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FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY COOPERATING ASSOCIATION 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
CO-CHAIR’S REPORT
There is no such thing as a “normal” or “quiet” year for the Friends.
2018/19 certainly wasn’t the busiest we’ve had, but it did feature its
own challenges and successes.
This year, the Board went back to a Co-Chair structure, which had
geographical and other advantages, and we think it worked out well.
2018/19 saw some other Board changes, too. Long-serving members
Kayla Simpson, Tony Paradis and Jaimie McPhail all resigned from
the Board late in the fiscal year. Combined, they had over 15 years
of Board service. Individually and collectively, they will be missed,
and we thank them for their long and valued participation.
We spent significant time improving our Health and Safety policies
and procedures again this year. The increased Province-wide focus
on Volunteer Safety that started in 2017 led to a solid Occupational
Health & Safety framework. We came into this fiscal year with the
2017 “Stop Work” order still in place, but got it lifted in time to start
our field season. Once our season started, and all of our Crew
Leaders were trained, we had some learnings as we implemented
our new framework. We ended the season confident in what we
were doing. We then started looking ways of gaining more OH&S
consistency amongst the greater K-Country volunteer trail building
and maintaining community. This will be a focus for 2019/20.
2018/19 certainly wasn’t the busiest field season we have had,
driven by weather, smoke and other factors, but had its successes
with us working “independently” on Parks-approved projects but
without Parks direct supervision. Based on the needs of the region,
we initiated discussions with trail team leaders from K-Country
Public Lands, seeking to engage our support to their areas as well.
The Board believes this will bear fruit in 2019/20.
The Board also advanced a 5 Year Strategic Plan to help guide the
organization, which included a revised Mission Statement: ‘Building
a community of volunteers and partners to maintain the ecological
integrity and recreational use of Kananaskis Country by engaging in
trail care, stewardship, education, and research’. The end-of-season
volunteer survey provided altogether positive feedback, and inspires
us to forge ahead towards our organization’s Vision and Mission.
On behalf of the Board, we say “Thank You” to Nancy, our donors,
our volunteers, our partners at Alberta Parks and elsewhere. We
continue to look forward to what lies ahead.
- Derek Ryder & Ed Engstrom, Co-Chairs
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
This was a special year as Kananaskis Country
celebrated 40 years of conservation, recreation
and discovery. Since being established in 1996,
the Friends of Kananaskis Country have been
proud to represent and help sustain its
magnificent natural wonder.
Building a community of volunteers and partners –
these words from our mission inspire our efforts
to expand partnerships and harness the energy of
our growing community of volunteers as we work
towards enhancing our appreciation and
stewardship of Kananaskis.
In 2018/19 we continued to support Alberta
Environment & Parks, as well as leading
independent trail projects and strengthening
regional partnerships. Our ties with other regional
trail building associations were fortified by
creating an informal Kananaskis Trail Builders
Coalition aiming to: maximize resources, improve
volunteer health and safety practices, build
capacity for annual volunteer crew leader training,
and ultimately add value to Kananaskis trails.
As you’ll read in the Key Highlights and the
Accomplishments sections below, we made strides
to strengthen our operations, programs and
community engagement. Our Trail Stewardship
program continues to be a primary focus,
delivering a safe, fun and meaningful way for
people to give back to the Kananaskis Country
trails they love. We were pleased to host 40
volunteer events that engaged 226 volunteers
who contributed 1,426 hours to help build and
maintain Kananaskis trails.
To our members, volunteers and supporters, we
are grateful to have your support and ongoing
stewardship to ensure present and future
generations have the opportunity to experience
Kananaskis Country’s incredible natural heritage
and exceptional recreational opportunities.
- Nancy Ouimet, Executive Director
FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
2018-2019 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Trail Love – Give Back campaign raised $11,010;
Kananaskis Speaker & Discover Series offered 6 dynamic speakers and
discovery events;
Hosted our 4th annual Trails Fest event – celebrating Kananaskis trails,
people and culture;
Helped establish a regional Kananaskis Trail Builders Coalition;
End-of-season membership survey received 94 responses and provided
altogether positive feedback, along with some excellent suggestions for
enhancing our programs;
Established a Canmore Trail Alliance – Trail Committee which includes
representatives from the hiking, mountain biking, running, equestrian and
climbing recreational user groups;
Trained 24 volunteer Crew Leaders;
Hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event;
Our 2018 Trail Care season successfully hosted 40 Trail Care events. We
engaged 226 individuals who filled 460 volunteer slots contributing 1,426
hours to help build and maintain Kananaskis trails;
Project-led 2 approved Alberta Parks trail projects: Razor’s Edge Connector
Trail, Chester-Sawmill Winter Trails;
Canmore Trail Alliance hosted 22 Trail Care events, engaged 68 volunteers,
contributing 385 hours.
