Clarington Council Supports Reopening of Ontario Ski Hills

On January 4, 2021, the Clarington General Government Committee passed Resolution # GG-033-21, which supports the reopening of ski hills in Ontario. The resolution was moved by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor Zwart. The committee noted that Brimacombe, a local ski club, laid off 278 employees on December 24, 2020, which significantly impacts the local economy. The resolution highlighted that the COVID-19 province-wide shutdown, effective from December 26, 2020, until January 23, 2021, has led to 9,000 job losses and $84 million in economic losses across 52 ski areas in Ontario. The committee emphasized the importance of snow sports for employment and mental health, and recognized that ski resorts have implemented safety protocols to protect skiers. The resolution calls for the immediate reopening of Ontario ski hills and requests their exclusion from any continued shutdown if restrictions are extended beyond January 23, 2021. The motion will be distributed to relevant provincial officials and organizations, including Premier Ford and the Ontario Snow Resorts Association.