CENTRE WELLINGTON – Tobogganing at Centre Wellington parks is set to be discussed at Monday’s council meeting.
Following concerns raised regarding the health and safety of residents using township parks for tobogganing, a report says the township installed no tobogganing signs at several township parks including Foote Park in Elora to mitigate potential risks.
The report says the temporary action allowed staff to coordinate with the township’s insurance provider and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of designated tobogganing hills and outdoor ice rinks in Centre Wellington.
“Following consultations with the Township’s legal and insurance providers, staff have identified key risk exposure areas and determined the necessary service level requirements to facilitate tobogganing and community outdoor ice rinks,” the report said.
Staff say steps will be taken to allow tobogganing at Foote and Southridge Parks in Elora for the remainder of the 2025 winter season, but will maintain the ban at Ferrier Park in Fergus with barriers installed to “deter activity.”
A formal winter activities risk management program is also proposed for full implementation in 2026, which would include regular inspections and signage at designated ice rinks.
Meanwhile, staff are also recommending regular inspections and signage at Southridge and Bissell Park in Elora, and Highland Park in Fergus to ensure ice rink safety.
A final report on the program will be presented to council for approval in June.
The full report can be found here.
