The West Rocks Conservation Area in Owen Sound may soon have its own designated rock climbing area.
‘At Last Adventures’ Guide Carlin Val made a presentation to the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority on Wednesday — asking the board to consider creating a rock climbing area in the quarry just off of 7th Avenue West and 8th Street near West Hill Secondary School.
‘At Last Adventures’ is a local outdoor adventure company currently operating mostly in the Blue Mountain area.
Val says the area is already used by climbers.
He adds that properly outfitting the rock face with bolts wouldn’t have a hugely significant environmental impact because the quarry is not part of the natural Niagara Escarpment cliff face.
Val says using trails, bolts, maps and literature would encourage safe use of the area.
If plans go ahead Val would like to run rock climbing classes and kids climbing camps there.
The plan is just in the proposal stages but members of the GSCA board voiced general support of the idea if it proves feasible.
Land Management Coordinator Chris Hachey says the GSCA will need to do some more research into safety and possible additional insurance matters.
He adds they would also want to coordinate with emergency services and look into making access trails and signage for the site.
Hachey expects working out the logistics of the plan may take a few months, perhaps until August.
