Policies & Procedures

Northern Edge Algonquin endeavors to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for our student visitors. You will gain the most enjoyment from your retreat by being aware of the following.

1. As cell phones do not work at the edge, we invite Guests calling home on arrival to please do so in town. Our office phone is (888) 383-8320, and our office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00pm E.S.T. Messages are checked daily in the office and messages for guests will be delivered as quickly as possible.

2. We operate on solar power which provides us with energy for pumping and heating water, energy efficient lighting , music, and most of the comforts of home. Blow-dryers and hair-straighteners, however, can damage our electrical system so we ask that they are left at home. Join us in conserving power whenever possible.

3. We encourage you to leave portable music players at home. If required, please respect others by using earphones and restrict their use between 11pm and 7am.

4. We encourage you to leave all valuables at home. Northern Edge Algonquin will not assume responsibility for lost or damaged materials.

5. Edge experiences are natural mood enhancers, alcohol is occasionally served as an accent to experiences for of-age groups. Students are not permitted to bring their own alcohol.

6. Please keep doorways, porches, buildings, cabins, and the environment smoke free by smoking only in the designated area at the fire circle.

7. Outdoor equipment including canoes, kayaks and bicycles is provided for your enjoyment. Where required for your experience, appropriate instructions on their use will be given. Personal Flotation Devices and whistles are provided and shall be worn at all times while in watercraft.

8. Participation in any activity presented by Northern Edge Algonquin is optional.

9. Please use only the established fire pits for outdoor fires.

10. Candle lanterns may be provided in some of our cabins (open candles/tea lights are prohibited). Remember to always extinguish candles when leaving the room unattended or lying in bed.

11. The use of biodegradable soap is encouraged. It is available in shower and washroom areas in Points North and the Main House. Please help ensure that only toilet paper goes into the toilet. All other waste is properly deposited in the waste containers provided. We recycle paper, plastic, metal and compost food waste.

12. Northern Edge Algonquin guests shall follow the directions of facilitators and guides re: safety procedures, equipment use, etc.

13. If you are on medication, bring more than you will expect to need.

14. It is each visitor’s responsibility to provide an accurate explanation of any pre-existing medical condition or food allergies or related issues prior to participation in any program.

15. Images and/or recordings from your experience may be captured for your enjoyment once you return home. Northern Edge Algonquin may post them on the Internet. If you wish your likeness to not be recorded please make your desires known.

Acknowledgement and Release

All guests (and/or their parents/guardians) acknowledge and release Northern Edge Algonquin Inc. from responsibility according to the terms set out below:

Whereas the guest has contracted with Northern Edge for the provision of one or more of the many programs and activities provided by Northern Edge (the “Activity”) and wishes to engage in same as a participant;

And Whereas the guest acknowledges that despite the best efforts of Northern Edge to minimize risk, there may be certain risks inherent in said activity which include but are not limited to: natural physical hazards, man made objects, forces of nature, and physical exertion;

And Whereas it is a condition precedent to the participation of the guest in the Activity that the guest follow all directions from time to time provided by Northern Edge to protect all participants;

And Whereas the guest has been provided with a copy of the Policies and Procedures which govern the participation of the undersigned in the Activity;

And Whereas the guest acknowledges that medical attention may not be immediately or readily available at sites or locations at which the Activity is completed;

And Whereas each guest has been asked to submit to Northern Edge Algonquin a description of any pre-existing medical condition;

Now therefore in consideration of good and valuable consideration (the receipt sufficiency of which the guest acknowledges receipt by completing registration and/or attending as a guest), the undersigned agrees as follows:

1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct;

2. The guest will abide by the Policies and Procedures and any specific directions from Northern Edge staff;

3. The guest has reviewed the Activity selected and consulted with their personal physician where prudent. The guest is confident that the undersigned is physically able to complete the Activity without placing the undersigned or other participants at risk of ill health or physical injury;

4. The guest hereby authorizes and directs Northern Edge, or such representative as may from time to time be designated by Northern Edge Algonquin for said purpose, to secure such medical advice and services as are deemed by Northern Edge Algonquin, in its absolute discretion to be necessary from the health and safety of the undersigned. In the event that the cost of providing such care exceeds the limits of the medical coverage carried by the guest, then the guest acknowledges that the undersigned shall at all times be responsible for costs associated with the provision of such medical advice and services;

5. The guest, for his or herself, and their respective heirs and assigns, hereby waives, releases, and remises Northern Edge Algonquin, its successors and assigns, of and from all claims, liabilities, actions, damages, or obligations which the undersigned or his or her heirs, representatives, successors and assigns had or may have against Northern Edge Algonquin with respect to the participation of the guest in the Activity;

6. The guest acknowledges that in the event that the guest or any member of the guest’s party fail to follow directions, policies and procedures, or any other rules, laws or regulations enacted by the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, County or Municipality, Northern Edge Algonquin shall have the right to terminate the participation in the activity of such guests as Northern Edge Algonquin shall deem reasonably necessary, and in such event Northern Edge Algonquin shall retain the unexpired portion of the fees paid by such persons in partial satisfaction of the damages sustained by Northern Edge. The guest further releases Northern Edge of and from any claims that may arise against Northern Edge as a result of said termination.