Good news for urban winter sports enthusiasts: a new chairlift at
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre drastically reduces lift wait times.
"Four people can go up on every chair. They used to wait about 20 minutes at the bottom, and now the most they'll wait is 10," says Jeff Carmichael, recreation supervisor at the centre, which is located at Bathurst and Sheppard.
"We are really focused on customer service," Carmichael says. "If someone went down the hill in a minute or two and had to wait 20 minutes to get back up the hill, it wasn't an entirely positive experience."
The old, two-seat lift had been bought used in 1992 from
Horseshoe Valley and had itself replaced a T-bar. According to Carmichael, the new lift has been in the capital planning process since 2004-05.
The seats, longtime city skiiers will be happy to hear, are now padded as well.
Day passes are $30.
The $2.3-million park enhancement began operation on Dec. 31 and was officially opened by the mayor and Councillor Norm Kelly on Jan. 4.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Jeff Carmichael
Do you know of a new building going up, a business expanding or being renovated, a park in the works or even a new house being built in the neighbourhood? Please send your development news tips to [email protected].