North Bay to purchase ski hill, other land from conservation authority

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North Bay buys local ski hill, surrounding lands

North Bay to purchase ski hill, other land from conservation authority

The City of North Bay is purchasing the building and surrounding lands owned by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority along the Laurentian escarpment.

The $1.4 million purchase was supported by the conservation authority’s board last week and was approved by city council Tuesday evening.

The sale includes around 50 hectares of land, including Laurentian Ski Hill and the Interpretive Centre building, which houses the conservation authority’s offices.

“This agreement provides certainty and long-term stability for the future use of the lands and represents an important investment by the City of North Bay in protecting a regional asset,” North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said in a news release April 7.

“These lands will remain publicly accessible, providing ongoing opportunities for recreation and tourism for area residents and visitors.”

No major changes

The conservation authority will remain on-site as a tenant, keeping all programs, services and staffing in place with no changes for the public or member municipalities.

“This agreement allows (conservation authority) to continue its important conservation and environmental work on-site without interruption, while focusing resources on our core programs and services,” said Lana Mitchell, conservation authority chair, said in the release.

“Working in partnership with the city ensures the land remains protected, accessible and beneficial for all local communities.”

The Laurentian Ski Hill and Snowboard Club will continue operations under a new operating and lease agreement to be negotiated with the city.

In addition, the trail network will remain part of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Conservation Area with no changes to availability or public access.

“The city and (the conservation authority) have a shared commitment to conservation, recreation, and community well-being, and are focused on a smooth transition and continued stewardship of the site,” said Chirico.