Friends of Shames

What we are doing

The outcome of the FoS work will be a well researched plan to keep Shames Mountain operating in a way that ensures its long-term viability with a commitment to the communities that support it.

So far the FoS has accomplished the following:

Gathered and shared information with the communities of Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert
Hosted town hall meetings in both Terrace and Prince Rupert to hear from the communities and share what FoS is doing
Set up a website, Facebook page and contact email address to share information
Researched other ski areas, societies, charities and co-operatives to Shames
Connected with current ownership of Shames Mountain to ensure alignment of intent
Extensively reviewed business model options including non-profit (society), co-operative and charity business structures
Consulted with lawyers and consultants who specialize in non-profit and alternative business structures
Determined that the community service co-operative model as the best legal structure from which to build a business plan
Commenced the business planning process

What is FoS?

Friends of Shames (FoS) is a non-profit organization with the purpose of developing and supporting the long-term viability and a sustainable plan for the Shames Mountain Ski Area.

The Friends of Shames steering committee is gathering information for the purpose of:

determining the strongest, most effective business model for ensuring the long-term viability of Shames Mountain Ski Area;
developing a business plan that will see Shames Mountain operated in a way that is economically viable for the long term;
managed to create benefits for skiers and the community;
governed by people and the community, not by share capital;
reasonably protected from being taken over and managed for purposes other than the good of the community and its skiers;
reasonably protected from regional/global economic instability;
able to partner with government, community organizations and business;
locally rooted, but global in reach;
not too big to retain the local spirit, but not too small to meet the needs listed here;
affordable for users