Trail Care projects were undertaken in 10 locations:
1 Day + 107 Volunteers + 568 Hours = Highway 40 Clean Up
1 Days + 6 Volunteers + 39 Hours = Lantern Creek Trail
4 Days + 19 Volunteers + 47 Hours = Chester Sawmill Winter Trail Project
1 Days + 28 Volunteers + 70 Hours = Canmore Nordic Centre Long Loop
9 Days + 10 Volunteers + 73 Hours = Peter Lougheed Winter Trails
1 Day + 5 Volunteers + 30 Hours = Mt. Shark Ski Trails
1 Day + 10 Volunteers + 60 Hours = Wind Valley Trail Project
10 Days + 46 Volunteers + 235 Hours = Razor's Edge Project
12 Days + 27 Volunteers + 146 Hours = Canmore Nordic Centre Nationals
MTB Race Course
VISION
A Kananaskis Country of exquisite
natural and cultural landscapes enjoyed
by present and future generations.
MISSION
Building a community of volunteers and
partners to maintain the ecological
integrity and recreational use of
Kananaskis Country by engaging in trail
care, stewardship, education, and
research.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ed Engstrom, Co-Chair
Derek Ryder, Co-Chair
David Schultz, Treasurer
Melanie Booth
Pete Irwin
Darin Langhorst
Jamie McPhail
Dave Nielsen
Antoine Paradis
Kayla Simpson
Kevin Smith
Manika Suri
STAFF
Nancy Ouimet, Executive Director
Tim Johnson, Program Coordinator
Sachi Kitazaki, Contract Bookkeeper
Lawrence Nyman, Contract Bookkeeper
ALBERTA PARK LIAISONS
Jody Cairns, Trails Coordinator, Peter
Lougheed Provincial Park
Julia Millen, Community and Partner
Relations Team Lead
ADVISORY COUNCIL
James Early Don Cockerton
Gillean Daffern Alf Skrastins
FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
It is our pleasure to share some of our accomplishments which are a combination of our efforts to
enhance Kananaskis trails and experience, build trail stewardship and public participation, and the
ways we bridge community engagement with Alberta Parks.
Trail Care: Despite a delayed start to our trail care season and a cold, snowy autumn, our tireless
volunteers supported Alberta Parks with continued work on the Lantern Creek Trail near Picklejar
Lakes, enhancing the nordic trails at Mt Shark, building out the Peter Lougheed snowshoe trail
network and trail work in the Wind Valley. Additionally, we made some good headway on the FKC-
led Chester-Sawmill winter trail project, with a new snowshoe trail loop ready for the winter.
Canmore Trail Alliance: A program of the Friends, the Canmore Trail Alliance (CTA) forged ahead in
our second season of work on the Razor’s Edge project in partnership with the Canmore & Area
Mountain Bike Association. Over 10 sessions, we completed 264m of new trail towards linking
Razor’s Edge and the Quaite Valley Trail. CTA volunteers also devoted 146 hours of work on new
trail for the Canadian National Mountain Bike Championships course at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Trail Love – Give Back: The second year of our Trail Love – Give Back Fundraiser was a resounding
success! We set an ambitious goal of $10,000 for 2018 to ensure our programs continue to foster a
powerful, public connection with Kananaskis Country through trail stewardship, volunteer trail work
events, education and outreach. Thanks to an outpouring of support and generosity, we exceeded
our goal and raised $11,010! Our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed.
Speaker Series: Our 2019 winter Kananaskis Speaker and Discovery Series in partnership with
Alberta Parks and in collaboration with the University of Calgary – Palliser Club offered a variety of
presentation topics and discovery events between the University of Calgary and Peter Lougheed
Provincial Park including: Matt Mueller (Kananaskis Public Safety) – Wisdom for the Winter, Danah
Duke (Miistakis Institute) – How Do Animals in Alberta Cross the Road?, Nicole Kahal (Miistakis
Institute) – What’s Happening in Calgary’s Wetlands, Robyn Mulligan (Canmore Artist) – Nature
Inspired Art, Jim Thorne (Foothills Search & Rescue) – Winter Survival Skills, and Leith Monaghan
(Alberta Parks) – Winter Ecology.
SUPPORTERS
We give thanks to all our supporters who contribute to our success:
Calgary Foundation • The Auxilium Foundation • Alberta Government – Community Initiatives Program • The Dr. Janice L.
Pasieka Foundation • Banff Canmore Community Foundation • Maria K. Eriksen and Harold Hanen Fund • Town of
Canmore • Patagonia Calgary/Banff (Elements Inc.) • Kananaskis Improvement District • Kananaskis Lakes Association •
Rundle Mountain Cycling Club • Alberta TrailNet Society • Enbridge • McElhanney • Canmore Caverns Ltd. • Stantec
Consulting • Second Sixties Outdoor Club • Calgary Ski Club • Calgary Weekend Hikers • Canmore Trail Culture • Lululemon
Banff • MnM Outdoor Club • Chinook Outdoor Club • Evergreen Senior Outdoor Club • West Winds Senior Hiking &
Outdoor Club • Council for Clean & Reliable Energy • along with several other great supporters.
A few companies have employee donation matching programs. Cenovus Energy, Suncor Energy, EnCana, ATCO.
