North Bay City Councillor Tanya Vrebosch insists she isn't making a mountain out of a ski hill as she continues her quest to access Laurentian Ski Hill's financial records.
"When the YMCA requested funds during Covid, they provided us with audited financial statements, an Excel spreadsheet detailing how this would be a one-time ask, and how they were going to become sustainable. These documents were shared with all of council. Other groups that ask for or receive money present to us publicly, so why is it so difficult for me to get [Laurentian Ski Hill's] and why is no one else asking for them?"
At the tail end of the Tuesday, Oct. 29 regular meeting of council, Vrebosch gave notice of her intent to table a motion to access those records. She says she hopes the motion is passed and supported by council. It should be included in the agenda for the Nov. 12 regular meeting.
"Since 2018, the City of North Bay has supported Laurentian Ski Hill annually with $111,994 to assist with costs, such as their water bill, and capital costs," Vrebosch notes. "Last year, we were asked for an additional $100,000 and I was told that if I delayed the vote by sending it back to committee, Laurentian Ski Hill would not open for the 2023–2024 season."
See related: Season up in the air at Laurentian Ski Hill
In September 2023, amid fears the ski hill would not be able to operate, the council agreed to the initial (up to) $100,000 in funding. It was hoped a financial report on a deal to bring Laurentian Ski Hill under the municipal umbrella would be ready for council perusal before a decision on extending the subsidy agreement had to be made. This September, council voted in favour of again subsidizing Laurentian Ski Hill for its upcoming season with up to an additional $100,000.
See also: City gives Laurentian Ski Hill a lift — eyes takeover from NBMCA
Vrebosch has said publicly that, while she remains a supporter of Laurentian Ski Hill, she had trouble voting for the $100,000 subsidy without all of the financial details.
"Knowing that another ask may be coming based on remarks from staff in the fall of 2023, I asked for an update on the ski hill during budget in March," Vrebosch continues. "I was told that all the information wasn't gathered yet as they hadn't finished March Break, which was happening the following week. The budget passes in May with no discussion about the ski hill and then we get asked for an additional $100,000 in July. I have constantly been asking for the financials and was ultimately told no, I couldn't have them."
BayToday has also requested the financial statements from Laurentian Ski Hill and has been denied.
In September, Mayor Peter Chirico and Vrebosch had a terse exchange of ideas on the Laurentian Ski Hill issue. And, following an in-camera session during the Sept. 3 regular meeting, after Coun. Sara Inch seconded a Vrebosch motion to refer the matter back to the committee level, it received no support from around the table.
Following that September meeting, Vrebosch expressed her frustration by saying, "I feel uncomfortable more times than I would like this term and I would like to stop feeling this way. When it comes to transparency, this has been one of the hardest terms of council I have sat on. I used to be able to ask questions and get answers whereby I could walk away and feel good about it and confident about making votes and going to the citizens with answers. I don't feel that way anymore."
In October 2023, Mayor Chirico, who has spoken in favour of a potential move to take the ski hill on as a municipal asset, explained, "This is a one-year operational subsidy as we work into a transition plan to take over the hill. The North Bay–Mattawa Conservation Authority will have to divest themselves of [Laurentian Ski Hill] due to legislation ... We know that this is an economic development tool we utilize day in and day out within our city. Having a ski hill in operation for our kids is no different than an arena, ballpark or soccer field."
Vrebosch said in September, "Some people will say I had the opportunity to go and ask all of the questions I wanted, however, if the City is giving money to an organization, there usually is a report that details the business plan or the budget," Vrebosch said. "I feel that we've had a year to be given something or anything. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the ski hill but I'm doing my due diligence. There is not enough information for me to support this tonight."
BACKGROUND
The North Bay–Mattawa Conservation Authority levies the City of North Bay for specific costs associated with the capital holdings and operating needs of Laurentian Ski Hill. Annual contributions include $65,000 from 10 member municipalities for the upkeep of the fixed LSH capital assets owned by NBMCA. The City of North Bay's share is approximately 79 per cent of that $65,000 or just over $51,000.
The City of North Bay also contributes $60,000 for operating expenses. The subsidy of up to $100,000 for 2023-24 and now 2024-25 is in addition to the recurring $60,000 in the operating budget. The City of North Bay's operational subsidy arrangement with the NBMCA has helped to support the LSH operations for approximately 10 years. Laurentian Ski Hill attracts 35,000 visitors annually, generating $ 4.7 million in GDP and employs over 70 people with a volunteer base of over 100.
The City of North Bay and NBMCA have a history going back 50 years of collaboration on land management and development as well as natural resource planning approvals. NBMCA owns the land and assets that the Laurentian Ski Hill Snowboarding Club operates on. The NBMCA took over the operations of Laurentian Ski Hill in the late 1990s and the operations were then transferred to Laurentian Ski Hill Snowboarding Club Inc. in the early 2000s.
