Pacific Mountain Region
From the Pacific Ocean to the eastern edges of Manitoba
Hostelling International Canada - Pacific Mountain Region has 34 hostels in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Yukon & Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Whether you're looking for an urban getaway, a peaceful retreat or an outdoor adventure, there's sure to be an HI hostel to suit your travel needs.
HIC - PM Region has nearly 15,000 members, many of whom remain actively involved in the association through volunteering and participating in hostel-based programs. We invite you to join in! There is no better way to meet travellers from around the world and share your knowledge about our beautiful region.
HI Canada Communicable Diseases Safety Plan in BC and Alberta
We have developed a communicable diseases Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines and procedures we have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our hostels. Our plan is guided by industry-specific protocols and identifies protocols that everyone staying, working and visiting our hostels must follow to keep workers and guests safe.
Our Values
People As an open, collegial organization, everyone will be treated with consideration, respect, dignity, and fairness and will have opportunities to influence strategic direction and to participate in the governance process.
Community As good neighbours we will share with and contribute to our communities through learning, participation, volunteerism, and inclusion.
Operational Excellence As a responsible and responsive organization, we will strive for operational excellence to ensure financial sustainability and growth. We will be leaders and innovators in the hostelling community committed to finding a better way.
Service Philosophy Our success begins and ends with our guests and members. It is up to us to have an impact that enriches their traveling adventures.
Work Environment We provide an open and supportive work environment where honesty and constructive opinions are encouraged at all levels. We believe that empowering people leads to great things, including a work environment that people feel fortunate to be a part of.
Environment Our philosophy of being kind to the earth lives through our environmentally responsible operations and through our education of guests, members and staff.
Our Ends
Every day, HIC - PM Region welcomes guests from around Canada and the world at any one of our 30 properties. In our ongoing efforts to keep the Barclay's legacy and dreams alive, HIC - PM Region has developed a set of Mega End and Sub Ends that both Board and Staff look to when making operational and development decisions.
Mega End
A community of travellers, when experiencing people, places, and cultures in Western Canada, have as many genuine hostelling options as the organization can sustain.
Sub End 1.1
Members and travellers can experience Pacific Mountain Region’s unique geographical and cultural landscapes through a network of strategically located hostels. It is further interpreted to include but not limited to:
1.1.1 Hostels are located to provide access to a spectrum of geographical and cultural landscapes in the Pacific Mountain Region.
1.1.2 HIC - Pacific Mountain Region owned hostels situated in all key urban and top international destinations in the Pacific Mountain Region.
1.1.3 The wilderness hostels maintain an annual occupancy rate of 65% at a net direct annual operating cost not exceeding, as a group, $50,000.
Sub End 1.2
Members and travellers in the Pacific Mountain Region can participate, in a genuine hostelling experience characterized by:
1.2.1 A focus on affordability.
1.2.2 A welcoming environment for all.
1.2.3 An emphasis on enriching experiences to through a sense of community and a strong connection to surrounding culture and geography.
1.2.4 A focus on participation and volunteerism.
1.2.5 Responsible environmental stewardship.
1.2.6 The security of persons and possessions.
1.2.7 Consistent cleanliness.
Sub End 1.3
Members and travellers in the Pacific Mountain Region can access a growing financially viable network of hostels. It is further interpreted to include but not limited to:
1.3.1 A network of 45 owned and affiliate hostels.
1.3.2 A flagship hostel in Vancouver.
About the Board
Board Functions
The purpose of the Board of the Association, on behalf of the moral owners (members of Hostelling International), is to see to it that the organization achieves its Ends and operates within the boundaries established by the Board in the Executive Limitation Policies.
Governing Style
The board will govern lawfully and with an emphasis on outward vision, strategic leadership, clear distinction of Board and CEO roles, and pro-activity rather than reactivity.
Board Job Description
The job of the Board is to represent the membership of HIC - PM Region, in doing so, Directors of the Board must be aware that their responsibilities to the membership differ from those of management. In particular, the role of the Board is to be accountable to the members with regards to fiscal responsibility, maintenance and improvement of assets, and adherence and compliance to the mission statement.
The Board will concentrate on the following job products, or outputs:
- The link between the organization and the Owners
- Written governing policies which, at the broadest level, address Ends, Board Self Management (Governance Process), Board-Executive Relationship, and Executive Limitations
- The assurance of Executive performance (monitoring)
Board Member's Code of Conduct
Board members have a responsibility to each other, the membership, and to the employees of the organization.
Cost of Governance
The Board deems governance significant and will therefore invest to further the education and capacity of directors and staff.
