December 2, 2002 (Edmonton, AB) – The Edmonton Nordic Ski Club opened its new biathlon facility, November 28. The 30-lane, fully baffled safety range is located on the east boundary of the City of Edmonton in the County of Strathcona.

The new facility is Canada's first biathlon facility to be located in a major urban area. Located in the northeast corner of the Strathcona Science provincial park, the site will serve as the new home for Edmonton Nordic's biathlon program one of the strongest programs in North America.

Edmonton Nordic biathlon program coordinator Kathy Brodeur-Robb said the project has become a reality because of the hard work of many Edmonton Nordic members and the financial support of Biathlon Alberta, Edmonton Nordic, provincial granting agencies, the Armed Forces and in-kind corporate support. “This enhances the Edmonton area's strong reputation for nordic sport,” she says. “Our most important goal is to get more kids involved in our sport. This new facility allows us to do that.”

Edmonton Nordic executive member Michael Robb pointed out that the club has also been responsible for the development of over 9.3 kilometres of lighted ski trails in the City. “The county and provincial authorities obviously had confidence in our club's ability to enhance the nordic facilities in the Capital Region. We are extremely grateful for their support.”

The club has invited local cadet corps and other local nordic ski clubs to use the facility as well. In the short term, the site will play host to training camps and regional races. In the longer term, the club expects to play host to provincial, national and international competitions.