The filed record
Improving Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre Season and Experience by Investing in Modern Snowmaking Capabilities - by Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Lily Cheng
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The decision
2025-03-26 · Toronto City Council · amended
As filed
City Council on March 26 and 27, 2025, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to assess and explore options to improve the snowmaking capabilities of Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, to investigate new technology, such as positive temperature snowmaking equipment, and report back to the July 10, 2025, meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to explore funding options from the other 2 levels of government, the Parks and Recreation 2026 capital budget, and Section 37 funds in escrow to fund any purchase of new and advanced snow making equipment.
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3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to evaluate the state of good repair of the chairlift and any maintenance or replacement requirements, as part of the July 10, 2025 report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.
On the agenda
As the city filed it
Due to recent climate trends, the ski and snowboard season has been shorter each year. This causes several problems for ski hills, such as Earl Bales: season pass holders are paying the same for a shorter season and it becomes more difficult to hire staff. The snowmaking technology used by Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre has not kept up with other ski hills in Southern Ontario. To start snow production, Earl Bales requires 4 days of consistent temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius.
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Other ski hills, such as Boler Mountain in London, Ontario, are able to open earlier in the season and close later than Earl Bales, primarily due to their positive temperature snowmaking capabilities. By improving Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre's snowmaking technology, the City would give it a longer season, making it easier to hire staff, and allow more Torontonians to enjoy the ski hill.
Staff recommended
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Lily Cheng, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to assess and explore options to improve the snowmaking capabilities of Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, to investigate new technology, such as positive temperature snowmaking equipment, and report back to the July 10, 2025, meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.
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2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to explore funding options from the other 2 levels of government, the Parks and Recreation 2026 capital budget, and Section 37 funds in escrow to fund any purchase of new and advanced snow making equipment.
On the record
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