How does the OAC try to get climbers access to cliffs?

The OAC has a four step approach. In basic terms this how we work to get climbers access: 

1       Identify the access issue - The OAC finds out who owns or manages the cliff and determines what the issues are for climbing there, e.g. risk, environment, etc.

 2.        Brainstorm solutions - The OAC meets with the owner/manager to determine solutions and to build a relationship with owner or manager, e.g. top anchors, education, signage, etc.

3.        Formalize solutions - Put the solutions into a formal agreement with the owner/manager to ensure climbing access, e.g. Memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed proposal, etc. 

4.        Look for new Possibilities - Collaborate with the owner/manager to find new opportunities, e.g. Opening new crags, cleanups, etc.   

 Incorporation - Through a grant from MEC, the OAC Incorporated as a non-profit company. This allows for the signing of members, and more members mean more power to negotiate climbing access. A big thank you to Kim Harle for her work on getting the OAC incorporated.

Survey - The 2008 Climbers Survey informed us about who we represent and gave us valuable information to use in negotiations. We will be having another survey for the 2009 season in 2010 so we can again ensure that we are representing climbers' interests and working with up-to-date information about climbing in Ontario.

Halton Region - The installation of top anchors at Rattlesnake point was completed in 2009. We are working on finishing Buffalo crag in 2010. Plans are in development for work at Mount Nemo. The relationship with the HRCA continues to be excellent.

Halfway Log Dump - The process of determining access has gone to the final decision maker at Parks Canada with a recommendation from the Parks to reopen the area to bouldering with specific restrictions. The Park is looking for climbers to act as stewards for the area's environmental resources. The proposal being considered includes issuing an "interpretive guide to bouldering" for the area. Boulderers should begin familiarizing themselves with this endangered flower that grows near the site. Lakeside Daisy. read more here 

Rockwood - The proposal to speak to Grand River Conservation Authority about reopening Rockwood to climbing was not successful and the area remains closed. This was in part due to the continuation of unauthorized climbing during the access negotiation. Climbing at closed areas undermines any negotiations the OAC may be involved with and risks losing access to that site for the entire climbing community, as well as to other areas. read more here 

Niagara Glen - After nearly being closed in 2009, a draft plan is being developed by Niagara Parks and OAC. There is a plan in place for a cooperative spring program called "BoulderBlitz" to study vegetation associated with key boulders, take photos, and identify re-routing possibilities for existing trails. The Niagara Parks Commission has sent a letter to the OAC stating their appreciation to the bouldering community for the great respect for and long-standing interest in the Niagara Glen- read letter here. Thank you to Jany Mitges for her tireless dedication to access at the Glen

Organization Building - We will continue to have signup forms and info posters in climbing gyms. We will also continue our attendance at Tour De Bloc events and run or attend other events where possible (eg. Continuum Project Film Premiere).

Earth Day 2010 - We may have a new format in 2010. Stay tuned to www.ontarioaccesscoalition.com for details. 

Web Presence - We will continue to expand our web presence in order to reach as many climbers as possible. This includes our website, Facebook, and internet forums.

2010 Corporate Members - The 2010 OAC Corporate Members are link

Rebranding - We have rebranded! The new logo can be found on the top of this site. We will be continuing work to promote ourselves through this rebranding. Thanks to Jeremy Nathan for his work on this.

Partnerships - The OAC has partnered with Leave No Trace Canada. Read more about ‘Leave No Trace Canada’ here.

Thanks, again, to those of you who attended the meeting. We hope we were able to help educate you about our work and the access issues Ontario climbers face today!