Township shuts down Elora tobogganing hill due to safety concerns

ELORA – Centre Wellington officials have put up “no tobogganing” signs at a township park after safety concerns were raised.

“Given the reported safety risk and due to tobogganing not being an approved activity on township property, ‘no tobogganing’ signs were installed to immediately mitigate this health and safety risk pending a more detailed review,” states a Jan. 31 press release.

The township is also conducting “a full assessment” of tobogganing hills in the township along with its insurance provider “to evaluate potential hazards and determine the necessary next steps,” it states.

“This review will involve a detailed inspection of the hill’s current conditions, including its slope, surrounding environment and any factors that could contribute to safety risks.”

The release did not identify the hill where the signs are now posted nor the nature or number of complaints it had received.

But it did emphasize that “on hills that don’t have ‘no tobogganing’ signs, any use of township property remains at the user’s own risk.”

The Advertiser has since learned the closed hill is in Foote Park in Elora.

Mayor Shawn Watters said the township is obligated to investigate and respond “swiftly” to safety issues when they are raised.

“While we understand that tobogganing is a beloved winter activity, the decision to put up ‘no tobogganing’ signs was made to ensure the well-being of everyone using the hill,” he stated in the news release.

“We are committed to finding solutions that will allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities safely and will continue to explore options to address both safety concerns and recreational needs.”

Township officials say a report will be brought forward for council’s consideration at a future meeting.