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Bolt Fund

Overview of Program

The OAC Bolt Replacement Fund (“the Fund”) assists route developers with the costs associated with replacing aged or worn out fixed hardware. Bolts and anchors may show wear, rust or damage after prolonged use and exposure. Replacing this gear is vital to improve climber safety and accessibility. This work is currently managed by volunteer route developers throughout the province.

Fixed Gear replacement is a serious undertaking. Climbers should have the prerequisite experience in route development and anchor replacement in advance of attempting this work. Serious injury or death may result from the incorrect installation of hardware. The OAC does not undertake or guarantee the placement of any fixed gear. Climbing is hazardous. The use of any fixed anchors or equipment to protect climbers has inherent risks that are assumed entirely by the user.

Requirements for Participation

Who Can Participate

The Fund is available to any developer in Ontario who is replacing damaged or worn out anchors in climbing areas designated as ‘Open’ or ‘Tolerated’. There is an expectation that developers undertaking this work understand route development best practices, local ethics, and access issues.

If there are any questions, please reach out to us at oac-bolt-fund@ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca before undertaking any work.

What Work is Eligible

At this point in time, the Fund is exclusively for replacing hardware on existing routes. New route development is not eligible.

Work will only be reimbursed when it takes place at a crag that is listed on the OAC website as ’Open’ or ‘Tolerated’. In some cases there may be exceptions to this rule, as in Bon Echo – where bolting must be taken on by representatives of the Alpine Club of Canada Toronto Section. Please check the OAC website for crag specific details.

If you are working on a crag that is ‘Open’ or ‘Tolerated’ but not listed by the OAC, please reach out to oac-bolt-fund@ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca to ensure it is added. Our goal is to make sure that community funded repairs are accessible to everyone.

The following hardware is eligible for reimbursement:

  • Expansion or Glue-In Bolts
  • Hangers
  • Belay or Rap stations
  • Top Anchors

Any replacement work done within the eligible year (see “Timeline”) can be submitted for reimbursement.

Development Requirements

When replacing a bolt, the old bolt must be removed. Any existing holes should be filled in and covered to the best of your ability.

All new fixed gear should be Stainless Steel that is appropriate for the location. Bolt sizes should be appropriate for the type of rock and quality. All hardware used must be from a reputable hardware manufacturer. Examples include: Fixe, Petzl, Metolius, Mad Rock, Edelrid, AustriAlpin, Hilti or Climbtech.

By making a reimbursement claim, developers are attesting that they have followed best practices, have completed the installation work for the hardware in the claim, and acknowledge that the OAC is not responsible for the quality of installation work, nor the hardware in the claim.

Reimbursement Process

Claim Form

Reimbursement will be done at a standard rate for each type of hardware. The current rates are available on the Fund’s claim form. Reimbursement rates will be reviewed annually.

To submit a claim, developers must make a copy of the Fund’s claim form and enter the required information. Once complete, developers will email the document to the OAC Bolt Fund at oac-bolt-fund@ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca for review.

There is a maximum limit of $1000.00 that a developer can claim in one year, in order to ensure limited funds reach a wide range of developers.

Timeline
  • Total funds available will be set by the OAC Board of Directors in the spring.
  • All applications for reimbursement will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Applicants will be informed of approval and funds will be set aside.
  • All funds will be disbursed at the same time, after October 31, 2025.
  • The OAC does not guarantee any application will be accepted.

The deadline for submitting a claim is October 31, 2025. Any work done between November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025, is eligible for reimbursement.

We encourage developers to submit their claims early to maximize the chances of work being reimbursed. Developers should know that funds are limited and the OAC cannot commit to covering expense claims beyond the current allocated budget.

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