I am an avid camper, canoer,…

I am an avid camper, canoer, hiker, and fisherman. I am also a rock climber. I deeply love our provincial parks, and have visted dozens of them, from Quetico to Bon Echo, Long Point to Lake Superior.

Our park system is exceptional, but it has long had a gap where climbing, in spite of it's long history in Canada and deep presence in outdoor culture, remains without recognition or regulation by the vast bulk of our park system. It is my belief that this represents a signficant unfulfilled opportunity to enhance the opportunities to experience the outdoors through our parks and to bring Ontario current with what is common in other jurisdictions. Climbers and climbing are only asking for the same respect and recognition through regulation that exists for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor users, . Whatever perceptions others may have about our sport, climbing is not more dangerous and damaging than fishing or hiking. If anything, given the limited opportunities to practice our sport, we are more cautious and appreciative of not wasting the limited resources of our lands and forest, and of ensuring we act with thoughtful caution.

The long existence of climbing at Bon Echo has shown climbing can thrive within Ontario Parks. I wholehearted support this amendment and hope it becomes a template for other parks in Ontario.