Kamiskotia Snow Resort’s plea to city council to help it out of financial straits turns out to be worth more than first reported.
Earlier this month, the resort asked for $160,000 to pay off back taxes. City finance director Natalie Moore told council Tuesday night that tax arrears are closer to $175,000. There’s also an outstanding balance of $153,000 on an interest-free loan.
The consensus of council is to ask for audited financial statements before any decision is made.
Mayor George Pire also noted that his advice to approach the Timmins Economic Development Corporation has not yet been followed up on.
It’s for two things: “Number 1, look at any possible grants that may be out there,” Pirie said, “and also specifically in relation to any opportunities vis-à-vis the grants associated with biomass, anything to reduce their energy consumption.”
Kamiskotia representatives will be asked to appear before council at its October 8th meeting.
Councillor John Curley said every time there’s a new board, it asks for city money.
“I don’t know when we put the brakes on,” he remarked.
Council Andrew Marks said audited financial statements are needed, otherwise whatever Kamiskotia claims is unproven.
“That’s what we should be basing our decisions on,” said Marks. “And I agree that that would also, after a discussion at the last meeting, allow them to apply for additional grants if they had audited statements.”
Those financial statements will be part of what Kamiskotia’s asked to bring to the October 8th council meeting.