Of Rock and Chalk
482 Ontario Street L3Y 2K7 Newmarket, ON, Canada

Sadly, we have to close according to provincial restrictions for 28 days starting April 3. All bookings will be cancelled, memberships frozen and credits issued for lessons. We will be open from 10am-10pm tomorrow if you want to squeeze in one last climb. #ORAC #rockandchalk #strongertogether #sadclimbers

Looking for something fun to do this Easter weekend? We’ll be open all weekend - advance bookings required. #ORAC #rockandchalk #rockclimbing #climbing #indoorclimbing #newmarket #yorkregion

Do you love a good origin story? Well, here’s one from our owner, Bruce. 27 years ago Bruce was taken on an outdoor climbing trip with friends. The experience was life-changing and Bruce started making plans on the drive home to re-create that amazing experience indoors. Bringing the gym to reality was a labour of love from many people and could never have happened without the passion of climbers. Next time you’re in, check out some of the fun carvings in the natural rock -... all made by passionate people who helped to hand shape those walls (bonus points if you can find Sonnie Trotter’s signature in symbols). Hopefully it sheds some light on our gym and the state of indoor climbing. Now it’s your turn! Post a (past or present) photo or video of yourself at the gym and tell us how indoor climbing has impacted you. Remember to tag us and use the hashtag #InsideVoices. Visit insidevoices.cwapro.org or visit the link in our Insta bio to learn more about Inside Voices. #InsideVoices #IndoorRockClimbing #RockClimbing #IndoorClimbingIndustry #ORAC #rockandchalk #newmarket #yorkregion

Introducing #InsideVoices, a movement to save our indoor climbing spaces. What does the future of indoor climbing look like? With the pandemic surging forward, many gym owners are faced with this question and what it means for their business. Take a moment to hear from some of the people behind indoor climbing, and how you can support the future of the community.... Watch the video: https://www.cwapro.org/ivlaunch #InsideVoices #IndoorRockClimbing #RockClimbing #IndoorClimbingIndustry #ORAC #rockandchalk #newmarket #yorkregion

Some exciting updates on the renovations for the building! If you hadn’t already heard we are going to have new neighbours @truenorthgrit and we’re so excited!! Take a look at what the building will look like on the outside and keep your eyes peeled for more updates on the inside! #freshnewlook #newmarket #yorkregion #fitness

NEW HOURS! Mon: 2pm-9pm Tues: 2pm-10pm Weds: 2pm-9pm Thurs: 2pm-9pm... Fri: 2pm-10pm Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 10am-6pm UPDATED POLICIES Masks are mandatory at all times in the facility. No exceptions. - All masks must be fitted to the face, cover the nose and chin and cannot have any air vents. - We cannot allow buffs, gaiters or bandanas in place of a mask. Bookings are required. We are not permitted to take walk-in bookings. - Please contact us before you arrive. We will get you in for the next available space, if possible, the same day. The further in advance you contact us the more likely we are to have space for your booking. - Members can email to book a time but everyone else must call to reserve with a credit card number. We are reducing the number of allowed spectators to maximize space for climbing. - Unpaid spectators are only allowed for youth under the age of 14. All youth under 14 require a supervisor at all times while in the facility. - Maximum: 1 spectator for every 2 kids 9 and under. 1 spectator for every 4 kids between 10-14. - All personal support workers or the equivalent will be admitted at no charge. Self-screening required before entry. - The website, email confirmation and gym entrance will be updated with a self-screening questionnaire. - DO NOT come to the facility if you answer YES to any of the questions on the screening questionnaire.

