On a wintery or rainy day, getting outside to climb isn't practical or safe. And in the decade since the closure of Crag Indoor Climbing Wall, there haven't been many local options for indoor rock climbing, aside from the YMCA.
But a local woman is inching ever closer to marking the return of a dedicated indoor climbing gym.
For the past two years, Lauren Phillips has been working to bring OVERhang (Outdoor Vertical Education Recreation) Climbing Gym and Adventure Education Centre to Prince George and said she is a few weeks away from securing a location.
Phillips was introduced to climbing while spending a year living in Chile. "I really enjoyed it. The community, the fact it didn't have to be competitive - it's just you against the rock on a nice day. You stop and enjoy the view whenever you feel like it or sit back and hang out with some friends in a neat setting," she said.
Fostering a sense of community is easy among climbers, who are already a tight-knit and supportive group.
"It's been amazing," Phillips said of the enthusiasm. "We get asked all the time 'when is it happening? What can I do? Where can I help?'"
But OVERhang isn't going to be just for those who already know their way around ropes and harnesses.
Phillips and husband Dean Price - director of the Prince George Search and Rescue Society - are already involved in leading outdoor adventure or training courses in the area and she said that getting out into the community and helping to educate is something they both enjoy.
A forester by trade, Phillips said she is pursing this because she sees a need for a place to get the necessary information about training. "Where do you even find out about all the different things that are available, whether it's from a recreation perspective or rescue for Search and Rescue and fire departments," she said. "There isn't one place in Prince George, or in this region, where it's easy to get that information."
They wanted to combine that pleasure they get from educating with another way to get people active in their community.
"Prince George doesn't have a lot of opportunities for what you do after work, or school or on the weekends," Phillips said. "I just want to have a place where everyone in the community feels like they're welcome, regardless of age, abilities or prior experience. [Climbing] is something that brings people together whether they're planning a big, crazy trip or just want to try something for the first time."
Ideally, Phillips said the gym will be a hub that combines the recreational climbing with the other outdoor education courses she and her husband already provide. "It connects people, connects people with gear, information, education, courses and hopefully sends them off into the wonderful northern B.C. educated and responsible."
Phillips also sees climbing as a positive element for young people, and has submitted proposals to schools promoting climbing as a away to build confidence and leadership skills.
But mostly, Phillips said the opportunity to connect people to the outdoors is what's driving her.
"I think it's just the connection with people and seeing the light go on when they're really engaged, really learning or experiencing something new or fascinating," she said.
For more information about the upcoming gym, visit www.overhang.ca.
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Citizen staff photo
OVERhang owner Lauren Phillips with one of the main climbing features for the new indoor climbing gym.
