Manitouwadge’s New Staff Members Meet Kiwissa Team

Written by admin on 12 December 2011

Kiwissa Ski Club President Ed Hedderson (pointing) provides EDO Anthony Friedrich and DCS Daniel Deschamps with information regarding the skiing/snowboarding experience at Kiwissa, and the services and support the Club provides to skiers, snowboarders and the Township through their volunteerism at Kiwissa. Photo OntarionNewsNorth.com

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Monday December 5th, the new Director of Community Services (aka Rec Director) Daniel Deschamps for the Corporation of the Township of Manitouwadge arrived to begin work following the arrival of the community’s new Economic Development Officer Anthony Friedrich the week prior. Though Friedrich and Deschamps have had little time to formally discuss any opportunities that may exist, (having been in their positions for 2 and 1 week(s) respectively) each, during their interview with OntarioNewsNorth.com, expressed significant interest in working with the other to maximize potential benefits of cross-promotion between departments and possibly revive the ‘Play in the Extreme’ branding.

Community Services Programmer Shawna Patterson and Economic Development Department Adminstrative Assistant Karen Robinson enthusiastically welcomed their new supervisors working with them to ensure the departments would smoothly transition through any changes necessary. The new Director and Officer for their part, quickly began the task of assimilation and familiarizing themselves with related facilities, budgets, contacts and more.

Among those places visited by the pair together was the Kiwissa Ski Centre. Community Services Progammer Shawna Patterson led the pairs tour of Kiwissa; there they met with Ski Club President Ed Hedderson and Ski Centre Manager Dave Young. The centre is one of the facilities the Township is most proud of; modern snow-making equipment, well-maintained trails, active Club providing a plethera of services and much more it is the envy of area communities. The township ‘big-wigs’ learned from Dave Young of the challenges and successes he has had with the snow-making equipment, of his training schedule for 2011-12 lift operators and supervisors, and other related information. Young informed the group that snow-making had begun the day prior (Tuesday, December 6th) and suggested a December 28th opening date for the ski center though he added that this was dependent on cooperation from Mother Nature and that either colder temperatures or more snow would be necessary for the date to remain realistic. Ed Hedderson provided a tour of the equipment rental room, shared information regarding the center’s runs, including the 614 run added last year, and details of the many roles played by club volunteers including promoting the hill, working ski-patrol and more.

Both Friedrich and Deschamps were pleased with everything they learned during the tour; having their belief in Manitouwadge’s ability to successfully promote recreational facilities beyond the municipality thoroughly validated by the new information provided to them.