By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Avalanche Canada to receive $750,000 grant from the province

Jan 29, 2017 | 10:16 AM

LETHBRIDGE –  Out of all Canadian backcountry recreation users killed in avalanches in the past decade, nearly half of them were from Alberta, and two out of three snowmobilers killed in avalanches were also from this province.
 
That is why the provincial government says it’s partnering with Avalanche Canada to create a new $750,000 funding agreement for avalanche safety and education.
 
Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says the money will creat a safety net of sorts, for a growing sector of winter tourism, including snowmobilers, skiers and other winter backcountry reacreationists.
 
“More and more Albertans are heading into the backcountry each year. Avalanche Canada has a proven track record of preventing tragedies while promoting the safe and respectful use of our beautiful mountain environment.”
 
Avalanche Canada Executive Director Gilles Valade says his organization is looking forward to helping to educate more people.
 
“Avalanches are a natural part fo the winter mountain environment. They are also the deadliest natural hazard in Canada. By providing backcountry users with science-based and effective resources, we are working together to prevent tragedy.”
 
The provincial government has funded and supported Avalanche Canad for more than a decade. This new grant will give the organization $250,000 each year until 2020.