News
June 2, 2009 - Niagara Glen Bouldering Guidelines
Working with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) the Ontario Access Coalition has drafted a document outlining interim guidelines for bouldering at the Niagara Glen.
The OAC strongly recommends adhering to these guidelines until the formal NPC park management plan is completed. The Glen is the most important and well developed bouldering area in Southern Ontario and regularly serves climbers from Ontario, Quebec, and the adjoining US states. Click on the image below for a PDF of the Glen Bouldering Guidelines.
May 29, 2009 - Women’s Rock Climbing Clinics
Join one of Canada’s top female sport climbers Leslie Timms and rock guide Meg Mckerrol for a series of rock climbing clinics for women at Metcalfe Rock. Please register at www.freespirit-tours.com or call 705 444 3622. Dates for the clinics are listed below:
July 4 - Beginners with Meg Mckerrol
July 18 - Intermediate with Meg Mckerrol
August 1 - Beginners with Leslie Timms
August 22 - Intermediate with Leslie Timms
May 27, 2009 - Ontario Access Coalition Membership Drive
The Ontario Access Coalition is hoping to increase its registered membership. By representing a large number of registered climbers, the OAC achieves increased credibility when negotiating access issues with various land managers/owners. The OAC requests a minimum $5 donation for a one year membership. Please take the time to sign up here.
May 16, 2009 - Metcalfe Rock Clean and Climb
Free Spirit Tours is hosting a clean-up and trail maintenance day at Metcalfe Rock on May 24, 2009 starting at 10:00 am. Activities for the day include removing trash and spreading donated wood chips on trails to minimize erosion. Everyone is welcome and participants are eligible for great outdoor prizes. For more details please contact Jennie at (705) 444-3622 or Matt at (519) 599-2268.
May 9, 2009 - Halfway Dump Bouldering Update
Although the bouldering ban at Halfway Dump is still in effect, Ontario Access Coalition board member Adam Reeve believes progress is being made in reopening the area to bouldering. In a post made yesterday on Gripped’s forum, Reeve requested that climbers respect the bouldering closure to avoid jeopardizing the current access negotiations. Reeve goes on to say, “The Ontario Access Coalition has done a lot work to get to this point and our ongoing respect of this and other closures influences our abilities to negotiate with both Bruce Peninsula National Park and with other land managers.” More info here.
April 25, 2009 - Ontario Access Coalition Earth Day Clean Up
What is the Earth Day Cleanup? Each year as a gesture of goodwill, the Ontario Access Coalition organizes an event to help clean up park areas, maintain trails or plant trees. Our relationships with the conservation areas are invaluable in dealing with access issues as they arise, ensuring continued access to some of our most popular climbing areas.
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 9:00 am
Where: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
RSVP: earthday@ontarioaccesscoalition.com
April 3, 2009 - Niagara Glen Bouldering Still Open
The Ontario Access Coalition today confirmed the Niagara Glen is still open for bouldering. The park and the Coalition are discussing selective boulder and trail closures to protect sensitive areas and minimize impact from secondary trails, but a final plan has not yet been approved. The Glen is Southern Ontario’s best and most developed bouldering area and attracts visitors from all parts of Canada and the US. Climbers interested in preserving access to this region should contact the Ontario Access Coalition.
Feb 21, 2009 - Halton Region Conservation Master Plan Meeting
The Halton Region Conservation Authority that oversees popular local climbing areas like Rattlesnake Point, Buffalo Crag and Mount Nemo is hosting an evening where the public can comment on the upcoming user management plan. It’s critical that climbers are involved in this process to promote climbing as an important and viable activity in the Halton Region.
Time and Location:
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009
Between 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Presentation begins at 7:00 pm
Conservation Halton
Administration Office
2596 Britannia Road West,
Milton, ON L9T 2X6
(Just west of Guelph Line)
For directions to Conservation Halton's Admin office click here.
Jan 27, 2009 - New Beta Articles Added
More info
Jan 5, 2008 - OAC Climbers Survey
The Ontario Access Coalition is conducting a survey to determine the positive economic impact climbers have on various Ontario climbing regions. In US areas like the Red River Gorge, the Gunks and the New River Gorge, climbers provide substantial economic benefits by supporting local businesses - Ontario climbing areas are no different. This economic windfall often comes with very little investment from local business or chambers of commerce as the infrastructure necessary for climbing is minimal and, like other forms of adventure-tourism, easily sustainable. Documenting the financial benefits for the parks and communities near established Ontario climbing areas may positively influence climbing access. Please fill in the survey located here.
