Editor: On Friday, July 28, I volunteered to assist Alberta Parks in implementing a closure of the area on the south side of Canmore.
The area I was assigned was Grassi Lakes. Working with a conservation officer, we put up closure tape and signage in the parking lot area, and swept people out of the closure area.
While many visitors in the overflowing parking lot were disappointed, all were very understanding and supportive of the move. After that, we went to the top to work our way down, sweeping people off the trails. Again, all we met were supportive of the closure and understood why it was being done.
But I particularly wanted to acknowledge the support of the climbing community. There were about two dozen different parties climbing that day, many in mid-climb on the walls. All stopped what they were doing, listened to what was happening, and were receptive to the closure.
Again, while disappointed, to a person they started to wrap up their climbs and collect their gear. One in particular noted they had done everything “right” and had checked the closure status before coming climbing. But even they understood that the closure decision had just been made, and so immediately started collecting their gear and wrapping up.
No one wants their playgrounds closed, but the response of the hundreds of people we encountered was nothing but understanding, supportive and positive.
While I know there are people out there who ignore closures, my experience on Friday reinforced my belief that we, as a community, will support doing what’s needed to keep our wildlife on the landscape.
Derek Ryder,
Harvie Heights
