This is a letter of support for the Provincial grant applied for through the City of Prince George by the Caledonia Nordics Ski Club.

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1 Nechako Valley Sporting Association Nechako Nordics Ski Club Box 1077, Quail Rd. Vanderhoof BC 4 th of December 2011 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 This is a letter of support for the Provincial grant applied for through the City of Prince George by the Caledonia Nordics Ski Club. We believe the funds when invested in infrastructure by the club will enable the following: Increased physical activity and health for the city and region. Enhancement of training of Northern athletes for the 2015 Games for Cross Country skiing and Biathlon. Form part of a legacy of infrastructure after the Games to enable a regional training centre for Nordic athletes that will be without equal in the Province. Leave economic benefits, both before and after the Games. The Club and City can be seen as an example for future Canada Winter Games of how to produce legacy benefits from the Games. Sincerely, Dr. Paul W Collard. Executive member at large. Nechako Valley Sporting Association Vanderhoof.

2 Victoria Street, Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 Telephone Fax Toll Free BOARD CHAIR Lorraine Grant REGIONAL DIRECTOR Margaret Jones-Bricker December 7, 2011 City of Prince George Mayor and Council 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Canadian Cancer Society Letter of Support Community Recreation Program Grant Dear Mayor Green and Council, On behalf of the Northern Region of the Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon Division, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for the proposed development of recreational space at Duchess Park. The Duchess Park recreation area will provide clients, visitors, and staff of the Canadian Cancer Society Kordyban Lodge (currently under construction) with an outdoor activity space within close proximity. It will certainly be well utilized by these individuals and play a role in enhancing the quality of life of people living with cancer. It is through ongoing collaborative partnerships with local government and other partners that we can expand the Society s role in supporting those with cancer and eradicating cancer. Providing a community recreation space such as the proposed Duchess Park area is a prime example of a positive step in both cancer prevention and support. I look forward to continued opportunities to build on our common goals the health and prosperity of Northern residents and a future without cancer. Sincerely, Margaret Jones-Bricker Regional Director

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4 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 December 5 th, 2011 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity Biathlon BC, the Provincial Sports Organization that governs the sport of Biathlon in Province, congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our organization recognizes the opportunity this brings to the Province for the advancement of the sport of Biathlon and Nordic Sports in general. Biathlon BC strongly supports your proposal to assist with the funding of upgrades to the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Better Nordic facilities will provide for better training and competitions opportunities for both regional and provincial athletes. Biathlon BC is aware of the Northern Sports Strategy and the goals and objectives provided therein. Prince George provides a great combination of excellent weather for Nordic sports, affordable housing for athletes and coaches, great facilities and outstanding post secondary education. All of these factors combined, in addition to the proposed infrastructure funding upgrades offer a wonderful opportunity for advancing the development of Nordic Sports, with both regional and provincial benefits. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the further development of Nordic Sports, such as biathlon and cross country skiing. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. In addition to better training and competition opportunities, improved facilities will help with the development of coaches, officials and other volunteers that can come here from northern clubs and from around the province and acquire skills and knowledge that are essential to the development of sport. This increase in coach and official skill levels will benefit both local clubs and clubs around the province. Respectfully submitted, Pierre Beaudry Executive Director Biathlon British Columbia

5 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity The Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our club recognizes that hosting this national event in Northern BC is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. This letter is to confirm the support of Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Club for your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 games and resulting legacy opportunities. We are aware of the Northern BC Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable meetings that networked northern communities, sport leaders and the provincial government to explore ways to maximize the impact of the 2015 games across northern BC. These sessions developed a vision around five big ideas that include; a legacy of sport infrastructure for northern sport to grow and flourish, and a comprehensive Northern Sport Development Strategy. The strategy has specific recommendations to establish a regional training centre for Nordic sport, both cross country skiing and biathlon, at the Otway Nordic Centre in Prince George. Our club is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support establishment the regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and often go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. To be successful the training centre needs national level facilities for training and competitions. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. We see local benefits of this project including: transition for local athletes into high performance sport, more regional competitions, regional training camps, mentoring opportunities for coaches and officials, athlete recruitment into sport, role models, and generally a bolstering of interest and participation in cross country skiing in the North. Yours in support of increased physical activity in the North, Dr. Chris Garwah, President, Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association Pat O Reilly, Facility Manger, Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association

