AGASSIZ

Mountain Resort

Development Group

Riding Mountain National Park - McCreary, Manitoba, Canada

Agassiz Mountain Resort...Naturally!
Located in Beautiful Riding Mountain National Park
Box 99, McCreary, MB. R0J 1B)

Canada
admin@skiagassiz.com

Crying Shame 2012

October 26, 2011 -

New web page

"Crying Shame"

will be up and updated weekly beginning November 1, 2011.

It will be a closed forum thus you need register at the Contact page provided (click here).

AGASSIZ 411 Coffee Chat will no longer be displayed.

If you wish to be able to access the "Crying Shame!" blog please enter your contact information in the area provided.

We hope you will take the opportunity to be on the UP-DATE List.

Requests for Coffee Chat from 2009 to present may do so by contacting:

siteadmin@skiagassiz.com

Thank you.

Agassiz Mountain Development Group

"Crying Shame"...2011

On-going with weekly additions.

November 13, 2011 - On November 7, 2011, AMDG and various interested associates concluded two weeks of positive and productive meetings with various parties (investors and government officials) and concluded those discussions to the regions Member of Parliament, Robert Sopuck. We can now look forward to even broader representative to the efforts in the redevelopment of Agassiz Ski Area to a swifter and tangible result...

November 5, 2011 - A few days ago reps of the Agassiz Mountain Development Group had the most excellent opportunity to have a lengthy and very productive meeting with likely one of the most experienced, respected and seasoned gentleman in Canadian politics. Of all the discussion and questions one very profound and logical question was asked that says it all:

"What possibly could be the down side to the government

(local, provincial and federal, as well Parks Canada) in having

Agassiz Ski Area redeveloped?"

We'd answered this many times yet it was the way and wording in how it was asked. For some it may have caught off-guard, yet our reply and rationale even hit us like a bag of bricks.

November 2, 2011- Take interest that the letter below was written early 2008 from a concerned local resident. Where are we now?

Date: Mar 22, 2008 12:55 PM
Subject: Attn: Adrienne Batra Mt. Agassiz
To: admin@taxpayer.com

To Whom It May Concern,

Since the year 2000, Mt. Agassiz has been tied up in a legal and
bureaucratic stalemate. Many attempts have been made by several
different groups and investors to re-establish Mt. Agassiz for what it
was originally intended, a ski resort. All of the attempts by these
groups, past and present, have been made impossible by the combination
of people in power in Riding Mountain National Park and a numbered
company connected to (another) ski area.

The attempt to get straight forward answers from anyone in the
position to make changes has been in vain. Almost as though there is
something to cover up.

Riding Mountain National Park has apparently hired a team of lawyers
to expedite the process of eliminating the lease agreement that is in
good standing until June 2009. What is not in good standing is the
numbered company's failure to uphold the language contained within the
lease agreement. It states that the lease holder must use the ski area
for what it was intended within six months or they must allow for
someone else to take over the lease. As mentioned above, it has been 8
years with no action.

The people associated with the numbered company (with held) acquired
millions of taxpayer's dollars to fund their resort. And it would be
interesting to know why certain bureaucrats associated with Riding
Mountain National Park are connected to them and are very keen on
preventing Mt. Agassiz from ever becoming a operating ski area again.

The millions of taxpayer's dollars that would be wasted to remove the
infrastructure far outweighs the cost of operation. The environmental
damage that would be caused due to removal of the infrastructure would
be far greater than the existing carbon footprint that was stamped in
the 1960's without taxpayer's money.

This is a justice issue that needs to be addressed.

Sincerely,

(local resident)

October 28, 2011 -

Agassiz Mountain Development Group FAQ

(many of these are from as far back as early 2008)

Comment: ( April 2008 )

"It is not that Parks Canada doesn't want a ski hill to operate it is just that it has been 8 years and no one has stepped forward to purchase and satisfy the financial interests. Because of that we have acted.

Good luck in your endeavors."