Dec 31, 2008 - Best Gear Of The Year 2008 Part 2
More info
Dec 19, 2008 - New Beta Page with Tips, Reviews and Articles
More info
Dec 12, 2008 - Boulderz Climbing Centre Bloc Party
The Tour De Bloc, Canada’s national bouldering series, announced a new comp at Boulderz Climbing Centre on Jan 10, 2009. Preregistration for this comp is critical as the event is limited to only 100 competitors. As Toronto’s latest climbing gym, Boulderz offers incredible bouldering opportunities in the centre of city and is easily accessed by the TTC. More info at Tour De Bloc and Boulderz Climbing Centre
Dec 8, 2008 - McColl Medals in Montreal
Sean McColl again proved why he is widely regarded as Canada’s best rock climber by wining gold at the IFSC North America Climbing Championships in Montreal. His win in the men’s open lead category confirms McColl’s title as the 2009 North American champion. McColl’s medal was the only gold in the lead climbing category not won by the strong American visiting team who captured first place in every other event. In the women’s field, Americans dominated the top three positions with Tiffany Hensley taking the gold, Paige Claassen the silver and Emily Harrington the bronze. Canadian men dominated the speed climbing event with John Bowles taking gold, Benoit Dubois silver and Dan Archambault bronze. More info at IFSC
Men’s Results
1. Sean McColl (CAN)
2. Mauricio Herta (MEX)
3. Bret Johnston (USA)
Women’s Results
1. Tiffany Hensley (USA)
2. Paige Claassen (USA)
3. Emily Harrington (USA)
Nov 28, 2008 - New Toronto Climbing Gym
A new climbing gym is opening this December in downtown Toronto. Boulderz Climbing Centre offers exceptional bouldering opportunities, top rope and lead climbing and is easily accessible by TTC. Located near Lansdowne and Dupont. More info at Boulderz Climbing Centre
Nov 26, 2008 - Tour De Bloc Results for Climber’s Rock Comp
The latest Tour De Bloc comp attracted a strong field of competitors at Climber’s Rock, the new Burlington climbing gym. Jon Glassberg won the men’s division while Katerine Martin took first place in the women’s field. More info at Tour De Bloc
Nov 16, 2008 - New MEC Opening in Burlington
The official opening for the new MEC store in Burlington got bumped back a few weeks, but things look like they are now back on track. An opening date is scheduled for sometime in late November. Just in time for the Christmas season. More info at MEC Burlington Store
Nov 16, 2008 - Burlington Climbing Gym Update
The new bouldering focused gym in Burlington is living up to the hype - this is possibly the best bouldering facility in Canada. Unfortunately, due to the building’s short height, route climbing is not at the same standard. Climbers wanting to improve their bouldering skills will not be disappointed - this is the place. Climbers preparing for the stamina-fest routes at the Red River Gorge should supplement their training with a few trips to the taller gyms. Definitely worth the drive and the cost of a day pass. More info at Climber's Rock
June 2, 2009 - Niagara Glen Bouldering Guidelines
Working with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) the Ontario Access Coalition has drafted a document outlining interim guidelines for bouldering at the Niagara Glen.
The OAC strongly recommends adhering to these guidelines until the formal NPC park management plan is completed. The Glen is the most important and well developed bouldering area in Southern Ontario and regularly serves climbers from Ontario, Quebec, and the adjoining US states. Click on the image below for a PDF of the Glen Bouldering Guidelines.
May 29, 2009 - Women’s Rock Climbing Clinics
Join one of Canada’s top female sport climbers Leslie Timms and rock guide Meg Mckerrol for a series of rock climbing clinics for women at Metcalfe Rock. Please register at www.freespirit-tours.com or call 705 444 3622. Dates for the clinics are listed below:
July 4 - Beginners with Meg Mckerrol
July 18 - Intermediate with Meg Mckerrol
August 1 - Beginners with Leslie Timms
August 22 - Intermediate with Leslie Timms
May 27, 2009 - Ontario Access Coalition Membership Drive
The Ontario Access Coalition is hoping to increase its registered membership. By representing a large number of registered climbers, the OAC achieves increased credibility when negotiating access issues with various land managers/owners. The OAC requests a minimum $5 donation for a one year membership. Please take the time to sign up here.
May 16, 2009 - Metcalfe Rock Clean and Climb
Free Spirit Tours is hosting a clean-up and trail maintenance day at Metcalfe Rock on May 24, 2009 starting at 10:00 am. Activities for the day include removing trash and spreading donated wood chips on trails to minimize erosion. Everyone is welcome and participants are eligible for great outdoor prizes. For more details please contact Jennie at (705) 444-3622 or Matt at (519) 599-2268.
May 9, 2009 - Halfway Dump Bouldering Update
Although the bouldering ban at Halfway Dump is still in effect, Ontario Access Coalition board member Adam Reeve believes progress is being made in reopening the area to bouldering. In a post made yesterday on Gripped’s forum, Reeve requested that climbers respect the bouldering closure to avoid jeopardizing the current access negotiations. Reeve goes on to say, “The Ontario Access Coalition has done a lot work to get to this point and our ongoing respect of this and other closures influences our abilities to negotiate with both Bruce Peninsula National Park and with other land managers.” More info here.
