A Special Message from
the former Ontario East Region 

February 27, 2011

Dear Member:

Our organization, Hostelling International-Ontario East (HI-OE), is continually striving to more completely fulfill its mission and vision:

to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of peoples, places and cultures through hostelling.

Today, we are endeavouring to maintain and improve our facilities and services, including by expanding our network to provide hostel services throughout the Ontario East region, which spans eastern and central Ontario from North Bay and Peterborough to Kingston and Ottawa. However, we are challenged by a lack of access to significant funding and the risks that come with operating only one property (HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel). These challenges are amplified by increasing competition and the changing expectations of our guests.

Following a decision at our Board retreat in November 2010, HI-OE solicited expressions of interest from HI-Pacific Mountain Region (HI-PM) and HI-Saint Lawrence Region (HI-SL) in partnering or merging with HI-OE with the objective of better fulfilling our mission and vision. We approached these two regions because they are the largest and most financially sound in Canada, and they already share our mission and vision by virtue of their membership in the Hostelling International Canada partnership. Early in 2011, both HI-PM and HI-SL expressed interest in moving forward to explore partnership and merger options.

On February 20, 2011, we issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to both HI-PM and HI-SL. This RFP solicits proposals from HI-PM and HI-SL on how they envisage our two regions might partner or merge. HI-PM subsequently decided not to respond to this RFP, but we fully anticipate a response from HI-SL. In the RFP process, all options are on the table. We have been careful not to prejudge the outcome of this initiative.

Rest assured that the Board will ensure that our organization continues to operate effectively throughout this process. Regardless of whether or not a viable partnership or merger option emerges, there should be no changes in the day-to-day operations of the region.

From the beginning of this initiative, our Board has been committed to running an open and transparent process. As always, I encourage you to contact me directly at the coordinates below should you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, or comments about this process. More information will follow in the months ahead, as we are committed making this process transparent and participatory. The membership will ultimately decide the future of our organization.

The Board of Directors is confident that whatever the outcome of this process, our organization will become more completely able to fulfill our mission and vision.

Regards,


Peter Harrison

President, Hostelling International - Ontario-East
(on behalf of the Board of Directors)

Tel: 613-868-3340
e-mail: peterrwharrison@gmail.com