for a daily lift pass, and then they can buy their own equipment which is cheaper than most hockey gear or they can rent the equipment for around $50 - So seriously if they can afford those dam phones and $80 dollar video games they can afford to get out and enjoy some fresh winter air! AS a single parent I have been able to send my child there for weekend ski enjoyment and still put food on our table and pay other bills.
Up 50 Down 20
waste of money on Oct 2, 2013 at 5:55 am
That's brutal that softball Yukon will give that money to Mt Sima, in essence just giving it away!!!! Softball Yukon gets money from Federal and Territorial governments to help with SOFTBALL. We have had nothing done to help softball in the Yukon in YEARS. Having the worlds and that junk up here does NOTHING to help the softball player up here. All we get is a shortened season by about half as Softball Yukon closes for weeks to get things "ready".
Softball Yukon can't even be bothered to buy prizes for Dustball, their only big tourney of the year, instead they hand out free junk that they get for signing up with SPN.
Mt. Sima has run themselves into the ground time after time, enough is enough. But glad to see all our Softball fees and Dustball money going to be spent on a Ski Hill that can't make any money or survive.
Thanks A lot Mr. Arcand. Time for Change !!!
Up 50 Down 14
Skeptic on Oct 2, 2013 at 5:45 am
I hope I'm wrong, but does anyone want to bet we will be back at the same place next fall?
Up 24 Down 32
Positive Comment! on Oct 2, 2013 at 3:45 am
Good job Softball Yukon! Thank you for the help and giving the hill a chance, it really is a benifit to our community, and there are many kids, teens and adults that Thank you!
Up 33 Down 5
Anonymous on Oct 2, 2013 at 1:25 am
I think that it is great that Softball Yukon has stepped up to do this but how long are they going to patch holes in this sinking ship before they actually have a look and change their failed business model?
I really hope these "pledges" turn into actual cash money and the hill reopens, but until then, they are worthless. I am very skeptic on whether this is enough or additional hundreds of thousands of dollars are needed.
As many others have said, we need to be given info from a full audit including the creditors, before any public funds are used and to ensure that the GNSS are held accountable.
Up 37 Down 7
Would You Look At That... on Oct 2, 2013 at 12:32 am
You see? THIS is what an organization can do when they fundraise. Not to say that Softball Yukon never received public money - but do you see how many fundraisers they do each year?
This is what you can accomplish when you're willing to work your collective butts off to raise enough funds. You can help yourselves and also help others.
Up 19 Down 28
yukon1973 on Oct 1, 2013 at 5:35 pm
The community has been stepping forward in a big way to support the hill, and once it's open for the season, a lot of people will be continuing to work and plan behind the scenes to make things more efficient and sustainable in years to come.
The focus right now is getting things going for the season and keeping the momentum, and the positive energy flowing.
Up 42 Down 11
Johnny on Oct 1, 2013 at 2:53 pm
I'm really excited to see if they get all the money from the passes people had promised to buy!
My gut feeling tells me they will fall short again.
Up 25 Down 43
Walter Gutowski on Oct 1, 2013 at 2:06 pm
YAYYY! Thank goodness for people and organizations and businesses that appreciate what this hill has meant to Whitehorse and Yukon for the last 20 years, and now has the potential means to continue to do so! Thank you for your far sightedness and support of the youth! I don't curl, X-country, play hockey but there is now a real chance for me to continue downhill! Thank you!
Enough with the negative already! Let's move forward...
Up 23 Down 49
Sam Fister on Oct 1, 2013 at 1:16 pm
This must be embarrassing for the city. It shows many people and groups see the value in SIMA. It will take some support and time to work it out. Its too bad our mayor and council could not see how they could have helped.
Many large groups (cross country skiers and curlers) were in the same situation and the city helped- why did it not occur in this situation?
Up 28 Down 478
Chris Lane on Oct 1, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Thanks for eveyone's efforts. The ski hill is important to the socio-economic benefit of Whitehorse citizens. It is part of a strategy to attract people to work and live in Whitehorse along many other facilities.
Up 27 Down 31
Jack on Oct 1, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Good for Softball Yukon. Good luck to Henderson and the Friends of Mount Sima. Prove the naysayers wrong.
Up 29 Down 18
Clive Wailing on Oct 1, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Nice of Softball Yukon. I have a problem with tax dollars being used toward funding the money pit called Sima - if they raise their own money, I'm all for the hill staying open.
Hopefully Friends of Sima will be able to take this momentum and run with it.
Good job.
Up 62 Down 15
Shortstop on Oct 1, 2013 at 10:25 am
George. In the 15 years I have played ball I have not seen the fields in worse condition. That money could have been spent better on our fields after all it is OUR money, not yours to spend as you see fit.
Also, you may recall the curling club having their lease retooled an enormous amount to make the costs of using the facility more realistic. The same will happen with the Softball complex and satellite fields. Too bad. You'll have already pissed away $70k so you can use our money to look like a hero.
You'll never see a red cent of money Come back from that hill that has a history of take, take, take.
Up 41 Down 34
June Jackson on Oct 1, 2013 at 9:52 am
I would take issue with Mr. Arcands statement that the "youth need this hill".. the "youth" can't even afford this hill, and those few whose parents can afford this hill, can't get there let alone buy the thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
Just a reminder Mr. Arcand, that Baseball Yukon sells hotdogs, runs bingos, and other fundraising activities and has accrued this money by the sweat of your members brows.. how much money do you think you'd get if you sat on your **ses and just begged CoW, YTG, etc. for funding? I did not want to fund SIMA with MY donations, and now I have, because I supported Baseball Yukon and you've given the money your group raised for YOUR cause to someone that I don't support. No more Jackson bucks for Baseball Yukon...you obviously don't need our money any more.
It will be very interesting to see if 800 passes sell, anyone know what the reduced cost was? as opposed to the regular cost? Personally, I think Mr. Arcand has thrown his money down the SIMA toilet, but if they can pull this off without ONE PENNY of taxpayer money from CoW OR YTG.. good for them.
I expect SIMA to use this to sneak back into council..but, go ahead and disappoint me.
Up 34 Down 55
matthew johnson on Oct 1, 2013 at 9:20 am
I couldn't be more happy thank you for the support! Can't wait to ride SIMA!
Up 60 Down 57
yukoner on Oct 1, 2013 at 8:55 am
Great a loan that they most likely can't pay back and then it's hands out all over again I'd love to see them prove me wrong will see.
Up 43 Down 85
Jackie Ward on Oct 1, 2013 at 8:52 am
Just let the hill die. This is a waste of time and money. We all know this failed hill needs yearly funding in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Stop trying to be some sort of hero.