Editors note: A previous version of this article inaccurately stated the project was approved by Grande Prairie city council. This has been corrected, and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Members of the Grande Prairie Climbing Association are looking to raise funds to help install a new indoor climbing wall in the municipality. During COVID-19, the only indoor climbing space could be found at Grande Prairie Regional College, now Northwestern Polytechnic, but it has since been shut down, leaving those who enjoy the pastime shut out.
Board member Brett Nixon says they still feel there is a huge need and passion to have indoor climbing in the city.
“About a year ago we created a non-profit organization called [Grande Prairie] Climbing Association so we can try and bring back climbing to GP. We wanted to make it accessible for everybody, especially youth.”
As part of recent municipal budget deliberations, council allocated $115,000 in capital funding for an indoor climbing wall and has directed staff to work with the climbing association to decide how to best use these funds.
The association has also set up a GoFundMe. Anyone willing to donate or sponsor can do so here.
