The people have spoken.
Tobogganing may soon be returning to Etobicoke’s Centennial Park and other Toronto hills.
A motion has been put forward for consideration at a February 6 City council meeting to have the popular pastime return to Toronto parks.                                                                                                                                   The motion was put forward by Councillor Brad Bradford and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow, who takes her grandchildren tobogganing in the parks.

It asks for the signs prohibiting tobogganing be removed and install new signs warning of the potential risks associated with the sport.
The signs will also tell park lovers where to find designated tobogganing hills that are inspected and maintained by the City.
Officials of Parks, Forestry and Recreation are also required to consult with local councillors and obtain Community council approval before tobogganing is banned from any hill.
Forestry officials are also being instructed to re-install hay bales that were at hills where the sport was previously prohibited.

The motion requests City Council work with the province of Ontario and municipal governments to amend the Occupier’s Liability Act, Negligence Act, and other legislation to address municipal liability, as it relates to the use of City property for recreational activities, including tobogganing.
This new approach addresses the need to promote safe use of our parks while still allowing the public to make informed decisions about their well-being.
“We are a winter city and there are few pastimes more quintessential to the Canadian experience than that of tobogganing,” according to the motion.
It said local residents have been tobogganing at parks like Christie Pits for many generations, which is why it caused so much confusion and dismay when people arrived at parks one winter morning to be greeted by “no tobogganing” signs.