New funding system replacing provincial fees

Dear HPAC Members,

We are writing to inform you of an important change in the way the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada (HPAC) manages funding and our relationship with provincial organizations. This decision marks a significant step forward in streamlining our operations and better serving the needs of our entire pilot community across Canada.

What is Changing?

Effective January 1st, 2025, HPAC will no longer act as a middleman in collecting membership fees on behalf of provincial organizations. Going forward, provincial organizations that wish to continue operating will need to establish direct relationships with their members for the collection of dues. This change allows HPAC to focus exclusively on delivering value to our national membership while empowering provincial organizations to engage directly with their communities.

Why This Change?

The previous model required HPAC to collect fees from members and redistribute those funds to provincial organizations. While this model aimed to support site development and  in some cases other regional activities, it introduced several challenges:

  • Administrative Complexity: Managing and distributing funds to provincial organizations required additional layers of administration, volunteers, and operational costs. This process was further complicated when some provincial organizations became defunct or mismanaged, creating significant burdens for HPAC staff and volunteers.
  • Unequal Distribution: Only a few provinces collected enough funds to make a meaningful impact. Smaller regions often received minimal support or lacked the resources to maintain an active regional organization, leaving many members underserved.
  • Inefficient Use of Resources: The duplicated efforts between national and provincial organizations led to inefficiencies that hindered HPAC’s ability to focus on its core mission of serving all Canadian pilots.


Your Benefits as Members

To address these challenges and ensure equitable support for all members, HPAC is launching a new national funding model. Here’s how it will benefit all pilots across Canada:

  • Increased Equitability and Access to Funding: All Canadian pilots, regardless of their region, will have access to a larger, centralized fund to support site development, safety programs, community growth initiatives, and other pilot-focused projects. This ensures that smaller or underrepresented regions are no longer left behind.
  • Reduced Volunteer and Administrative Burden: By eliminating the need for provincial organizations to maintain separate boards and operations, volunteers can focus on local initiatives without duplicating national efforts. HPAC will handle the administration of funds, ensuring stability and accountability.
  • Enhanced Stability and Accountability: Centralizing funds at the national level allows HPAC to ensure transparent, mission-driven use of resources. This minimizes the risk of mismanagement and ensures that funds are directed toward projects that benefit the entire pilot community.
  • Reduced Fees: HPAC recently lowered fees by 30%, and we will continue to keep costs low for our members. HPAC has accumulated plenty of funds to support funding applications into the near future without increasing fees
  • Streamlined Support: HPAC will focus its resources on delivering high-impact programs and services that promote safety, sustainability, and growth for all pilots.
  • Broader Scope of Funding: The national fund will support a wider range of initiatives, beyond just site development, to ensure the long-term success and vibrancy of hang gliding and paragliding in Canada.


Looking Ahead

We understand that some members may have concerns about losing the benefits previously provided by provincial organizations. Please rest assured that HPAC’s new national funding model is designed to provide even greater support and opportunities than before. By consolidating resources and focusing on the needs of all pilots, we are confident this change will lead to a stronger and more inclusive flying community.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this transition, please do not hesitate to reach out. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to continuing to serve you as Canada’s national hang gliding and paragliding organization.

Sincerely,
The HPAC Board of Directors