BROOKVALE, P.E.I. — The pride was evident in Mark Arendz’s voice as he participated in Friday's announcement of more than $3 million being invested in facility upgrades at the provincial ski park that bears his name.
The work will include improvements to the ski trails, biathlon shooting range, start and finish stadium and the penalty loop for the 2023 Canada Winter Games on P.E.I. The park, located in Brookvale, hosted events in the 1991 Canada Winter Games.
“The legacy from ’91 was essentially what gave me my passion and started the spark to follow my dreams in biathlon and cross-country skiing,” Arendz said during the virtual announcement. “Without the facility from the ’91 Games, and that legacy that was built then, I would not have been able to discover biathlon and cross-country skiing and be able to take it to where I am today.”
Arendz is an eight-time Paralympic champion, a three-time participant in the Paralympic Games and has 14 world championship medals to his credit.
He said the upgrades will facilitate a modern style of cross-country skiing and biathlon.
“When the park was originally built for the 1991 (Canada Winter) Games, the trails weren’t necessarily as wide and the focus was on the classic style of cross-country skiing, where now the sport has evolved,” said Arendz.
He noted biathlon requires a slightly wider trail than cross-country skiing, and some of the improvements will allow two athletes to race side by side.
Arendz said the upgrades will facilitate a modern style of cross-country skiing and biathlon.
“When the park was originally built for the 1991 (Canada Winter) Games, the trails weren’t necessarily as wide, and the focus was on the classic style of cross-country skiing, where now the sport has evolved,” said Arendz.
He noted biathlon requires a slightly wider trail than cross-country skiing, and some of the improvements will allow two athletes to race side by side.
The provincial and federal governments are sharing the cost of the project.
“Whether you are a competitive or recreational skier, these upgrades to the ski park will serve Islanders for years to come,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada's infrastructure and communities minister. “Athletes and visitors to the 2023 Canada Winter Games will get an incredible skiing experience, and the province gets an economic and sporting legacy it can continue to take pride in.”
Matthew MacKay, P.E.I.'s minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, said an upgraded facility is something that will benefit P.E.I. athletes for many years to come.
“This will provide them with an incredible training ground in their own backyard to help get them onto the podium,” said MacKay. “As Mark can certainly attest to, having this kind of facility here at home will create opportunities to foster greater growth and interest in sports like biathlon and cross-country skiing right here in our own home.”
Wayne Carew, co-chairman of the 2023 Canada Games board, said the announcement “underscores” the host society’s commitment to the province to organize a world-class event and provide competition across P.E.I.
“This will have a positive impact on all Island residents for many, many years to come,” he said.
