Marathon Ski and Snowshoe Club Celebrate Trillium Grant

Written by Reader Submission on 02 March 2015

Submitted by Marathon Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Club President David Giuliano

Marathon Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club members celebrate the Trillium Grant. Photos D.Giuliano

MARATHON, ON – Saturday, The Marathon Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Club celebrated receiving a grant from the Trillium Foundation. The club received a $50,000 grant to assist with a rebuild of their snow grooming machine – a Bombardier BR-160. The total cost of the project was $63,000.

Initially the club executive thought it might be time to replace the existing groomer at estimated cost of $200,000. Responses from equipment dealers, however, indicated that the existing machine still had good value and was well worth investing in a rebuild.

Club President, David Giuliano said that “In addition to the Trillium Foundation, two people in particular need to be thanked.” Nicola Wilton put in countless hours on the Trillium Foundation Grant application and Lloyd Bryar gathered quotes, negotiated the work and arranged transportation to and from Thunder Bay where the work was completed. “Nicola got the grant and Lloyd made sure it was well spent,” said Giuliano.

“The club operates completely on volunteer hours and grooming is a big part of those volunteer hours,” he added. “Our operators – Lloyd Bryar, Paul Cyr and Kyle Drake – spend about eight hours grooming the fifteen kilometers of ski trails after each snow fall, sometimes in the dark of night or early morning.”

Councillor Chantal Gingras was on hand to extend greetings on behalf of the Town of Marathon. “On behalf of Mayor Dumas and all of the Marathon Town Council, I congratulate you and thank all the volunteers who work to provide this great ski and snowshoeing facility and programs to our community.”

Councillor Chantal Gingras enjoys a ride with Lloyd Briar in the Groomer. Photos D.Giuliano

The event to recognize the Trillium Foundation grant was held to coincide with the end of the 2015 Jackrabbit and Bunnies children’s program season. Regular chalet hours will be maintained until mid April and skiing and snowshoeing will continue as long as there is snow. “As the days get longer and a little warmer,” said Giuliano, “we invite everyone to come out and try out the ski and snowshoeing trails. It is a great way for families and people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.”

Day passes and equipment rentals are available at the chalet. For more information visit www.MararthonSkiClub.ca or visit the club on Facebook. The Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government.