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Mountain Centre hosts another great season

Vancouver Island Mountain Centre hosted visitors from B.C. and beyond during their successful winter season.

From winter sports teams to yoga retreats and various community groups, the not-for-profit Vancouver Island Mountain Centre (VIMC) at Mount Washington had another great winter season hosting people from all over B.C. and beyond.

Building on the number of guests in the inaugural year, 2012/2013 saw the number of overnight guests grow by 64 per cent; nearly 400 people registered for outdoor programs, more than 450 used the GoodLife Fitness-sponsored Centre and over 225 met in the ample conference space. Most of the guests came from the Comox Valley area (57 per cent), a further 34 per cent from other parts of Vancouver Island and nine per cent visited from other parts of the province.

“The key ingredient to our success has been strong and consistent community support combined with the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors,” said Andrew Scherck, manager of VIMC. “Courtenay Canadian Tire donated a new barbecue, ViaSport BC provided funding which, in partnership with the Vancouver Island Biathlon Club, allowed the development of a new Discover Biathlon Program and the Rotary Club of Courtenay funded the outfitting of the self-catering kitchen.”

The support has continued into the spring and summer seasons with funds to this unique community centre at Mount Washington coming from ViaSport BC (a new Orienteering course), Human Resource Development Canada (two summer student hires) and the Comox Valley Regional District (crucial operating funds).

“The snow left earlier this year, which means a longer hiking season in the sub alpine environment,” added Scherck. “We are open for business year round and offer incredible deals on accommodation in the non-winter months. It’s a perfect location to start your outdoor adventure, host your meeting or use as a training base in the 3500ft alpine.”

VIMC provides group accommodation for up to 40 people, full kitchen and dining facilities, ample parking, amazing views of Mt. Albert Edward, plus meeting rooms and the VI Mountain Fitness Centre.

Find the VIMC at Mount Washington at the end of Nordic Road across from Raven Lodge and Strathcona Park’s Paradise Meadows. Visit www.vimountaincentre.com for more information.

— Vancouver Island Mountain Centre