Hello, I am a 30 year old…

Hello,

I am a 30 year old life-lifelong Ontario resident. I grew up camping in Ontario parks and hold them near and dear to my heart. Childhood memories in Ontario Parks include campfires, biking around campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, swimming and canoeing in lakes, snowshoeing, Etc…

In the past 6 years I have become an avid climber. While I’m grateful for the dedicated climbing areas in the province, I often question why these incredible parks often restrict access to climbing the gorgeous landscapes they have to offer. I find myself camping in Quebec parks or in the Ontario parks but leaving first thing in the morning to go climbing elsewhere. I don’t understand why I can jump off a rock to go swimming but can’t climb up one for sport.

I’m grateful to hear that this amendment is being considered and am hoping that Ontario Parks recognizes climbing as a suitable activity as many other provinces and states have worldwide. Perhaps this could be a path to having Ontario residents competing in the Olympic climbing competitions.

Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.

- A local climber