CENTRE WELLINGTON – Despite the recent onslaught of snow, residents might have a harder time finding places to toboggan in town this winter.
According to a new report coming to Centre Wellington council next week, staff are recommending the township develop a formalized winter activities risk management program including tobogganing and community ice rinks for full implementation in the 2026 winter season.
In the meantime, staff are recommending tobogganing "be prohibited on all other township lands" until a final report is considered by council.
Staff are also recommending permitting tobogganing at Foote Park and Southridge Park in Fergus for the remainder of the 2025 winter, inclusive of interim risk management practices. The tobogganing ban at Ferrier Park in Elora is recommended to be maintained with barriers installed to "deter activity."
So far for ice rinks, staff recommend regular inspections and installing appropriate signage at Southridge Park and Bissel Park in Elora and Highland Park in Fergus. The township currently manages 11 skating rinks on township property.
The township installed "no tobogganing" signs at several township parks like Foote Park last month "to mitigate potential risks" after concerns were raised regarding residents' health and safety while using township parks for tobogganing or ice skating.
The report says this "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.
Staff said there will be financial implications as the proposed program exceeds current staffing capacity during winter months and is recommending a new temporary, full-time winter seasonal labourer position be created. The position is anticipated to cost $12,000 in 2025 and $29,000 in 2026.
A final report on the program will come to council for approval in June 2025.
The full report is available here.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.