Don Huisman
Townsite and Realty Manager Riding Mountain National Park of Canada
Wasagaming, Manitoba R0J 2H0

Reply Comment:

"Satisfy" whose financial interest? That should have never entered into Parks' decision and shows to the lack of diligence! That sums it all up with just that statement. The result, an incredible loss of an incredible asset that could now offer so many benefits and life-time experiences for so many folks. It's now 11 years and counting...I feel like quoting Monty Python here!

__________________________________

Question/comment:

I understand this is probably a 180 degree turn, but your possible success for a year-round resort would be enhanced with the inclusion of a world class golf course(s) at/near Agassiz. I have run several bus golf bus trips and would suggest you look at the Giants Ridge, MN model... they have dorms, lodges, and condos at their ski hill, with 2 world class golf courses. Manitoba has nothing like it to offer and you have probably the greatest area in the province to create a facility that could be a world-class destination.

Thank you for your efforts, I grew up in western Manitoba and spent many, many days learning to ski at Agassiz, it's a shame that it has been abandoned for so long....

Reply:

The ever - so loving folks from the RM of McCreary, as well the Village of McCreary and some supportive local citizens have built a beautiful golf course (just outside the gate where the "box cars" use to be). Not being a golfer, I can say word tells me it's a good course and with a nice comfortable clubhouse. It likely doesn't attract many folk from Winnipeg or Brandon at this time due to people; simply, not knowing it's there!

Agassiz Park Lodge (formerly Jonasson's) is more than accommdating for the over-night visitor. As well, world-class Elkhorn Ranch has both the Clear Lake Golf Course, and of course, great lodging. It's within a 20-25 minute drive through the Park of which very much feels like you are in the mountains.

There is currently no plan in our development to approach Parks to allow lodging at the ski area (but Banff/Jasper have made well without on-site accommodations). Local partnership opportunities will be addressed.

I was also involved with development at Giant's Ridge when the State owned it...I understand what a great place it has become. Aspects of our proposals somewhat mirror the mountain aspects it portrays.

The area around Agassiz would be world-class

______________________________________________________________________________
Question/comment:

I hope that you get this hill opened again. When the hill closed, I stopped snowboarding in Manitoba. All the other hills are too small as I'm a freerider (not freestyle) and Asessippi is too far to drive from Winnipeg to go for a day. Good luck! I'll be there on your opening day.

Reply:

We are doing our best to change Parks Canada position and are very hopeful.

Winnipeg and Brandon are within day-trip demographics. The majority of our email and supporters are from the Winnipeg and Brandon areas. Simply folks that had foregone skiing (or venture out-of-province) since Agassiz closed. School day trip excursions suffered greatly losing those two markets with many now venturing stateside.

Agassiz is by far the best snowboarding terrain in the prairies and we hope to shred it again soon.

Question:

We conducted a site visit yesterday (November 2008). I was hoping to get out there before there was too much snow. I noticed there were a number of different buildings/sheds (otherthan the Day Lodge and Lounge) that remain on site. Would you have a plan showing the various structures? Parks Canada had cut the grass in the area early this year but it was fairly long, the snow was 4-6" deep already. The lifts were all standing and looked fairly good. The buildings require some maintenance, partially due to vandals.

I appreciate any assistance that you are able to provide.

Reply:

Expect, if that was your first visit to the area, it was likely an eye-opener!

In answer to your questions in brief...

-Note that the main Lodge was constructed, over time, to what are the 3 distinct sections/ two additions. This is why you may have noted 3 separate furnaces. Two of the most recent additions were rebuilt after separate fires destroyed them during their initial construction. Ironic the oldest section has stood the test of time to the better degree; partly due to the pitch of the roof and it's post & beam construction.

-The slopes themselves have opportunity for further sinkholes than present. The mid-slopes are located over quite large underground springs. The slope dams (divert run-off water to slope edges instead of vertical run-off) have been non-existent since the resort's closure. Agassiz was first cut in the days before the advent of snowmaking; thus the slopes were destumped and cleared of any sizable rocks/boulders.There would not be drainage issues with proper management. (written 2008).

-The lifts and their moorings do remain in pretty well the same condition as when the resort closed. The chairlift was built specific for Agassiz in '78 and remains the second newest chairlift built in Manitoba. All the equipment on-site would still be functional today if operations had continued (with regular maintenance). I recall the chairlift was test-run just prior to Hydro being cut to the area, of recent.