Monitoring Board Performance
The Board will regularly monitor and discuss its own process and performance.
Monitoring Governance Process Policy Compliance
Monitoring compliance with governance policy is essential to ensure policy effectiveness, assess appropriateness, and help evaluate the quality and performance of directors and the Board as a whole.
National Association
The Board is responsible for the Association's participation, as the representative of its members, in the affairs of the National Association. On formal occasions, the Board must act through a national delegate who shall be a member of the Board.
Election/Voting Process The roles of the Board, CEO and Nominating Committee in these processes shall be those defined in the bylaws, job descriptions and terms of reference developed by the Board, and as assigned by the Board.
Bylaws
True North Bylaws
Policy Manual HIC PM Region Board Policy Manual
Contact Email the board at [email protected]
Meet the Board
The Board of Directors for Hostelling International Canada - Pacific Mountain Region is comprised of up to eight members. Each year, as various seats become available, members are elected for a two-year term.
John Harrop, Chair
John has been a hosteller for much of his life and appreciates the year-round, life-enriching experiences they provide to travellers of all ages. He has worked as an architect in Canada and abroad and focused on affordable housing and sustainable and barrier-free design. His first passion, however, is skiing, particularly in the backcountry where he enjoys telemarking.
Victoria Oppenlander, 1st Vice Chair
One of Victoria's favourite hostel experiences was meeting a fellow hosteller in Berlin, and then by sheer happenstance, running into them in a shop in Banff about five months later. It's this sense of community among hostellers that she hopes to foster through her work on the board.
Krystal Kehoe, 2nd Vice Chair
Krystal is passionate about tourism and has served on the HI-PMR board since 2020. She regularly mountain bikes and snowboards, and she loves to explore by bike which has led to many memorable hostelling experiences. Krystal believes hostelling is a great opportunity for people to travel affordably and sustainably, while meeting other like-minded individuals.
Peter Nietresta, Director
Peter is passionate about the hostelling movement and HI's members. As an avid global hosteller, Peter is committed to enhancing opportunities for member engagement so that the Board can remain in tune with member expectations and improve the hostelling experience in Western Canada.
Danny Maile, Director
After studying tourism management in the UK and working for the country's largest train operator, Danny moved to Canada in early 2018 to start a new adventure in Vancouver. He brought his passion for hostelling with him, and you can normally find him in the mountains skiing, hiking, biking and exploring British Columbia.
Lenore Neudorf, Director
Lenore is passionate about hostelling and the connections and fellowship it provides. As a senior executive and lawyer, she has brought extensive experience to Hostelling International for over 15 years, both regionally and nationally. In her free time, Lenore loves to visit with family and friends and pursue her interest in fibre arts.
Shane Kerpan, Director
My experience with HI began in 1998 when I took on the role of Hostel Manager at the Kamloops Old Courthouse Hostel. During the following 2.5 years, not only was I successful in turning around a troubled operation, but I also had the privilege of holding what I still consider to be the most enjoyable job I have ever had. The experience of meeting new people, learning about different cultures and embarking on hostelling myself is one I have always treasured.
Call for Nominations
We are seeking volunteers to stand for election to our Board of Directors
HIC - PM Region is a not-for-profit association operating under the principles of policy governance. The Board provides direction and monitoring of operations through established reporting policies and goals. Currently our Board consists of a diverse range of people, from a variety of professions and age categories.
If you have hostelled recently, have up to minimum of 15 hours a month to commit to volunteer activity regarding Board and Association activities (email, online meetings, teleconferences, four full weekend board meetings and a board retreat), then we'd like to hear from you.
The nominations process will formally open on May 16, 2022 and close June 13, 2022.
The 2022-23 Board of Directors online election will open July 13, 2022 and close at 12:00pm PDT on August 15, 2022, if an election is required. Each eligible member will receive an email on July 13, 2022 with their personal ballot code and instructions to be used for online voting, if an election is required.
A general email has gone out to all members with nomination info. If you require further information, please email [email protected].
True North Hostelling Association Meeting Summaries
Pacific Mountain Region
Our next board meeting will take place on April 9 - 10, 2022. The next Annual General Meeting will take place on September 11, 2022.
2022
2021
- October 23-24, 2021
- August 12, 2021
- June 28, 2021
- May 29-30, 2021
- April 10-11, 2021
- March 25, 2021
- January 30-31, 2021
2020
Development Projects
We at Hostelling International Canada - Pacific Mountain Region have always believed that our best days of hostelling are still ahead of us. Despite hostelling's humble beginnings, it has now grown to become a worldwide phenomenon that enriches the lives of people, both young and old.
Any future hostel development updates will be posted in this section.