With the arrival of spring warming up even the chilliest of air, it's time to pack away the skis and snowshoes. Dakota Ridge, the local recreational hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, will be wrapping up their 2010/11 season, with this weekend (April 2 and 3) being the last weekend of operation.
According to a recent press release from the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), the winter season at Dakota Ridge saw a record number of snowshoers and cross country skiers, with an estimated 8,000 visitors compared to 4,000 last year. This nearly tripled revenue from the 2009/10 season to $22,000.
While other numbers have yet to be confirmed, SCRD parks planning co-ordinator Sam Adams said final revenue for the season is looking to be even higher, estimated at $28,000 upon the closing day of the facility.
Adams credits the success of Dakota Ridge to many groups, including the Dakota Ridge advisory committee, the Jackrabbits cross country ski program, and a dedicated volunteer staff. He also pointed out the popularity of Dakota Ridge's Facebook page, with monthly user rates jumping from 30 to currently more than 300.
While this last season has proved to be successful, Dakota Ridge has encountered various challenges since its 2006 takeover by the SCRD. The operational cost has risen to an estimated $180,000 in the 2011 budget. This, Adams explained, is attributed to the stepping up of operation -from no formal maintenance to a ploughed road, groomed trails, warming hut and co-ordinated volunteers.
"This is what happens with any recreational facility as it goes from a concept into operational mode," Adams said.
Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk said the facility is a wonderful community amenity.
"It really is a great place. My only concern is trying to find ways of controlling the cost of operating it," Janyk said.
There have also been concerns about those using the facility and not paying the recreational fee to do so.
"People are always going to want to sneak in," Adams said. "But it's developing the culture. It's being able to explain to people why: that we have to plough the road, that there's infrastructure that needs to paid for."
The advisory committee is currently producing a report for the SCRD on the 2010/11 season. The report will examine, among other things, operational costs and the issue of user fee remuneration. This, in turn, will help operations and assist Dakota Ridge in generating even more revenue and furthering their current success in upcoming seasons.
Adams is positive about the continued success of Dakota Ridge, the work volunteers have poured into it and the impact it's had on the community by encouraging both residents and tourists to enjoy outdoor recreation.
"It's a real team effort. This has been a great example of how community can work with government to engage in a project that has all kinds of multiple benefits," Adams said. "As far as I'm concerned, it's a winner."
