Smithers Golf Course Hits a Hole-in-One With Upgrades Thanks to PRPA Partnership

EFFECTIVE MARCH 7, 2024

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Smithers golf course is now up to par as a year-round recreational asset after work was done to make the course walkways accessible and safer throughout the winter months.

In partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund, the Smithers Golf and Country Club has completed work to enhance the cart paths and ensure the walkways are open and safe during the winter. The club also put up fencing and other barriers to ensure the rest of the golf course is protected during winter, and installed lighting enhancements for all 18 holes.

The golf course trails are used daily by community members for walking, snowshoeing, and tobogganing, and these improvements will see a broader use locally, regionally, and for visitors alike.

“Smithers is a very outdoor-oriented community, for all seasons,” said Andrew L’Orsa, President of the Smithers Golf and Country Club. “With the addition of the trail maintenance equipment, the club is now able to properly maintain the trails and will expand them in the years to come. The equipment is also a key addition to enhance the quality of the course throughout the year.”

With the improvements, the club expects participation numbers to increase even further, as the terrain is now entirely family-friendly.

“PRPA is proud to collaborate with this project that will improve and enhance health and the quality of life for Bulkley Valley communities, and the Northwest in general,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

PRPA’S Community Investment Fund contributed $78,500 to the project. This is the first time the Community Investment Fund has contributed to a project in the community of Smithers.