-We had not accessed the sewage tank, as that would be beyond our access. I do know it was built beyond PC specs and is expected to be in good condition today. Somewhere in this paperwork I recall seeing the final pump-out being done as the resort was closing for it's final season.

-Well in the past years before it's closure, rusted snowmaking pipe was replaced with some extensive new sections of fiberglass piping. In this new era of ski area operation, pipes are now placed above ground for ease of access and portability.

___________________________________________________________________________

Question/comment:

Recently retired with skiing on my mind and wish to see Agassiz re-opened...can offer sweat equity, ideas and investment. Call me.

Thanks for the follow up Kelly. My wife and daughters have great memories
about Agassiz where both daughters learned to ski and snowboard.

I am available when you need people to get to work on this project.

Note on my ski-racing career.....there are many Clarkes around so you are forgiven.....my racing experience was limited to racing from the top of Ravens Flight to the bar for a cold beer.

Reply:

We hope to meet again prior to Xmas in order to review a basic environmental assessment currently being undertaken on the property. Actions remain on going on to achieve redevelopment.

Ironic, you mention Raven's Flight. In all the downhill mountain biking we did there this summer, it was our favorite. At speed, it averaged 14 minutes to complete - pretty good descent for the prairies!

And in your mentioning the lounge...on my first visit back to the area 3 years ago, the table that Hersh & I shared (the final day of operation in 2000) was STILL as we left it!
There were many great experiences there Thanks for the comment & offer.

______________________________________________________________________________
Question/comment:

I want to show support for the redevelopment of Agassiz ski hill. I grew up in Ste. Rose and currently reside in the Ste.Rose municipality with my wife and two young children. I believe those parties responsible for the closure of this prime ski hill need to be shamed for what they are robbing of our communities as well as the citizens of Manitoba. The Parkland area could use a facility like this to encourage healthy outdoor activities in the winter. This is definitely an issue of public health. Its absolutely illogical that Parks Canada is not in favor of facilitating the redevelopment of Agassiz. The parkland residents deserve an explanation from Parks Canada.

______________________________________________________________________________
Question/Comment:

I don't know who I'm reaching with this email but I just want to say
what an awesome web site, it makes me want to drive up there right now
and go skiing!!

After reading Kelly's letter of last week in the Neepawa Banner I am wondering is this it now or is there still hope? Have you ever thought of having a huge multi community rally/protest with media coverage etc. or is it too late for that? We drive up to the hill every
now and then; I think it is what put McCreary and surrounding area on the map. It was a way to provide recreation, and jobs. It also made this area of the province attractive to Doctors etc. that wanted to practice out of the city. It is no wonder small towns in this area have such a hard time to recruit Physicians and other professional staff, there is nothing for them to do in there spare time. If this is truly it for the hill, Parks Canada won't be getting any more yearly pass purchases from me. (Im sure they'll care). Keep up the dedicated work.

______________________________________________________________________________

Question/comment:

Kelly, I read your article in the Neepawa Banner. I was a season ticket holder at the hill for many years, have never been to Assissippi and don't intend to. I live 2 miles west on the Norgate Road 1 mile east of the park gate. Give me a call let me know how I can help get the show on the road?

______________________________________________________________________________

Question/Comment:

Here is a list of some questions I have. They may have been answered somewhere else on this site and might have missed them...or there may not yet be answers to them.

1. Is this new group serious about this? Are they prepared to go all the way?
2. Is there sufficient capital in place to make this happen? If not, will it be possible to raise the funds required to do this?
3. Are Parks Canada rules flexible enough to allow the group to make upgrades and run the resort in a sustainable manner? I.e. repair, remodel, expand buildings; replace T-Bar/s with chairs (triple, quad?), cut new runs, build overnight accommodations etc.
4. How much of the old equipment is still there? (groomers, snowmakers, rentals) What is the condition of the equipment and buildings left at the site?

The site has the potential to be a great ski area.

