ROOM TO GROW
You are invited to the 2025 Canada Room To Grow!
An educational and networking forum for Canoe suppliers that currently hold a Sourcewell contract, this year’s event will take place in the vibrant alpine town of Whistler, BC, at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau on September 30 – October 2, 2025.
Enjoy the opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of Whistler and the surrounding Coast Mountains, connect with industry leaders, explore business growth strategies, and network with peers and the Canoe and Sourcewell team.
Agenda
| Tuesday, September 30 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| TBD | Registration | Fairmont Chateau Lobby | ||
| TBD | Offsite Activities Option 1: Golf. Details coming soon. Option 2: Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Details coming soon. Option 3: E-biking. Details coming soon. | All three activities include lunch and transportation from the Fairmont Chateau Lobby where appropriate. Meet at the lobby. | ||
| TBD | Registration | Fairmont Chateau | ||
| TBD | Welcome Reception and Dinner | Fairmont Chateau | ||
| Wednesday, October 1 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| 7:30 – 8:30 am | Breakfast | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Welcome and Introductions Dave Dextraze, Tyler Hannemann | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 9:30 – 10:00 am | Behind the Scenes with Sourcewell and Canoe Tom Perttula and Dave Dextraze | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 10:00 – 10:15 am | Break | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 10:15 – 11:00 am | Inside the Mind of a Canoe Member Simon McLinden | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Keynote Speaker – Catriona Le May Doan Dare to Dream Bigger, Strive for Excellence, and Find Your Path to Success | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Networking for Success Small group discussions at your table to dive deeper with industry peers discussing the success, challenges, and opportunities in the Canadian Market. | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 2:00 – 2:45 pm | Supplier Panel Moderator: Tony De Sciscio Panelists: Andy Campbell (Sourcewell), Jeff Johnson (Joe Johnson Equipment), Jessica Heim (CDW Canada) | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 2:45 – 3:00 pm | Break | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 3:00 – 3:45 pm | Economic Update – Jim Allworth A world view on current trends that will impact our business success | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 3:45 – 4:00 pm | Wrap up Dave Dextraze, Tyler Hannemann | Malcolm – Edinburgh Castle | ||
| 5:00 – 10:00 pm | Dinner Transportation provided, meeting in lobby Bus departs at 5:15 pm | Boundary Ranch, Kananaskis | ||
| Friday, October 11 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| 7:00 – 9:00 am | Breakfast, at leisure | Vouchers to be used at Malcolm Hotel restaurants- Canoe Sponsored | ||
| All Day | Travel | |||
Agenda
Please note that the agenda is subject to change.
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Registration | Lobby, Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Offsite Activity:
| Departs from Fairmont Lobby – timing varies | ||
| 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Registration | Frontenac Foyer – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Welcome Reception | Frontenac Foyer – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Dinner & Networking | Frontenac C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| 7:30 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Welcome and Introduction – Canoe/Trade Update | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am | Behind the Scenes with Sourcewell & Canoe | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 9:30 am – 9:45 am | Table Talk – Group Discussion | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 9:45 am – 10:15 am | Break | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 10:15 am – 11:00 am | Tariff/Buy Canada Panel Discussion | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Keynote Speaker – Todd Hirsch | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm | Canoe Universities | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Networking for Success – Group Discussion | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Break | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Supplier Hub/Marketing – Tony De Sciscio & Shamelle Pless | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Wrap Up – Dave Dextraze & Tyler Hannemann | Frontenac B/C – Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ||
| 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Dinner & Cultural Evening (Meet in the lobby at 6.30 pm. Procession begins at 6:45 pm) | Meet in Lobby / Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler | ||
| Thursday, October 2, 2025 | ||||
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION | ||
| 7:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast at your leisure | Vouchers – Portobello restaurant, Canoe Sponsored | ||
Shuttle Information
If you are flying into the Calgary International Airport, we have also arranged a special shuttle rate to get to Banff via Brewster Express. The airport desk is located in the Domestic terminal. To reserve your seat:
- Book online or call the toll-free number at 1.877.625.4372
- To get the special 15% off rate, when booking online use the code “roomtogrow” or if calling, mention you’re attending the Room to Grow event.
