Improving sustainability at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre

by Keith Powell — December 22, 2011

Photo of people standing next to a hot water tank.

Katherine Hamilton, CBT community liaison, and Jeff Dolinsky, president of the Golden Nordic Ski Club Society, stand before the new geothermal heating system at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre.

CBT supports upgrades to heating and septic systems.

Golden’s Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre has a new geothermal heating system and Ecoflow septic system thanks in part to $52,000 in support from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). This upgrade will reduce both the environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions of the centre, resulting in lower costs and more sustainable operations.

“CBT’s support will help the Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre in its efforts to become more sustainable in its operations while also addressing a community priority,” said Gary Ockenden, director of Community Engagement. “Amenities like this are a great way to attract tourists and new residents to the area; skiers from all over come to experience skiing in the Rocky Mountains.”

The centre previously heated with propane and used pit and portable toilets. Switching to geothermal heat and an Ecoflow septic system will result in costs savings of 75 per cent and 90 per cent respectively, reduce the risk of watershed contamination and eliminate the need to truck propane up the mountain and sewage down.

The upgrade is one part of a multi-year, $1.2-million project to build quality Nordic ski facilities in the Golden area. The goal is to complete the project in time to host the week-long 2012 Master National Championship in March.

“Recreating in sensitive areas is a common concern for our club and both the tourism industry and environmental organizations,” said Jeff Dolinsky, president of the Golden Nordic Ski Club Society, which runs the centre. “While tourism and recreation groups are attracted to more remote sites due to the pristine beauty and relative solitude, we want to minimize the impact of these sites while offering a quality experience.”

CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.