The OTCC brings together arborists & industry members in this fun, competitive event.
The OTCC is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend: watch arborists showcase their skills, learn about trees at educational sessions, visit a tradeshow featuring our favourite vendors and anyone can try out tree climbing at the “Fun Climb” station under the guidance of a professional arborist.

See the 2026 OTCC Climber Registration List here. (We will update this list when there are changes so check back for the latest version).

The 2026 OTCC will be held Sept 11-12, 2026 at Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens in Niagara Falls, ON.

For Spectators

Interested in watching the OTCC? It’s free to attend! Bring a lawn/folding chair, show up at the park and check it out! Bring a lunch (or buy a lunch from the cafe in the park), and there are washrooms on site.

For Volunteers

The OTCC would not be possible without our team of incredible volunteers! To join us, see details and sign up to volunteer online here.

For Competitors

The 2026 OTCC has 54 total spots available: 36 men and 18 women (if 18 women are not registered, extra spots will be filled by men on the waiting list, and vice versa).

Climbers must be present at the park for mandatory roll call, gear check and climber orientation at all of the following times: Thursday 4:00PM, Friday 8:00AM and Saturday 8:00AM (make sure you’re there on time! If you’re not there when we call your name, you’ll lose your chance to compete and we don’t want that!)

At the start of the event we will announce the number of climbers who will compete in the 2026 Masters (the number depends on the number of male and female climbers competing in each division – as per the ITCC rules 8.2.4). In the 2026 OTCC Non-Ontario residents will be offered spots after Ontario climbers. Climbers must be members of ISA Ontario, in good standing, prior to OTCC registration (Note non-Ontario residents can compete in preliminary events but cannot compete in the Masters).

See the climber information package here.

See ISA’s information on:

• Gear check including gear check video;
• Current ITCC Rules,
• Equipment Specifications including approved mechanical devices

Arbor Challenge – Ground Games 

The OTCC isn’t just for climbers! In the Arbor Challenge non-climbers compete in ground-based challenges including the Chain Change, Tree Pull, Hot Saw and Rake Master!

The 3rd Annual Arbor Challenge will be held at the OTCC on Saturday Sept 12 at 11:00AM. See details and register online for free here.

Sponsor and Exhibit at the OTCC!

The OTCC provides an incredible opportunity to showcase your brand – with over 250 arborists in attendance and 30 exhibitors, the two-day trade show gives you one-on-one time with industry members to display your gear, equipment, and services. Plus it’s a ton of fun!

See details to sponsor or exhibit at the OTCC here!

OTCC Committee Chair:

Ken Gillies
[email protected]

Head Judge:

Jess van Vliet
[email protected]

Head Tech:

Peter de Vries
[email protected]

Past Virtual Forums: Thank you to everyone who participated: your input helps continue to make the OTCC better and better!

• May 17 2023 Virtual Forum: Watch the recording here
• Nov 15 2023 Virtual Forum: Watch the recording here
  
• June 18 2024 Virtual Forum: Watch the recording here
• April 16 2025 Virtual Forum: Watch the recording here
• March 25 2026 Virtual Forum: Watch the recording here

Ontario’s Ascent Event Records were established at the 2024 OTCC:
Serena Soucy – Ontario Women’s Ascent record: 17.87 seconds
Chris Sallows – Ontario Men’s Ascent record: 8.80 seconds

Is your municipality interested in hosting an OTCC?
The OTCC event is a great way to showcase your municipality, your local park, and to bring the community together for an incredible event! See requirements to host an OTCC event here. And contact us for more information