On March 23, the OAC was invited to join an open discussion held by the Kolapore Wilderness Trails Association in Clarksburg. The topic of conversation related to the Kolapore Uplands and related trail usage. Present at the event were representatives from various user groups including cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and nature enthusiasts. This meeting presented the OAC with an opportunity to reach out to other user groups in order to dispel misinformation about and share the reality of climbing related environmental impact.

The Kolapore Uplands is made up of numerous parcels of land, owned or managed by various governmental agencies and private individuals. This event was also an opportunity for the OAC to network with all relevant stakeholders to better understand the potential role of and/or impact on the Ontario Climbing Community.

The Kolapore Uplands trails are used, at least in part, as the primary route of access to the climbing area known as The Swamp. The OAC recognizes that Kolapore trails are used by multiple user groups and respects the other users’ rights as equal to its own. Please be courteous to all other user groups while visiting the area. A “best practices” while traveling the trails of the Kolapore Uplands is being designed by the Kolapore Wilderness Trails Association. Information will be posted as it becomes available.

The OAC was represented at a recent event at McMaster University featuring Red Bull Athlete Will Gadd. The event, sponsored by Red Bull, saw world-renowned climber and adventure athlete Will Gadd present an overview of his lifetime of ‘rad’ accomplishments and adrenaline-infused feats. Will shared insight into his various philosophies regarding risk, goal-setting and living an active, motivated life. OAC Outreach Ambassador Patrick Lam presented to a crowd of approximately 80 keen listeners prior to Will’s slideshow and talk, and outlined the OAC’s history, successes and the many opportunities for the climbing public to get involved. OAC Public Outreach Coordinator Josh Smith answered questions following the talk and signed up new members, including Will himself! With his $50 donation and a grin, Will affirmed the importance of sustainable, cooperative access work; he is proud to be a member of the OAC and we are proud to add him to our member list. Special thanks to Will Gadd, Marla Henderson (Red Bull Canada), and Max Robertson (McMaster Climbing Club) for allowing the OAC to present at this energizing event!