Permitted Tobogganing Hills

On June 22, 2016, Hamilton City Council approved continuation of a pilot program which allows for particular hills to be used for tobogganing.

Effective December 23, 2016, residents are permitted to toboggan on these hills:

Safety tips

Tobogganing is inherently dangerous, please do so at your own risk. Protect your brain. It is strongly recommended that individuals wear a certified hockey or winter multi-sport helmet and follow the posted safety tips when tobogganing. 

To reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others, follow these tips:

• Before you proceed, assess the weather and physical conditions of the hill to ensure it is safe.
• Avoid tobogganing on icy hills.
• Choose a sled or toboggan that is easy to control.
• Do not toboggan at night or dusk.
• Construction of snow jumps and other obstacles is not permitted.
• A parent or guardian should accompany children.
• Call 905-546-2424 to report concerns about the hill.
• Call 911, if emergency assistance is required.

Riding

• Sit facing forward on the sled, not backwards, head first, or lying down.
• Move out of the way quickly at the bottom of the hill.
• Walk up the sides of the hill, not middle.  Watch for people sliding down as you climb.
• Avoid stopping in the middle of the hill.
• Avoid scarves, loose clothing. Tie up long hair that can get caught.
• Children under 5 should not go down the hill alone. Use a toboggan that is large enough for an adult to go down with the child.
• Teach children to roll off the toboggan if heading for danger.
• Alert (shout) if you observe another slider headed for danger.
• Keep your hands, arms and legs inside the sled to prevent injury.
• Keep a safe distance (15 m) from the sled ahead of you.
• Do not leave sleds or other obstacles on the hill.

Wear a helmet

• Protect your brain. Wear a certified hockey or winter multi-sport helmet.
• Make sure the helmet fits correctly and that the chin strap is done up securely so that the helmet stays on in a crash or fall.

Additional helmet tips

• Look for the CSA, ASTM, or SELL label on the inside. Ask your retailer.
• Replace helmet after serious impact, when you see damage or every 5 years.
• Fit your helmet every time you put it on.