Climbing enthusiasts have four months to find new digs after Gravity Centre receives eviction notice from new owners
By Nelson Daily Staff
By Bruce Fuhr, The Nelson Daily Editor
Is indoor climbing going the same way as squash in Nelson?
A group of local climbing enthusiasts are going to do their best not to let the sport go the way of the dinosaur.
“As it stands we are just beginning to organize and look for venues,” said organizer Shawn Tasker after hearing the current Gravity Climbing Centre is being evicted from its building it has operated from for the past 12 years.
Operators of the Gravity Climbing Centre were recently informed new owners of the building at 513 Victoria Street would not renew their lease.
The understanding is that all tenants of the building are being evicted and expected to vacate by April 30th.
Last month 60 members of the Kootenay climbing community gathered at the centre to learn more about the potential loss of the Victoria Street location.
The crowd ranged in age from seven to over 70 and represented a cross-section of concerned citizens.
“In the coming weeks we would like to encourage everyone to get the word out about the situation as it stands,” Tasker explained. “We need people to sign the petition if they are concerned about the loss of a climbing facility in Nelson.”
“We (are also) looking potential venues, partners and volunteers in order to move ahead with any project,” Tasker added.
The Gravity Centre is the only public indoor facility in the Kootenays.
The gym currently has up to 60 routes on lead & top-rope walls as well as two fabulous bouldering caves — one on the lower level and one on the main level.
The club also has running climbing clinics, children’s programs, women’s and outdoor programs.
There is debate on whether the current operators of the gym were informed that the building was for sale, or given an opportunity to purchase it.
What is for certain is if the eviction goes ahead the sport will be in serious jeopardy of surviving.
Much like the squash court formerly housed in the second floor of the Royal Hotel on Baker Street.
Anyone interested in helping the cause should attend a meeting Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Gravity Climbing Centre.
editor@thenelsondaily.com
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