Toronto lifts ban on sledding on 45 hills

Toronto City Council has voted to lift a ban on sledding on 45 hills deemed dangerous by park officials.

During Wednesday's meeting, councilors approved a proposal to remove signs prohibiting sledding in those areas and replace them with new signs advising of potential hazards associated with the service.

In January, the city banned sledding at several parks it deemed “dangerous” because they didn't have clear paths to slide from top to bottom without the obstacles of trees, ditches, trails and fences.

This proposal was introduced by Coun. Brad Bradford, spokesman for Beaches-East York, where sledding is prohibited in one of the parks.

“Torontonians have spoken loud and clear: they want their city to embrace opportunities for outdoor winter activities like sledding,” Bradford Mayor Olivia Chow wrote in support.

“Instead of banning this favorite activity in certain areas, the city uses warning signs to allow park users to make informed decisions about the dangers of sledding in all areas. city”.

Bradford's proposal also directs staff to reinstall hay bales that previously existed on those hills.

Concerns about sledding safety are nothing new.

In 2017, the city adopted a sled roof inspection program. Since then, officials have been investigating popular sledding spots to ensure safety. The city has 27 parks with designated sledding hills that are regularly inspected.

With files from CTV News Toronto's Hannah Alberga and Brooklyn Connolly