Carving a Winter Legacy with Upgrades to the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park
Funding provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Tucked in the picturesque rolling hills of Brookvale, Prince Edward Island, the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park reveals itself as a winter wonderland for a snowy escape. As the first snow blankets the park, it comes to life, drawing outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy a plethora of winter activities — from cross-country and alpine skiing to snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing.
Did you know?
In 2023, Prince Edward Island hosted the Canada Winter Games to highlight the top athletic talent in Canada. With 3,600 participants, 5,000 volunteers, and thousands of fans over a two-week period, the Games featured 20 sports and over 150 events.
With federal infrastructure funding, this beloved park received some significant upgrades, just in time for the much-anticipated 2023 Canada Winter Games. The upgrades not only enhance the overall experience for visitors but also establishes the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park as a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts, both seasoned and aspiring, from near and far.
The expansion and realignment of over 7.5 km of existing trails, complemented with an additional 500 meters of brand new trails, allow for alpine, freestyle, and snowboarding events, which the park wasn’t previously able to host. State-of-the-art amenities, including a storage facility, biathlon target system, start/finish stadium, penalty loop, a modern team waxing building, and fully accessible washrooms and elevator have been added, improving the experience for athletes and maintenance crews alike. Even spectators' visits are now more enjoyable with the addition of an accessible path that connects the lodge, stadium, and drop-off/pickup areas. These enhancements ensure a top-tier experience for athletes and create an inviting atmosphere for everyone who visits the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park.
These enhancements took center stage during the 2023 Canada Winter Games, forming the backbone of a successful and memorable event that welcomed thousands of visitors. The Games, held from February 18 to March 5, 2023, showcased the park’s new and updated infrastructure, designed to accommodate the significant influx of participants and spectators. Islanders will continue to enjoy the lasting impact of these improvements for decades to come. The Mark Arendz Provincial Park remains as a space for athlete development and increasing opportunities for competitive sports and recreational activities, reflecting the province’s dedication to active living for all.
The federal investment in expanding, modernizing, and improving accessibility have elevated the Mark Arendz Provincial Park to new heights as a winter sports destination while playing a crucial role in ensuring the park’s readiness for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. This strategic investment provides modern facilities and upgraded infrastructure, promoting active lifestyles, boosting tourism, and creating lasting memories for all who visit.
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Quick facts:
- The park is named in honour of Mark Arendz and his accomplishments as an eight-time Paralympic medalist.
- The Mark Arendz Provincial Park employs approximately 100 people during the winter season.
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
- The Government of Canada has invested $283 million in 142 infrastructure projects across Prince Edward Island under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.