This time last year it was announced that the Doug Barnes Cabin would be getting a much needed $3.3-million expansion thanks to a government funded grant.
Renovations were supposed to start in 2016 but the wildfire delayed the project. After construction began in spring 2018 the expansion was set to open in January 2019.
City Councillor and ski coach Phil Meagher gave MyMcMurray an update on the delayed project.
“There is a lot of planning, I believe the company was overbooked with some of the rebuilds and things.”
A slope stability issue and crews having to work around the Birchwood Trails which were kept open during construction caused additional delays.
Meagher said he is really looking forward to the grand opening for the 2019/2020 season.
“We have a completion day for the summer, it’s really loose right now, but we’re hoping that next year I’ll be waxing skis in the basement.”
The new facility will be more than just a home for the ski club. The bigger space will provide more programming opportunities, additional storage space and the possibility for public ski rentals all while maintaining the historic buildings distinct culture.
‘We want to integrate everything that we can, so people will come. It’s going to be absolutely beautiful. There are big windows at the top, they overlook the trails so you’ll have people doing yoga, being able to enjoy the sunshine coming in, and just the ambiance of it.”
It will be a central location where people can enjoy a number of activities. There are also plans to have a weightlifting room.
