Climbing Reinstated at Ontario’s Bon Echo

The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) Toronto Section has announced that along with the superintendent of Bon Echo Provincial Park they are happy to announce that as of Fri., July 29, the proud tradition of climbing can continue at Bon Echo. “We would like to thank all those involved from the ACC Toronto Section, Bon Echo Park and the climbing community for helping to make this happen so quickly,” the Alpine Club of Canada Toronto Section Board of Directors said in a statement. “It really is a testament of our dedication to this special place that the issue was resolved agreeably and swiftly.”

Going forward, ACC climbers will be required to sign an updated climbers code of conduct at the same time as they sign the ACC waiver. While a similar Code has existed for a while, the updated climbers code of conduct can be found on the ACC Toronto Section website and will be posted at the Hut. Please follow the code of conduct to help continue our ability to climb in the park. The closure was because of a series of events. A climber soloed a route and the park took exception to the violation of an unwritten rule. In a lapse of judgement, members were not immediately forthcoming to the park wardens when asked about the identity of the climber, which was the main reason for the suspension.

“While no one was injured, we need to always be mindful that our actions can easily risk our access to beautiful places. As outlined above, this incident has prompted the clarification of the ACC’s and the park’s duties at Bon Echo and has defined a clearer relationship going forward. “We would once again like to acknowledge the park and its staff for the swift lifting of the suspension and we believe that we are well-positioned to continue the long history of climbing at Bon Echo Provincial Park.”