For the Townsman
Avalanche Canada is receiving $325,000 over two years from Columbia Basin Trust to help it continue its work of increasing public safety for winter backcountry users.
Avalanche Canada is a national public avalanche safety organization, with world-leading accident prevention programs and services. Based in Revelstoke, the organization produces daily avalanche forecasts throughout the winter for many of the well-used mountainous regions of western Canada, including the entire Columbia Basin. It has also developed an internationally recognized curriculum for recreational avalanche safety training, and support instructors who teach thousands of people each year.
“We are honoured by this support from Columbia Basin Trust,” said Gilles Valade, Executive Director, Avalanche Canada. “Today’s announcement is vital to the maintenance of our service level for the backcountry community, and it will also allow us to continue to innovate avalanche risk management tools.”
“The services of Avalanche Canada are essential when it comes to winter safety, both here and elsewhere in the country. We know that both residents and visitors to the Basin benefit greatly from the daily bulletins and avalanche warnings,” said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and CEO. “As a non-profit, the organization’s funds come from a variety of sources and vary from year to year. We’re pleased we can help increase Avalanche Canada’s stability so it can strengthen these important services to the public.”
The Trust’s commitment includes $100,000 per year for two years for ongoing activities, such as the Public Avalanche Warning Service, Avalanche Canada’s training courses and youth-specific initiatives. It also includes a one-time $125,000 grant that will enable the organization to continue developing its new website and its Mountain Information Network, which allows backcountry users to share real-time data and observations from the field. In addition, this grant will allow Avalanche Canada to make important information technology purchases that will help stabilize its public avalanche warning services and reach a broader base of winter backcountry recreationists.
To learn more about Avalanche Canada, visit avalanche.ca.
