Three levels of government support for the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) were represented last week, as BC MLA Bill Bennett announced a three-year program aimed at lowering the rate of avalanche deaths within the mountain snowmobiling community. Joining MLA Bennett in the announcement was Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks and Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano.
“The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project will help prepare snowmobilers with knowledge that could save their lives,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “British Columbia’s world-class winter tourism includes snowmobiling as a major attraction. The safety of our residents and visitors is a priority for our province and a commitment we take seriously.”
The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project is funded by a grant from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS), a department of National Defence.
The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project will build on an already promising foundation, said CAC Executive Director Ian Tomm. “Last year we saw a big jump in training among mountain sledders, along with a tremendous shift in attitude towards avalanche safety,” Tomm explained. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with clubs and organizations to increase the avalanche knowledge base and skill level within this community.”