The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance at the Sorrento-Blind Bay Community Park which will allow for the development of an outdoor ice rink, as well as snow clearing of a popular walking path loop.
Due to challenges within the current insurance market and the ability for contractors to obtain the required snow removal insurance, the CSRD had been unable to find a qualified contractor to provide pathway clearing and ice rink maintenance at the park.
Knowing the value that winter users place on the park, the CSRD began exploring options with the Shuswap Trail Alliance to resolve the situation.
“We are thrilled we have been able to come up with a solution that will allow people to enjoy walking with their friends and their dogs on a snow-cleared pathway. Weather permitting, this partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance will also see residents strapping on their skates and enjoying the fun of the outdoor rink,” says Ryan Nitchie, the CSRD’s Team Leader, Community Services.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance has already filled the position and maintenance work at the park will begin immediately.
“Getting outdoors in all seasons is an important part of the Shuswap Trail Alliance’s mission,” says Jen Bellhouse, Executive Director of the Shuswap Trail Alliance. “We were happy to help the CSRD in making winter recreation more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors to the Sorrento-Blind Bay Park.”
In addition to the outdoor ice rink and pathway snow clearing, the maintenance program at the park will also involve garbage and recycling collection and maintenance of the vault toilet.
The CSRD thanks residents for their patience as these challenges were resolved.
Updates on the opening of the planned outdoor ice rink will be posted on the CSRD website, and on the CSRD’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms.
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