Whitehorse turns down ski hill's request for grant

Whitehorse City Council has denied a recreation grant for trail work at the Mount Sima ski hill.

The grant was one of about 30 considered Monday night by council as part of its annual spring grants. The Great Northern Ski Society asked for just over $23,000 to improve some trails.

City councillor Betty Irwin was incensed because council has just approved $1.3 million for the facility.

She called for an amendment to reject the society's request for the additional funds.

"What bothers me is the arrogance of this group that almost assumes that ... 'what's another $23,000 between friends?'" she said. "I still believe that we have given too much money to Mount Sima and I certainly cannot in all conscience vote to give them even another small amount."

Her motion drew support from councillors Dave Stockdale and Kirk Cameron.

"I cannot in all honesty pour more money into the ski hill," said Stockdale. "I think they've had a lot and they're going to have to prove themselves over the next few years."

"I’m not prepared to give any more money to it," said Cameron. "$1.3 million, I don't care how you cut it, is a lot of money."

The motion to deny Mount Sima's request was carried by one vote.

Council approved all the other requests for recreation and cultural funding.