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Mount Nemo Update

By Access, News

A number of members of the climbing community have contacted the OAC regarding concern over the removal of fixed protection at Mount Nemo.

Through 2011 and 2012, the OAC has worked with Conservation Halton (CH) in conducting an environmental assessment to determine a climbing anchor strategy at Mount Nemo. The strategy aims to eliminate cliff-top impact, manage mid-face impact caused by climbing, and maximize climber safety.

An ecologist from CH documented the condition of the entire cliff line managed by CH, with the help of an OAC representative. The report from this assessment, which is currently pending, will guide the development of the strategy by CH and OAC.

The OAC continues to collaborate with CH in the official process to develop a detailed anchor strategy for Mount Nemo. Once the strategy is approved, we anticipate inviting volunteer work teams to implement the strategy, and hope to enter into potential funding agreements for the cost of hardware. Modification of the cliff-top, mid-cliff or cliff-bottom environments jeopardizes the process.

The OAC remains committed to maximizing climbing opportunities while collaborating with CH to help them effectively manage their properties. CH is a leader in incorporating climbing management into the operational models that they manage.

2013 Ontario Crags Calendar On Sale Now!

By News

The OAC’s Ontario Crags calendar for 2013 is available now at the Mountain Equipment Coop in Toronto (in the climbing department) and, this year, at the Barrie store too!

Featuring images of some of the best rock and ice climbing and bouldering crags in Ontario, the calendar will make a great gift for any climber on your list.

A big thanks to all of you who submitted photos! And thanks for your support of the OAC through your purchase! Here’s a sneak preview:

Kelso Clean-up Success!

By Events, News

On Saturday October 27th, McMaster’s Climbing Club braved the rain to help clean up Mount Kelso in Halton as part of the club’s first ever Clean and Climb event. Although the climbing was postponed due to the weather, the clean up was a great success! Members of the club made quick work of the cliff edge and base bringing back mattresses, wooden frames, beer bottles and much more. The clean up even extended beyond the cliff to include sections of the Bruce Trail.

The club executives would like to thank the Ontario Access Coalition, Halton Conservation and Mountain Equipment Coop for their help and support in organizing this event and look forward to future, similar events at cliffs across Ontario. All are welcome (including Mr. Sunshine)!

Saturday October 27th – Kelso Cleanup!!

By Events, News
On Saturday Oct 27th the McMaster Climbing Club will be helping Conservation Halton clean up the cliffs at Mt Kelso. McMaster Climbing Club would like to thank the OAC and Conservation Halton for their support in organizing this event and extend an invitation to any OAC members to join them either in the morning at Mt Kelso to help clean up or in the afternoon at Rattlesnake Point for some climbing.
Timing for the day will be as follows:
9:00 am Volunteer arrivals/registration/signing of release forms
9:30 am Clean up cliff edge and base at Kelso
12:00 pm Transport over to Rattlesnake (by personal autos)
12:30 pm Snacks/prizes/speeches
1:30 pm Climbing

Kelso re-opening delayed until October 15th, 2012

By Access, News

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”