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8 Cross Country BC 11 November, 2011 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity Cross Country BC, the provincial sport organization for the sport of cross country skiing congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our Association recognizes that hosting this event is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. We are aware of the Northern BC Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable meetings that networked northern communities, sport leaders and the provincial government to explore ways to maximize the impact of the 2015 Games across the north. These sessions developed a vision around five big ideas that include a legacy of sport infrastructure for northern sport to grow and flourish, and a comprehensive Northern Sport Development Strategy. Of particular interest to us, this strategy has specific recommendations to establish a regional training centre for the sports of cross country skiing and biathlon at the Otway Nordic Centre in Prince George. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. The establishment of a regional training centre in Prince George would provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations while remaining in the north. To attract athletes and be successful the training centre requires national level facilities for both training and competitions. We therefore strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway Nordic Centre. This is is an important investment in the people and communities in the north. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

9 Yours truly, Georgia Manhard Cross Country BC Board of Directors (250)

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11 Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club December 1, 2011 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity This letter is to support the City of Prince George s application to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant for funding to upgrade the facilities at the Otway Nordic Centre to meet the multiple positive benefits for Prince George and Northern BC. These benefits include: Meeting the facilities requirements to host cross-country and biathlon for the 2015 Canada Winter Games; The development of a regional Nordic Training Centre; and, The ability to offer a wider range of programs and services to members, user groups and visitors locally and from around the world. The Otway Nordic Centre, operated by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, is a tremendous recreational asset within the City of Prince George. With nearly 1700 members, the CNSC is one of the largest Nordic ski clubs in BC and western Canada. The Otway Nordic Centre is an important component of the outdoor recreational opportunities in Prince George and provides both winter (cross country skiing, snowshoeing) and summer recreational opportunities (extensive single track mountain biking trail network, cross country running, hiking, etc). The Otway Ski Centre is also at the terminus of the Greenway Trail (linking CNSC with UNBC & Forests for the World). The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club (Otway Nordic Centre) has a long history of showing a tremendous return on invest to the City of Prince George and the northern region of the province. The current facility attracts visitors from around the globe and most importantly enables residents from Prince George to participate in a health active lifestyle. The investments in this facility contribute directly to the health and vitality of the community and the region, it directly attracts people to visit, work & live in our

12 community, and directly contributes to making Prince George one of the best places in the world! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any further information. Sincerely, Nowell Senior President Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club

13 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity The Stikine Nordic Cross Country Ski Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our club recognizes that hosting this national event in Northern BC is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. This letter is to confirm the support of the Stikine Nordic Cross Country Ski Club for your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 games and resulting legacy opportunities. We are aware of the Northern BC Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable meetings that networked northern communities, sport leaders and the provincial government to explore ways to maximize the impact of the 2015 games across northern BC. These sessions developed a vision around five big ideas that include; a legacy of sport infrastructure for northern sport to grow and flourish, and a comprehensive Northern Sport Development Strategy. The strategy has specific recommendations to establish a regional training centre for Nordic sport, both cross country skiing and biathlon, at the Otway Nordic Centre in Prince George. Our club is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support establishment the regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and often go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. To be successful the training centre needs national level facilities for training and competitions. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. Thank you. The Stikine Nordic Cross Country Ski Club (Dease Lake, B.C.) Anna Chadwick Club President

14 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George, 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity The Bulkey Valley Nordic Ski Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our club recognizes that hosting this national event in Northern BC is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. This letter is to confirm the support of our Ski Club for your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 games and resulting legacy opportunities. We are aware of the Northern BC Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable meetings that networked northern communities, sport leaders and the provincial government to explore ways to maximize the impact of the 2015 games across northern BC. These sessions developed a vision around five big ideas that include; a legacy of sport infrastructure for northern sport to grow and flourish, and a comprehensive Northern Sport Development Strategy. The strategy has specific recommendations to establish a regional training centre for Nordic sport, both cross country skiing and biathlon, at the Otway Nordic Centre in Prince George. Our club is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support establishment the regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and often go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. To be successful the training centre needs national level facilities for training and competitions. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. It provides a more affordable opportunity for youth in Smithers to continue their athletic pursuits and get an post secondary education. It will mean it no longer has to be a choice of either or. Because it has the potential to be a high profile destination for cross country skiing, it could also benefit all our members because they will have access to more regional competitions, regional training camps, and mentoring opportunities for coaches and officials. Sincerely, Larry McCulloch, Athlete Development Team Coordinator

