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Construction starts on Larch Hills chalet expansion

Offers of volunteer labour and material donations towards the project are still needed
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photo contributed An excavator begins work digging for the new foundation of the expanded Larch Hills Chalet.

Construction crews are on the job for the expansion of the Larch Hills Ski Area chalet.

The Larch Hills Nordic Society has been planning a 2,400 sq. ft expansion of its chalet for the past few years.

Over the past year, the chalet expansion committee has been working hard to move the project forward. Fundraising has continued and grant applications have been submitted.

Building plans and permits have been obtained, and, with the snow finally melted, site preparation and construction has begun.

A crew of volunteers has removed the deck to make way for excavation of the new foundation.

The Larch Hills Nordic Society is hoping to have the chalet expansion completed to lock-up stage before next winter.

Larch Hills Nordic Society has hired local contractors Trevor Harrison Construction and Traditional Log Homes for framing and log construction of the building and as many supplies and services as possible are being sourced locally.

The Society would be appreciative of any offers of volunteer labour and material donations towards the project.

It is being funded through a combination of existing club designated funds, fundraising events, grant funding, and private donations. The estimated capital cost of construction is $400,000.To date, over $200,000 has been raised, thanks in part to the “Dancing With the Shuswap Stars” fundraising event last fall, supported by City Dance Studio.

Most recently, the Larch Hills Nordic Society project has received donations from Armstrong Regional Co-op, and $10,000 commitments from BDO and the Salmon Arm Rotary Club.

The chalet expansion project has also been short-listed as one of the top three legacy projects in the SASCU Canada 150 grant process for a $50,000 contribution.

The Larch Hills Nordic Society is a completely volunteer driven, not-for-profit society. The society was established in 1980 and now has over 1,000 members. The Larch Hills ski area is used by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, mountain bike riders, hikers, and horseback riders.

For more information or to donate time, materials or money, contact Suzy Beckner, chalet expansion committee chair at 250-253-1089 or sjtayler@yahoo.com.