City of Ottawa lifts ‘no sledding advisory’ on municipal hills

Thanks to a fresh, thick blanket of snow, the City of Ottawa is lifting its 'no sledding advisory' on sanctioned sledding hills. 

City officials are urging users, however, to continue to take safety precautions. This includes examining hill conditions upon arrival, wearing a helmet while tobogganing, and allowing for space (about 15 metres) between sledders.

Packed snow, precipitation and fluctuations in temperature can create icy conditions on the hill, resulting in increased speeds and reduced ability to control and stop a sled safely. 

The city is also encouraging residents to only slide at hills designated for tobogganing. While other hills and large snowbanks may be enticing to sledders, they may possess hazards that could cause injuries. 

A list of Ottawa's sanctioned sledding hills can be found at Ottawa.ca.

Additional safety tips:

• Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Sled only during daylight. If you are out at night, don’t slide unless the hill is well lit
• Always sit or kneel facing forward on the sled
• Walk up the side of the hill, not the middle
• Keep your hands, arms and legs inside the sled to prevent injury
• Alert (shout) if you observe another slider headed for danger
• Do not leave sleds or other obstacles on the hill
• Construction of snow jumps and other obstacles is not permitted