2026 President’s Report

17 Oct 2026 President’s Report

It is my pleasure to present this year’s President’s Report, reflecting on a 2025–2026 season defined by renewed energy, strategic growth, and a strong sense of community across CADS Ontario.

Membership
Membership increased by 25% this year, a clear sign of the continued demand for inclusive snowsports across the province as well as increased interest by volunteers.

Succession Planning
Our season began with a successful AGM on October 18, 2025 with the addition of 4 new Board members. Succession planning at the Divisional level is key to ensuring that continued leadership of the Division and programs and clubs meets the changing and diverse needs or the organizations. We continue to encourage members looking to volunteer ‘off-hill’ to think about assisting within their respective Programs in an administrative capacity or at the Divisional Board/Committee level.

Training and Certification
Training began early in December with our annual CADS Ontario Volunteer Orientation, alongside certification sessions for snow school staff at Osler Bluff and Blue Mountain. Certifying resort snow school staff remains an important, collaborative way for CADS Ontario to build adaptive instructor capacity across the sector. Our Course Conductors continued to lead by example, taking part in both the Western and Eastern Pre-Course sessions and earning national certifications. Their efforts strengthen our growing network of instructors and uphold the high standards for which CADS Ontario is known.

Marketing and Communications
This year we made a significant investment in marketing and communications, with the goals of recruiting volunteers, raising awareness of CADS, and strengthening our emotional and visual brand through cinematic, documentary-style content. Curated posts on social media, along with paid advertising, reached over 100,000 Ontarians. This result sets a strong benchmark for our future efforts.

Season Highlights
Programs launched in January, and thanks to a longer-than-usual winter, every program was able to complete its full schedule. In partnership with Ontario Track 3, CADS Ontario volunteers also assisted with SCIO Ski & Snowboard Day. We wrapped up the season with a Volunteer Appreciation Day hosted by our friends at AADS Mansfield, where we enjoyed fantastic conditions and warm hospitality. Several CADS Ontario members were able to make it to CADS Festival in Kimberley, BC celebrating 50 years of adaptive snowsports instruction across Canada. CADS Ontario was able to award 2 bursaries to first time attendees.

Looking Ahead: June Planning Session
In June, a small group of board members and program leaders gathered at Snow Valley for our annual planning session. Discussions focused on training improvements, program director support and administration, and volunteer recruitment. These conversations are vital as we continue to enhance the experience for our participants and for our volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.

Thank You to Our Donors
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our public and private donors. Your generosity keeps CADS Ontario on a stable financial footing and allows us to invest in the people, equipment, and programs that bring adaptive snowsports to life across the province.

Outlook
As we look to the season ahead, I am deeply optimistic about the future of CADS Ontario. With a committed community, growing interest, and strong partnerships, we are well positioned to keep expanding access to inclusive, empowering snowsport experiences across Ontario.

Jonathan Wood
President