Marble Mountain chair to get $3.5M lift from government coffers
The provincial government has committed to spending some $3.5-million to help rebuild a chair lift at Marble Mountain in Steady Brook, just outside of Corner Brook.
The "Governor's Express" was destroyed by fire caused by a lightning strike last month.
The lift is insured, but only to a maximum of $1.2 million. However, the total cost for replacement is estimated at $4.7 million.
Tourism Minister Tony Cornect described the expenditure as a worthy investment of public money.
The ski facility is a hub for winter tourism on the west cost, he said, and attracts users from all over the province.
The lift was built two decades ago, yet is one of the newest on the hill.
Replacing it gives new life to the facility, Cornect added, and will ensure the 2014-15 ski season is not interrupted.
Marble Mountain is also scheduled to host the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Games.
The hill, meanwhile, is scheduled to open Dec. 26.