Michael Lary • Jul 20, 2023

Changes are coming to Main Street

The City of Vancouver is investing in new street design.

Main Street is being completely redesigned and refreshed, and we think this will make for an even better experience climbing at the Source!  That said, we know that there will also be some challenges for our guests and members visiting this upcoming season. To prepare, we want to start keeping everyone informed of what's ahead...


What is planned?

Plans include widening the sidewalks to encourage sidewalk commerce and use of outdoor space, adding new LED streetlights to improve aesthetics and visibility, reorganizing parking to improve sightlines, upgrading the water/sewer/stormwater facilities for improved infrastructure, and more. Get a preview HERE.


When will this begin and end?

We expect construction to begin late in Winter 2023 or early 2024; although, much of the preliminary work already in progress. The design is roughly 60% complete. The City, VDA and Main Street business and property owners are actively working on plans to lessen some of the impacts. Completion is estimated for Winter 2024.


Where will construction be happening?

Construction will be happening on Main between 5th and 15th. Although, we still don't know when the project will be most focused on the area around 12th and Main because the design is not yet complete and the contractor selection is not final.


Why now?

The original plans began in 1993, and the project was divided into two areas: North Main and Lower Main. Uptown Village was funded and constructed in 1996, but the City was unable to fund Lower Main area despite attempts in 2003, 2006, 2014, and 2019. This was mostly due to the substantial costs.  Sufficient funding was finally possible through one of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects.


How can I learn more or get involved?

The City of Vancouver has a great online resource here https://www.beheardvancouver.org/mainstreetpromise


Who can we talk to?

Michael is on the Project Advisory Committee, so don't hesitate to ask if you have questions about the changes coming to Main Street.


What's next?

The Source will continue to partner with the City of Vancouver, the VDA, and other downtown stakeholders to seek solutions as we navigate the construction process.  We will post important updates here and look forward to downtown being an even more excellent place to cimb, live and visit.

Climbing Closures

By Michael Lary • 25 Mar, 2024
April 12th, 2024 - Climbing limited to Bouldering, Mezzanine and Fitness areas only. April 13th, 2024 - Closed to all climbing

Legislative Update

By Amanda Foote • 22 Feb, 2024
HB 2265 not voted out of the House

Sport is different from Amusement

By Michael Lary • 05 Feb, 2024
Dear Climbers, We need your help to protect indoor climbing as a sport in Washington state . There is a bill moving through the Washington legislative session right now which is of critical importance to indoor climbing gyms, and we can benefit from the immediate support of three key legislators in our area. Click to EMAIL Rep. Greg Cheney, 18th District (Battle Ground, Salmon Creek) Click to EMAIL , Rep, Jim Walsh, 19th District (Longview) Click to EMAIL , Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th District (La Center, Woodland, Ridgefield) Background Last April, the Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to a Washington climbing gym, stating they needed to close until they were permitted as an amusement park. While that may sound absurd to many, the reality is there is ambiguity in current state law which leaves climbing facilities exposed. If gyms were required to be treated as amusement parks instead of a sport, it could have wide-ranging negative impacts on how customers experience our facility, the equipment we use, and the type of climbing we can offer. In response to that action, we have partnered with other gyms across the state to propose legislation defining indoor climbing as a sport, not an “amusement”. We have been working proactively with legislators, department staff and the Washington Association for Justice over the past 9 months to produce an amended bill that everyone can support. This week, our bill passed out of committee and will be coming to a full vote on the House floor in the coming days . We ask that anyone wishing to preserve access to climbing facilities contact their local state representative as soon as possible in support of HB 2265 . Michael & Hanz Source Climbing Center 360-694-9096
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