Safety & Risk Awareness

Several forms of ‘boating’ take place at our Conservation Areas including kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and peddle boating.

The main risks associated with boating are related to handling the boat and being on and around water. These risks include cuts, scrapes, bruises, strains or sprains associated with moving equipment, being in contact with a natural water body that has no chemical treatment, possibility of hypothermia from being close to and/or submerged in cold, deep water and possibility of drowning.

You can help mitigate these risks by always wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), dressing in appropriate clothing, supervising children, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Group camping is available to organized groups at Kelso and Rattlesnake Point.

The main risks associated with camping are slips, trips, falls, cuts, scrapes, fractures, extreme weather, exposure to the elements, wild animals, insects, and plants.

You can help mitigate these risks by planning ahead, paying attention to the weather forecast, staying off the trails after dark, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Alcohol is not permitted
• Firewood is available for purchase, burning of dead wood is prohibited

Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside and spend time in nature during the winter. Conservation Halton Parks have cross-country skiing trails at Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, and Hilton Falls. Only the trails at Hilton Falls are groomed.

The main risks associated with cross-country skiing are falling due to slips or trips on uneven terrain, collision with trees, structures, objects or people, hypothermia, and frostbite.

The Niagara Escarpment runs through a number of our parks and there are a number of lookout points, extreme caution should be used around cliff edges, steep slopes and drop offs.

You can help mitigate these risks by skiing to your ability, dressing appropriately for the weather, planning your route, check trail conditions before you leave, stay on marked trails, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Plan accordingly for the weather forecast
• Stay off the frozen ice of the waterbodies
• Use a map or an app to get familiar with the trails and plan your route
• Advise family/friend of your route and when you plan to return
• Bring plenty of water and snacks in case you’re out longer than expected
• Respect trail closures and stay on open trails
• Stay on existing trails, do not modify or create new ones
• Know your abilities and listen to your limits
• Stay away from cliff edges and steep slopes
• Keep a close eye on children—especially around cliffs, slopes, and water
• Walkers, snowshoers, and mountain biker are encouraged to avoid the groomed ski surfaces

Pets are welcome in all of Conservation Halton Parks but there are areas within parks where they are not allowed, please refer to the Activities page.

Pets must be kept on a leash (no more than 6ft or 2m) at all times.

Please be respectful to other visitors and remember that not all visitors are comfortable around pets.

The main risks associated with dog walking are slips, trips, falls and dog bites. The Niagara Escarpment runs through a number of our parks, extreme caution should be used around cliff edges, steep slopes and drop offs. Our Parks are also home to species of insect that may bite, sting or carry diseases, and plants such as poison ivy, that can cause a reaction.

You can help mitigate these risks by being conscious of other visitors, staying on the marked trails, protecting your pet from diseases, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste
• Do not allow your pet to chase or harass wildlife and ensure that they stay on market trails
• Be aware of risks like steep drops, rugged terrain and wildlife encounters, which could be dangerous
• Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short time, regardless of the temperature conditions
• Keep dogs on leash at all times

Fly fishing, shoreline fishing and non-motorized boat fishing are permitted at Hilton Falls, Mountsberg, Kelso, and Robert Edmondson.

Ice fishing is not permitted at any park.

Live bait is not allowed to be used at any park.

A valid Ontario Fishing License is required for those 18 years of age and older.

The main risks associated with fishing are slips, trips, falls, cuts, strains, and possible drowning.

You can help mitigate these risks by using wearing PDF’s, staying alert and aware of your surroundings and any incoming weather, using caution around waterbodies, supervising children and keeping them within arms reach, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Stay away from Dam structures and adhere to the signage on them

Hiking is permitted in all Conservation Halton parks and our trail system offers many excellent hiking opportunities.

The main risks associated with hiking are slips, trips and falls. The Niagara Escarpment runs through a number of our parks and there are a number of lookout points, extreme caution should be used around cliff edges, steep slopes and drop offs.

Our Parks are also home to wildlife and species of insects that may bite, sting, or carry disease and plants such as poison ivy, that can cause a reaction.

You can help mitigate these risks by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear which provides a good grip and ankle support, staying on the marked trails, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Use a map or an app to get familiar with the trails and plan your route
• Advise family/friend of your route and when you plan to return
• Bring plenty of water and snacks in case your hike is longer than expected
• Respect trail closures and only hike on open trails
• Stay on existing trails, do not modify or create new ones
• Know your abilities and listen to your limits
• Stay away from cliff edges and steep slopes if there is high wind or the ground is wet or icy
• Keep a close eye on children—especially around cliffs, slopes, and water

Horseback riding is permitted at Hilton Falls and Robert Edmondson Conservation Areas.

These trails are shared with other user groups and we ask that horseback riders be respectful of them and communicate with them.

The main risks associated with horseback riding are falls, fractures, concussion, getting kicked or stepped on, sprains and strains.

You can help mitigate these risks by wearing a helmet, staying in control of your horse, staying on the marked trails, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Clean up after your horse either by kicking manure off the trails or by applying the ‘poop and scoop’ method
• Do not allow your horse to chase or harass wildlife and ensure that they stay on marked trails
• Be aware of risks like steep drops, rugged terrain and wildlife encounters, which could be dangerous

Mountain bike trails of all skill levels are available on Conservation Halton’s extensive network of trails. Trails range from wide, level, and smooth to narrow, uneven and technically challenging. Our trails also have a range of features designed to enhance the challenge of the ride.

The main risks associated with mountain biking are falling from bike, cuts, scrapes and bruises. However, a fall while riding at a high speed or above your ability level could result in more significant injuries such as fractures.

