Lovers of the white stuff in the Northwest Territories can expect something a little different this year at their local trails.
Both the Yellowknife Ski Club and the Fort Smith Ski Club will be getting a face-lift after receiving a $440,500 investment from the Government of Canada.
The funding, announced by NWT Member of Parliament Michael McLeod on behalf of federal Minister of Innovation Navdeep Bains Tuesday morning, will be shared by the ski clubs to help improve their facilities and services for skiers and local residents alike.
The Yellowknife Ski Club will upgrade their chalet, and install an energy-efficient heating system to coincide with its 50th anniversary.
Fort Smith's club, which will host activities for the Arctic Winter Games in March, has revamped its chalet's restrooms, seating area and training space. The money have also been used to install a children's snow park. On top of this, the funding will go to upgrading the club's 40-kilometre trail network, as well as its biathlon range in a bid to meet the games' standards.
"With the celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary this past summer and the 2018 Arctic Games just around the corner, it's an exiting time for residents of the NWT," McLeod said during the announcement.
The investment is part of federal government's Canada 150 Infrastructure Program, a pot of money set aside $300 million to recognize the country's 150th year since Confederation. The yearlong celebration's hefty price tag will translate to up to $12.8 million being invested across the territories.