Soo Finnish Nordic proposes new lodge

Thu, Jul  10, 2008 - By Michael Purvis

Local Sault Ste. Marie, ON, cross-country skiers are looking for a new place to rest after a day on the trails.

Citing a recent surge in interest, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club says it wants to build a new lodge to replace the one it rents from the Kinsmen Club.

The ski club is "making do," with a crowded facility, said Jim Mihell, the club's vice-president of programs.

The club is 1,200 strong and saw a marked increase in skiers last season, he said.

"A lot of that was attributed to weather, of course, but in general (skiing) is an area of growth in Sault Ste. Marie," said Mihell.

City council gave its backing at Monday night's council meeting to the ski club's plan to pursue a CDC local initiatives grant for a feasibility study.

The ski club hopes to build the proposed new lodge to Leadership and Energy in Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

Complete story at The Sault Star .