June 20, 2018 (Hamilton, ON) – Cross-country skiing could return to the Hamilton mountain area if a bold new $7 million proposal for a “Winter Wonderland” including professionally designed tobogganing hills, a concrete skating loop, fat biking and more comes to fruition.

Although just entering the design study phase, the project is already garnering some serious attention in the local media both for the adventurous nature of the proposal as well as steep price tag.

As the report states, “People will be able to enjoy tobogganing and skating at the newly constructed hills and artificially refrigerated skating loop. Additionally, the proposed support buildings will provide space for change rooms and concession stand as well as a separate Zamboni building. The proposed trail system will connect with the existing trails at William Connell Park to the east and offer opportunities for kilometres of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking.”

The winter destination facility was originally proposed for nearby Garth Street Reservoir, but Hamilton city staff determined the 20-hectare William Connell Park, currently home to a number of soccer fields, tennis courts and other summertime facilities, offered more opportunities for winter recreation.

Councillor Terry Whitehead, who put forward the proposal, has been a champion of winter sports on council.

CHCH TV here
The CBC report is here.
The Hamilton Public Works Committee item is here.