At 45 hills throughout the city, tobogganing has been prohibited by the City of Toronto, citing "unsafe" conditions caused by obstructions including trees, canals, trails, and fencing.
Safety Measures and Inspections
As the entity in charge of property safety, the city stressed the requirement of a well-defined route between the toboggan slopes' upper and lower sections. To make sure that designated slopes are safe for users, they are examined for dangers on a regular basis.
History of Safety Concerns
Safety concerns regarding tobogganing are not new. In 2017, a toboggan hill inspection program was initiated, and officials have since surveyed popular tobogganing sites to maintain safety. In 2022, a city councilor noted that tobogganing had never been allowed in Christie Pits Park due to safety concerns. A fatal incident in Ottawa led to debates about banning tobogganing in Oshawa parks.
National Trends
Montreal experienced an increase in tobogganing injuries from 2020 to 2022, with challenges arising from the difficulty in controlling toboggans, resulting in collisions and hidden dangers on hills.
Safety measures in Toronto
Unsafe tobogganing hills in Toronto have been identified with signage, while non-designated sites are considered "use at your own risk." The city has a list of certifiably safe hills available online for tobogganing enthusiasts.
Ongoing Safety Initiatives
Concerns about tobogganing safety have prompted ongoing initiatives to create designated, hazard-free hills. The city remains committed to inspecting and maintaining these areas regularly to ensure the safety of residents engaging in winter activities.
User Responsibility
While the city takes measures to enhance safety on designated hills, users are advised to exercise caution, especially on non-designated hills. The emphasis is on creating a balance between enjoying winter activities and ensuring public safety.
The tobogganing ban at certain hills in Toronto reflects the city's commitment to user safety, with ongoing inspections and measures to address potential hazards. As winter enthusiasts embrace the season, awareness of designated safe hills and responsible tobogganing practices remains crucial.