Reply:

In asking such, I will leave you some points to ponder:

Many may suggest million dollar chairlifts, fancy on-site hotel, etc... is it possible to be viable and sustainable in a market such as Manitoba where lift passes are the norm at $30-40 per? The cost of purchase, operating, servicing, etc. is very much relative to that of the same for a major mountain resort (which may have $70. lift pass per and 6-7000 customers on a regular weekend day). In the end, after equipment purchase cost, constant maintenance, power, wages, even the overall facility costs, etc. are factored into that $40. lift pass - leaves little 'gravy' in the bottom line. Yes, lift passes show as the greatest revenue at a ski resort, but in what the pass offers - the greatest of the expenses.

The trade-off to a greedy profitability will be want the area can do for the regional communities and the province. It is an incredible asset just sitting idle (in limbo by Parks Canada). As time develops great things will come.

Another somewhat 'myth' I will offer some insight to - contrary to some belief, the chairlift at Agassiz is NOT antiquated. In fact, besides the 3-tower chair at Springhill Winter Park it is the newest chair in Manitoba! How can that be? Well...other chairs in Manitoba have come from years of use in other areas, which when a resort abandoned operations or up-graded their lifts they could be purchased for relocation. Refresh your memory to the lifts at Sugar Hills, Cascade chair at Norquay, 2 - lifts at Manitoba's newest resort came from a defunct ski operation in Quebec and it's third from Vermont. Don't get me wrong, these lifts are retrofitted to today's safety and operating standards, but they are not of the age of Agassiz's 'antiquated' chair. It was built specially for the site in 1978 for the Canada Winter Games. The chair, and the T-Bars for that matter, if properly maintained and up-graded - would be operating today.

Last point to ponder, would anyone imagine or expect, in this era of ecological concern, that we require anymore terrain than Agassiz already offers? The Agassiz leasehold is of 350 acres; pretty well ten times the average size (35-45 acres) of any ski operation on the prairies.

Simply - step one - get Agassiz and the terrain back to being viable and as popular as it was with creative diversity in recreational and educational offerings. Step two - progress with calculated improvements within the market and the boundaries we have to work with.

In closing, I shall offer a quick answer to question #1 you asked - Is this new group serious and prepared to go all the way? SIMPLY YES. Our group is very serious and driven with the passion from past experiences at Agassiz and the surrounding area of McCreary. Many wish to have their children experience the beauty, terrain, adventure, and the hospitality they experienced in their younger days in the area.

As to AMDG "prepared to go all the way" our goal of revitalizing Agassiz and its attributes has not altered were still here and quite optimistic!

______________________________________________________________________________

Question/Comment:

I don't agree Agassiz would take half of Asessippi's business with the loss of its Winnipeg market...it's simply not there to take!

What Agassiz would do is greatly complement the entire market and now would offer a 'closer' alternative. Those would frequent Agassiz in the Winnipeg and Brandon market that are simply not venturing the distance to Asessippi. The loss of single day excursions and exodus of schools doing ski excursions into the States is overwhelming.

Getting Agassiz back up without all the 'bells & whistles' some may expect, is very much reliant on educating realistic goals / expectations and requirements to simply getting the place open again.

All the unnecessary capital spend at any prairie resort, located far from a major center, should open people's eyes that it is not necessary if you simply want to offer the best possible of

- Good Terrain

- Good Lodge - Good Food

-Good Hospitality - Good Service

'Baby Steps' in the mission to offer the best in this prairie market that understands it costs the same to operate an area here as it does, in say Banff. There are fixed costs no matter where. At this market's price of $30 -40 for a lift pass - which has to be a major consideration in determining the degree in capital investment.Fortunately, as an operating resort, Agassiz already has the facilities that would make it a sizable financial asset vs. the liability it presently bestows.

Subject: sad story thus far...good luck
Received: Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 12:59 AM

(edited)

Dear (AMDG),

What a mess, eh?

I was wondering today about Agassiz for no other reason than skiing contributes to fond memories of my adolescence.

I had not been able to get out to Agassiz (during it's operating years) but, I am really sorry I missed 7 years of real alpine skiing on the prairie! Thinking about skiing in general today has inspired me.

