News & Events

From Boulders Climbing Gym Society Chair, Kimanda Jarzebiak

Hi Everyone!

I don’t think I can be at the Boulders (or any climbing event, really) without being asked the million dollar question:  when will the expansion open?

The answer varies, but usually includes the response “not soon enough for me!”.

There is good news today, and delayed news.  Construction has started again!  The daylighting panels that comprise a significant portion of the outside of the building have finally arrived on site (apparently, inanimate objects have a poor sense of direction).  Installation has started, which means we should soon thereafter be getting electricity, and then drywalling, and then painting…

Central Saanich, BC – The Boulders Climbing Gym at Stelly’s Secondary School will be the first facility in North America to host a World Youth Climbing Championships, in August 2013. The decision was made this weekend in Rome, Italy, by the International Federation of Sport Climbing. In 2008, climbing was recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and is moving through the process to become an Olympic event.

This news comes on the heels of a decision by School District 63 to approve a climbing academy at Stelly’s Secondary School, which will be the only program of its kind at a public school in North America. Students (from grade nine to twelve) will be able to replace two courses a year with climbing-related content, including the opportunity to earn introductory climbing instructor certifications from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Enrolment for the program starts in March 2011, for intake in September 2011.

By Christine van Reeuwyk - Peninsula News Review

Kimanda Jarzebiak has high hopes for next March when she envisions the completed world-class Boulders Climbing Gym stretching into the sky over Central Saanich.

With a height variance well-received by the district, and funding falling into place, they turned sod to start the expansion behind Stelly’s secondary school.

This is a Request for Proposal for Construction Management Services for the Boulders Climbing Gym Expansion and closes on February 24, 2010.

Canada’s Minister of State for Sport, the Honourable Gary Lunn, today announced an additional $328,000 contribution to the Boulders Climbing Gym Society for our expansion. This means we have 80% of the funding in place! Thanks Minister!

This is a Request for Proposal for the design/build for the climbing wall portion of the expansion, and closes January 7, 2010.