North Shore Ltd (“NSL”) , YMCA (“Y”) and Blue Mountain ("BLUE") have introduced an exciting youth initiative in the Collingwood and surrounding areas to promote youth engagement in skiing & snowboarding. For the purposes of this document all activities will be referred to as “Ski”.
The aim of the program is to reduce barriers for youth and their families to participate in family activities that are beyond their financial means but are right in their backyard. The benefits will accrue to the families and individual participants.
Second Tracks is a Ski term referencing First Tracks which means to get the first tracks in fresh snow early in the day. Second Tracks is a play on this terminology to reflect getting the next best tracks! The following are the main features of the program.
This is all inclusive to anyone who wishes to participate, regardless of if a Y member or not. This is a community initiative, open to anyone, but targeted toward youth experiencing low income in our local community and are new to these sports. (Collingwood, Blue Mountains, Clearview generally)
Participation will be focussed on creating opportunities for all our local youth to participate in a fun winter activity and even if we can get youth off their phone for a few hours, be outside and get challenged with a new activity that ideally is with their family or friends– we count this as a major win for mental, physical and social health outcomes.
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community. We serve over 50,000 people across Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound, with a focus on helping children and families reach their full potential. Through a wide range of programs, the YMCA provides essential services addressing mental health, youth development, fitness, and community engagement. In Collingwood specifically, the YMCA plays a crucial role by offering programs such as swim lessons, day camps, and health and fitness opportunities. These initiatives empower families, children, and individuals to lead healthier, more active lives while promoting inclusion and community connection. With a commitment to financial assistance, the YMCA ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access these life-changing services.
North Shore Ltd. A local company (www.northshore.ltd) specializing in supply and installation of building products. The owner, John Mealey is a Y kid from Sault Ste Marie and was former member of the Canadian Ski Team. John was past volunteer Chairman of Alpine Ontario, which is the Provincial Sport Organization for alpine skiing and was a member of a special Governance Task Force Committee to consolidate all clubs and Provinces to be compliant with the National Sport Policy. He also has extensive experience (20+ yrs) in Commercial Finance.
John is seeking to be involved in a durable charitable cause that can really move the needle for local families to encourage access to a sport that is so much fun!
Blue Mountain Resorts, Blue has been established since 1941 and has developed into one of the largest resorts in North America (by skier visits per acre). Blue has been a major economic driver in the Collingwood area for years and is thrilled to be a part of this initiative that is well aligned with managements desire to provide a lasting connection between the local community and the resort. For more information, pls visit www.bluemountain.ca
Rossignol Group. Is an international leading manufacture of sporting equipment. Chris Horan is Executive Vice President of North America and has fully endorsed the program and will be an active member of the Committee. https://www.grouperossignol.com/en/
Later Pizza. Later Pizza serves up our take on New York-style pizza at Endswell Brewery in Collingwood. Whether it’s takeout or dine-in, we bring bold creativity, quality ingredients, and welcoming hospitality for a fresh take on a classic favourite.
Collingwood Blues. (Bus service – info to follow)
Endorsements: The program has received endorsements from the Canadian Ski Council and Alpine Ontario Alpin.
Program launch ASAP since we have identified the need for winter clothing so kids can participate so we can launch the program early Jan 2025.
2024/25 will be mainly geared towards education and promotion of the program and to pilot the program at Blue Mountain to make any adjustments for future years.
Hard launch the program during 2025 season and collect equipment to be stored at 25 Sandford Fleming Drive so we can raise funds to fully implement the 2025/26 season. Rinse and repeat each year and amend the program as it matures.
Kids find an outlet to get outdoors, off their phones and involved in a new challenge that will ultimately improve their mental health.
Science supports what we all know about mental health.
The barriers to participate need to be eliminated.
The YMCA gains new youth members while expanding corporate reach into a highly concentrated pool of decision makers and potential donors.
North Shore LTD, Blue Mountain, Rossignol and other partners can channel its charitable efforts into its target market and help bridge the gap between the locals and private ski club members.
Skiers feel good about donating equipment to local youth and be able to get a tax receipt.
Blue Mountain gains new future skiers and potentially new employees while supporting the local community.
We are confident in the quality of our equipment and rentals, and we stand behind them with a quality guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your rental experience, we will do everything we can to make it right.
Second Tracks will measure the short and long-term effectiveness of this program by tracking participation year to year, satisfaction levels, engaging youth and families in evaluations and suggested improvements. This will provide sound data for sponsors and funders and allow evidenced based decision making. Second Tracks will also measure youth and family engagement in volunteering for the program in the future.
For more information, please contact any of the below Committee Members:
Second Tracks
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.