In tonight's town council meeting, councillors will decide whether or not to officially sanction tobogganing hills in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Currently, there are no hills sanctioned for tobogganing use due to operational issues and hazards located on the hills. But regardless, residents have been using the hills, especially over the past few months after being cooped up inside due to the provincial lockdown.
Under the Occupier's Liability Act, municipalities have a responsibility to take steps to ensure people entering their property are reasonably safe while on the premises, which is why staff is suggesting if the town chooses to sanction a toboggan hill it should be accompanied by a commitment to manage risk.
The report from staff notes how in the past towns have been hesitant about sanctioning tobogganing hills for liability reasons but over the years, risk-related issues have been better mitigated with more municipalities choosing to sanction toboggan hills within their own parks.
Earlier this month, a Bradford mother sustained severe injuries after striking a hydro tower at Fuller Heights Park while tobogganing with her family. Since then, the town has installed snow fencing around the tower and put up new signage reminding residents that tobogganing is not permitted at any town park and advising that these areas are not prepared, maintained or supervised.
Despite the warnings, residents continue to use the hill and many other parks for tobogganing in town including, Davey Lookout, Green Valley Park, Henderson Park and Langford Boulevard berm.
The berm currently being used on Langford Boulevard also has hazards and staff are recommending this be posted as a no tobogganing area.
Town staff considers signage a passive approach to risk management and may still leave the municipality open to liability. If council does not officially sanction tobogganing hills, additional measures would be recommended to reduce risk including active patrolling and removing users from the hills.
The town is looking to work with Hydro One at Fuller Heights Park to add in mitigation measures such as fencing and removal of trees.
Hydro One does not support the use of its transmission corridors for tobogganing and requires residents to keep a safe distance away.
According to the staff report, the Fuller Heights Park area needs a proper technical review and landscaping plan, which they say can be accomplished this spring.
Tonight, BWG council will decide whether or not to close Fuller Heights Park, also known as 'Deadman's Hill', to tobogganing.
If council proceeds with sanctioning tobogganing hills to the public, there would need to be an active risk management approach to mitigate risk and liability to the town. Designated tobogganing hills would require more care in safeguarding the public.
Town staff are suggesting the following sites be sanctioned as toboggan hills for the winter season:
- Henderson Memorial Park - 3171 Line 9
- Davey Lookout - 33 Noble Dr.
- Green Valley Park - 115 Barrow Ave.
Some of the options being considered for risk mitigation for the sanctioned hills include hay bales, snow fencing, and the removal of non-permanent hazards such as benches and picnic tables.
Signage would also need to be installed informing residents of the risks associated with tobogganing, the hours of operation, and measures to be taken to lessen the risk he tobogganing. Weekly inspections would also need to take place once sanctioned, and jumps and ramps would not be permitted, and the hill would be closed after an ice storm or freezing rain.
The implementation and inspection of these locations throughout this winter season will be included in the current budget.
Residents can tune in to the discussion at tonight's virtual council meeting at 7 p.m. on the town's YouTube channel here.
