| Who We Are |
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Here is our constitution: constitution.pdf.
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this document. If you don't have it, get it
here. |
| The History of the KMC |
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In April 1964, 12 local members formed the Kootenay Section of the Alpine Club
of Canada. With the formation of the Section, the Club journal, the Kootenay
Karabiner, began. This semi-annual journal became annual in 1970 with the
publication of a monthly newsletter. The mid sixties saw the start of many
traditions carried on to this day: clearing trails, weekly rock schools,
climbing and hiking camps, building and renovation of cabins, and explorations
and first ascents throughout the Kootenays all year round. By 1968 the section had grown to 70 members but most were not full ACC members. Since ACC bylaws required the executive to be full members, the Section was dissolved. However, in the spring of 1969, the same group was resurrected as the Kootenay Mountaineering Club (KMC). The Club has now grown to over 300 members. Many of the early activities of the KMC have evolved into larger enterprises. Early renovations and maintenance of the Slocan Chief Cabin in Kokanee Glacier Park meant that KMCer's were almost the only users of the cabin, particularly for spring ski trips. The popularity of the cabin grew and BC Parks took over regulation of its use and instituted a lottery system. The KMC continues to work for preservation of the park. The first week long summer camp at Earl Grey Pass in 1967 has grown to four weeks of climbing and hiking camps attended by over 80 members. These camps have been held in numerous locations in the Monashees, Selkirks, Purcells, and Rockies - the extent of the KMC playground. Comfort and convenience has improved considerably over the years with the purchase of cook tents, propane stoves, and other camp gear. In 1968 the Mulvey Creek trail into the Valhallas was completed. In 1969 a hut was constructed in Mulvey Meadows. The hut received heavy use until 1980 when the access road up Bannockburn Creek was closed. In 1970, the KMC was the first organization to work for the creation of a park in the Valhallas with its brief to the Provincial Government. Many hiking camps were held in the Valhallas before the days of easy access to the area. In the mid 1970's the Club began efforts to protect the Fry Creek drainage and to support creation of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. The Club is currently involved in efforts to protect the Jumbo Pass area from development as a ski resort. In 1986, the KMC undertook sponsorship of a federal work grant project to build ski-touring cabins in the Bonnington Range. The multi-use Copper, Grassy, Steed, and Huckleberry Huts are still actively maintained by the Club. The KMC also actively supported the reconstruction of the Silver Spray Cabin in Kokanee Glacier Park. Early rock schools were held on the Kinnard Bluffs. The informal Wednesday night practice sessions grew into a formal mountaineering course of lectures, rockclimbing, and a weekend of snow and glacier travel. Residential development in the vicinity has now closed the Bluffs to use by the KMC. Throughout the years, a tradition of spring and fall AGM dinners has evolved. These gatherings have been complimented by other social gatherings and various lectures and presentations by noted mountaineers. These occasions have been a forum where Club members could share the memories of their travels and exploits in many mountainous parts of the world as well as the beautiful Kootenays. |
The Kootenay Mountaineering Club (KMC) is a non-profit society based in the
Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. The KMC promotes an interest
in, and development of, mountaineering skills, fellowship, and conservation of
the natural values in the mountains.