Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) is seeking Letters of Interest from Canadian cities, tourism organizations, and event management groups interested in collaborating with CEC on the development of a strategic plan that may lead to hosting an international climbing competition in Canada.
This process is structured in multiple phases to assess feasibility, market conditions, and strategic opportunities. Phase 1 has been completed, and the Feasibility Report is available upon request. Submitting a hosting bid to the IFSC is one of several possible outcomes, and CEC reserves the right to pause or discontinue the process at any stage before proceeding further.
Project Phases:
- Phase 1 – Feasibility Report (Completed)
- Phase 2 – Letter of Interest (LOI)
- Phase 3 – Market Study
- Phase 4 – Bid Construction
Phase 1 – Feasibility Report (Completed)
CEC has completed a feasibility study to assess the viability of hosting an IFSC World Cup event in Canada. The full Feasibility Report is available upon request. The report includes:
- Venue considerations: Assessment of infrastructure, accessibility, and potential host cities.
- Event delivery: Analysis of operational logistics, governance structure options, and financial forecasting.
- Economic impact: Evaluation of potential financial benefits, including revenue projections and public funding opportunities.
- Risk management: Review of legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with hosting an international event.
- Candidate city assessment: Four Canadian cities were evaluated based on criteria such as accessibility, event history, infrastructure, and economic impact.
- Findings and recommendations: The report outlines next steps, including the need for expressions of interest from potential host cities and partners.
Key Finding: While Canada has the potential to host an IFSC World Cup, a successful bid will require strong municipal and provincial partnerships, a clear funding strategy, and a commitment to event legacy and sport development.
Phase 2 – Letter of Interest (LOI)
Following the findings of Phase 1, CEC is now inviting formal Letters of Interest (LOI) from cities, tourism organizations, or event management groups interested in advancing the discussion. The LOI should outline:
- A high-level vision for hosting the event.
- Available infrastructure and resources.
- Preliminary funding or partnership commitments.
- A general timeline and willingness to move forward to Phase 3.
The LOI is a non-binding expression of interest that will help CEC identify potential partners and stakeholders for the next phase.
Phase 3 – Market Study
If sufficient interest is received, a market study will be conducted to determine the demand, potential impact, and sustainability of hosting an international climbing competition in Canada. This study will include:
- Audience analysis: Understanding the potential spectator base, athlete participation, and tourism impact.
- Economic impact assessment: Estimating the financial benefits and investment required.
- Stakeholder engagement: Gathering feedback from national and international climbing communities, sponsors, and local partners.
- Competitive analysis: Reviewing how Canada compares to other host countries in terms of facilities, costs, and advantages.
CEC reserves the right to discontinue the process at this stage if the market study does not support further investment.
Phase 4 – Bid Construction
If the market study indicates a strong case for hosting an international competition, CEC will proceed with the development of a formal bid for submission to the IFSC or another international governing body. This phase will include:
- Finalizing host city selection based on infrastructure, financial commitments, and strategic alignment.
- Detailed budget and funding plan, including sponsorships, grants, and government support.
- Operational plan covering event logistics, workforce, and technical requirements.
- Marketing and promotional strategies to ensure broad engagement and attendance.
Next Steps
CEC encourages interested cities, tourism boards, and event management organizations to submit a Letter of Interest at this stage.
To request the Phase 1 Feasibility Report or submit a Letter of Interest, please contact our Executive Director, Christiane Marceau, at ed@climbingcanada.ca
Deadline to submit a LOI is set at April 15, 2025
