‘Winter destination’ in the works
Ward 8 Coun. Terry Whitehead wants to create a winter wonderland of fun at the Garth Street reservoir on the west Mountain.
He said city staff is examining the cost and design of using the former Chedoke Winter Sports Park snowmaking equipment at the reservoir to help to create a “winter destination” for residents.
He said since tobogganing is now allowed again at the reservoir, he wants the city to create a rink, allow food trucks in the area and create more parking.
Whitehead said there has been a lack of winter sports activities in Hamilton and the city doesn’t really promote them. It took pressure by councillors to eventually allow tobogganing at the reservoir in February 2016.
Whitehead said public works staff is examining the concept, design and cost of creating the ice rink and relocating the snow-making equipment to the Garth Street reservoir by Stone Church Road.
He expects only a nominal fee to pay for the capital costs to create the proposed winter wonderland.
He said the snow-making equipment would create a new base of snow for tobogganing and other winter-related activities.
The city closed the Chedoke Winter Sports Park in 2003. It would have taken about $3 million to upgrade the ski hill and lift equipment, while also costing taxpayers about $250,000 annually to operate the facility.
Whitehead said he didn’t think his idea would happen for this winter, but possibly for next season.