Please find attached our bid submission for the 2015 ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships for consideration.

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1 Ottawa, January 14, 2015 ACA Open Canoe Slalom Committee Active Chair: Michael Cook Dear Mike, Please find attached our bid submission for the 2015 ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships for consideration. We understand that we assume all risks with respect to all logistical and financial obligations for hosting the race. Recognize too, that the cost of hosting races at the MKC site incurs a higher financial burden as we must cover the cost of facility use for the duration of the event. These costs are reflected in the price, but still represents good value as registration includes cost of water releases, a catered dinner, 2 race classes and gear draw. We hope this is to the committee s satisfaction. Please feel free to contact us at any time for additional information. Best regards, Carole and Andrew Westwood 1257 Tara Drive Ottawa, ON, Canada K2C 2H

2 BID SUBMISSION 2015 ACA Open Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships Madawaska River, Barry s Bay, Ontario Section A Year and dates: July 22-24th (Wed - Fri), 2015 Location and site of event: Madawaska Kanu Center, 247 River Road, Barry s Bay, Ontario Canada Race chairperson: Andrew Westwood, drewcanoe@sympatico.ca Administration: Registration: Safety: Carole Westwood, westwoodoc1@yahoo.ca Prior to the event online through Zone4, during the event, MKC staff. Safety will be provided by a group of paddlers with river rescue certification on the shores of the river as well as boats at the finish area. Chief Judge and Judges: TBA Sponsorship: Volunteers: Course Designer: Course Set-up: Cathy Olsen James Vermulen Dana Henry Team of volunteers led by Course Designer Timing and scoring method: Start and finish times will be recorded with synchronized stopwatches. Scoring will be done by teams of volunteers set along the riverbank and radioed to the scoring center. Scores are further verified using score sheets, which are run to the scoring center. This method is used regularly for the races at MKC with no difficulties.

3 Description of course and water conditions, anticipated flow, difficulty. The Madawaska River is justifiably celebrated as one of the best slalom race courses in North America. Flowing literally past the front door of the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC), through a forest of pines and hardwoods, the river s supply of damcontrolled water is warm, clean, and dependable all summer long. This 3 mile section of drop-pool whitewater is locally known as Bells Rapids, or to slalom paddlers as the Middle Madawaska. During races, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) releases a generous flow of water over the top of Bark Lake dam filling the riverbed with warm water from the surface of the lake. In mid-summer the river temperature is typically 75 degrees. Release times are 9 a.m. 3 p.m. The river consists of a series of class I III rapids with countless pools and eddies. Rapids like Staircase, Chalet, Gravel Pit, Cottage, and Claudia s Roller provide the backbone of a near continuous flow for the down river event. Twenty six slalom gates are hung on Chalet Rapids offering numerous course arrangements and levels of difficulty. The rapid begins with class one channels and is dominated by a class two mid-section and a brief series of class III steps on river left. The run out of Chalet Rapids has two parallel 6 gate flat-water practice runs. The river left shore features a well cleared walking trail for easy access to all locations of Chalet Rapids plus rapids upstream and downstream. The trail is not suitable for wheeled portage carts. 100 yards uphill from the river are the full amenities of MKC.

