SPEARHEAD TRAVERSE HUTS CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

After 10 years, thousands of hours of volunteer time and extraordinary generosity of some amazing people, the first of the three huts in the Spearhead Huts system has received final approval from BC Parks and construction has begun.

The Alpine Club of Canada – Whistler Section and the Spearhead Huts Society officially broke ground earlier this week with site preparation at the Kees and Claire Hut site located at Russet Lake. Excavation is underway to put in the foundations and if time permits, a grey water dispersion field this summer.

Construction of the hut structure will take place next summer, with the hut projected to open in January 2019. The two-phase schedule significantly improves the construction team's ability to react to changing weather conditions, snow pack variations, helicopter availability, and other variables to ensure a successful outcome.

Hundreds of people and organization have donated time, energy and funds over these many years to help this 50-year-old dream become a reality. The ACC - Whistler Section and the Spearhead Huts Society are especially grateful to BC Parks and its staff for their support and hard work to make this project happen; to the Brenninkmeyer family for their incredible gift on behalf of Kees Brenninkmeyer and Claire Dixon; to the Brett Carlson Memorial Foundation for their gift for the lounge area; and, to the family and friends of Barbara McGeough for their gift to create a fabulous kitchen area.

The Kees and Claire Hut still needs additional funding to build some important additional amenities that will make the hut even more comfortable, enjoyable, and on par with its world-class setting. The Spearhead Huts Project is an ambitious undertaking that requires the assistance of many people, businesses, and service providers to make it the best that it can be. The Spearhead Huts Society is a registered charity and donations are fully tax-deductible. Donate today at spearheadhuts.org/how-you-can-help/donate.

The Spearhead Huts Society is also actively seeking volunteer assistance to help reach this summer's objectives. Potential volunteers can see the construction schedule and consider signing up for a shift on site: spearheadhuts.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer-sign-up. What a great place to spend a week in the alpine, being part of this legacy.