Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Thanks go to Linda NR. for the report.
President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Club Business
- There was no winner of this week’s Toonie Quest 50/50 draw.
- Two guests were introduced: Al Cormier and Charles Pender, uncle and friend of the guest speaker respectively.
Guest Speaker
Rotarian Elaine introduced Richard Cormier, a man of many vocations with a lifelong love for Marble Mountain. Following in his family’s footsteps Richard was described as a fourth-generation season pass holder. At Marble he was a volunteer with the Canadian Ski Patrol, was head of the ski patrol, oversaw outside operations, and has been the General Manager of the Development Corporation since October 2025. Richard stated his core message was that Marble Mountain is more than a ski hill! It is a provincial tourism asset, a gathering place, and an important economic driver for Western Newfoundland.
Richard gave a detailed history of Marble beginning with the Massey Drive Ski Club in the mid 1930s, organized skiing at Marble in 1961, opening of the current lodge in 1994, the important role played by Marble in the 1999 Canada Winter Games, and its reputation today as the largest ski area in Atlantic Canada reiterating that Marble is more than a ski hill; it is part of the region’s history, identity, and tourism infrastructure.
For several years, Marble experienced a gradual decline in season-pass sales. Over the last two seasons Richard reported that trend was reversing. Season-pass sales increased from 923 to 1,657 (79.5% increase), adult passes increased from 345 to 665 (93% growth), passes for those 22 and under increased approximately 368% and passes for children 5 and under increased by approximately 266%. This growth came from making skiing more accessible, improving communications and giving people a reason to connect with Marble. He further stated that a larger season-pass base also supports rentals, food/beverage operations, lessons, and other resort activities.
Because of the above statistics Marble Mountain is no longer being actively marketed for sale under the current provincial government. Budget 2026 states that government will take steps to optimize Marble while ensuring that it continues to support residents, visitors, and the regional tourism economy. The focus now needs to be on strengthening the resort, addressing its infrastructure, and maximizing its value to the province.
Social media is playing a much more important role in telling Marble’s story; Facebook and Instagram are seeing millions of viewers allowing Marble to control the narrative – proving accurate information, responding quickly, and consistently showing the positive work happening at the resort! Day-pass visitors for visitors outside the immediate region come from primarily St. John’s but also from around the world! These visitors do more than purchase a lift-ticket. They stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, purchase fuel, rent vehicles, etc. For every 1 dollar spent skiing 5 to 9 is spent locally. Marble gives people another reason to visit western Newfoundland during a time of year that has traditionally been challenging for tourism operators. In addition, Marble caters summer events and weddings, and it builds and strengthens relationships with other businesses. An RFP process involving the former Bishop’s Tavern space looks promising. And, finally Marble has the potential to play an important role in the proposed Cabox UNESCO Global Geopark! Stay tuned...
The challenge for Marble is to build on its current momentum by addressing aging infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, growing summer operation, and continue to tell Marble’s story.
Richard was thanked for his talk by Rotarian Verbon who himself was a season-pass holder for many years and who was excited by the future for the resort.







Corner Brook, NL A2H 2V3
Canada