Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride has become a community-owned ski hill with six families investing in the Eagle Lake business, and another three or four expected to join.
Former sole owner, Doug Wilkinson, said Dec. 16 that a mix of families from the Eagle Lake and Haliburton areas had come onboard.
While the Wilkinson family will retain 20 per cent ownership, the new families include the Greenleys, Campbells, Delameres, Hayes, and Hamiltons.
They responded to the Wilkinson’s offer last spring to buy into the tourism establishment.
They have also struck a board of directors, led by new chair, Mike Greenley.
“This is an exciting time for Sir Sam’s and the broader community, as the facility goes through the next phase of its growth. It is essential that Sir Sam’s meets the recreational and entertainment interests of the local community, while also welcoming visitors to our area on a regular basis,” he said.
Greenley added, “I am excited to join the ownership group of Sir Sam’s and to take the role of chair of the ownership board of directors as we support David Bishop, our new general manager. Sir Sam’s has been a key part of my extended family’s life for over a decade and I am eager to help lead its growth into the future.”
Wilkinson had committed to three years of ownership and last spring the family went out to the community to offer part of the hill for sale. The first round closed in early November. They have begun a second round.
The ski hill opened the Dec. 14-15 weekend.
Wilkinson added the new board will provide oversight and strategic direction for the hill. “Everybody is very much aligned on making sure the hill survives for the longterm, and is thriving for the betterment of the overall community, which will allow future generations to enjoy the hill like we have, so that’s a big deal for me, which is great.”
He said the move further “allows me to do exactly what the original plan was two to three years ago, as an investor, not owner, to use the proceeds from the equity raised on the hill to invest in other businesses in the Haliburton County area. We are looking for complementary businesses in the area of fun; other outdoor activities or businesses that provide fun for folks that come to the County, or live in the County.”
But for now, he said, “we’re glad we could hold to the commitment that we made back in the spring about opening it up and turning it into a community hill.”
If anyone is interested in discussing investment with Wilkinson, he can be reached at doug@sirsams.com.
