Unfortunately Kelso will not be re-opening this weekend. The revised target date is now October 15th. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
The Kelso area manager just sent us an official update this morning. Here is what he said:
“Unfortunately we will not be able to re-open Rock Climbing this weekend. We have some work to do on the grading which is the reason for the delay. Contractors have assured me they will be able to take the fencing down on October 15th.
I apologize for the delay.
Thanks for your understanding”
The OAC is very pleased to announce our Social Media launch 2.0. We have heard the climbing community loud and clear that you want to know more access info. Well now the OAC is connecting to the climbing community in more ways then ever before.
Check us out on…
Twitter @OACClimbing
Facebook Page: Ontario Access Coalition
Google+: Ontario Access Coalition
We also continue to respond to questions through info@ontarioaccesscoalition.com and now additionally through theOntarioClimbing.com bulletin board.
Of course do not forget to visit our website www.OntarioAccessCoalition.com to get the latest on access efforts or to download the latest Crag Status document and get the latest and most accurate information about our Ontario crags.
Through these new sites we will look to share information that is exciting, relevant and informative with the community. Connect to us today!
Conservation Halton has announced a one day service disruption.
Pinnacle Lookout at Rattlesnake Point is closed on September 21st.
The link to the service disruption is here.
Amateur and professional photographers, we are now putting together the 2013 Ontario Crags calendar and we need your photos! Please consider donating a photo to help raise awareness and funds in support of the Ontario Access Coalition.
The photos should be LANDSCAPE orientation (i.e. horizontal) and of climbers at ONTARIO crags (of course). We would like to highlight the wide variety of climbing that Ontario has to offer, i.e. ICE, SPORT, TRAD and BOULDERING and as many different crags and different times of year as possible.
Send your best pics to Bonnie at bonniedb@hotmail.com by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH at the latest for a chance to have your photo featured! If your photo is chosen, you will get a free copy of the 2013 calendar as well as your name and website information printed (if applicable).
Thanks in advance for your efforts to support the OAC!
The OAC has been receiving inquiries from the climbing community asking for an update on climbing access to “The Swamp”. The popularity of “The Swamp” rose very sharply after news of its existence spread in the community during the 2010 climbing season. The area features both sport and traditional climbing on cliff lines and detached pinnacles in a pleasant forested setting.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) manages the area and currently tolerates climbing thanks to the efforts of the OAC. In 2010, the OAC met with the MNR in a successful effort to prevent the closure of the area. The MNR is currently conducting an assessment of the environmental Natural Heritage of the larger area which includes “The Swamp” climbing area. The OAC is in regular contact with the MNR regarding “The Swamp” and is working hard on behalf of the climbing community to ensure sustainable access to the area.
Rumour has spread that climbers should steer clear of the area while the Natural Heritage Assessment occurs. In an effort to update the climbing community with correct information Shawn Carey, Area Manager (and an ex-climber himself) with the MNR has issued this statement:
“MNR and OAC have been in regular contact regarding climbing activities at the Kolapore Uplands. OAC is aware that MNR is currently conducting a natural heritage and trail inventory in an attempt to better understand the ecological features and functions in the area and also to assess the potential impacts of various recreational uses on those features. Our goal is to ensure that recreational opportunities continue to exist but are managed in a way that ensures adequate protection of the unique features in Kolapore. OAC has been very helpful in providing advice and recommendations with respect to assessing the climbing routes and looking at various management options for the future. MNR continues to encourage climbers to follow “leave no trace” practices and understands that their actions during this process will impact the outcome. MNR looks forward to continuing to work with OAC and appreciate their efforts to date. “
As always, please follow the OAC’s “Code of Ethics” when climbing at “The Swamp” and other Ontario crags.
Climbing at Kelso is scheduled to re-open Sept 30, 2012. Halton Conservation is working hard to expedite construction and allow climbing to resume as soon as possible.
Premature climbing in the area may compromise the construction permit and cause a further delay. A further meeting scheduled for mid-August is expected to build on increased mutual understanding to date of the OAC’s, climbers’ and Conservation Halton’s perspectives.
The OAC would like to thank Jon Rigg for his volunteer efforts in facilitating conversations with the Park Superintendant and doing a fine job representing the interests of the climbing community.
We can’t wait to get back on some of the classics like Dragline, Zip and Jolly Roger.
Thanks to Leslie Timms and the ACC!
For those of you that missed it – Leslie and the ACC put on a great night at Gabby’s Grill House on June 14. Leslie’s recollections of her first days on the rocks, road trips, hard redpoints and guiding exams entertained a great crowd. To show support for the OAC, Leslie auctioned off prizes that she donated from her sponsors to raise well over $500 for the OAC! Leslie’s guiding service “On The Rocks Climbing” at www.ontherocksclimbing.com is the latest corporate member to join the OAC. Check out more about the evening on Leslie and the ACC’s website.