You have the power to…

You have the power to facilitate positive change by allowing climbing at Devils Glen.
Rock climbing should be allowed in Devils Glen firstly, because it would help facilitate community in a world in desperate need of it. On a personal level, rock climbing has given me access to community, a sense of belonging and close personal friendships.

Secondly, because it promotes environmentalism and a love of nature. I believe that to love rock climbing you cannot do so without loving nature. Everyone I know on days where the climbing didn't go well is always still happy because at least they got to get outside. Climbing is being able to interact with nature in a unique and personal way. The community and culture that exists in climbing is of respecting and protecting nature. Everyone I know makes an effort to pick up any garbage they see on hiking trails to and from the crag.

Thirdly, as the government you should put the mental and physical health of your citizens at the forefront of your decision making because both the mental and physical health benefits of exercise and being out in nature are well document. Rock climbing combines both these activities leading to a reduction in stress and physical ailments. The positive impact that climbing has had on my anxiety is tremendous.

Lastly, I would like to address what I imagine to be of concern to the general public that lacks climbing knowledge; safety. While climbing is an inherently dangerous sport climbers do everything that can to minimize risk to themselves, friends and strangers at the crag. Climbing is quite costly to get into so beginners are often going with experienced friends and mentors who own their own gear, events put on by groups like the Ontario Alliance of climbers and the Alpine Club of Canada or classes offered by guiding companies and climbing gyms. Climbing is a sport of mentorship and safety. We do everything we can to stay safe and injury free so that we can continue what we enjoy; climbing.

It would mean so much to me personally and the climbing community at large if the work that has been done between the government and the climbing community can be put into action!