July 11, 2024
Mackenzie Hordyk (2023 OTCC female champion) competing at the 2023 event. Photo by Ciara Condon.
Ontario Tree Climbing Championship coming to Mississauga
The 34th annual Ontario Tree Climbing Championship (OTCC) will take place Sept. 20-21 at RK McMillan Park in Mississauga, Ont.
This free event showcases arborists in action, demonstrating the exceptional skills required to work safely and efficiently in trees. There are multiple challenges, such as a timed speed climb, a targeted throwline toss, a work climb, an ascent event using specialized equipment and an aerial rescue. Each challenge gives climbers a chance to demonstrate their skills. Participants from across the province compete to be crowned the Ontario champions. Winners also go on to compete at the International Tree Climbing Championships.
The Ontario Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAO) invites those in the green trades and the general public to attend this signature event. The two-day event will also feature educational workshops geared toward those in the green industry, including a tree-planting demonstration and sessions on gear and safety. The event also offers a unique opportunity to network and align with industry peers and the opportunity for anyone to try climbing a tree using specialized equipment under the guidance of experienced professionals. A number of vendors will also be on site as part of the event.
The arborist industry in Ontario is closely linked with other green trades and these links become clearer in the field on a day-to-day basis. Arborist crews commonly cross paths with other green trades on residential and commercial properties, contacts are shared with clients when there are requests for recommendations of reputable companies, and there are even firms that perform both landscaping and arborist work. Our allied industries are linked by our common purpose of maintaining green infrastructure.
Another commonality in our industries is the struggle to ensure the public recognizes the value of skilled professionals in our field. Landscape Ontario plays a crucial role in this regard. For arborists, a primary concern is educating the public not only on proper tree care and work practices, but also on safety. In a large sense, this objective originally inspired what has become the worldwide tradition of tree climbing competitions, as they are based on real work scenarios that arborists deal with in the field or are trained to be prepared for.
This year, 45 people (20 men and 15 women) will compete, allowing ISAO and arborists to illustrate proper industry standards in both practice and safety to members of the public attending the event.
2023 OTCC competitors and volunteers. Photo by Julie Tucker.
The OTCC leads by example whether to industry peers or homeowners. This can be seen in several ways: First, no activity takes place until the site and trees are fully inspected for safety, for the participants and the public. Second, emergency response planning is always in place. Third, the trees are well protected at all times. No excessive pruning or damage is accepted and arborists will not use spikes on host trees. This is especially important, as this outdated practice is still a commonplace practice for less educated workers and members of the public.
The OTCC will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sept. 20 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 21. For more information, please visit the event page on the ISAO website at isaontario.com/otcc.
We hope to see you all there!
This free event showcases arborists in action, demonstrating the exceptional skills required to work safely and efficiently in trees. There are multiple challenges, such as a timed speed climb, a targeted throwline toss, a work climb, an ascent event using specialized equipment and an aerial rescue. Each challenge gives climbers a chance to demonstrate their skills. Participants from across the province compete to be crowned the Ontario champions. Winners also go on to compete at the International Tree Climbing Championships.
The Ontario Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAO) invites those in the green trades and the general public to attend this signature event. The two-day event will also feature educational workshops geared toward those in the green industry, including a tree-planting demonstration and sessions on gear and safety. The event also offers a unique opportunity to network and align with industry peers and the opportunity for anyone to try climbing a tree using specialized equipment under the guidance of experienced professionals. A number of vendors will also be on site as part of the event.
The arborist industry in Ontario is closely linked with other green trades and these links become clearer in the field on a day-to-day basis. Arborist crews commonly cross paths with other green trades on residential and commercial properties, contacts are shared with clients when there are requests for recommendations of reputable companies, and there are even firms that perform both landscaping and arborist work. Our allied industries are linked by our common purpose of maintaining green infrastructure.
Another commonality in our industries is the struggle to ensure the public recognizes the value of skilled professionals in our field. Landscape Ontario plays a crucial role in this regard. For arborists, a primary concern is educating the public not only on proper tree care and work practices, but also on safety. In a large sense, this objective originally inspired what has become the worldwide tradition of tree climbing competitions, as they are based on real work scenarios that arborists deal with in the field or are trained to be prepared for.
This year, 45 people (20 men and 15 women) will compete, allowing ISAO and arborists to illustrate proper industry standards in both practice and safety to members of the public attending the event.
2023 OTCC competitors and volunteers. Photo by Julie Tucker.
The OTCC leads by example whether to industry peers or homeowners. This can be seen in several ways: First, no activity takes place until the site and trees are fully inspected for safety, for the participants and the public. Second, emergency response planning is always in place. Third, the trees are well protected at all times. No excessive pruning or damage is accepted and arborists will not use spikes on host trees. This is especially important, as this outdated practice is still a commonplace practice for less educated workers and members of the public.
The OTCC will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sept. 20 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 21. For more information, please visit the event page on the ISAO website at isaontario.com/otcc.
We hope to see you all there!