A Vancouver-based developer is proposing an indoor facility it's touting as a "national climbing centre" that would be the centerpiece of a mixed-use development near the base of the Stawamus Chief.
The centre would feature an indoor climbing wall, offices for local, provincial or national climbing organizations, climbing-related research and educational programs and a base camp for climbers and guides, said a statement issued on Tuesday (March 8) by the Kingswood Group development firm.
The centre would be situated on the company's Scott Crescent site along Highway 99 and would form the heart of a "mixed-use development at the gateway to Squamish," the proponents said.
"The National Climbing Centre puts the focus on Squamish's abundance of natural advantages. It can be the catalyst that leads the community to solidify its reputation as the Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada," John Moonen, spokesman for the proposal, said in the statement.
"The centre and the proposed mixed-use development clearly embrace the objectives of the Official Community Plan (OCP). In particular, this proposed development will create a dynamic focal point for the area further elevating Squamish as a world-class tourist destination for recreational travellers."
The proponents have already met with representatives of the local climbing community, tourism officials, educators and retailers and have incorporated many of the ideas gathered from those meetings into a proposal to rezone the Scott Crescenet site, they said.
Among those who have been consulted is Will Stanhope, international climber and Squamish rock guide.
"The Climbing Centre is shaping up to be a state-of-the-art facility," he said in the statement. "When complete, the NCC will accommodate the most chalk-splattered rock veteran to the fresh-faced beginner. I am excited that climbers like me were consulted by the project team, giving us an opportunity to help usher in a facility that meshes community, climbing and adventure."
George Chang, owner of Pause Café and Karin's Kitchen Corner, added, "Adding another tourist attraction to Squamish such as a National Climbing Centre which will be visible and accessible from the highway and our downtown will be terrific bonus to this area encouraging new people to stop, shop and play in Squamish."
