Let the winter adventures begin
DAY LODGE CAMPAIGN – Help Create a LEGACY that enriches our community!
Get ready for an exciting chapter at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club. We’re fundraising for a renewed public day lodge that will give us the space and amenities needed to welcome Nordic sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities—and we’re already well on the way there! BC Parks is our partner in the lodge project and has made a substantial financial commitment.
Thinking of Donating Securities?
To qualify for a 2024 tax receipt, securities donations should be donated by this Friday, December 13. This helps ensure there’s enough time for the stock transfer to occur before year end (from CanadaHelps).
We already have world-class trails. What if we had the lodge to match?
Situated deep in the majestic Silver Star Provincial Park, our 80 kilometres of cross-country, backcountry and snowshoe trails offer top-notch grooming and breathtaking beauty. Sovereign Lake Nordic Club (SLNC) is one of the North Okanagan’s best features and has become one of Canada’s top Nordic destinations, but our lodge hasn’t kept pace with our growing popularity.
Right now, our public facility operates out of a 30-year-old, 3,800 sq foot lodge designed for a much smaller community.
With more room to gather, get ready and grab a hot drink, and an accessible, inviting space in keeping with our beautiful backdrop, we can foster a love of Nordic sports as an affordable and inclusive lifelong activity—and host events with big economic benefits for the Club and the local community.
Outdoor Fun for Kids
School and community groups get to hit our trails almost daily in the winter and every year we see more children sign up for evening and weekend programs. Right now, all kids groups put on skis and eat lunch in a tiny cabin without washrooms. We can’t wait to welcome them in our warm and spacious new lodge.
Adaptive Adventures
With wheelchair-friendly entrance ramps and washrooms on both levels, an elevator and enough room to easily get around, our new day lodge will be an inclusive space for all.
Fitness & Friendship
Staying active in the outdoors brings tremendous benefits to physical health and mental wellbeing. With more space to have a coffee and catch up after hitting the trails, Sovereign’s day lodge will also be an important place to build social connections.
Welcome the World & Tourism Dollars
With more square footage and greater facilities, Sovereign can continue to meet growing demand from visitors and host Nordic skiing and biathlon races ranging from regional events up to international races and more. We already contribute $5.2 million to the BC economy in total spin-offs every year and with a new day lodge, our impact can only grow!
Lighten Our Environmental Impact
Modern heating systems and windows, better insulation and green materials means we can be good, energy efficient stewards.
A Place To Belong
As a community hub, Sovereign’s new day lodge will offer:
- 8,000 sq ft over two levels (compared to current 3,800 sq ft) with more room to gear up, warm up and catch up!
- Fully accessible amenities, including entrance ramps, bathrooms, hallways and gathering spaces on both levels, and an elevator
- Kitchen facilities to prepare hot meals for club gatherings and special events
As a public facility in a provincial park for all of us to enjoy
- SLNC is working with BC Parks to advance the functional and schematic designs, and BC Parks will manage the day lodge construction, including taking the financial risk
- As Park Use permit holders, we are responsible for improvements to the buildings we use, and BC Parks has generously committed $1.4 million to the project
- This facility is for everyone to use and experience the benefits
GIVE TO THE SOVEREIGN DAY LODGE
Every dollar counts in the construction of this community lodge! Join us in creating a legacy of outdoor winter enjoyment for so many children, families, seniors and athletes for years to come.
Breaking ground target: Spring 2025
Ready target: 2026-27 season
On-line Gifts of $20 and Up
Donate online and get a tax-deductible receipt from Nordiq Canada. There is no limit to what one can give through Nordiq Canada (except your own credit card limit). If you would like your gift acknowledged in a special way (or anonymously), please include a note in the “Comments” box on Nordiq Canada’s donation page. Possible examples include “The Xyz Family”, “Mary and John Smith”, “In memory of Abcd Lastname”, and “Anonymous”.
Matching Opportunity – You made it happen!
During the October 24, 2024 kick-off event, we announced that an anonymous donor would match any donations from the local community up to a value of $40,000, until February 14, 2025. The response has been terrific and the donations from our Nordic community have surpassed the $40,000 target, unlocking the full gift. Thanks to all of you who made it happen.