We also have numerous organizations provide us with donations of products or services to support our Trails Fest event
and as recognition to our hardworking volunteers for our end-of-season volunteer appreciation event. A big thank-you
goes out to: Banff Lodging Company • Kananaskis Trails • Map Town • Mountain Equipment Co-op • Good Earth
Coffeehouse • Patagonia Calgary/Banff • Alpine Helicopters • Canmore Nordic Centre • Canmore Cave Tours • Interpretive
Guides Association • Boston Pizza • Alberta Apparel • Balance Explore • Onward Up & Run Uphill.
There's a long list of individuals who provided donations - your ongoing support is valued and appreciated - thank you.
FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, colleagues, volunteers, and members who helped us offer
our programs and see value in the Friends of Kananaskis Country’s mandate.
Alberta Environment and Parks: A big thank you to the Kananaskis Operations, Trails and Ecology team: Mark Storie,
Debbie Mucha, Michael Roycroft, Duane Fizor, Jeff Eamon, James Cieslak, Kyle Jacobson, Chris Anderson, John
Paczkowski, Scott Jevons, Daniella Rubeling, Maria Lynn, Dan Tatton, Jeff Wright and Brad Jones. We have had the
privilege to have Julia Millen and Jody Cairns from Parks serve on our Board contributing insight, wisdom and assistance.
Canmore Trail Alliance – Partners: Representing the Canmore Area trail recreational groups and interests, thank you for
your commitment to build the Alliance: Canmore Area Mountain Bike Association (Andrew Dickison and Chad
Holowatuk), Canmore Trail Culture (Dave Aschim), Climbers Access Society of Alberta (Al Black), Bow Valley Riding
Association (Lisa Young), Don Gardner, Ken Davies and, Greg Thompson.
Kananaskis Trail Building Coalition: Thanks to the Coalition partnership for embarking on this exciting opportunity to
collaborate and maximize resources for the greater benefit of each group and Kananaskis. Partners include: Greater
Bragg Creek Trails Association, Moose Mountain Bike Trail Society, Great Divide Trail Association, Canmore Area
Mountain Biking Association, and Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance.
Trail Crew Leaders: They plan their weeks around our trail care projects, and work with Parks staff to merrily lead you on
our many projects. These superstars include: Andrew Faltus, Colin Graver, Crawford Smyth, Darin Langhorst, Derek
Ryder, Don Cockerton, Ghulam Jamro, Jeff Grutz, Kris Thesen, Tim Giese – and Canmore Trail Alliance Crew
Leaders: Andrew Dickison, Bruce Gleig, Dan Spalding, Dwayne Brown, Eric Trouillot, Greg Thompson, Jacob Johnson, Ken
Davies, Nancy Ouimet, Tim Johnson.
Volunteers: Then we have the folks who do the work. THANK YOU to the over 226 volunteers who came out to handle a
pulaski or macleod, helped clean Highway 40 and invested 1,426 hours on 40 trail days Kananaskis & the Canmore area!
Members: Without you, the members of the Friends of Kananaskis County, none of our projects get done. There are over
1,600 members at last count. Thanks for being a Friend, Volunteer and Supporter.
CONTACT US
Friends of Kananaskis Country
201, 800 Railway Avenue
Canmore, AB
T1W 1P1
403-678-5593
www.kananaskis.org
VOLUNTEER AND/OR DONATE
We are always grateful for your
volunteering and/or fiscal contributions
that help us maintain our programs and
operations, and contribute to the
stewardship of Kananaskis Country.
Visit our website at www.kananaskis.org
to make a donation and learn more about
how to volunteer.
GIVING BACK
“I've enjoyed Kananaskis Country for years,
without much thought as to who built or
maintained them.
Since joining Friends, I've had some great
times volunteering outdoors, and
developed a much deeper appreciation for
the region through their presentations,
special events and newsletters. I feel lucky
to participate with this group.”
- Nolan Rempel
FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT
TREASURER’S REPORT
The Friends of Kananaskis Country’s cash position decreased by 25% to 135,056 from $181,253 from at our fiscal year-end.
Total Revenue decreased by 33% to $108,181 from $162,438. Total Costs of our programs decreased 31%, to $105,920
from $153,518. The excess of revenue over expenses decreased by $6,659 to $2,261 from $8,920.
During the year the Friends of Kananaskis Country’s also placed a portion of our cash balance into a GIC and Savings and
earned interest of $2,211.
During the year work continued on trail projects and educational initiatives. Donations received in previous years for
specific projects were used to fund work during the current fiscal period. As such the balance of Deferred Contributions
decreased by $43,713 to $89,203 From $132,916.
The financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019 are available on our website www.kananaskis.org.
TOTAL ASSETS $173,237 TOTAL LIABILITY AND NET ASSETS $173,237
REVENUE $108,181 EXPENSES $105,920
Cash
Short Term Investments
Inventory
Good & Services Tax Recoverable
Prepaid Expenses
Capital Assets
Accounts Payable and Accrued
Liabilities
Deferred Contributions
Unrestricted
Invested in Capital Assets
Administration
Programs
Registered Charities
Individuals
Government
CorporationsClubs & Associations