Yearly Archives

Ascent New Brunswick does not approve of any unilateral bolt chopping on any route by anyone other than the first ascentionist.

If someone does not like a bolt on a route, they should consult the FA and engage in dialogue in an effort to bring a satisfactory resolution to the matter. If the two individuals can not come to an agreement the general climbing community can then become involved and help determine a solution.

No one has the right to chop bolts on someone else's route! There is a long standing trad climbing ethic of no bolts next to cracks at our most prominent crag Cochrane Lane. This ethic has been extended to Eagle Rock and McQuirks Mountain as both of these cliffs have an abundance of high quality rock with cracks present providing ample protection. This is not to say that bolts are prohibited. There are bolted sport routes scattered all over Cochrane Lane. Leviathan, Tit For Tat, Bone Machine and Hitchiker are a few examples of high quality classic sport lines at CL. These two different styles of climbing can coexist at any crag, in fact it is something that we should strive for as it directly exposes sport climbers to the possibilities of trad and hopefully inspires them to pursue that style when they are ready.

All of our crags should be like this. The possibility of mixed and sport lines at predominantly trad areas should not be precluded if the opportunity exists.

The results to a survey on the climbing community in New Brunswick, conducted in June 2022 have been published. This survey includes 20 questions designed to collect demographic information, assess current climbing activity, and assess the needs of the climbing community in NB. This information will be used to enhance the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) efforts and to gather input from the climbing community on the development of a Provincial Sports Organization (PSO).

For more information and to view the results click HERE or access the page via the drop-down menu under Links.

This year there will be three positions up for election on the Ascent Board of Directors and two on the Executive. Nominations for these positions must be submitted 30 days prior to the election. Voting will take place in two ways: online via email and in person at the AGM using a paper ballot. Online voting will be in the form of an advance poll closing at least two days prior to the AGM. Having this format will allow those not able to attend the AGM the opportunity to vote!

Timeline:

August 10 - Deadline for nominations

August 15 - Candidates will send out messages on social media outlining platforms and bios.

September 7, 8 - Advance Poll

September 10, 2022 - AGM

Descriptions of the positions: 

Board of Directors - these are at large positions with no specific duties or responsibilities listed.

Typically, board members offer council on big picture matters and decisions usually concerning Ascent Policies and Procedures. Board members often sit on committees designed to formulate policy. These are two year term commitments. These seats are currently held by Steve Adamson, Joe Kennedy and Shawn Bethune. In order to run for one of these positions candidates must have 5 years of outdoor climbing experience.

Vice President - the VP's primary responsibility is to manage the membership database and communicate with CFB Gagetown concerning the list. Other duties include social media and website posts. This is a two-year term. This position is currently held by Jon Adamson. Candidates for this position must have two years of climbing experience, one of which must be outdoors.

Secretary - the primary responsibility is to record minutes of all Ascent Meetings along with sending out meeting invites. This is a two-year term and is currently held by Philippe Labbe. Candidates for this position must have two years of climbing experience, one of which must be outdoors.

A reminder that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect annually and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Peregrine Falcon Closure – Ascent NB

We are nearly into the 2022 membership season and it is time to renew your Ascent NB membership (or join for the first time)! We are currently accepting memberships for the 2022 season (April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023).

To complete this process click on the link below and follow the steps described on that page:

Membership – Ascent NB

All existing memberships will expire as of March 31, 2022. Join early to ensure you're ready to go as soon as that first warm, sunny day arrives!

Membership rates are $40 for adults and $20 for students.

We remind all members that the Peregrine Falcon closure at Cochrane Lane is in effect as usual, and no climbing is allowed between Gollum's Cave and Pooh Corner from April 1 to August 1. Reindeer Land is fair game, as is Waterfall Layback, but not in between.

Remember, being a member of Ascent New Brunswick comes with its rewards, such as:

• special access privilege to CFB Gagetown cliffs all year-round,
• access to events like the Welsford Rendezous in September,
• the knowledge that you're supporting an organization that maintains access to climbing areas in New Brunswick as its focus.
• access to climbing areas in New Brunswick like McQuirks, Kingston, Parlee Brook, the Hatchery and Glebe Road Ice Crags