Anyway, this brings me to my point. What does Manitoba have? A damn great opportunity to go ahead and revive Agassiz, thats what. And I am flabbergasted at what appears to be some pretty slick maneuvering around keeping Agassiz closed. I wish them all the success they deserve so long as it keeps people on the slopes and aware of the sport. But, I cannot accept what appears to be a systematic effort at shutting Agassiz out of the picture forever.

I ultimately agree with you; Agassiz would be a compliment to the ski dynamic in Manitoba. But, of course, it will compete on some level is that necessarily a bad thing? It would keep them honest, if you ask me... And, to me, it looks like you guys arent into attracting the condo crowd anyway. Personally, I think selling Winnipeggers on a day trip is a bit of a stretch in the winter because Ive skied for 8 hours straight and then crashed at home many times (only 7 minutes away). But, thats what McCreary, Dauphin, and Minnedosa are for, isnt it?

I know youve done all the research, and the fact that both properties are on Provincial and Crown land adds a level of complexity that I can only imagine (taxpayer dollars and all that, not to mention the environmental assessments, paperwork, liability forms, and permits ad infinitum). But, if were you, Id check out the smaller eastern Ontario operations to see whats going on there. I remember Mount Madawaska went through some pretty rough times and was even closed a couple of seasons. But, I believe its up now under the Radcliff Hills banner and still has to compete with the likes of Pakenham and Calabogie not to mention the Big Ones further east. Unfortunately, Ontarios population is a whole other kettle of fish relative to that of Manitoba.

I checked out the proximity of Asessippi to Agassiz on the map and it doesnt look good for them if they considered Winnipeg in their business plan. But, does that then mean that if Agassiz was open at the time, that you could block development because Asessippi cuts into the Regina and Saskatoon market? I have to laugh when I see all the development at Asessippi (on provincial park property I might add) and then hear chirping about not getting taxpayer help maybe not direct help, guys.Blocking development at Agassiz is a stark-raving shame!The provincial/federal involvement in this is the complicating factor. What a crock!

Personally, coming from Winnipeg, if I were going to ski in Manitoba with two hills around, Id go to both Asessippi and Agassiz, make a weekend out of it and get a hotel in McCreary or Minnedosa, or Roblin or Russel for that matter. But, none of this really matters as I am not an investor and as I am still in school (yes, in my late 30s); Im not what youd call your regular skier - for strictly financial reasons.

I didnt mean to take up so much of your time with this blathering but, I offer this letter as a token of support for your efforts. And, I am not against the Asessippi folks per se in fact, I plan on going there this winter again (or next) to get my alpine fix. But its super unfortunate with what youre up against. An old Norwegian proverb went something along the lines of skiing is the most democratic of all sports because no one is so poor as to not afford a pair of skis I think of that when I look at the development further to Agassizs west and can only hope someday that democracy in the marketplace will be afforded to Manitoba ski enthusiasts. Sure, I had my home-hill in eastern Ontario as will (hopefully) Manitobans have theirs one day too. But we did get out and tour others and, again, I dont see the Feds giving you guys the go-ahead for private ski-in/out chalets like some other resorts out there. But, it sure might get hoteliers and others in the surrounding towns busy in the wintertime, no?

I look forward to pending graduation and starting a family. I would hope my as of yet unborn kids are healthy enough to enjoy alpine skiing in Manitoba probably starting off at Springhill. But more than that, I really hope we can visit Agassiz too! Good luck with your efforts. Im sorry I cant be of more support but, I truly wish for your success.

Paul

Winnipeg, Manitoba

(AMDG Reply)

Hey Paul - Don't get me going!!

Firstly, with name and other edits I'd appreciate your permission to use your letter in our web site's Coffee Chat? I've also put you on our update contact list.

I whole-heartily can see and appreciate you are well-versed on what we are advocating be redeveloped in that of the Agassiz Ski Area. It is from passionate and insightful people like yourself that change can be made.

Our rural and provincial representatives strongly support the re-development of Agassiz.

