Just when the hills in Clarington were covered in thick snow, the municipality yesterday announced it is removing tobogganing signs at municipal parks following some confusion in the community.
The current signs, which imply tobogganing is prohibited, will be replaced with new signs indicating that residents may use the hills at their own risk, it said.
Oshawa has faced some criticism after it designated two parks as safe for tobogganing (see below).
“Last fall, the municipality received an audit report from the Durham Municipal Insurance Pool, outlining safety concerns and liability considerations for hills in Durham Region that had been deemed as popular destinations for winter activities such as tobogganing.
“Following the audit, signs were installed at eight Clarington parks to highlight safety concerns related to tobogganing,” said a municipal statement.
It said staff will prepare a report and draft a policy to identify which Clarington hills could meet the safety recommendations outlined in the audit and can be feasibly implemented as “sanctioned” toboggan hills for the 2023-24 winter season.