The Osoyoos Indian Band and Baldy Capital Corporation are pleased to announce the successful negotiation of a new Benefits Agreement and ongoing partnership. The new Benefits Agreement is designed to expand access to Mount Baldy Ski Area for the Osoyoos Indian Band members, by providing season lift passes for all Osoyoos Band members, access to rental equipment and increased availability of ski and snowboard lessons.
Moving forward this new agreement also provides for an annual lease payment by Baldy Capital Corporation for land on the hill, owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band. Within this agreement there is an option for Baldy Capital Corporation to purchase this land or trade for a different land parcel in the future. The Osoyoos Indian Band will also receive an ownership interest in Baldy Capital Corporation, which will facilitate the planning of future development in a co-operative and consultative manner between the two partners.
“Our support for the continued operation and development of Mt. Baldy has helped bring Mount Baldy Ski Area back to life this past season and we look forward to working with Baldy Capital Corporation in their efforts to create a new operating model to sustain and grow the ski resort in the future. We have confidence in the management team within Baldy Capital Corporation and want to work in partnership with them to bring back Mount Baldy Ski Area to the success it once had.” said Chief Clarence Louie.
Fred Johnston, of Baldy Capital Corporation stated “We appreciate the working relationship which we are building with the Osoyoos Indian Band. Without their co-operation and support we would not have been able to open the hill successfully this past season”. Moving forward we believe this new partnership allows both parties to succeed and allows the ski hill to proposer for generations to come.”
About Mt. Baldy Ski Area:
Mt. Baldy Ski Area is a unique family ski area known for its regular and abundant dry powder snow, sunny conditions and uncrowded runs and lift lines. Baldy Capital Corporation’s development plans for the next several years will be focused on steadily improving the on-hill recreational experience for all of its guests, expanding and improving food and beverage services, upgrading and replacing current facilities, replacing the rental equipment and establishing new on-hill accommodations for overnight and weekend guests. Part of Baldy Capital Corporation growth strategy is a commitment to the local community and developing partnerships that will see the whole valley benefit from the success of the ski hill. Baldy Capital Corporation has already developed and secured partnerships with many of the local hotels, charities, chamber of commerce, tourism boards, Rotary Clubs, and many more. Baldy Capital Corporation wants to play an important role in the development of the Okanogan Valley and the development of these and future partnerships is integral to the overall plan for the ski hill.
About The Osoyoos Indian Band:
The Okanagan First Nation people have lived in the Okanagan region for thousands of years. With Band membership totaling over 400, the Osoyoos Indian Band members honor the hard working self-supporting lifestyle of their ancestors by developing their own economy through their business initiatives. Situated in one of Canada’s premier agricultural and tourism regions the Band controls over 32,000 acres offering opportunities in agriculture, eco-tourism, commercial, industrial, and residential developments. Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation manages 9 companies and provides employment for over 80 Band members. Through land leases and joint ventures the Band has built meaningful business relationships that have created social and employment opportunities for both Natives and non-Natives in the South Okanagan. The Chief and Council of OIB are business people who have a desire to develop more business opportunities. See more at www.oib.ca