Welcome to the Top Out Climbing Co-op!
We are a member-owned, non-profit, co-operative climbing gym in the Townsite area of Powell River.
We aim to provide folks of all ages with a welcoming year-round place to have fun, get fit, and connect with your community. We also aim to grow the culture of rock climbing in Powell River.
Our gym features two types of indoor climbing (bouldering and top-roping) and key-card membership access 7 days a week from 5am to 11pm.
Click here to read the full history of the co-op and how it came to be.
Our Facility
Hours
PUBLIC HOURS:
- Wednesday: 12 to 6pm
- Friday: 3:30 to 9:30 pm
- Saturday: 12 to 6 pm
- Sunday: 12 to 6 pm
Please click here for what to expect on your first visit.
MEMBERSHIP HOURS (INCLUDES HOLIDAYS):
Unlimited access 7 days a week from 5 am to 11 pm
(note that some private bookings or community groups will use the gym outside of drop in hours, check the calendar)
As this is a facility run and maintained by volunteers, club members, and minimal paid staff, we only have limited drop-in times. We encourage becoming members of the gym in order to enjoy it to its full capacity!
Click here to learn more about membership.
The Gym Features
- 5 am to 11 pm daily access for membership holders
- 4 days a week drop-in times
- 2,100 sq feet of climbing (1400 sq ft bouldering, and 700 sq ft top roping)
- 12’x12′ adujstable angle Kilterboard
- A climbing & fitness training area
- High quality route setting
- Climbing shoe, chalk & harness rental
- Lessons
- Choose your own tunes during membership hours
- Expert Staff
- Tons of fun and community
What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is a simple – and extremely fun – form of climbing in which the climber solves short “problems” on an unroped wall (13 feet high in our facility). Foot-thick gymnastic mats break falls.
It requires no special equipment (beyond climbing shoes and some chalk) or technical climbing know-how. It can be done without a partner.
It is also the most social style of climbing because it encourages people to gather around a boulder problem attempting to solve it and cheer each other on.
What is Top Roping?
Top roping is the typical roped climbing that you probably think of when you think of climbing gyms. Our facility contains a wall with 6 ropes.
In this form of climbing, you use ropes through an anchor, a harness, and a “belay” buddy to keep you safe as you climb up a larger span of wall (close to 27 feet in our gym)
Board of Directors & Meetings
Did you know? The gym is a not-for-profit co-op!
That means it is run by a board of directors and co-op members can attend board meetings and vote on important issues.
Interested in getting involved and/or running for the board? Get in touch. Our year end AGM happens each spring. All directors and co-op members are encouraged to attend.
Our Board Members’ Bios:
Our board of directors consists of a group of incredible volunteers. Get to know them and their passions below:
Derek Runions
(Term ends FALL 2026)
Derek recently relocated to qathet with his wife and young daughter in the summer of 2024. He’s been climbing for over 30 years and has been fortunate to climb all over the world and both compete and coach for Team BC. When making the decision to move to qathet, Derek was concerned that his climbing days were over, but he’s been pleasantly surprised by the passionate and inviting climbing community at the TOCC and is excited to explore all that qathet has to offer. Derek has served as a Board Member for Sport Climbing BC and is excited to help grow climbing in the TOCC and qathet.
ERICA CAWLEY
(Term ends FALL 2026)
Erica is a born and raised Powell Riverite passionate about the outdoors. She has a deep love for big trees and also enjoys many modes of backcountry exploration including kayaking, hiking, biking, skiing, and, more recently, climbing.
After graduating from Simon Fraser University in 2018, Erica began working at the Co-op in January 2019. She has been fortunate enough to get to know the emerging climbing community through the daily routine of the Co-op and continues to enjoy being a part of the positive and uplifting energy that represents the TOCC.
Mara Johnson-Groh
(Term ends FALL 2026)
Mara has been climbing for over a decade and was drawn to the qathet area because of its easy outdoor access, bountiful granite, and friendly community. As a general board member, Mara is excited to help grow the climbing community and is always open to chatting about new ideas you might have for the gym, ways to make the TOCC more inclusive, or just about how great slopers are.
James Townend
(Term ends FALL 2027)
James grew up in Scotland but has spent years living across four continents before finally settling in beautiful British Columbia. He chose qathet for its access to nature and its close-knit, welcoming community—exactly what he found at the Top Out Climbing Coop. When he’s not climbing, you’ll usually find him out kayaking, hiking, or exploring the coast.
James is committed to helping the TOCC thrive as a true “third space” for the community—one that introduces more people to the joy of climbing while strengthening our shared connection to the outdoors. He hopes the coop can continue to build community, inspire curiosity, and keep people close to the wild places that make this region special.
BRENT WILLIAMS
(Term ends FALL 2027)
Brent is relatively new to Powell River, having been here for about two and a half years. He is also relatively new to climbing, signing up for the climbing gym late last year. In his free time, Brent tries to get out as much as possible to the lakes and woods that make our town so attractive.
As a Financial Planner, Brent is no stranger to raising funds, or hours of detail oriented paperwork filing. He believes that there is no better place in Powell River to get fit, meet incredible people, and, most importantly, learn the ins and outs of climbing than the TOCC!
Jorne Van Der Voorne
(Term ends FALL 2027)
Jorne grew up in the Dutch flatlands, and discovered rock climbing during a trip to Slovenia in his late twenties. After a few years living in Victoria he followed his now-wife to qathet, persuaded by the welcoming people and boundless outdoor possibilities.
Jorne sees TOCC as an essential hub for the local climbing community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. As a board member at the co-op, Jorne wants to boost climbing accessibility and inclusivity, and enhance the space for year-round usage.
Anthony Fast
(Term ends FALL 2026)
A recent transplant to qathet, Anthony has been a member of the climbing co-op for almost as long as he’s been a resident – he and his wife relocated in February 2023 and have been loving life here ever since. Anthony enjoys how bouldering combines social, physical, and mental aspects, and the community at Top Out has been, well… top-notch! Anthony’s excited to get started working with the board for the next few years, and looks forward to hearing members’ ideas and suggestions. Say hi if you see him on the wall!
Board Meetings and AGMs
Here is where we archive the minutes from all our board meetings and AGMs.
The board of directors aim to meet approximately once per month to discuss and plan general co-op operations, while the Annual General Meeting should occur within 3 months of the financial end of year, typically around May each spring.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Minutes
BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING Minutes
Want to stay current on what’s up at the co-op? Please follow us on Instagram (@topoutclimbingcoop) or check out our Facebook page