Being present.
Facing challenges head on.
HeliCat Members, please take notice of the calling of the Annual General Meeting of the HeliCat Canada Association to be held in person in Victoria, BC, on Monday, October 19, 2026, commencing at 09:00 PST
Join us October 19&20, 2026 for our Fall Meeting and AGM in beautiful Victoria, BC, where we will gather as a community to discuss common issues and challenges, learn from our collective shared experiences, and continue setting a clear and sustainable path to the future of our dynamic industry.
We look forward to seeing you there!
- REGISTRATION -
Calling all full members:
Be informed. Exchange ideas. Celebrate community.
Registration includes our AGM and sessions, followed by a second half day of breakout sessions. There is an evening social event and conference meals included in your full ticket.
The AGM and presentations will be held at The Hotel Grand Pacific.
REMINDER - Please register early as space is limited!
Book Your Accommodations
The Hotel Grand Pacific has provided a special rate to our guests. Please ensure you use our group code when booking.
To make a reservation please contact the reservations department at:
Toll Free: 1-800-663-7550
Direct: 250-386-0450
Email: reserve@hotelgrandpacific.com
In order to qualify for the group rate, it is imperative that you indicate the group name or group code.
Group Name: HeliCat Canada Association
Group Code: OCT26HELI
PLEASE NOTE: Room block and group code will be released on September 17, 2026. Please contact the hotel to book before this date.
Meeting Agenda*
*speakers, topics, and timings are subject to change so that we can bring the most relevant discussions to our members.
Monday, October 19 (Full day plus evening Social),
and Tuesday, October 20, 2025 (Half day, morning only)
The Hotel Grand Pacific (Victoria, BC)
Monday October 19, 2026
Vancouver Island Ballroom, Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria BC
Check in & Breakfast from 8am
HeliCat Canada Association AGM
Member sessions - full day
(details on presentations below as they are confirmed)
Monday October 19, 2026
Steamship Grill and Bar, Victoria BC
Evening SOCIAL ReceptioN
Sponsored by Adventure Engine
Full event registration includes the Social Event
Two drink tickets are provided
Reception style dinner will be served
Tuesday October 20, 2026
Vancouver Island Ballroom, Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria BC
Half day Member Meetings
Commencing at 8am with Breakfast
Breakout groups for snowcat and helicopter skiing operators
Presentations Overview
2026-27 Winter Outlook: A Meteorological Look into the Super El Niño and Other Climate Drivers - Matt McDonald
Can Matt tell us what this winter might look like?
Matt is a professional meteorologist based in Nelson, BC. Matt worked for Environment Canada for 18 years, first as an Operational Forecaster specializing in mountain meteorology before becoming a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist. In his role, he was the main liaison with Avalanche Canada and was one of the creators of the Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast. After working as the Lead Fire Weather Forecaster for the BC Wildfire Service over the past 6 wildfire seasons, today, Matt is the Weather and Climate Specialist with the BC Ministry of Transportation’s Avalanche and Weather Program. He also supplies various mechanized and industrial operators with custom weather training and forecasts through his consultancy Alpine Weather Consultants.
Professional Athlete Filming and Members’ Risk-Ownership - John ‘Buff’ Buffery
Let’s explore the pertinent issues of risk ownership between film production companies and helicat tenure operations.
John ‘Buff’ Buffery has developed a robust professional practice of avalanche and mountain risk management tailoring the International Standards Organization 31000 platform for consultation on major feature films, mechanized snowboarding operations and BC highways. Buff will take this opportunity to share how members can expand the reach and reputation of their business with professional films, while ensuring mountain safety.
The presentation will explore perspective gathered from industry experts, review legal considerations, and HeliCat Standards alignment. Gain insight on the perceived risk exposure that Helicat Operators may be measuring with the increase of film opportunities in their tenures.
Caribou Research Project - Steve Wilson
HeliCat and the BC Government have entered into a joint research project investigating the effect of heli-skiing activity on the short-term movements and seasonal habitat selection of Mountain Caribou. Steve will update us on the project and progress.
