Larch Hills Nordic Society (LHNS) members voted overwhelmingly in favour of proceeding with a proposed $407,500 expansion to the current chalet.
A total of 205 members attended the meeting that stretched past two hours. Of the 193 people who voted, 165 approved the project, 27 members opposed and there was one spoiled ballot.
Prior to the vote by secret ballot at the end of the meeting, members heard a one-hour, comprehensive PowerPoint presentation by expansion committee member Randi Ostby, had approximately another hour to ask questions and another half hour to add their comments.
For the first time since its incorporation in August, 1980, membership in the society has passed the 1,000 mark.
The proposed expansion would triple the chalet’s current footprint from 1,200 sq. ft. to 3,600.
Ostby described the various activities that strain chalet capacity, including Saturday use by some 240 Jackrabbits and racers and their families, and the approximately 300 school students who use the ski hills as many as two to three times in a season.
Coaches in these programs pointed out there is nowhere for children to warm up or hold pre or post-race discussions with the kids.
Although scientists predict climate change will result in dwindling snowpacks, Ostby said there is evidence to support 15 more years of good skiing on the hills.
Some members suggested yurts and other modular buildings be considered as options, while others asked about putting a smaller chalet up at the South Hub.
But LHNS president Duncan Moore pointed out existing cabins are often vandalized and other outbuildings would require hiring a custodian.
In terms of building the new chalet at the South Hub, Ostby said research indicates it would take five years to build at a higher elevation, would cost up to $1 million and would require extensive volunteer commitment.
In response to concerns about LHNS fees increasing to cover the expansion, Ostby was adamant financing would be sought through grants and other fundraising activities.
Having gained the support of 85.5 per cent of the members who attended Tuesday’s meeting, the committee will take the next step forward – securing architectural drawings and cost estimates in order to proceed with grant applications.
How long it will take to build the extension will depend on a number of variables.
On the expansion committee since 2006, Jim Beckner noted that, as has happened in the past, construction could be accomplished in stages as money becomes available.
Moore meanwhile, was extremely pleased with the turnout for the meeting.
“It shows the strong involvement by members on an important project such as this, to listen, ask questions, make comments and then vote,” he said. “I am very pleased the club can now begin to move ahead… Over anything, I wanted a good turnout as it means people are engaged.”
