CanNor Investment Expands Mt. Sima Adventure Park

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Whitehorse, Yukon (July 27, 2010) – Mt. Sima is about to become an exciting four-season recreation destination for local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts with the creation of the Mt. Sima WildPlay Element Park thanks to an investment by CanNor.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), today announced an investment of more than $1.5 million to expand the alpine ski area to include summer adventure activities at Mt. Sima Park, which will attract local residents and tourists alike.

“Our Government is pleased to invest in the expansion of Mt. Sima park. The new adventure park will allow international tourists and Yukoners to enjoy Mt. Sima year-round. These enhancements will increase tourism, provide year-round employment and stimulate the local economy,” said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

“I am delighted that Mt. Sima will soon offer even more sports and recreational opportunities for Yukoners and visitors to the territory,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. “Mt. Sima WildPlay Element Park is a major attraction for those looking for a wide variety of outdoor activities.” 

The Great Northern Ski Society is partnering with WildPlay Ltd. to build a WildPlay Element Park at Mt. Sima which will include aerial adventure courses and a ZOOM Zip Line. The new attractions will compliment the recently added summer activities at Mt. Sima that include mountain biking. When the snow falls, Mt. Sima will continue to provide its traditional outstanding alpine ski experience enjoyed by both Yukoners and visitors to the Territory.

"The Government of Yukon is pleased to further enable strategic and responsible economic projects through its partnership with the Government of Canada and the Great Northern Ski Society," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "This all-season adventure park will increase tourism-related revenues, create year-round employment and enhance the sustainability of the Mt. Sima recreation area."

“We are delighted that a community hill started by a group of dedicated volunteers is about to become a four-season destination. It will become a true asset for all Yukoners, benefitting individuals, family and children, as well as an asset to Yukon¹s economy,” said Craig Hougen, President of the Great Northern Ski Society.

The Government of Canada’s investment is made through CanNor’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The fund will provide $32.8 million across the North from 2009 through 2011.

The CAF is part of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.

 

Backgrounder – Adventure Park Makes Mt. Sima a Major All-Season Tourism and Recreation Destination

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan   and Canada's Northern Strategy  .

 

For further information please contact:

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
819-997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849

Government of Yukon
Samantha Paterson
Communications
867-456-6794

Great Northern Ski Society
Craig Hougen
President
867-333-0144