I too have skied many of the smaller ski areas in Ontario that you mention and watched or being involved in many of the transitions these resorts required to continue to this day. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan alone there are numerous community ski hills most are unaware of - such as Thunder Hill in Swan River, Thompson's Mystery Mountain, and Kenora's Mount Evergreen. Unfortunately Agassiz need be a sizable attraction beyond simply community due to the amount of leasehold and what would be it's opening and operating costs. Nevertheless, at just over 2 hours from the west end of Winnipeg it is a one-day demographic same as the Banff areas are of Calgary. In that resort wise we might be comparing apples to oranges - being that skiers and boarders are a passionate bunch that go to all means to further that passion; Agassiz is well positioned demographically to cater to such. The resort you mention, which entails a return drive time of at least 8 hours from the out-skirts of Winnipeg surely shows to that.

My mentor always cited to me that any hill we can ski down is a good ski hill. We make the best use of what we have, and in Agassiz we can have so much more than just a ski hill.

Per getting your "alpine fix", I have so often sat around both boardrooms and people's kitchen tables "chalk-boarding" the snowball effect Agassiz will compliment this market.

When you do get around to having a family may you aspire to offering them a life-time activity you can all derive enjoying and nurturing great memories and experiences from. I can note it appears you already look forward to such.

When you head out skiing - be it Asessippi or the "ditch", drop me a note and I'll try to meet up with 'ya. If ever around the McCreary area, I'd love to show you the resort as it appears you've never been...it's an eye-opener! In you noting youre a ski instructor - maybe you can offer me a few tips...

Finally, it's Kelly - not Mr. Rose. Makes we feel as old as I might be!

Cheers and keep the slippery side down,

Kelly

_______________________________________

Further from Paul...

Subject: Re: sad story thus far...good luck
To: "Agassiz Mountain Development Group" <admin@skiagassiz.com>
Received: Thursday, December 9, 2010, 11:56 AM

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for adding me to the contact list. I'd love to be kept abreast of the goings on. I have been visiting the website a lot because I think it's a fascinating and sad story all at the same time (sorry, I don't mean to artificially inflate your visitor counter).

And, if you find something in my rambling that you think would be great for Coffee Talk, then please use it (with edits like you suggest). I feel it's the least I can contribute right now. In my opinion, you have been more than diplomatic in your public statements and I think that's testament to skiers everywhere - I spent a lot of time on the hills in my early days and have never met 'real jerk'. But that's part of the problem here perhaps. It's like the article says, McCreareans are just too nice.

Incidentally, I find myself in Dauphin every-odd summer andvisit RMNP from time to time so you might just get an email out-of-the blue. I'd love a tour. By the way, I though the 'first tracks' video on utube was great - and it looks like some other folks get out there from time to time, like those snowboarders - at least some body's using it. You're right though, 'four seasons' is the way to go in this day and age - skiing (alpine and x-country), snowboarding, tubing and sliding, mountain biking, hiking, interpretive centres, outreach facilities, eco-hiking/nature tours- it's endless...and it's sustainable development!

Best of luck, I'll continue to follow the story and the development.I could comment more on what I've read but will save that for some other time. I hope our tracks cross one day.

"Any ski hill we can ski down is a good ski hill" - I like that.

Oh, and for suggestions for your site - put up a Mountain Stats and a little synopsis like the operating hills have- vertical, # of runs, snow conditions, infrastructure just like if it was up and running - I had to sift around for a bit of that...

Cheers!

Paul

From: Agassiz Mountain Development Group <admin@skiagassiz.com>
Subject: Re: sad story thus far...good luck
Received: Thursday, December 9, 2010, 1:10 PM

Cheers Paul,

The quote is from my mentor Gord Reid, who started Gord's Ski Centre and is considered "Mr. Ski Manitoba".

Gord Reid
Sad stories can still end happy...there will very likely be an Agassiz again and we look forward to sooner than later; common sense and logic can offer no other alternative because once its gone its gone!

Guess we need hurry up and wait...

Kelly

Paul asked and thus received...

Agassiz Mountain Development Group

General Overview

Agassiz Mountain ResortNATURALLY!

An alpine experience like no other on the Prairies.

Long heralded the finest ski resort facility / terrain between the Lakehead (Thunder Bay) and the Rockies.

Agassiz Mountain is a true alpine resort, with...