Other Ways to Give
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In-kind donation of building materials or services
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Stocks, bonds and other securities (via Nordiq Canada and Canada Helps)
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Cash or cheque
We can help you learn more about to make these types of donations and how we’ll recognize you, including tailored recognition plans for those giving $25,000 and up. Tax receipts will be provided for all donations.
SOVEREIGN’S IMPACT
Every winter
- 500 skiers age 3-80+ in programs
- 500 volunteers coaching, running events, maintaining facilities
- 2,000 children from local schools try skiing and snowshoeing
- people with different abilities
- seniors enjoying activity and camaraderie
- 2,000 passholders
- 50,000 annual day visits from local residents and visitors from across North America and beyond
- 4 major ski and biathlon events
- $5.2 million economic impact to BC economy (direct, indirect and induced)
Our Guiding Documents
- Lodge Renewal Project Terms of Reference
- The Need for Lodge Renewal – Backgrounder
- Lodge Renewal Project – Poster
- Community Engagement Updates
- Lodge Renewal Newsletter Update Jan 5th, 2024
- 2023-25 Mini Strategic Plan
FAQs
Why is SLNC planning to upgrade the day lodge now?
At 35 years old, the existing day lodge is nearing the end of its useful life. It’s too small for SLNC’s current needs, lacks accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and does not meet current building standards in several ways. Also, renting ski and snowshoe gear was not envisioned when the lodge was built, so the space is cramped and it’s tricky for people with their rental equipment to get in and out.
How did you come up with the schematic design plans? Can I comment on them?
The current Lodge Committee reviewed work completed by previous committees over the past 10 years and built on that information by consulting with SLNC members, visitors, program participants, staff, and coaches. From this, the committee was able to determine the space and functionality needs for all users of the lodge. Then, with the help of an SLNC member and retired architect, the functional design was turned into preliminary hand drawings (floor plans) of the renovated/expanded lodge. Those sketches were then provided to the architecture firm that developed the current preliminary schematic drawings. The current drawings are not the final design and we welcome comments and suggestions.
Will SLNC always operate the Nordic ski area at Sovereign Lake?
BC Parks has granted SLNC a 20-year extension of our Park Use Permit, up from the usual five years. SLNC will be running the Nordic Centre, including the day lodge, trails, and cabins, until at least 2043.
If the infrastructure at Sovereign Lake is the property of the Crown, then why isn’t BC Parks providing more funding?
Our partners at BC Parks have generously committed $1.4 million to the project. With this solid start, and as our donations grow, the Lodge Committee continues to look for other government funding opportunities like gaming money and special grants.
Who will manage construction? Are cost overruns a concern?
BC Parks will be responsible for hiring the building contractor and managing the project. In doing so, they will assume responsibility for any cost overruns. This significantly reduces SLNC’s risks.
Will the building project be sustainable?
One of the main goals of the Lodge Legacy Project is to minimize the environmental footprint of lodge operations, including saving energy and minimizing carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources will be considered where possible.
How will we accommodate children and young families?
The additional floor space and washrooms will make it possible for school groups (during the week) and kids’ programs (weekends & evenings) to get ready for their adventures in the main lodge rather than in the old cabin. There will also be room for a small play area for younger children and more washrooms with change tables.
Can you suggest how much should I donate?
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club will be grateful for a gift of any amount. As a guideline, our fundraising target from SLNC passholders, visitors and friends is $650,000. With our approximately 2,200 passholders, that works out to an average commitment of about $300. Of course, some people will do more, and some will do less, but we encourage everyone in our Nordic skiing and snowshoeing community to help according to their ability. One can also help by donating their time to support the fundraising initiative (e.g. organizing a raffle, grant writing, etc.).
Will I receive a tax receipt if I donate?
Yes. Nordiq Canada is accepting donations on our behalf (as a qualified donee) and will issue a tax receipt to help you save on your income taxes.
How will a donation affect my tax refund?
In Canada, charitable donations receive tax credits on donations. For example, if a BC resident makes a $500 donation, one would get $178 of that back as a credit. Your personal out-of-pocket costs would be only $322.
What happens if SLNC doesn’t raise all the money needed for the lodge?
The money will be put to work to improve the lodge, regardless of the amount raised. The current lodge needs work to enable it to continue to serve the Nordic community. Doing nothing is not an option. If we don’t achieve our full fundraising target the project will be scaled back, possibly to a smaller addition plus renovation, or just renovation.