15 Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club c/o th Ave, Fort St John, BC V1J 2W9 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 RE: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Having this national event in Prince George is an incredible opportunity to promote and encourage sport in the many large and small communities in the Central Interior, the North West and the North East of BC. The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club supports your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and resulting legacy opportunities. The WJNSC is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support the establishment of the regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are an essential and proven vehicle for the continuing development of athletes who go on to become regional or national role models in both sport and the community. The WJNSC currently trains a team of biathletes, some of whom are potential qualifiers for the 2015 Games. A Northern training centre would be able to provide further athlete development opportunities in preparation for the Games and as a legacy encourage athletes to pursue their athletic career without sacrificing their education or ties to the region. Such a facility would also provide opportunities for more regional competitions, training camps, mentoring for coaches and officials and encourage athlete recruitment.

16 We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. More than a local infrastructure project, a national level northern training centre is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. Yours truly, Eliza Stanford President, Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club Contact phone number: eliza.s@telus.net

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18 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity The Cariboo Ski Touring Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our club recognizes that hosting this national event in Northern BC is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. This letter is to confirm the support of the Cariboo Ski Touring Club for your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 games and resulting legacy opportunities. We are aware of the Northern BC Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable meetings that networked northern communities, sport leaders and the provincial government to explore ways to maximize the impact of the 2015 games across northern BC. These sessions developed a vision around five big ideas that include; a legacy of sport infrastructure for northern sport to grow and flourish, and a comprehensive Northern Sport Development Strategy. The strategy has specific recommendations to establish a regional training centre for Nordic sport, both cross country skiing and biathlon, at the Otway Nordic Centre in Prince George. Our club is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support establishment the regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and often go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. To be successful the training centre needs national level facilities for training and competitions. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. Sunshine Borsato Vice-President Cariboo Ski Touring Club Box 4611 Quesnel, B.C. V2J 3J8

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20 The Northern Sport Strategy On March 11-12, 2011 leaders crossing sectors from governments, elected officials, public servants at the provincial and municipal level, Bid Committee and Host Society representatives, community agencies, academic institutions, private sector collaborators and sport leaders met in Prince George around the Northern British Columbia Sport and Physical Activity Roundtable. This leadership, rallying around the opportunity afforded to Prince George and northern British Columbia, worked with Facilitator Ian Bird in a spirit of collaboration to define what Maximizing the Impact of the 2015 Canada Winter Games could look like for northern BC communities and its citizens. The Roundtable identified that the games are our shared opportunity to: Showcase the north of British Columbia to the rest of our province and country Forge a new mindset and confidence of achievement in the north by northerners Maximize the opportunity for all communities and stakeholders including the sport and physical activity environment of northern BC. The Vision of the Roundtable applies the catalytic effect of the Games in four interconnected ways: 1. The Games are for everyone. 2. Every community in the north contributes to the success of the Games. 3. The north will contribute 20% of the athletes and coaches to our Team BC in BC will be number one in the medals in The Roundtable in March 2011 resulted in five big ideas to drive us toward the Vision: 1. Leave a sustainable (financially and operationally) legacy of sport infrastructure (smart and value added) in northern BC for northern sport, physical activity and recreation to grow and flourish. 2. A Northern Sport Development Strategy that will result in 20% of the BC team (athletes and coaches) coming from northern BC communities and that will leave a strong well developed sustainable sport system in northern BC beyond the 2015 Canada Winter Games. 3. The Games will attract talented leaders, professionals and experts to northern BC bringing their sport and technical expertise with them. 4. Generating more sport participation, an active population and improved health outcomes is a northern challenge that needs a Centre of Excellence (for Sport Development and Exercise/Physical Activity Science) focused on the northern context. 5. Create a sustainable resourcing model for long-term/ongoing sport development and physical activity in the north. PacificSport Northern BC Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 Pomeroy Sport Centre Street Fort St. John, BC V1J 0H6 Tel:

