ACC National Board Meeting - October 26-27, 2002 - Lake Louise
The Board of the Alpine Club of Canada met in Lake Louise on the weekend of October 26-27
Section Reports:
It's always interesting to hear what other Sections have been doing and what challenges they face. It's always fun to remind people about the fun things our Section is doing. Some examples:
The Edmonton Section has a beer, popcorn and video event. It seems to be somewhat like our slide show evening, but with some extras.
The Rocky Mtn Section will be running a Risk Management course in December with Cyril Shokoples.
There is a growing interest in canyoning trips in the Jasper/Hinton Section.
As always, the issue of leadership at the Section level was raised and how to re-vitalize this area. It's an on-going problem. In our own Section, one thing we could do is encourage everyone who has taken a leadership course to actually get out and lead trips, although we already do pretty well at that now.
UIAA Report
Members are encouraged to visit the UIAA's website for up-to-date information about the organization's activities. Remember this is the umbrella organization representing the various climbing and mountaineering organizations around the world. Current initiatives are focusing on environmental issues and overuse issues in the Mont Blanc area and the on-going problems between India and Pakistan in that area of the Himalaya.
Centennial Report
Sections are to keep in mind that celebrations for the ACC's centennial will begin in 2005, which will be the 100th year. There is a desire to build a "centennial hut", but a location the funding have yet to be determined.
Liability Insurance
For a brief time just before the Board meeting this fall, it appeared as though the ACC's insurance company would refuse to issue liability insurance to the Club. This insurance costs the ACC about $25,000 each year and we have a very clean claims record. Fortunately, the company agreed to renew the policy the following week. Sections are reminded that the signed waivers are still viewed as our first line of defense in the event of an accident and liability claim.
ACC Services
Members are reminded of the link on the ACC's website to the Alpine Accidents in Canada database. This is being continually expanded and updated. There is a link to it from our own website. It was also noted that the UIAA's Safety Committee will be meeting in Canmore in June 2003.
ACC Activities
It was noted that the ACC has a profit margin of 4.5% on its camps. They remain mostly fully subscribed, profitable and popular. There was some discussion about the GMC Manager's request for some relief. As it is, Brad Harrison is involved in the GMC for about 9 weeks each summer and it appears there is some degree of "burn-out".
ACC Facilities
Toilet systems continue to be upgraded. Work was done at the Abbot Pass Hut this past summer. A current priority is staff housing in Canmore at the Clubhouse and the possible Centennial Hut.
National Office Report
Bruce Keith noted that corporate partnerships are becoming more difficult to get and keep, reflecting the current economic situation.
In general, the ACC is financially stable, membership is growing and the Club seems to be meeting the various challenges and opportunities as they arise.
The next meeting of the Board will be in Canmore on May 10-11, 2003
Respectfully submitted,
Dave McCormick, Section Board Representative