There is no guarantee of specific departure times and certain shuttles can sell out or be cancelled due to lack of bookings. You can cancel your booking until 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time.
One on One Meetings
To book one-on-one meetings with Canoe staff, please contact Sheila Ashton, Business Services Coordinator, via email at sheila@canoeprocurement.ca to schedule a time slot.
Please note, there are limited spaces available so meetings will be booked on a first come, first served basis.
Registration
Room to Grow is an invite-only event and invitations are not transferrable. Registration will open soon.
If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Ashton, Business Services Coordinator, via email at sheila@canoeprocurement.ca.
Venue
This year’s event will take place in Whistler, British Columbia at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Attendees are required to cover their own travel, including travel to and from Whistler, and accommodations.
Fairmont Chateau
4599 Chateau Blvd
Whistler, British Columbia, V8E 1G1
604.938.8000
To book rooms in the reserved block for the remaining available dates at the conference rate, please follow the steps below.
- Click here to make a reservation.
- Click BOOK NOW
- Under ‘Add code‘, select ‘Group Attendee‘ then enter the promotional code: 2403CANO
- Click the ‘Select & Go to the Next step’ button
- Select booking dates then click update dates of stay
- Select your room type
- Select add room & checkout
- Enter all information required.
Please note that Friday, September 6, 2024, is the last day to book accommodations under the group rate.
Accommodation
Canoe has reserved a block of rooms at the hotel at a special rate. To book rooms, please use the booking link. Alternatively, guests may also call the Global Reservations Centre at 1-800-441-1414 to make their reservations. Callers should identify themselves as being part of the 2025 Canoe Procurement – Room to Grow, or CANOEP0925 in order to receive the group rates. Please note that the resort charges a mandatory $35/day ‘Resort Experience’ fee. The resort fee includes services and amenities like:- Whistler Village Shuttle Service
- Fairmont Hotel Car Service
- Unlimited Business Internet Access in guest rooms and public spaces, plus Local Calls (All Members receive Premium Internet Access)
- Ski, Bike and Golf Cub Valet Service
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Daily Yoga Classes
- In Room Yoga Mats
- Access to Peloton Bikes and Online Programming
- Access to Rungo, an online local running and walking routes program
- Lobby Early Departure Coffee & Tee 5:00 am PST – 7:00 am PST
- Personalized Shoe Shine
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts and Equipment (seasonal)
- Unlimited access to Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club’s Driving Range (seasonal)
If you need assistance with your reservation, please reach out to Sheila Ashton at sheila@canoeprocurement.ca.
Keynote Speaker
Todd Hirsch is an internationally renowned economist, keynote speaker, and author whose research and work focuses on enhancing adaptability in an ever-changing world. Having had a front row seat to key issues transforming the global economy for the past 25 years, he delivers dynamic, clear-eyed talks on adaptability, creativity, and resilience to help industry and business leaders prepare for a future that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
An economist by training, Hirsch recently served as the Director of Energy Transition Centre, an incubator of tech startups focused on navigating our path toward net-zero carbon. Prior to this, he spent 15 years as the VP and chief economist for ATB Financial, taught economics at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, and worked in the research department of the Bank of Canada.
In recognition of his work, Hirsch has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University. He has also spoken to hundreds of business audiences across the United States and Canada, and international audiences from Venezuela to Dublin.
The author of four books, Hirsch’s latest, Spiders in COVID Space: Adapting During and After the Pandemic, shares the inspiring and compelling stories of businesses and not-for-profits that reinvented themselves during the pandemic.
Catriona Le May Doan is a legendary Canadian speedskater and a revered motivational speaker. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the world’s fastest woman on ice, breaking numerous records and winning multiple world championships in the 500m event. During her impressive career, Catriona Le May Doan was a four-time Olympic athlete and became the first Canadian to defend a gold medal at any Olympic games. She was the flag bearer for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and went on to win another gold medal in the 500m, setting a new Olympic record that wouldn’t be broken for 12 years.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Catriona Le May Doan is known for her dynamic public speaking. She is fluent in both English and French, and she captivates audiences with her personal story of overcoming obstacles to reach her goals. She encourages others to dream bigger, strive for excellence, and find their own path to success.
