I am writing in strong…

I am writing in strong support of keeping Devil’s Glen open for climbing under the proposed management amendment.

I personally climb at Devil’s Glen because I love the area—it’s one of the most beautiful and unique places in Ontario. The experience of climbing there connects me deeply with nature, challenges me physically and mentally, and makes me appreciate the incredible natural features that our provincial parks protect.

Devil’s Glen also carries a long history of climbing. For decades, climbers have visited this cliff, developing a respectful tradition of outdoor recreation here. Recognizing climbing formally is important—not only to protect access, but also to give Ontario Parks and climbers a framework to work together.

The proposed plan strikes the right balance. By designating zones and acknowledging the park’s ecological sensitivities, Ontario Parks can protect rare plants, wildlife, and cliff ecosystems while still allowing permitted climbing where it has historically taken place. The Ontario Alliance of Climbers and the broader community have shown they are committed to stewardship, education, and minimizing impact. I’ve seen firsthand how much effort the community has put into preserving access and building positive relationships with locals and Ontario Parks.

Keeping Devil’s Glen open also has broader benefits:

It sets a positive precedent for how climbing can be managed responsibly across Ontario’s parks.

It supports local tourism and small businesses, as climbers contribute to the regional economy.

It ensures that public lands remain open for a wide range of low-impact recreation, not just for one group of users.

Closing the cliff in the past has created conflict and frustration, but this new approach provides a constructive solution. It acknowledges that climbing is part of Ontario’s outdoor culture while protecting the environment and respecting the needs of the community.

For all of these reasons, I strongly urge Ontario Parks to move forward with this amendment and to keep Devil’s Glen open for climbing in a sustainable, managed way.