Today is the last day to register for the 2022 Spring Meeting!
Check out the CWSAA Spring Meeting website HERE to view all the session and event info and to Register!
For delegates that have already registered, please ensure you have the Spring Meeting event app, Whova, downloaded to your mobile device. The app will be your meeting agenda, and provide communication with important announcements, updates and networking opportunities. Download the App HERE.
Increased registration and excitement has led to increased content for the Spring Meeting.
The CWSAA team has been busy putting the final touches on the event plans and we couldn't be more thrilled with the support from the membership.
Thank you to the many presenters and committee members who have spent countless hours preparing for the upcoming Spring Meeting. 
Did you know that all of our presenters volunteer their time!
Huge appreciation goes to Bob Bell for his expert guidance and assistance with the Operations and Maintenance content for Spring Meeting.
Updated Event Safety Protocols
In light of changes to recent health orders CWSAA has made some modifications to our safety protocols.
- Delegates will continue to be required to be fully vaccinated.
- Face coverings are now recommended (not required).
- Delegates must not attend if feeling sick or test positive.
For more on the updated Spring Meeting Safety Measures, click HERE.
Small Areas Silent Auction
Prize donations now being accepted.
The Small Areas Auction Committee are planning for a great silent auction this year. The funds raised at the auction will help support the attendance of small ski areas at CWSAA events.
The Committee volunteers are currently recruiting prize donations for the auction and would like to encourage you to donate item(s) in support. Please complete a brief Donation Expression of Interest form HERE.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Online Workshop
Creating a More Inclusive Ski Community Online Workshop for CWSAA Members
Date: May 4, 2022 | Time: 1:00-4:00 MST / 12:00-3:00 PST
$75 per person. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required.
Want to improve your resort’s DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) practices? This workshop is a good place to start.
Learn More & Register HERE.
On April 7, the Government of Canada released Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable.
The budget did not include funds for an extension for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, wage or rent subsidies and therefore, all of these temporary financial support programs that were instituted for COVID relief are now expected to be phased out on schedule May 7th.
The budget included a proposed two year ban on non-recreational residential purchases by foreign buyers. Immediate action has been taken by a CWSAA working group of ski areas and the Canadian Ski Council to seek clarity on the definition of recreation property.
View the Federal Government budget website HERE.
View TIAC's Budget Snap shot HERE.
Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Last week the federal government announced the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road map. The roadmap will address labour shortages, enhance worker protections and build a stronger workforce. The government is implementing five key policy changes in the next several weeks which respond to current labour and skills shortages.
Effective immediately:
- Removing the limit to the number of low-wage positions that employers in seasonal industries, such as fish and seafood processing, can fill through the TFW Program. Making the Seasonal Cap Exemption that has been in place since 2015, permanent. In addition, the maximum duration of these positions will be increased from 180 days to 270 days per year.
- Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s) will be valid for 18 months, an increase from 9 months.
- The maximum duration of employment for High-Wage and Global Talent Streams workers will be extended from two years to three years.
Effective April 30:
- For seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages, such as Accommodation and Food Services, employers will be allowed to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions for one year. All other employers will be allowed to hire up to 20% of their workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions until further notice, an increase from the former 10% cap for many employers.
- The Government will end the current policy that automatically refuses LMIA applications for low-wage occupations in the Accommodation and Food Services and Retail Trade sectors in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. A full analysis of this roadmap and the changes made to the TFW program will be provided in the coming days.
For more information, please see HERE.
Opportunities to Support Ukraine
Thanks to those for reaching out following CWSAA’s last newsletter. The following initiatives are supported by the Government of Canada (see March 17 news release).
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) – CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway to welcome Ukrainians and their families to Canada whereby, Ukrainians (and their immediate family members of any nationality) may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application.
Employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment should register on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage.
The Government of Canada is matching donations through the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Kubera Payments is very proud to be a diamond sponsor for the 2022 CWSAA Spring Meeting!
Kubera Payments is a boutique business consultancy that specializes in payments systems, security, and solutions. Our team works with resorts, hotels and attractions across North America to provide industry leading processing solutions and services.
We take a holistic approach to payment processing and are committed to our client's long-term success. We work for your business, not any one bank or processor. We have integration specialists on our team to support our clients to ensure seamless integrated deployments. We also have Certified Information Systems Auditors on our team who provide PCI compliance consulting services.
