A Story of Ascent
A few months after the Centre Multisports officially opened in October 2012, a handful of eager climbing enthusiasts awaited the final grips to be bolted onto the 45,000-square-foot gym’s climbing wall. Inaugurated in early 2013, the wall offered a one-of-a-kind experience for those drawn to summits, ridgelines, and crags.
Today, the wall is like a child growing into adolescence—still young, but evolving. In the coming weeks, it will undergo a transformation to revitalize the climbing experience for seasoned members and engage the growing number of curious newcomers.
A Renewed Wall
As part of a broader reflection on the Centre Multisports’ services, and the strengths and shortcomings of the climbing wall specifically, management has launched a strategy to breathe new life into the space. The goal? Attract families and measure user engagement.
“We always keep families in mind,” explains Davidsen Jugnah, Director of Programming. “But we especially want to quantify how many members use the wall so we can make it evolve accordingly.”
The evolution will happen in stages. Along with a revised membership structure including a new family rate, a dedicated lead instructor, Philippe Loignon, will oversee daily operations and elevate the user experience.
“More and more people are coming to the Centre and joining climbing classes,” adds multisports coordinator Isabelle Thibert. “Now is the time for an upgrade.”
New equipment is already being installed—starting with an auto-belay system, a device mounted at the top of the wall allowing climbers to scale it solo, without needing a belayer on the ground. Beneficial for both beginners and experts, one auto-belay can serve three to four routes depending on its placement. More devices will be added based on usage.
What’s Your Route?
In the second phase, the routes will be reconfigured to improve accessibility. From the current 45, the number of routes will be reduced to around 30. While seasoned climbers can spot existing routes easily, new users often struggle to decipher them. Existing holds will be removed and cleaned, new ones added, and the layout completely updated—likely by mid-January.
“I think our regular climbers have done every route already,” says Jugnah. “We need to change them regularly to keep things fresh and dynamic. But we can’t go in all directions—we need balance.”
Routes are set by experienced monitors, who design each path to provide climbers with unique, challenging experiences. The new layout will cater to advanced users while appealing to youth involved in weekend classes and after-school programs.
“Interest is growing, but it’s inconsistent,” Jugnah notes. “We won’t build a solid community if we keep the same model. Our classes are always full, so it’s on us to turn that interest into regular, long-term participation.”
Conquering Vertigo
Contrary to popular belief, climbers aren’t necessarily immune to vertigo. Many, including Philippe Loignon, have had to work through their fear of heights:
“It’s not about time, it’s about falling. You have to drop into the void a few times and train your brain to find it fun, not scary. It’s a process—it comes and goes.”
The construction engineering student first took up climbing in CÉGEP to challenge his fear. What he discovered wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life.
“When you’re on the wall, nothing else exists. Stress, bad days, good days—it all stops. It gives you a real break.”
To him, the best part of the climbing wall is the community that’s formed around it:
“Everyone knows each other, climbs together, often outdoors too. That closeness is what’s so special about the Centre.”
Until the renovations are complete, loyal climbers and curious newcomers alike can scale the wall on weeknights and weekends, chasing their own version of the summit—one grip at a time.
What’s New
Among the updates that will redefine the climbing experience:
- A dedicated lead instructor for enhanced guidance
- Installation of auto-belay devices
- New climbing holds and modules
- A parent-child climbing class
- Full route reconfiguration