Catriona Le May Doan is a highly respected figure in Canadian sports and has received numerous accolades and honours throughout her career. She has been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Sports Hall of Fame, and she has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. She has also been awarded three Honorary Degrees from Canadian universities and has given convocation speeches to graduating classes.
OFFSITE ACTIVITIES
This year’s event offers a curated selection of unforgettable offsite experiences set against the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia.
Choose from one of the following adventures:
- Tee off at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course, where over 400 feet of elevation change and sweeping mountain views redefine the meaning of mountain golf.
- Soar skyward on the Sea to Sky Gondola and take in panoramic views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the iconic Stawamus Chief from towering suspension bridges and forested trails.
- Ride and feel your way through Whistler on a guided e-bike tour, blending active exploration with scenic exploration.
- Experience culture and cuisine at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where an evening dinner is paired with stories, art, and traditions from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
Please note: these activities will take place at the same time, so guests may select one option.
To conclude the event, all guests will come together for a memorable dinner surrounded by mountain views and warm hospitality.
Prepare to explore, connect, and unwind. Your Whistler experience awaits.
MOUNTAIN GOLF AT IT’S FINEST
Discover mountain golf at its finest. Set on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, British Columbia, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course winds through creeks, ponds, ancient Douglas firs, and rugged granite outcrops.
With over 400 feet of elevation change, this championship course offers an unforgettable experience that blends dramatic terrain with stunning West Coast scenery. Every round delivers a challenge, and every hole, a view worth remembering.
SEA TO SKY GONDOLA
This is more than a ride, it’s a vertical journey into coastal wilderness. As you ascend toward the summit, sweeping views of Howe Sound, the coastal forest, and surrounding peaks unfold before you through floor-to-ceiling glass.
With custom-built gondola cabins with padded seating and a smooth, quiet glide, every moment of the ride reveals something new, from Shannon Falls to the towering Stawamus Chief.
At the summit, the adventure continues. Step onto cantilevered viewing platforms, cross the breathtaking Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, or explore scenic hiking trails and alpine routes. The Sea to Sky Gondola is your gateway to some of British Columbia’s most unforgettable landscapes.
E-BIKE RIDE
Discover Whistler on two wheels with a private guided e-bike tour that blends luxury, scenery, and local insight. Led by a knowledgeable Fairmont guide, you’ll cruise along the scenic Valley Trail to some of Whistler’s most picturesque lakes, including Green Lake, Lost Lake, and more.
Along the way, enjoy photo stops at hidden gems and hear stories about the region’s mountains, wildlife, and history. With stunning views at every turn and an easy, relaxed pace thanks to your e-bike, this is more than a ride, it’s a truly elevated Whistler experience.
DINNER AT THE SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE
Enjoy an evening of connection, culture, and cuisine at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Surrounded by the striking architecture and forested beauty of the traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, guests are welcomed into a space where history and hospitality come together.
Dine on locally inspired fare while learning about the rich traditions, art, and stories of the people who have called this land home for thousands of years. It’s more than a meal—it’s an invitation to experience Indigenous culture in a setting as memorable as the meal itself.
Panelists
Tony Kulbisky, CLGM is the First Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) and also the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Westlock County. He brings with him over 30 years of provincial, regional, and municipal experience including more than 25 years in senior management.
Tony holds a BA from the University of Alberta (U of A) and a number of certificates including a Municipal Management and Leadership Certificate from the School of Business and a National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration with Distinction both from the U of A.
Tony won the prestigious 2016 Award of Excellence provided by the Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta and was selected for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Tony has also served his community as a professional 1001 volunteer firefighter for over 15 years. Tony has served provincially on the Local Government Administrative Association (LGAA) Board as Director, becoming Vice President in 2011 and serving as President from 2013 – 2016 and now sits as Past-President.
Tony is an avid runner, having completed several charity runs as well as 18 half marathons (21 km) and two full marathons (42 km).
