The city of Kouvola has invited local ski trail operators to a discussion event next week following public controversy over trail maintenance practices. According to a city announcement, the meeting aims to review cooperation around cross-country ski trail upkeep and identify areas for improvement. The event will specifically include representatives from the Valkeala Kajo and Anjala associations.
Last Friday, Kouvolan Sanomat reported that Aki Putkinen from Valkeala was prohibited from maintaining local ski trails using his own equipment. This happened because Kouvola has tendered out trail maintenance, and only contractors with official city agreements are permitted to use motorized equipment on the trails. In response, National Coalition Party city council members Ville Kaunisto, Tomi Villikka, and Petri Liljander began looking into possible solutions.
Over the weekend, Jarmo Toikka, who had maintained trails in Anjala for years, announced he would stop his volunteer work as a protest against the city's approach. The upcoming meeting will also involve contractors or other parties who groom trails on behalf of sports clubs.
Kirke Roossano, Kouvola’s Head of Sports Facilities, stated in the press release that collaboration with contracted partners works very well and thanked clubs and trail maintainers. She added that recent media coverage has included sharp opinions on the matter, making dialogue necessary.