21 In response to the Outcome of the Roundtable in March 2011, PacificSport Northern BC contracted the Independent Sport Review Panel to evaluate the current status of the CWG sports in northern British Columbia and to prepare a plan that will assist in delivering on the Goals of the Roundtable. As part of the review Jacques Thibault, Todd Allinger and Kristen Harrott visited 9 northern communities, met with local elected officials, municipal staff and facility operators, club representatives, athletes, coaches and officials. The review indicates that for 20% of Team BC to be from northern BC communities, 40 to 50 athletes will come from the North with a goal to win 18 medals. The report looks at the current pool of northern athletes, facilities and support to athletes in relation to the 2015 Canada Winter Games and also at the potential legacy of the 2015 Games for northern communities. The review concluded that with a focused and coordinated effort by all stakeholders it is possible to have a significant improvement in results for northern athletes in 2015 and to achieve a goal of having 20% of northern athletes represented on Team BC. The timeline necessary to achieve the goal is for implementation of the program in fall Key components of the review: 1. A Strategy for 2015 and beyond must look at all aspects as equally important and work together to coordinate activities, objectives and legacies. 2. For the North to send 40 + athletes to the 2015 CWG it will require participation in some new sports (for example Freestyle, Snowboard), CWG targeted programs in some other sports and domination in traditionally strong northern sports such as biathlon and speed skating. Appropriate Athlete Training Programs and Coach Support/Education are needed to develop CWG level athletes. 3. A Home Field Advantage Strategy for northern BC and Team BC athletes will likely make a big difference to the success of athletes in The 2015 Host Society, the City of Prince George and the Province of British Columbia will need to work closely with each sport to ensure early access to CWG facilities, northern specific technology and hosting of competitions at the Canada Games venues. 4. The Legacy phase of each CWG 2015 facility will be more important for sport development than the actual use during the Games. The report recommends that the City of Prince George review the complete picture of the sport s requirements for 2015, with a northern perspective of how this will support Northern communities past The ownership of the Northern Sport Development Strategy must rest in the North. All communities visited expressed interest in helping local and regional athletes to potentially compete at the 2015 CWG. Communities indicated that they need assistance in identifying the potential for their communities to contribute. The review found that improved access to facilities and program support were the main areas where municipal involvement could have a significant impact on opportunities for northern athletes. 6. Northern sport specific training camps held throughout the region in appropriate facilities with appropriate support from experts was identified as essential to the development of northern athletes and coaches.

22 7. The immediate development of facilities at a CWG level that are not currently available in northern BC is recommended. Rapid development of the CWG venues to support the Home Field Advantage strategy is essential. (Some examples: Snowboard Cross course, Mogul course, Half pipe, International sized ice, CWG Target shooting setup and equipment). The Roundtable noted that there is a strong case to be made for sport development and physical activity in the north noting that we have a northern context that is conducive to sport and that we do winter well. The Roundtable participants identified a long list of valuable objectives that have a public benefit as well as a private benefit to those involved in activity or sport. The Roundtable identified that there has yet to be a jurisdiction in Canada that has intentionally adapted and applied the innovations that are currently the foundation of thinking for sport and physical activity (e.g. Canadian Sport for Life, Own the Podium, Act Now BC, and others) in a northern context, amidst the challenge of climate and distance. The Roundtable identified the benefits in the north of cross cultural exchange with Aboriginal Communities, robust partnerships with rural communities, engagement with post secondary and research institutions and the northern spirit of achievement. With sustained collaboration a cutting edge northern sport and physical activity development system can be a reality for northern BC and also a legacy model for other northern communities across Canada. The Northern Sport Strategy will continue to evolve as northern leaders and communities take ownership and collaborate to maximize the opportunities inspired and afforded by the hosting of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. References: Facing North: Maximizing the Impact of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Summary Report Prepared by Ian Bird Fellow, True Sport Foundation President and CEO, Community Foundations of Canada 2015 Northern Athlete & Sport Development Strategy with Recommendations of the Independent Sport Review Panel Prepared by Jacques Thibault MSc. and Todd Allinger, PhD

