I support climbing in Devil…

I support climbing in Devil's Glen PP and all other provincial parks.

Climbing is a long established outdoor recreation activity that has been practiced in Ontario with historical evidence of ascents at Mount Nemo in late 1890s Alpine journals preparing for climbing in the Alps.

Myriad other areas have been established climbing areas throughout the province, especially in densely-populated southern ontario where the sport has become increasingly common, with over 15 indoor climbing gyms throughout the extended GTA.

The opportunity for outdoor recreation is important to maintain a healthy populace, and improves outcomes in all aspects of health - from increased productivity, to reduced healthcare costs - the social benefits are myriad.

The mental health aspect of climbing has become extremely important to me personally, and is key to help me support my wife who suffers chronic multi-drug-resistant depression and has undergone myriad treatments (including RTMS, ECT, a Govt of Canada psilocybin test program as well as licensed ketamine treatments). She is unable to work and I am her full-time caregiver while I maintain a full-time job as well.

Climbing outdoors in nature is an extremely important reset for me, and there are few places to do it due to landowner and stakeholder restrictions. Conservation Halton allows climbing in 3 of their areas, with great success and a wonderful relationship with the climbing community through the Ontario Alliance of Climbers, which has proven to be a mature and experienced group for stakeholders to deal with. They represent all outdoor climbers in Ontario, and survive on annual membership fees which climbers volontarily contribute to.

Allowing climbing at Devil's Glen supports another location just outside the GTA that citizens can enjoy.

Ensuring climbing is allowed at Devil's Glen is a key indicator to all stakeholders that climbers can engage in safe and responsible land use while recreating. It is important for the social health of an increasing number of citizens who choose climbing as their recreation.