The chairlift at Shames Mountain received a $50,000 boost from Rio Tinto for the ski hill’s purchase of a refurbished bull wheel last summer.
This equipment is an integral piece of the chairlift that drives the movement of the cable through the bull wheel to bring skiers and boarders up Shames Mountain.
“This was a critical piece of equipment that needed to be replaced this summer,” says Shames Mountain general manager Christian Theberge in a press release. “We are very grateful for Rio Tinto for its support.”
The bull wheel replacement took place over the summer months as part of the ski hill’s summer maintenance program. It was delayed by only a few days after thieves broke into the ski hill’s maintenance shop and generator building in July.
READ MORE: $25,000 insurance claim filed after Shames Mountain break-in
“Shames Mountain is an important community asset, and we at Rio Tinto are proud to provide funding for its ongoing operations,” says Patrice Bergeron, Rio Tinto’s BC Works operations director. “Many of our employees and their families have created positive memories at Shames Mountain, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be part of a healthy lifestyle in the Kitimat-Terrace area.”
Rio Tinto has been an important part of the Shames Mountain and My Mountain Co-op (MMC) for many years. In 2012, they provided $175,000 in funding, which was critical in allowing the mountain to operate and undertake critical infrastructure upgrades.
READ MORE: Shames receives a large donation
“Donations from our community and corporate sponsors are key to ensuring the sustainable operations of Shames Mountain,” says My Mountain Co-op board chair, Steve Salem. “By showing commitment to healthy communities, organizations such as Rio Tinto play an important role in the fabric of the co-op, and for that we are very thankful.”
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