23 Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club PO Box Kiitimat, B.C. V8C 2M4 December 6, To Whom It May Concern: The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club would like to express its support for the proposed Regional Nordic Training Center in Prince George. Currently, our coaches must travel as far as 100 Mile House to receive training. This is a 2 day drive with accommodation expenses as well. Anything closer is a benefit to us. Prince George is only a 1 day drive. Currently, any of our young athletes who are interested in racing really have no resources. Occasionally a family will go to the expense of driving to Whistler for a big event, and a few attend local races when family commitments allow. Currently we have no qualified racing coaches. Having a regional training center would allow youngsters with talent to attend college or university in Prince George and continue in competition. A number of years ago we did have a coach and 1 athlete who went to Nationals and might have progressed beyond that. But although she attended UNBC and coached Rabbits at Otway, she dropped out of competition because there was no support. If BC wants its best athletes to compete, support needs to be provided and a regional training center in the North would be a start to bringing in some very fine athletes. Yours sincerely, EMThorne Elizabeth Thorne (President, SVNSC)

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25 December 5, 2011 Mayor Shari Green City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity Dear Mayor Shari Green: The Mackenzie Nordiques Cross Country Ski Club congratulates the City of Prince George for bringing the 2015 Canada Winter Games to Northern BC. Our club recognizes that hosting this national event in Northern BC is a unique opportunity for the advancement of sport in the north as advocated in the regionally based Northern Sport Development Strategy. This letter is to confirm the support of the Mackenzie Nordiques Cross Country Ski Club for your proposal to help fund upgrades at the Otway Nordic Centre in preparation for the 2015 games and resulting legacy opportunities. Our club is part of a network of Nordic clubs across the north that support the establishment of a regional Nordic training centre in Prince George to provide a place for post secondary athletes to continue both their educational and athletic goals and aspirations. Training centres are a proven vehicle for the development of athletes that are regional role models and often go on to become leaders both in sport and in the community. To be successful the training centre needs national level facilities for training and competitions. We strongly support your initiative to upgrade the Otway facilities in order to enable the regional benefits that a northern training centre can provide. This is more than a local infrastructure project; it is an investment in the health and wellness of people and communities in the north. Yours truly, Joan Atkinson Chairperson Mackenzie Nordiques Cross Country Ski Club

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32 December 5, 2011 Mayor Shari Green and Council City of Prince George 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Re: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant Opportunity This letter is to support the City of Prince George s application to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Infrastructure Grant for funding to upgrade the facilities at the Otway Nordic Centre to meet the multiple positive benefits for Prince George and Northern BC. These benefits include: Meeting the facilities requirements to host cross-country and biathlon for the 2015 Canada Winter Games; The development of a regional Nordic Training Centre; and, The ability to offer a wider range of programs and services to members, user groups and visitors locally and from around the world. The Otway Nordic Centre, operated by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, is a tremendous recreational asset within Prince George. With nearly 1700 members, the CNSC is one of the largest Nordic ski clubs in BC and western Canada. The Otway Nordic Centre is an important component of the outdoor recreational opportunities in Prince George and provides both winter (cross country skiing, snowshoeing) and summer recreational opportunities (extensive single track mountain biking trail network, cross country running, hiking, etc). The Otway Ski Centre is also at the terminus of the Greenway Trail (linking CNSC with UNBC & Forests for the World). The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club (Otway Nordic Centre) has a long history of showing a tremendous return on investment to the community and the northern region of the province. The current facility attracts visitors from around the globe and allows Prince George to showcase the world class outdoor opportunities that exist a short drive from downtown. The investments in this facility contribute directly to the health and vitality of the community and the region, it directly attracts people to visit, work & live in our community, and directly contributes to making Prince George an attractive destination! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any further information. Sincerely, Aidan Kelly Chief Executive Officer Tourism Prince George