It's Time to Grow Our Team

Construction is moving along well (I'll try to post more photos before the end of the week), and it's time to start building up our team to be ready to open in March. We've posted job descriptions to the main web site, under the Jobs link. We're looking for routesetters, climbing instructors, desk/floor staff, and belayers for kids parties. If you are interested in one of these positions, please apply by email to info@truenorthclimbing.com. And please help spread the word, if you know someone who might be a good addition to our team.

First Week With the Staff!

This week started the new year with a punch as our first 2 full time staff members started working at True North Climbing. Dustin, Clint and I spent all day Monday brainstorming about all the things we need to get done before opening day. By the end of the day my dining room wall was covered with big sheets of paper filled with writing. Then we started reviewing each topic (Equipment, Retail Sales, Policies and Procedures, Pricing and Marketing so far, with several others left to cover), making decisions, assigning homework tasks, and gradually working our way through the long list of stuff we need to figure out. It was a great start. I think we're working really well together, and these guys have already started to make important contributions.

While we were thinking hard, the Eldorado crew continued to make good progress. By the end of the week, the wood was starting to go up on the main bouldering wall.

Ontario Access Coalition Meeting: January 23rd

The Ontario Access Coalition (OAC) is a volunteer, not-for-profit group that works with the climbing community, landowners, conservation authorities and property managers to keep climbing and bouldering areas open in an environmentally responsible manner.

This year's General Meeting will be held Saturday January 23rd from 5-6pm at Climber's Rock. Following the meeting (from 7:30-9pm) there will be a screening of Chris Altran's new film The Continuum Project, which features footage from Lion's Head. Admission is $8 for OAC members and $15 for others.

Update: The Annual general meeting has been rescheduled; the meeting from 5-6pm will now be an informational meeting, and a great opportunity to learn about what the OAC has been doing to preserve climbing in Ontario.

True North Climbing is proud to be a supporter of the OAC, and one of several sponsors of this event.

Sustainability: Why We Won't Be Selling Bottled Water

This is the first in a series of blog postings exploring how True North Climbing will be trying to operate as a sustainable company, minimizing our impact on the planet.

I have decided not to sell bottled water in the gym. I believe there is next to no need for water as a commercial product when we have a good supply of clean drinking water in this city, and the waste produced by the production, delivery and disposal of the plastic bottles is shameful. For a more detailed view of the consequences of the bottled water industry, take a look at this infographic prepared by Online Education.

We're installing a drinking fountain that will provide clean drinking water for free. Most people already have a reusable water bottle, and for those who need one, we plan to sell them for a reasonable price.