Conservation Authority (HCA) have reached an understanding
on access to ice climbing on lands administered by the HCA.
Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU) have been signed
between the HCA, the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), and
certain schools conducting classes.
Forwarding a signed liability waiver as application is mandatory
to receive a permit to climb. There is an administration fee of
$35.00 plus HST, for processing each application-waiver. Methods of payment are
listed below.
The HCA encourages people to visit these areas along the Niagara Escarpment and has
undertaken projects that will reduce the impact of Conservation Area users. Ice climbing
will be secondary to the protection of the Niagara Escarpment’s important geological,
biological and cultural heritage. A “leave no trace” ethic will be the guiding principle that
will help ensure climbers continue to have access to ice climbing in the Hamilton region.
All HCA lands are closed to climbing except for ice climbing between 1st
December and 31st March each year.
Ice climbing is permitted only at Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, Felker’s Falls
Conservation Area, and Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area (climbing prohibited
at Webster’s Falls but permitted at Tews Falls).
Installation of permanent anchors on the face or top of the escarpment is
prohibited.
Individual climbers must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), or be
attending an ice climbing class with a school that has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with HCA.
Schools will be required to provide a satisfactory certificate of liability insurance.
ACC members attending a Toronto section-climbing day are covered by a
certificate issued by the ACC office in Canmore. You may contact the ACCess
Committee Chairperson for more information.
Crampons or similar devices must be removed from footwear while crossing the
two access trail bridges to prevent damage to the wood deck.
All persons ice climbing on HCA lands must sign a seasonal Release of Legal
Liability Waiver and obtain a permit. HCA asks that at least one full week be
allowed for processing and issue of permits. An administrative fee of $35.00, plus
HST, per application will apply. Seasonal permits are available (1st Dec-31st Mar)
from the HCA at the following address;
Hamilton Conservation Authority
P.O. Box 80167, 838 Mineral Springs Road,
Ancaster, ON, L9G 4X1.
Attention: Sandra Winninger
Tel# 905-525-2181 extension 114
Fax# 905-525-2214
In addition, permits may on some occasions be obtained on site from a member
of the ACCess Committee, if present.
HCA field staff will ask to see season permits when they encounter climbers on
HCA lands.
Waiver forms may be downloaded from the HCA website. Further details on
matters such as fees, updates, contact people and numbers, or other
information may be obtained from either HCA at 905-648-4427 extension
114 or from the ACC website.
Waiver forms will act as applications to permit climbing. Depending on the
method of payment you choose, the forms may be mailed directly to the HCA or
faxed with an order form available on our website.
Methods of payment include cheque, payable to Hamilton Conservation
Authority, Visa, MasterCard, or America Express. Use our handy order form if
you wish to fax your waiver and charge the administration fee to your credit card.
Ice climbing is a dangerous activity with inherent risks. All persons ice climbing
must be prepared to accept the consequences of his/her actions and understand
that this activity may result in injury, or even death. The Hamilton Conservation
Authority accepts no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, deaths or loss or
damage to personal property resulting from the use of its property for ice climbing
howsoever caused. By entering HCA lands you assume all risks associated with
the activity of ice climbing.
Climb safely and have fun!
I drove up the 403 on the way to Tiffany Falls and saw the great ice forming on the creek that runs midway up the 403 hill in Hamilton. This is usually an indication of what the ice will be like down stream at Tiffany. The 403 ice looked good (no climbing since you become a driving distraction) but when I got to Tiffany it was still flowing way to much. Most of the white in this photo is flowing water. A number of the large cauliflowers on the left crashed down while I was watching.
