Open Mountains Project Society celebrated its 10 year anniversary Thursday, April 23 at the non-profit organization’s annual general meeting at the Copeland Hotel.
In front of society members and guests, founder Rachel Reimer reflected on over a decade of forging new opportunities for marginalized communities in Revelstoke and throughout the region.
“Ten years on, I am amazed and honoured to see the legacy of inclusion, kindness and generosity of spirit that Open Mountains has forged in this community and beyond,” Reimer said.
Open Mountains has expanded past the youth recreational support groups Reimer started out with, offering film nights and more. As the organization continues to network, Reimer hopes to see inclusive opportunities grow, with more 2SLGBTQ+ focused LUNA Arts events one of her wishes.
“I really do feel like visibility creates viability,” she told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Summer plans are already underway through a partnership with the new Revelstoke Pride Society to host the 2026 Mountain Academy and Mountain Pride events. The non-profit will also continue working with Stoke Youth Network to create outdoor recreation opportunities for youth in Revelstoke and is open to partnering with other organizations to share resources and events with.
“Collaboration is absolutely key,” Reimer said.
One of the focuses for Open Mountains’ future is financial stability. Echoing Robyn Goldsmith, Arts Revelstoke executive director and other non-profits, Reimer said funding supports like the Columbia Basin Trusts’s Resident Directed grant are oversubscribed.
To help fill the gaps, Open Mountains Project is looking at offering some market priced outdoor recreation courses with profits supporting subsidized programs. While mitigating financial barriers to outdoor recreation will still be prioritized, Reimer explained that not everyone seeking the non-profit’s support is facing financial stressors.
“There are people in our community whose primary barrier is going to be cultural or identity based barriers, but they do have the financial means to spend what it would cost,” Reimer said.
Building inclusive opportunities and communities doesn’t stop at introductory skill courses, Chris Pearce, Open Mountains executive director explained.
“Whilst introductory offers are important, lots of our community also has lots of skills and want to continue developing within that community,” they said, adding that Open Mountains plans to offer multi-day, intermediate training courses.
Open Mountains has also been working on legacy planning as Reimer steps away from the board president role after founding and leading the organization since 2016.
“Open Mountains was my real life learning lab and the vehicle through which I could create real change in a place that I love,” Reimer said in her farewell speech.
Calling for continued community support
Reflecting on her work with Open Mountains and in Revelstoke, Reimer stressed that pushback against the organization’s work has come from a vocally loud, but relatively small group.
“I would say the majority of folks in Revelstoke, including business owners, have really shown up for Open Mountains, not just financially, but also just in trying their best to be allies,” she said.
Crowds routinely come out for Mountain Pride events and for the annual Perspective Film Night, a visual sign of support for 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPoC community members. When talking with residents outside those populations, Reimer often hears shock that discrimination and threats are still a key struggle Open Mountains navigates.
“As we see Revelstoke growing, that vocal minority may grow as well,” she said, adding that Open Mountains has discussed how to keep future events and courses safe for participants.
Continued community support and partnerships are key in showcasing the resources marginalized residents and visitors can access in Revelstoke.
Support from Columbia Basin Trust fund, Tourism Revelstoke, Arc’teryx and other local partners has been important for Open Mountains’ events, and Reimer hopes to see more from the City of Revelstoke down the road, similar to how other regional municipalities host Pride events.
“City of Revelstoke’s level of buy-in and support for community events could be these defining aspects for Revelstoke culture.”
As for the future of Open Mountains Project Society?
“I hope one day my daughter can go on an Open Mountains back country trip,” Reimer said, adding she’s excited to see what future leadership has in store for the organization and inclusive outdoor recreation in Revelstoke.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you
