Bourgot Bloc climbing center opens in Baie-Comeau

Bourgot Bloc, a new climbing sports center, officially opened its doors in Baie-Comeau on October 18 following two years of development. The project originated in 2020 when climbing enthusiast Dominic Martel built a makeshift outdoor climbing wall in Havre-Saint-Pierre to continue training during the winter.

After moving to Baie-Comeau in 2022, Martel transitioned his training to a basement setup, which eventually attracted other climbers, including current general manager Édouard Fillion. The initiative grew from a personal hobby into a collective project led by a non-profit organization and the ‘Grimper la Côte’ club.

The establishment of the facility required two years of volunteer work by a six-person committee, fundraising efforts, and a crowdfunding campaign that raised approximately $35,000. The center aims to provide a year-round location for the local climbing community.