By Trish Dunn
With many indoor sports and activities shut down, people are turning to the outdoors. Here’s a round-up of local sporting equipment rentals.
Dunster Schoolhouse
X-Country Ski Rentals: adult and kids sizes (they go quickly and there are only a few skis left, but still lots of boots and poles, according to Kat McNaughton, chair of the Dunster Schoolhouse Society). Cost is by donation. Rental sets can be returned in the spring or rented by the day or week. Call the Dunster Store at 250-968-4488. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Skates: Adult and kids sizes – lots of hockey skates and figure skates still available. Cost is by donation. They are available to rent for a day, week or season. They can be rented by getting a key from the Dunster store and picking out the ones you want. The store records what you have taken and payment is due upon returning them. Call the Dunster Store at 250-968-4488. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Canoe Valley Community Association (at Valemount Lions hall)
X-Country Ski Rentals: $50 for the season with a $160 deposit. Sizes Available from 5-7yrs to Adult. Contact Rita at 250-566-1879.
The McBride and District Library – 250-569-2411
The library has 8 pairs of adult snowshoes to rent (3 different adult sizes, depending on weight) and 3 pairs of children’s snowshoes. People just need a library card and they then borrow them just like a book. Holiday Hours: Closed Dec. 24-Jan 1st. Last day before break Dec. 23rd 10:30-5. Re-opens Sat. Jan 2nd 2:30-5. Reg. Hours: Tues 10-5 & 7-9, Wed&Thurs 10-5, Fri 1-8, and Sat 2-5.
Valemount Library 250-566-4367
- Rentals are available to library patron card holders, generally for one week loans, and can be picked up and/or dropped off during library hours (currently Tues, Thurs, Fri 12-4, Wed 12-9 and Sat 12-4). Holiday hours: Closing Dec. 24 at 3pm and re-opening Jan 2nd at noon.
- Winter sports equipment:
The library has 15 pairs of snowshoes; 6 kids sets up to 100 lbs, 3 adult ones up to 150 lbs, 3 adult sets up to 200 lbs, and 3 adult sets up to 300 lbs. - Non-sporting gear (some items only available starting 2021):
The library recently added a collection of lendable technology; 2 VR headsets, 1 radon detector, 1 drone with camera, 1 new HD Kobo Clara e-Reader, 1 smart telescope, 1 thermal imaging camera, 1 GPS, 4 birding backpacks (2 adult and 2 kids, with binoculars), 1 digital projector, 1 camcorder with tripod, and a children’s collection of LeapPads, LeapReader, and Learning tablets.
Musical instrument rentals: so far they have 1 acoustic guitar, 2 ukuleles, and 1 steel tongue drum.
For summer outdoor games they have croquet, badminton, bocce, horseshoes and corn toss.
Canoe Valley Recreation Centre – 250-566-4740
No skate rentals available at this time but skate sharpening is available in reduced capacity:
Drop off skates Thursday – pick up Monday after 2pm
Drop off skates Saturday – pick up Wednesday after 2pm
Robson Valley Rec Centre – 250-569-3360
No skate rentals available at this time. Skate sharpening is available in reduced capacity:
Drop off skates Thursday – pick up Monday after 2pm
Drop off skates Saturday – pick up Wednesday after 2pm