10 times the size of any prairie ski area

Leasehold of 350 acres (average prairie resort less than 35 acres).
A vertical of 510 feet or 155 metres.
An elevation of 2,711 feet (826 m), a rise of over 750 feet (228 m) elevation to base area from the entrance to the ski area. Base elevation is considerably higher than the "top" elevation of any other resort in the prairies. Agassiz is second only to Mt. Baldy (2,717 feet, 828 m) as Manitobas highest elevation.
Over 7 miles (11.25 km) of alpine trails (16).
A classic alpine ski lodge with rentals, ski school, day care, storage, guest services and food services. There is also a patio service lounge.
3 surface lifts, 1 double chairlift, at present.

A location of 2.5 hours from Winnipeg and 1.25 hours from Brandon.

Local municipalities include Neepawa, Minnedosa, Clear Lake and Dauphin.

Agassiz Mountain is much more than just a ski area

Agassiz trail Map

(click here)

AGASSIZ - A New Perspective (click here)

October 22, 2011 -

Recent Open House at Agassiz Ski Area site...Neepawa Banner

http://www.mywestman.ca/content/view/3930/68/

AMDG Response to above article in the Neepawa Banner

Hello Kate (Neepawa Banner),

I had pondered whether to offer opinion to the September 22, 2011 article "Open House talks about future on RMNP's east side". I had decided not as I believe Park's Canada are making the best of issues and circumstances inherited from previous Park administration.

In being so close to this in the last 4 years many might not understand how complicated it is; yet how far it has come.

I might offer I take some objection to PC sugar-coating public responses and offering any false-hopes to the redevelopment of Agassiz Ski Area. It's not going to be as easy as simply turning a key and operating successfully. In saying that, we were told by PC at the onset to this project (4 years ago) to avoid offering false-hope to the communities. Seems the table has turned somewhat on such as we realize near as many reasons to not redevelop as there are to redevelop.

AMDG feels it has come up with a great vision (plan) and resources. Part of that plan now includes being patient and of course to persevere. We shall continue to such in advocating the finest alpine terrain on the prairies be redeveloped for the very many experiences it can offer.

In reference to the recent opinion offered from an area resident; and as myself a past participant of the East Escarpment Advisory Board, I can only imagine this person has not been actively involved in all the efforts and issues that surround this particular strategy to further compliment the communities surrounding Riding Mountain National Park. We need plan for our tomorrows today. To many it may appear to be like watching your bread turn to toast, but as a wise friend once said "Sometimes what seems like the longer path is actually a shorter route" when dealing with issues and processes aimed at the sustainable benefit of the communities.

It's been a long uphill climb fueled by so many folk's passion with the perseverance and hope for an exciting outcome that all can accept, nurture and enjoy.

Kelly Rose

Agassiz Mountain Development Group

McCreary / Winnipeg, MB.

www.SKIAGASSIZ.com

RMNP East Escarpment Website

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/ne/escarp_4.aspx

Feasibility Study Commences

The feasibility study on the viability of Agassiz being redeveloped, that we had been awaiting the past 3 years, has commenced. SE Group of Washington State are conducting the study and results are expected this November. Cost is $158,000.

Agassiz Mountain Development Group, in conjunction with local Reeves, Mayors, and Councillors took opportunity to present to SE Group our foundations behind the need to redevelopment Agassiz Ski Area. We thank all that made for such an exciting and informative presentation.

Hosted by Yahoo!

Agassiz Mountain Resort...Naturally!
Located in Beautiful Riding Mountain National Park
Box 99, McCreary, MB. R0J 1B)

Canada
admin@skiagassiz.com

AGASSIZ

Mountain Resort

Development Group

Crying Shame 2012

(local, provincial and federal, as well Parks Canada) in having

Agassiz Ski Area redeveloped?" We'd answered this many times yet it was the way and wording in how it was asked. For some it may have caught off-guard, yet our reply and rationale even hit us like a bag of bricks.

Reply Comment:

﻿

﻿

Agassiz Ski Area redeveloped?"

We'd answered this many times yet it was the way and wording in how it was asked. For some it may have caught off-guard, yet our reply and rationale even hit us like a bag of bricks.