April 25, 2009 - Ontario Access Coalition Earth Day Clean Up
What is the Earth Day Cleanup? Each year as a gesture of goodwill, the Ontario Access Coalition organizes an event to help clean up park areas, maintain trails or plant trees. Our relationships with the conservation areas are invaluable in dealing with access issues as they arise, ensuring continued access to some of our most popular climbing areas.
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 9:00 am
Where: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
RSVP: earthday@ontarioaccesscoalition.com
April 3, 2009 - Niagara Glen Bouldering Still Open
The Ontario Access Coalition today confirmed the Niagara Glen is still open for bouldering. The park and the Coalition are discussing selective boulder and trail closures to protect sensitive areas and minimize impact from secondary trails, but a final plan has not yet been approved. The Glen is Southern Ontario’s best and most developed bouldering area and attracts visitors from all parts of Canada and the US. Climbers interested in preserving access to this region should contact the Ontario Access Coalition.
Feb 21, 2009 - Halton Region Conservation Master Plan Meeting
The Halton Region Conservation Authority that oversees popular local climbing areas like Rattlesnake Point, Buffalo Crag and Mount Nemo is hosting an evening where the public can comment on the upcoming user management plan. It’s critical that climbers are involved in this process to promote climbing as an important and viable activity in the Halton Region.
Time and Location:
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009
Between 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Presentation begins at 7:00 pm
Conservation Halton
Administration Office
2596 Britannia Road West,
Milton, ON L9T 2X6
(Just west of Guelph Line)
For directions to Conservation Halton's Admin office click here.
Jan 27, 2009 - New Beta Articles Added
More info
Jan 5, 2008 - OAC Climbers Survey
The Ontario Access Coalition is conducting a survey to determine the positive economic impact climbers have on various Ontario climbing regions. In US areas like the Red River Gorge, the Gunks and the New River Gorge, climbers provide substantial economic benefits by supporting local businesses - Ontario climbing areas are no different. This economic windfall often comes with very little investment from local business or chambers of commerce as the infrastructure necessary for climbing is minimal and, like other forms of adventure-tourism, easily sustainable. Documenting the financial benefits for the parks and communities near established Ontario climbing areas may positively influence climbing access. Please fill in the survey located here.
Dec 31, 2008 - Best Gear Of The Year 2008 Part 2
More info
Dec 19, 2008 - New Beta Page with Tips, Reviews and Articles
More info
Dec 12, 2008 - Boulderz Climbing Centre Bloc Party
The Tour De Bloc, Canada’s national bouldering series, announced a new comp at Boulderz Climbing Centre on Jan 10, 2009. Preregistration for this comp is critical as the event is limited to only 100 competitors. As Toronto’s latest climbing gym, Boulderz offers incredible bouldering opportunities in the centre of city and is easily accessed by the TTC. More info at Tour De Bloc and Boulderz Climbing Centre
Dec 8, 2008 - McColl Medals in Montreal
Sean McColl again proved why he is widely regarded as Canada’s best rock climber by wining gold at the IFSC North America Climbing Championships in Montreal. His win in the men’s open lead category confirms McColl’s title as the 2009 North American champion. McColl’s medal was the only gold in the lead climbing category not won by the strong American visiting team who captured first place in every other event. In the women’s field, Americans dominated the top three positions with Tiffany Hensley taking the gold, Paige Claassen the silver and Emily Harrington the bronze. Canadian men dominated the speed climbing event with John Bowles taking gold, Benoit Dubois silver and Dan Archambault bronze. More info at IFSC
Men’s Results
1. Sean McColl (CAN)
2. Mauricio Herta (MEX)
3. Bret Johnston (USA)
Women’s Results
1. Tiffany Hensley (USA)
2. Paige Claassen (USA)
3. Emily Harrington (USA)
Nov 28, 2008 - New Toronto Climbing Gym
A new climbing gym is opening this December in downtown Toronto. Boulderz Climbing Centre offers exceptional bouldering opportunities, top rope and lead climbing and is easily accessible by TTC. Located near Lansdowne and Dupont. More info at Boulderz Climbing Centre
Nov 26, 2008 - Tour De Bloc Results for Climber’s Rock Comp
The latest Tour De Bloc comp attracted a strong field of competitors at Climber’s Rock, the new Burlington climbing gym. Jon Glassberg won the men’s division while Katerine Martin took first place in the women’s field. More info at Tour De Bloc
Nov 16, 2008 - New MEC Opening in Burlington
The official opening for the new MEC store in Burlington got bumped back a few weeks, but things look like they are now back on track. An opening date is scheduled for sometime in late November. Just in time for the Christmas season. More info at MEC Burlington Store
Nov 16, 2008 - Burlington Climbing Gym Update
The new bouldering focused gym in Burlington is living up to the hype - this is possibly the best bouldering facility in Canada. Unfortunately, due to the building’s short height, route climbing is not at the same standard. Climbers wanting to improve their bouldering skills will not be disappointed - this is the place. Climbers preparing for the stamina-fest routes at the Red River Gorge should supplement their training with a few trips to the taller gyms. Definitely worth the drive and the cost of a day pass. More info at Climber's Rock