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Despite some potential toboggan bans erupting across Canada, the Okangan region has no motivation to enact the restrictions here. However, Ted Sophonow from the Kelowna Parks Department said discussions on the topic are in order.
According to Communications Officer Bruce Smith for the Regional District of Central Okanagan, there are no plans in the works to make the Okanagan a toboggan-free zone.
Smith doesn't believe that banning the beloved winter activity is on the horizon for the Okanagan region; however, he did mention that private property owners have the option of restricting sledders due to liability concerns.
In a conversation with Sophonow, the Parks, Beaches, and Sports Field Supervisor with the City of Kelowna, he did mention the City's intention of discussing a potential policy implementation in regards to tobogganing in Kelowna.
Considering Kelowna's fairly mild climate, tobogganing has not been a pressing concern due to Kelowna's history of short winters. However, with the recent trend of Canadian municipalities banning tobogganing, Sophonow said the City of Kelowna will consider developing a plan for implementation by Winter 2016.
Nothing has been set in stone as of yet; the idea is simply a point of discussion for the Parks department at this time.
Currently, the Parks Department is not restricting tobogganing. However, they are reminding enthusiasts to be careful.
“We all believe tobogganing to be a fun winter sport, when done safely,” said Sophonow.
Throughout other areas of Canada, winter enthusiasts have protested their concern over no-tobogganing legislation.
In light of a recent “no tobogganing” sign erected in Orangeville, Ontario, residents have taken to Facebook to share their concern over a potential tobogganing ban for the region.
Photo credit: Orangeville City Facebook.
In Calgary, a bylaw was passed stating that tobogganing is forbidden in City parks, except in permitted tobogganing areas.
Signage has been placed in certain areas forbidding tobogganing. Disobedience to such instruction could lead to a minimal fine of $100.
Hamilton, Ontario is also on the list of municipalities that have banned tobogganing. One distraught citizen protested the ban with this up-beat music video.
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons.
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