Thank you for proposing this…

Thank you for proposing this amendment. I think the addition of the adjacent lands and the activity of rock climbing will both protect and support responsible recreation. This is an important and high quality site for climbing, and the river valley is a very beautiful and rich environment.

It would be beneficial to acknowledge that where appropriate climbers' trails should be reinforced to prevent erosion, braiding, etc. This may seem contrary to the natural environment designation, but will serve to reduce recreational impacts, and discourage off-trail excursions.

There is a slight contradiction in the note that Ontario Parks would like to avoid the use of fixed anchors where possible. Elsewhere in the climbing management plan, there is a desire to avoid topping out at the cliff-top, with the use of lower-off or rappel anchors. Therefore, the addition and maintenance of fixed anchors at the top of each route is, in fact, desirable. This in no way suggests that Ontario Parks will take any responsibility for the instalment or maintenance of these anchors.

This is a measured, responsible and inclusive amendment, which I hope will form the basis for similar future changes, where appropriate.

Thank you.