Kubera is the preferred processing provider for industry organizations such as the BC Chamber of Commerce and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association for their members.
Process: We start by working with our clients to get a feel for their current systems and workflows. From there, we help our clients review options for systems deployments and prepare a proposal that includes a comparative cost analysis. We’re often able to reduce costs for our clients in conjunction with deploying systems, hardware and software improvements. From there, we fully manage the programming, deployment, setup, training, integration and implementation of the revised systems. Kubera then becomes the first point of contact for your team for any account related items for the long term.
Wide Range of Solutions: Our team deploys a wide range of card processing solutions, and are able to support a range of both non-integrated and integrated processing solutions including integrations into leading POS and ticketing solutions including (but not limited to) Siriusware / accesso, Paradocs, Vantix ATMS+, Auphan Dining, Squirrel, Roommaster, Digi POS, LPOS and ODI Global.
Existing or New Businesses Welcome: Our services can be deployed both for clients who already have a processor in place and ones that are looking to find the right options for a new project. We’re often able to improve systems and decrease costs as part of our deployments!
Next steps: If you've been considering a review of your AR and AP tools and processes, our Kubera team could be a great place to start. We'll review your current systems and workflow and prepare a fully customized proposal for your team to review. Please contact us anytime at the following contact information:
Chris Browes | chris.browes@kuberapayments.com | 604-484-9278
This month, several new members have joined CWSAA. CWSAA now has 262 members (117 Ski Areas and 145 Suppliers). We are excited to welcome the following members:
New Members:
- GreenStep Solutions - sustainability assessments, software, and certifications to help businesses measure and improve their sustainability performance.
- Bridal Veil Mountain Resort - development near Chilliwack in the EOI stage, that is envisioned as a ski property and tourist destination.
- Vision Project Services - snowmaking, pump station and pipeline installation, repair & maintenance.
- Blendable Inc. - Flexible employee benefit solutions particularly suitable for seasonal employees.
- PNP Supply LLC - ductile iron pipe for on-mountain snowmaking, potable water and wastewater applications .
Welcome Back:
- LandQuest Realty Corp - Real Estate Brokerage specializing in selling recreational properties and ski resorts in BC.
- Work Adventures Canada - CCUSA, Inc - International staffing recruitment.
For Sale: 1984 Borer Handle Tow CWSAA Partners
DRIVING FORCE Getting to the slopes made EASY!
DRIVING FORCE can provide a convenient way to travel – socially distanced but still social! Create a team bonding experience while still being safe.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) currently available & snow tires can be added on – Call now before they’re gone!
EASY RESERVATIONS: www.drivingforce.ca
CONTACT: 780-483-9559 or edmgdsreservations@drivingforce.ca
RECEIVE 10% OFF Promo Code: CWSAA
Bring on Spring at Kal Tire
Thanks to the partnership with Kal Tire, Kal Tire has shared with us some great spring deals.
Get a jump on your spring vehicle maintenance with special deals on tire installation, brakes and alignment.
Click HERE to download the deals!
Jim Buckingham
September 11, 1940 to February 27, 2022
A memorial will be held on May 1st in Banff.
The Obituary can be viewed HERE.
Congratulations to Big White Ski Resort on the successful AltiTunes festival. The all-day event that was originally planned for 2020, featured the Arkells along with 3 other acts.
Our industry sincerely thanks Canadian Ski Patrol volunteers across the country. CWSAA Risk Committee Co-Chair Marc White debriefs with CSP veterans Paul Blackett and Rob Fleming and nordic specialist Phil Youwe.
Travel Alberta’s Susan Darch and Karla Grenon of Destination BC joins CWSAA on one of many presenter pre-calls preparing for spring conference. Hundreds of volunteer hours are committed each year in order to share and exchange at conference.
Kinosoo Ridge (Bonnyville, Alberta) has announced the replacement of the Green Chair. The process to decommission the 41-year old Green Chair has already begun, and plans to have a new chair in place for the 2022/23 season!
Cypress Mountain (West Vancouver, BC), will be installing a brand new Doppelmayr Quad Chair, with a loading carpet system. The new "SkyQuad" will replace the old double chair originally installed in 1987.
Cypress is also investing in further snowmaking upgrades and a new heated outdoor plaza.
Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer Alberta is expanding to summer operations with the addition of the Alpine Coaster. The coaster will be built on the old luge run, lift accessed by the Red Tbar. It is expected to open this summer! Learn More.