"This is the sort of thing places like Whistler aim for.”

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck Strahl, was all smiles as he stepped to the podium at Mount Sima Tuesday, announcing an investment of more than $1.5 million from the federal government for an expansion of the ski area.

The funding, under the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, or CanNor, will help make Sima a major all-season tourism and recreation destination.

At least that's the idea, said Strahl, adding the federal government had been looking for an investment opportunity.

"You are an exciting part of Canada,” he stated. "Our government is pleased to invest in the expansion of Mount Sima park. The new adventure park will allow international tourists and Yukoners to enjoy Mount Sima year-round. These enhancements will increase tourism, provide year-round employment and stimulate the local economy.”

Strahl said all three levels of government are keen to see the expansion successful. The Yukon government has pledged an additional $119,200 to the project while the Great Northern Ski Society (GNSS) will chip in $27,000.

"This all-season adventure park will increase tourism-related venues, create year-round employment and enhance the sustainability of the Mount Sima recreation area,” said Yukon Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon.

Craig Hougen, president of the Great Northern Ski Society, said the new adventure park will add 20 employees to Sima on a full-time basis, as well as "enhance the social fabric of the Yukon.”

"We are delighted that a community hill started by a group of dedicated volunteers is about to become a four-season destination. It will be a true asset for all Yukoners.”

The plans for a full summer expansion have been in the works for a couple of years, after a feasibility study was done by the ski society. A feasibility plan was then developed, and GNSS applied for funding to complete the adventure park.

Strahl said it's important the feasibility work was done first, "So taxpayers can be confident knowing this isn't just made up on the back of a napkin.”

The WildPlay Element Park will consist of several components. In addition to the downhill mountain biking trails which are already in place, there will be a Monkido Aerial Adventure Course and two-line high-speed zip lines, installed by WildPlay Ltd.

Monkido is a series of obstacles built on poles throughout the forest —such as suspension bridges, tight ropes, swings and nets. The park is based on the best aerial tree-to-tree adventures in Europe. It includes two courses — one for children and a full one for youth and adults, plus a demonstration area where guests are trained and practise before starting their adventure.

The ZOOM Zip Line includes two lines. Guests will wear an adjustable paragliding harness for comfort and safety, and take a vehicle or chair lift to the top of the hill to zip down at speeds over 90 km/h while admiring the views.

A second fast but shorter line will take guests downhill to within a 15-minute walk or quick shuttle ride to the lodge.

"Most Yukoners and everyone alike will be excited to try the new adventure park, as well as the zip line tour,” said Kenyon. "I think I'll stay off that one. But I'll enjoy it all from the ground.”

The conditions of the federal funding require that the construction of the adventure park be complete by March 31, 2011, which Hougen is confident will happen. After the infrastructure is in place, he said a good deal of training will be done.

Hougen added working with the WildPlay consulting group will allow Sima to maintain very high standards, in terms of consistency and safety requirements.

"We expect (to be open) late next summer,” he said. "As soon as we can. We'll be starting work immediately after this press conference.”

Hougen said they would be receiving assistance from the owner of Equinox Adventure Learning, Chris Gishler, the existing zip line operator in the Whitehorse area who has been involved in the process from the beginning.

"He will definitely be part of the equation.”

Meanwhile, the first part of the summer adventure project is set to resume in a week. After initially opening July 18, downhill mountain biking has been delayed due to a problem with the chair lift engine.

The trails are now expected to re-open next Wednesday, Aug. 4, from 3 to 9 p.m.

Operations and maintenance staff at the ski area spent two months this summer constructing two new trails for mountain biking. They also added ramps back into the old Sima Slam Fest trail, using it as an advanced trail.

The plan is to add more trails next year, as well as mountain bike rentals.

For more information, visit www.mountsima.com