Popular Pembroke tobogganing hill still closed, despite major snowfall

By Bruce McIntyre

Although the Ottawa Valley is in the middle of what could be a record-setting snowfall, there is still no tobogganing at one of Pembroke’s most iconic and popular hills.

It was closed recently, due to safety concerns regarding the buildup of ice along the hill and a steel fence in need of repair at the bottom of the hill.

A notice from Carefor was sent out on January 9 stating the sliding hill at the Carefor Mackay Centre had to be closed due to safety concerns. The notice hadn't gained a lot of attention until news of this year’s first major winter storm, Monday, January 17, 2022.

The hill, known by locals as the “Mother Hill” is located at 700 Mackay St. The hill quickly became known as Mother Hill following the purchase and building of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Motherhouse in 1952. The Grey Sisters owned and operated the property until Carefor took ownership in 2017. One of the early concerns throughout the community was the new owners might put an end to the longstanding tradition set by the nuns of allowing the property to be used for tobogganing, however, Carefor carried on the tradition.

The recent closure is believed to be the first time that residents and visitors could not access the unsupervised site.

Sharon Maye, director of operations and programs at Carefor Health and Community Services, issued a brief statement on the company’s Facebook site notifying the community of the temporary closure.

“Carefor is actively working on repairing the fence,” Maye said. “There will be an update posted in the next couple of days. Thank you for your understanding.”

Although the hill is located on private property, both the Grey Sisters, and most recently, Carefor Mackay Centre, allowed the hill to be used for tobogganing and other winter activities without interference.

The steel fence at the bottom of the hill is approximately eight feet high and follows the entire River Road property. 

Maye said it is Carefor’s desire and goal to repair the fence before the winter season ends.

“We had some concerns not only about the condition of the fence, but with such little snow so far this season, the hill itself was extremely slick with the snow packed down solid creating large sections of ice. Both children and adults were sliding very fast and at that speed it is dangerous when they get to the bottom by the fence,” she said. “For now we have placed several bales of hay in front of the most damaged parts of the fence. That is only one measure we have put in place and there are other areas of concern we need to address. We are hopeful we can complete the repairs so it is safe to open up the hill again this season.”

Maye stressed that from the time Carefor took over the Mackay Centre, they wanted to continue the tradition of keeping the hill open for the community.

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