THUNDER BAY — Climbing enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of a new indoor facility where they'll be able to enjoy the sport and practise their skills.
City resident Mike Hyer has announced plans to establish a community climbing gym called Rock Room before the end of the year.
In an announcement Tuesday, Hyer said the central goals of the business are inclusion and community development.
He said safety will be a priority.
"I'm thrilled by the opportunity to open a climbing gym that is safe and inclusive, and makes not only our existing climbing community feel welcome, but has open arms to future members."
Hyer said safety in the facility will have three components:
- Physical safety – Where beginner and experienced climbers can climb together in a well-maintained facility, overseen by competent and professional staff
- Emotional safety – Where all climbers feel safe and secure
- Cultural safety – Where climbers from all backgrounds and walks of life are included and celebrated
The Boulder Bear Climbing Centre on the CLE grounds closed last year.
Hyer said that as an enthusiast of the sport himself, he looks forward to having a gym to climb in again.
"I've been completely blown away by the amount of support I've already received from local climbers, regional climbers and climbers across the country. I have every confidence that we'll be able to build a facility that caters to that diverse group of people...and is supported by the community."
He expects to announce the location for the new business in the near future.
Since 2022, Hyer has hosted a podcast called Up North Rocks which is aimed at strengthening links among climbers from the Manitoba border to Sudbury.
He said climbing has evolved over the years from something mainly undertaken by "grizzled alpinists somewhere off in the mountains" to an activity that's widely embraced, is family-friendly, and has even been added to the Olympics.
"It includes indoor climbers, outdoor climbers, competitive climbers, recreational climbers, experienced climbers and beginners. It really is quite a 'big tent' activity. And especially with some concerted effort to support inclusion and safety, there's great potential for Thunder Bay to really reap benefits in terms of community health and vitality, wellness and togetherness."
Hyer said he's capitalizing on the work done by other entrepreneurs in the city such as Aric Fishman of Outdoor Skills and Thrills and Mila Gendron of Wilderness Supply, and appreciates their advice and support.
More information is available online.
