KAWARTHA LAKES-The staff at Sir Sams Ski/Ride in Haliburton is working hard to be ready to reopen on February 17th.
‘We’ve been making lots of snow and we already had a good base of snow here.” Chris Bishop, Co-Owner, Sir Sam’s told Kawartha 411 News.
Bishop says the provincial shutdown in December was devastating for the industry.
“We are relieved that’s for sure. Just imagine if you lost half of your business. Our season is 80 days and we’ve lost 40.” Bishop says. “We are going to try to make up for it by staying open longer into April. We’ve made lots of extra snow.
The province’s revised colour-coded COVID19 response framework starts today to re-open the economy in select regions.
The regions that can end the stay-at-home order on February 10th are Hastings Prince Edward, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington, and Renfrew County and District.
The office of Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod, confirmed to our affiliate Muskoka411 that under of each of the colour-coded categories in that framework including grey-lockdown ski and snowboard hills will be allowed to operate. “Ski hills can operate for recreational purposes in all zones with restrictions, except for those under the stay-at-home order. Ski hills must comply with capacity limits and specific conditions determined by the stage in which the region is placed.”
When Sir Sams closed on December 24th they had 96 employees and laid off 90 of them. All 90 have been recalled back to work for the reopening according to Bishop.
Brimacombe skill hill in Orono is set to re-open on Tuesday, February 16th.
If you are planning on going skiing you will need to buy tickets in advance, online. You will be required to wear face coverings on the property, on lifts and in lines as well as in the chalet, following restaurant protocols. You will not need to wear a mask while skiing.
Click here for tickets and info on Sir Sam’s:http://sirsams.com/winter/
Click here for tickets and info on Brimacombe: https://brimacombe.ca