We wanted to give you an update on re-opening as we understand it now. This could change at any time and we will do our best to communicate with you quickly as changes happen. Currently we are waiting to see what colour York Region will end up in for Feb 22. Whether we can open or not will depend on what colour we get placed in. If we are placed in grey we cannot open. If we are placed in red we can open with capacity restrictions much the same as things were before the Dece...mber shutdown. We wish that we could give you more information but unfortunately we just don’t have it at this time. Please be patient with us as we navigate an ever-changing public health landscape. We can’t wait for the moment we can welcome you back into our doors - the gym isn’t the same without you

Thanks for making this tough year worth it - we’re thinking of all of you today and every day we can’t climb. Be safe, be happy and spread love

We’re still available for curbside pick-up! Get in touch with us on our social media, by phone or email to get the perfect gift #shoplocal #supportlocal #orac #rockandchalk #climbinggym #rockclimbing #climbing #newmarket #yorkregion

Sad news for everyone York Region will be entering lockdown on Monday and we will be closed until at least Jan 11, 2021. (Please excuse the error on the date below). Please see the below post for more information. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and we’ll see you in the new year! #ORAC #rockclimbing #rockandchalk #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness

We are open, come climb our walls.

Not only did we put up new boulders this week but do you hear that beautiful sound in the background?? The music is back AND there’s new routes in the main room going up! Starting tomorrow we can also increase our capacity for bookings although we can’t take drop-ins so be sure to call before you come. #ORAC #rockandchalk #rockclimbing #climbing #newclimbs #newmarket #fitness #fun #yorkregion #supportlocal

Current Update: We are open and expect to stay open but the nature of COVID and changing public policy means we could be forced to close again with very little notice. We are doing our best to stay in contact with government officials and keeping you updated. A reminder about our policies: 1. Masks are MANDATORY in the facility at all times - even on the wall. 2. Bookings are REQUIRED. ... 3. Please sanitize (or wash with soap) your hands before and after each climb. 4. Maintain a physical distance of 2m from all climbers not in your household. 5. Arrive ready to climb - the change rooms are not available except as bathrooms. We need your help to continue to have safe, healthy and happy staff and climbers. Please do not come to our facility if you (and your entire climbing party) cannot follow the COVID-19 policies put in place to protect you, our staff and other climbers.

Happy Thanksgiving! #ORAC #rockandchalk #thankful

We’ve introduced a physically-distanced belay course so you can learn new skills and stay safe! The course comes with a one-month membership for you to use and practice all your new skills! You will learn: -how to tie and check all required knots correctly -how to safely belay a climber up the wall... -how to safely lower a climber to the ground -the grading system -autobelay and bouldering safety -intro techniques to make your climbing smoother Available to book any day with at least 48 hours notice - subject to capacity. You MUST book at least two climbers and no more than 6. Price: $55 (tax included) #rockandchalk #ORAC #rockclimbing #climbing #fitnessfun #newmarket #yorkregion

Check out this post for some upcoming changes and news about lessons/team! We appreciate all your patience and support during this time - we love having you guys back in the gym! Service Interruption: ... Due to the ongoing renovations we will be changing our hours this week. We apologize for the late notice and appreciate your understanding. Weds SEPT 16: 5pm-10pm Thurs SEPT 17: 1:30pm - 10pm Fri SEPT 18: 5pm - 10pm New schedule and booking process: Mon-Fri: 12pm-10pm Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm We want to make things easier for people to climb and we’ve heard your feedback about the pre-determined time slots. Going forward here’s how things are going to work - you still need to book an appointment for 1 or 2 hours (3 hours for members) BUT you can pick the start time that works for you. We will take same-day bookings if we have space or get you booked for the next available time. All other COVID policies will remain the same and staff will continue to sanitize high-touch surfaces hourly. Lessons and Team Starting Up: All classes will begin the week of Sept 21. Climbers who have credits from last season will be contacted to ask about re-enrolment. If you choose not to re-join at this time, your credit will remain on your account. To sign up a new climber you will need to pay a 50% deposit for the class you are registering for. Deposits can be taken over the phone or in person. Schedules and pricing available on our website. Questions: call (905-895-7625) or email ([email protected]).

