Climbing along the Niagara…

Climbing along the Niagara Escarpment is my favourite way to enjoy Ontario's natural spaces. It gets me outside, allows me to participate in a sport I love, and has helped me become part of an incredible supportive community.

There are misconceptions about climbing that have contributed to access issues in Ontario and elsewhere.

Some see climbing as high impact on natural spaces. In truth, you would be hard pressed to find a more considerate group of individuals than the climbing community: we follow a leave no trace philosophy, we try to minimize changes made to the environment when establishing routes. The primary goal being minmal impact, while ensuring safety.

Some see climbing as a dangerous activity. Like any sport, there are dangers in climbing. However, when practiced safely severe injuries and death are very rare in the single pitch sport climbing common on the escarpment. Making climbing access less restricted in Ontario makes the sport safer: making it easier for new climbers to get mentorship and training; making the maintenance of routes easier.

I'm a strong supporter of climbing in Devil's Glen provincial park and other parks in Ontario.