Hamilton Spectator file photo
Burlington is managing the risk of tobogganing by designating six sites in the city where the winter activity is safe.
“Tobogganing is a popular winter activity that promotes active living and family fun in the community,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “We know there is a need to provide safe and sanctioned areas for tobogganing in Burlington and now we can offer these designated areas for residents.”
In late November city council amended a parks bylaw to ban tobogganing activity at all park locations unless otherwise designated.
The approval by council also included spending $4,000 annually, in addition to a one-time cost of $4,000 for signage and equipment.
City staff noted in a report that Burlington has a “legislated responsibility” to ensure safety for its residents who enter city property under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
The locations where residents are permitted to toboggan, include:
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot
• Tyandaga Park, on west slope
• Central Park, the hill northwest of Community Garden
• Brant Hills Park, southwest of tennis courts
• Nelson Park, east side of park, north of Centennial bike path
• Lowville Park, the hill on southwest end of park.
Signs will be placed at other popular hills warning people to avoid sledding in that area.
The city offers these tips to play safely while tobogganing:
• Toboggan during daylight hours, not when it is dark.
• Toboggan when the hill is snow covered, not when it is icy or bare.
• Check the hill and make sure it is free of obstacles and toboggan in the designated area.
• Wear a helmet designed for winter sports.
• Use a toboggan that is in good condition and has brakes and steering.
• Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that could get caught in a toboggan and cause injury.
• Always sit down and face-forward on a toboggan.
• Do not build jumps or other obstacles on the toboggan hill.
• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for others coming down the hill.
• If you fall off of a toboggan, move out of the way to avoid being hit.
For a map of safe tobogganing locations in Burlington visit www.burlington.ca/tobogganing.
Source: The Hamilton Spectator