Introducing ACC’s newest section: Sault Ste. Marie
From the Sault Ste. Marie Section:
Below is an excerpt from Sault Ste. Marie’s application to become an official ACC section. We feel this excerpt beautifully explains the goals of the Sault Ste. Marie section and why becoming and official section of the ACC will help them achieve their goal of growing a welcoming, safe and inclusive community of climbers, hikers, campers, and skiiers – both seasoned and new to these outdoor sports – in the Sault Ste. Marie region.
In Sault Ste. Marie, you have to be pretty brave to get into climbing. We have no climbing gym here, no colourful holds or padded flooring to ease you in. You’re heading straight to one of our local crags and attempting a 30-metre climb on your first day! Luckily, there’s an affable group of about 15 climbers who meet up regularly year-round: rock in the warmer months, ice in the winter, plus some camping, hiking and skiing too. They can not only introduce you to outdoor sports but encourage you to achieve more than you thought possible – and pretty soon, you’ll be hooked!
Our local climbing community has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few years. More and more people are coming out, eager to give climbing a try and connect with the outdoors. As an official section of The Alpine Club of Canada, we would be able to build on this energy, expanding opportunities and creating welcoming pathways for people to experience outdoor adventure sports in our region.
We’ve built a first-year plan that includes regular meetings, monthly newsletters, annual elections, and clear financial reporting timelines. We are ready to submit biannual section reports and send a delegate to the ACC May Forum and AGM. We take our fiduciary responsibilities seriously and are fully committed to operating in accordance with all ACC policies, bylaws, and guidelines.
We also recognize that land access is vital to our future. We currently have permission to climb at several sites and are actively building relationships to expand responsible access to more areas. We believe that aligning with the ACC – bringing with it insurance coverage, a code of conduct, and a reputation for responsible recreation – will strengthen these efforts and help us be even better stewards of the places we love.
For us, this is about more than climbing. It’s about connection – to each other, to the land, and to the values that make outdoor adventure so meaningful. We want to help ensure that the outdoors remains accessible, welcoming, and inspiring for everyone. We believe The Alpine Club of Canada is the right partner to help make that vision a reality.
Join the Sault Ste. Marie Section
ACC Sault Ste. Marie’s anticipated activities and events for the next year include Rock Climbing Intro Sessions, meet and greet events, monthly socials, Ice Fest, ski touring meetups, and ice climbing adventures. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced climber, there’s a place for you in our community. Join the Sault Ste. Marie Section and start your next adventure with us.
Other ways to get involved with the Sault Ste. Marie section:
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