Can I get my money back if you don’t build the full project?
Once you receive an official tax receipt for the Canadian Revenue Agency, charities and other qualified donees are not allowed to return the donation—but rest assured we are committed to building a day lodge our community can be proud of!
How will accessibility for persons with mobility issues be improved?
The plans for the lodge include wider doors, an elevator, and more wheelchair-access washrooms. Also, with the larger floor area, the general flow through the building should be much better.
Why is SLNC planning to expand the current lodge rather than building something new?
The Lodge Committee commissioned a study by a structural engineer who concluded that the building could be added onto, subject to first completing some repairs in the crawl space. This has created the opportunity to reduce the overall cost of the project by expanding and renovating (avoiding the cost and environmental impact of demolishing the old building). However, now that the space and functional needs have been defined, the current plan could be changed to a new stand-alone building if there is a good reason to do so and the additional funds can be secured.
The new plan looks a lot like a previous plan from 2017/18. Are we just going back to the old plan?
Although the exterior views of the proposed lodge may not have changed much, the interior configuration is very different, and it addresses the needs of users more effectively.
Will there be lockers for skis? What about showers?
There are no plans to include lockers for skis in the lodge. Very few people expressed an interest in having lockers to leave their skis at Sovereign, and space for lockers would add significantly to the project cost. Similarly, there was little interest in showers; they would be expensive to build, put pressure on the groundwater well and septic field, and are expensive to clean and maintain.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
Spread the Word
Invite us to give a presentation
Give Time
Interested in volunteering at fundraising events?
Contact us at
Can you suggest how much should I donate?
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club will be grateful for a gift of any amount. As a guideline, our fundraising target from SLNC passholders, visitors and friends is $650,000. With our approximately 2,200 passholders, that works out to an average commitment of about $300. Of course, some people will do more, and some will do less, but we encourage everyone in our Nordic skiing and snowshoeing community to help according to their ability. One can also help by donating their time to support the fundraising initiative (e.g. organizing a raffle, grant writing, etc.).
Will I receive a tax receipt if I donate?
Yes. Nordiq Canada is accepting donations on our behalf (as a qualified donee) and will issue a tax receipt to help you save on your income taxes.
How will a donation affect my tax refund?
In Canada, charitable donations receive tax credits on donations. For example, if a BC resident makes a $500 donation, one would get $178 of that back as a credit. Your personal out-of-pocket costs would be only $322.
What happens if SLNC doesn’t raise all the money needed for the lodge?
The money will be put to work to improve the lodge, regardless of the amount raised. The current lodge needs work to enable it to continue to serve the Nordic community. Doing nothing is not an option. If we don’t achieve our full fundraising target the project will be scaled back, possibly to a smaller addition plus renovation, or just renovation.
Can I get my money back if you don’t build the full project?
Once you receive an official tax receipt for the Canadian Revenue Agency, charities and other qualified donees are not allowed to return the donation—but rest assured we are committed to building a day lodge our community can be proud of!
How will accessibility for persons with mobility issues be improved?
The plans for the lodge include wider doors, an elevator, and more wheelchair-access washrooms. Also, with the larger floor area, the general flow through the building should be much better.
Why is SLNC planning to expand the current lodge rather than building something new?
The Lodge Committee commissioned a study by a structural engineer who concluded that the building could be added onto, subject to first completing some repairs in the crawl space. This has created the opportunity to reduce the overall cost of the project by expanding and renovating (avoiding the cost and environmental impact of demolishing the old building). However, now that the space and functional needs have been defined, the current plan could be changed to a new stand-alone building if there is a good reason to do so and the additional funds can be secured.
The new plan looks a lot like a previous plan from 2017/18. Are we just going back to the old plan?
Although the exterior views of the proposed lodge may not have changed much, the interior configuration is very different, and it addresses the needs of users more effectively.
Will there be lockers for skis? What about showers?
There are no plans to include lockers for skis in the lodge. Very few people expressed an interest in having lockers to leave their skis at Sovereign, and space for lockers would add significantly to the project cost. Similarly, there was little interest in showers; they would be expensive to build, put pressure on the groundwater well and septic field, and are expensive to clean and maintain.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
Spread the Word
Invite us to give a presentation
Give Time
Interested in volunteering at fundraising events?
Contact us at