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Kinnaird Bluffs in B.C. is Saved From Development and Gets a New Route

The historic crag of Kinnarid near Castlegar, B.C., has been saved from development. The Association of West Kootenay Rock Climbers (TAWKROC) raised the funds to purchase the private land, which the bluffs sit on. Craig Stowell, TAWKROC director, announced the good news this week that the group is now owns the 17-acre plot of land located next to the Emerald Green Subdivision. “This is a dream come true,” Stowell said. “Rock climbers have wanted to ensure access to this area for over two decades and to receive confirmation from the lawyers that TAWKROC now owns it is amazing.”

Kinnaird Bluffs
Kinnaird Bluffs

The group raised $35,000 towards the property costs, but needed a loan to cover the full cost, which will be paid over the next two years. “We can’t express enough just how grateful we are to the rock climbing community,” Stowell said. “This wouldn’t have happened without private citizens stepping forward to help ensure rock climbers, hikers and other outdoor aficionados continue to have access to this historic site.”

Stowell said he wants to donate the property to the town of Castlegar as a park. If you would like to donate, visit here. To view an article about the bluffs in Kootenay Mountain Culture see here.

TAWKROC diretors Bob Sawyer and David Lussier recently climbed a new route at Kinnaird. They called the three-pitch 5..11 Welcome to the Neighbourhood. Lussier commented on his Facebook post, “Bolted belays with all pitches being 30 m or less. Gear is triple set of small TCU to 0.5. Doubles to #1. Small nuts useful.” See photos and the topo here.

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