4 A guaranteed water release from Tuesday to Friday permits one day of practice and three days of racing. A fifth day of water on Monday is possible but the event is not being advertised as this release is uncertain and water level dependent. Monday practices can occur on the flat-water gate section of the race site or at Palmer Rapids 20 minutes downstream also on the Madawaska River. Other local rivers worth visiting include; Palmer Rapids, named after the town along this narrow section of the Madawaska River just downstream of MKC boasts two friendly Class I-III rapids. These rapids always have enough water to paddle, as the Palmer Dam located upstream of the rapids is mandated to release a minimum flow suitable for paddling all summer long. The upper chute, known as Jessup s is a class III eddy and wave run. The middle section has great slalom practice spots for ferrying and eddy-hopping. The bottom boasts a smooth river-wide flow with easy to attain eddies from either side. The Ottawa River is renowned for its big warm whitewater all summer long. It is a world class destination for freestyle paddling, river running and surfing with huge dynamic waves coming in at every water level. With two channels, this river has something to offer for everyone. The Middle Channel is lower volume with more technical lines and less intimidating rapids. The Main Channel is where most of the river s water flows, creating large features and big water lines to play with. The weekend prior to the race dates MKC will provide shuttle services to the Ottawa River for competitors at NORAM for a small fee. Other notable and accessible rivers include the Gatineau River and Petawawa River. The Pan American Games will be held July18-19 at the Gull River just 2 hours away if paddlers wish to watch their slalom event. For additional description and maps, please go to the Madawaska River section on the page: The downriver event info: The downriver portion of the Combined Event will be on held on the Friday afternoon (last event of the day) It will start below the Bark Lake Dam and finish at the river pour out into Kamaniskeg Lake. Approx. 3 miles. Describe the Advantages of your site for this bid: This site has been used for several National and World Cup races. MKC is a renowned paddling resort destination, offering varied amenities from camping, dorms accommodation, guest rooms and cabanas. A meal plan is available featuring organic wholesome food and MKC will prepare the Banquet meal. Please look at their website (see Amenities below) for more information. The site is serviced by MKC and will be the event headquarters.

5 Amenities: The site is spectator-friendly (i.e. parking and trails to the river s edge) Additional amenities nearby (20 minutes to grocery, hardware, motel and restaurants) - this site has the addresses and phone numbers of amenities in the area : camping sites, dorms, guest rooms and cabanas at the racesite. Section B Advertising plans for the event, registration, and communication to racers & public: Advertising will be through retail, local organizations and clubs as well as recognized web sites. A site will be designated for information and registration. It is anticipated that all slalom committee members will communicate with local paddlers about the event. Sponsors. TBA Address to which entries should be sent and amount of fees: As indicated on the registration form and website (TBA). Registration Fee Registration will be $85. Registration fee includes water release fees, 2 classes, and Saturday evening meal at the site. Each additional class will be $10. Note that REGISTRATION for the event must be received by June 26th 2015 otherwise a late fee of $30 will apply Last date for entries to be postmarked. Race entries will accepted up to 8pm the day prior to the actual race. For example, for Wednesday races, sign up to 8pm Tuesday, for Thursday races, sign up to 8pm Wednesday, etc. Whether late entries will be accepted and late fee: Late entries will be accepted on site as described above. The fee of $10 per class will apply. Limitations on entries: Maximum 3 classes a day with a total of 7 classes for the entire event. Classes to be run and eligibility requirements: Same as 2014 Sequence and approximate starting times: Similar to event at the Gull River, Minden 2008

6 Safety measures to be taken: All persons taking part in the role of providing safety on the river will have training in a recognized river safety course. The area is serviced by ambulance, with the nearest hospital 15 miles distance. Nature of awards to be given: Standard ACA championship awards to top 3 places as provided by ACA and Citizens class awards to top 3 places. Required work assignment for competitors, if any: TBD depending on volunteer base. Times and regulations on practice runs: The release schedule permits one day of practice at MKC prior to the race. Racers can select to practice prior to release dates at MKC s flat water training gates, or Palmer Rapids, 20 minutes downstream. Schedule of events (water releases, boat measuring, racers meetings, Annual OC Slalom meeting, dinner and awards): Schedule will be determined in the future but will be based on the schedule formally agreed upon by the slalom committee with any changes made only if absolutely necessary. Special info for the handicapped: The site is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Statement to be signed by competitors releasing the race organizers from liability during the race & an agreement that the competitors will abide by the ACA open canoe slalom racing rules: Example: I, the undersigned, certify that I have read the rules of the race as indicated in this package and agree to abide by them as well as the instructions and directive of the race officials. I affirm that I will inspect the racecourse prior to the race and will not race if it is beyond my capabilities as a whitewater paddler. I also agree to hold harmless from liability for injuries to my person or property, the sponsoring organizations, officials, landowners, and the committee members, and realize that it is not incumbent upon them to furnish first aide, rescue, or salvage equipment and personnel. I also certify that I am an amateur as defined by the American Canoe Association.