Alberta government extends avalanche safety funding
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The Alberta government is extending funding to Avalanche Canada, committing $750,000 over the next three years to supportthe organization’s safety and educationprograms.
Executive director Gilles Valade said the agreement, announced Thursday in Banff, gives the non-profit groupfinancial stability at a time when backcountry winter use is “exploding.”
“Despite this overwhelming growth in numbers, the average number of avalanche fatalities each season has remained relatively steady,” he said. “Unfortunately, over the past decade, half of the avalanche fatalities in Canada are residents of Alberta.”
The province has funded Avalanche Canada since 2005. The organization also draws on private and corporate support, which it said has declined during the recession.
Valade said fundingis mostlyearmarked for education and outreach safety programs targetingschools and backcountryenthusiasts.
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