We’re moving the entrance while renovations are ongoing! You’ll be entering from the back of the building - the former staff entrance. If you’re facing the building at the road: Head up the driveway at the right of the building.Turn left and head around the fenced in yard. Follow the arrows on the ground and signs on the fences. Call us if you need any help finding the new entrance. #ORAC #rockandchalk #rockclimbing #indoorclimbinggym #climbing #lovetoclimb #renovations #freshnewthings #yorkregion #newmarket

COVID-19 Booking Information We will be booking in 1-hour sections but climbers can book two hours of climbing time. Members can book for up to 3 hours. There are 15 minute sanitizing windows in between each booking slot. This time is to be used for wiping down regularly-used surfaces and bathrooms. Monday Friday: 10:00am 11:00am... 11:15am 12:15pm 12:30pm 1:30pm 1:45pm 2:45pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 6:45pm 7:45pm Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am 12:00pm 12:15pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 2:30pm 2:45pm 3:45pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:15pm 6:15pm New prices based on reduced space and climbing time: 1 HOUR AUTOBELAY NO GEAR: $15.00 (tax included) 1 HOUR AUTOBLEAY WITH GEAR: $25.00 (tax included) 2 HOUR AUTOBELAY NO GEAR: $25.00 (tax included) 2 HOUR AUTOBELAY WITH GEAR: $35.00 (tax included) FAMILY AUTOBELAY PASS 4 PEOPLE & GEAR: $95.00 (tax included) For roped climbs the person must already know how to belay (Gear is extra) 1 HOUR ROPE CLIMB: $10.00 (tax included) 2 HOUR ROPE CLIMB: $15.00 (tax included) Membership/punch pass prices are also changing to reflect the lack of space. Members must still book their climbing time although there is no additional fee. Updated Prices: 10 punch passes (1 hour each): $90.00 (tax included) 1 month prepaid membership: $55.00 (tax included) 1 year prepaid membership single: $525.00 (tax included) 1 year prepaid membership couple: $1060.00 (tax included) Recurring membership; minimum 3 months with contract; charged monthly First person: $45.00 (tax included) monthly Second person: $40.00 (tax included) Third person: $35.00 (tax included) Fourth and additional: $30.00 (tax included) @ Of Rock and Chalk

Renovation Update Most of the bouldering rooms are currently closed. There will be no access to the training room, member’s room, red (gray) room or upside down room. We know that this is disappointing but the plans for the space will be even more exciting! We can’t give you any details yet but we are working on something amazing! Over the next year you will see many changes at the gym as we continue to renovate and upgrade elements of the space. One big new change will be to the bathroom/change room facilities to BRAND NEW facilities. We know that nobody loves change but we hope that you will love the end result. We thank you for your patience and support throughout our renovations and upgrades.

We have made some big changes and over the next year you will see even more exciting changes. We are opening next week! Call or message to book your time slot

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind words, to check in or to offer your support. Thank you to anyone who has purchased a gift card or left their EFT membership running. Thank you for thinking of us and helping to support a local business. We’re thinking of you guys and can’t wait to see you all back climbing again#ORAC #rockandchalk #community #support #climbinggym #climbing #newmarket #yorkregion #local

We’ve partnered with snapd Newmarket to offer online gift certificates! We really appreciate everyone who reached out to purchase gift certificates already and now we’ve made it even easier! Check out the link below and consider purchasing a gift certificate to support a local business! #ORAC #rockandchalk #giftcertificates #snapdnewmarket #giftcards #localhelpinglocal #newmarket https://newmarket.snapd.com/events/view/1322770

We received the sweetest note on our door from these two rockstars! Charlie and Ollie have been regulars at the gym for many years and it’s been such a joy watching them grow, push themselves and smash their goals We miss you guys and can’t wait to have your energy and passion back in the building! #ORAC #rockandchalk #ORACfamily #kidcrushers #bringingsmiles @ Of Rock and Chalk

An update from the team here at ORAC. We miss you but now is not the right time to re-open the facility. Please see our update above for more information. #ORAC #rockandchalk #climbing #ontario #statusupdate @ Of Rock and Chalk

Sign up for the community scavenger hunt. You have until Wednesday to complete it. Prizes!!! Fun!!! Family!!!