CALGARY \u2013The Alberta government is spending $750,000 over the next three years to support Avalanche Canada, an organization which provides education and public awareness services to those looking to explore the backcountry.<\/p>\n
Cam Westhead, member for Banff-Cochrane, says the difference between life and death sometimes comes down to one’s level of preparedness.<\/p>\n
He says being ready means investing in time and resources.<\/p>\n
The Kananaskis Country Public Safety Team receives roughly 300 to 400 calls per year, including eight to 10 avalanche responses.<\/p>\n
Gilles Valade, executive director of Avalanche Canada, says winter backcountry use is exploding.<\/p>\n
Avalanche Canada works with Parks Canada and the Alberta Snowmobile Association to ensure park users and school students receive education in backcountry and avalanche safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe money is used for a lot of outreach and education,\u201d said Valade. \u201cWe have a lot of programs in Alberta that target schools, youth, and snowmobilers. We participate in outreach events, and we also produce forecasts and information for backcountry users.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valade said without the funding they cannot operate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the economy in the last few years has been challenging,\u201d said Valade. \u201cWe’ve lost some corporate sponsors, so stable government funding is very, very important.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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