The Press Release

[Note: We are planning a Grand Opening Celebration for April 17th, a few weeks after we are up and running. This gives us time to mail out brochures in the community with the exact date of the celebration pinned down. We are of course launching the gym this Saturday, March 27th with our Tour de Bloc bouldering competition, and opening for regular business the next day.]

True North Climbing Rocks Your Week! Toronto, March 23: True North Climbing, the newest addition to the Downsview Park Sports Centre, holds its official grand opening event April 17.


With over 14,000 square feet of climbing terrain, including the largest fully-suspended artificial stalactite in North America and a huge top-out bouldering area, True North Climbing is a state-of-the-art indoor rock climbing facility. Built in what used to be an airplane hangar, the gym features ceilings of up to 36 feet, with abundant natural light coming in from windows in the high space.


Owner John Gross, a former computer animation software developer, fell in love with climbing over six years ago and is excited to realize his dream of turning an obsession into a career.


"The first time I tried climbing, I went to try something new and to have an enjoyable activity with my kids," said Gross. "I knew from day one I was hooked. I walked out of that gym with a new sport at age 45. Since then, I've seen three year olds take to climbing like a duck to water and I know individuals in their 60s and above who are as active climbers as they were three decades ago. From birthday parties or an unusual date night, to team-building exercise or for a social way to get in shape -- it truly is a sport for everyone. Our focus is to provide fun climbs for climbers of all abilities."


Indoor climbing is reaching new heights in Toronto, which now boasts five indoor climbing facilities in the city and more within an hour's drive in the GTA. This is more than any city in Canada. True North Climbing's location just north of Highway 401 makes it especially convenient for those who live in the northern half of the city or the surrounding suburbs.
Gross brought Eldorado Climbing Walls on board to design and build the custom climbing terrain. Eldorado has been building climbing walls for over 15 years, and has installed hundreds of walls across North America.


"When I first visited the True North Climbing facility I instantly found inspiration," said Jason Plumb, lead designer at Eldorado. "The building's architecture and history played a huge role in the look and feel of the climbing wall designs. The ideal size and structural conditions were available to create climbable features that I had been dreaming about for years. I know I speak for the entire Eldorado Wall Company team when I say that we are proud to have built a facility that will give the climbing community of Toronto a unique climbing experience."


The look and feel of the space uses the building's original purpose as inspiration. The hangar was the site of de Havilland's production of Mosquito bombers in the early 1940's. Plumb was inspired by the look of these planes, and used that to drive the design of the shapes of the walls and the colour scheme as well.


The True North Climbing management team also includes Gym Manager Clint Searle and Head Instructor/Routesetter Dustin Curtis, a member of the Canadian national climbing team. "These guys are top-notch, and I was thrilled to be able to hire them to join my team" says Gross. "They are both well-respected in the climbing community, and they bring many years of experience that will help us make True North Climbing an exceptionally safe and fun place to climb."


Fact Summary
What: True North Climbing Inc. Grand Opening
When: Saturday April 17th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: 75 Carl Hall Rd, Unit 14 [map]
The entrance to Parc Downsview Park is off Sheppard Ave, onto John Drury Drive (the first set of lights east of Keele St.). Turn left on Carl Hill Road. The sports complex building is on the right and True North Climbing has a separate entrance on the back of the building.
BY TTC: Take the 101 PDP bus from Downsview Station.
Information: www.truenorthclimbing.com or 416-398-ROCK (7625)

Media Contact:
John Gross
john.gross@truenorthclimbing.com
(416) 398-ROCK (7625)

Amy Stewart
amy_stewart@hotmail.com