You can help mitigate these risks by wearing a helmet, riding according to your skill level, staying in control, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Electric Adaptive Mountain Bikes are subject to the same classification system as e-bikes. Consistent with non-adaptive e-bikes, Class 1 Electric Adaptive Mountain Bikes are permitted wherever bicycles are permitted. Class 2 and 3 Electric Adaptive Mountain Bikes are classed as Motorized Vehicles and are not permitted on recreational trails
• Use a map or an app to get familiar with the trails and plan your route
• Bring plenty of water and snacks in case your ride is longer than expected
• Respect trail closures and only ride open trails
• Stay on existing trails, do not modify or create new ones
• Carry tools that allow you to perform fixes on the trail
• If you are not comfortable riding a feature, walk around it
• Ride on the right side of the trail
• Communicate with other trail users when you are approaching

Conservation Halton offers rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo, and Kelso.

Please note that climbers are not permitted to wrap or use trees for any climbing purposes at Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo. Please use the installed anchors at both of these locations.

Top roping is only allowed at Rattlesnake Point.

The main risks associated with rock climbing are sprains and strains, scrapes, bruises, falls, falling rocks, fractures, concussions, and possibly death.

Our Parks are also home to wildlife and species of insects that may bite, sting, or carry disease and plants such as poison ivy, that can cause a reaction.

You can help mitigate these risks by climbing within your skill level, maintaining and inspecting your gear, double checking safety knots, have a safety plan in place, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Stay on existing hiking trails and climbing routes
• Climb with a buddy
• Pay attention to the changing weather forecast
• Know where you are climbing and use an app for your position in case of an emergency

Learn more about Ski and Snowboard safety on our Glen Eden site.

Conservation Halton has snowshoeing trails at Crawford Lake, Mountsberg and Hilton Falls.

The main risks associated with snowshoeing are slips, trips, injury from falling, hypothermia, and frostbite.

The Niagara Escarpment runs through a number of our parks and there are a number of lookout points, extreme caution should be used around cliff edges, steep slopes and drop offs.

You can help mitigate these risks by dressing appropriately for the weather, planning your route, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to remember:

• Plan accordingly for the weather forecast
• Stay off the frozen ice of the waterbodies
• Use a map or an app to get familiar with the trails and plan your route
• Advise family/friend of your route and when you plan to return
• Bring plenty of water and snacks in case your out longer than expected
• Respect trail closures and stay on open trails
• Stay on existing trails, do not modify or create new ones
• Know your abilities and listen to your limits
• Stay away from cliff edges and steep slopes
• Keep a close eye on children—especially around cliffs, slopes and water

Swimming is allowed in the marked area at Kelso Conservation Area. The beach is open daily from Canada Day to Labor Day with Lifeguards on duty during the posted time. Please pay attention to signage for when there are Lifeguards on and off duty. The water is tested weekly during this time by the Halton Health Unit to ensure that it is safe for swimming.

Kelso is a natural water body with a natural sand/rock beach, as such the depth of the water varies as does the temperature. The main risks are cuts and scrapes, exposure to cold water and, the possibility of drowning.

You can help mitigate these risks by supervising children and keeping them within arms reach, acting in an appropriate manner, reading appropriate signage, and playing safe.

Things to remember:

• Swimming is permitted only within the designated swimming area
• Pets are not permitted in the water or on the sand
• Buoyant objects must be kept within the shallow buoy-line
• Lawn chairs, picnic tables, umbrellas etc. are not permitted in front of the guard towers
• Small Children must be kept within arm’s reach of a responsible person while in the water or at the water’s edge
• Children not toilet trained must wear protective water-resistant swimwear
• Smoking, vaping or using Hooka pipes is not permitted in the beach area
• No glass containers are allowed in the swimming area or on the beach
• Fishing is not permitted in the swimming area

Archery is an exciting activity where traditional long bows are used to undertake target bow shooting. All archery activities are very closely monitored; participants are always behind the line of fire, and targets are positioned against natural backdrops.

The main risks associated with archery are strains, sprains and bruising from learning and use the bow.

You can help mitigate these risks by listening to instructions, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Chair lift rides are available at Kelso Conservation Area during the summer and Fall for special events.

The main risks associated with chair lift rides are slips, trips, and falls from low level, and bumps and bruises from being hit with the chair or safety bar while loading. There is also the possibility of fractures, head injuries, or other serious injury resulting from falls from heights.

You can help mitigate these risks by listening to instructions, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Things to Remember:

• Look behind you for the approaching chair
• Load by sitting down on the chair when it arrives. Have backpacks off and in your hands
• Lower the safety bar promptly, the bar must remain down until indicated at the top to raise it
• Raise the safety bar when instructed to do so by the “Raise Safety Bar” sign at the top of the lift
• Once at the unload ramp, stand and unload safely, clear the ramp quickly and in a safe manner.

Disc Golf is played by teeing off from a marked location and throwing a disc towards a basket. The fewer throws it takes to get from Tee to basket the better.

A 9-hole Disc Golf course is available at Kelso Conservation Area.

The main risks associated with disc golf are strains, sprains, and slips, trips and falls from uneven terrain.

You can help mitigate these risks by warming up before you play, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

Low Ropes is a term used for a series of activities that are based on, or a very short distance, above the ground. Many of these use ropes, but they are not exclusively rope based. These activities are designed to promote coordination and skills of balance, as well as promoting teamwork and cooperation.

The main risks associated with low ropes include slips, trips and falls. These falls are from a low level, but may be from challenges above the ground. As some activities use ropes, rope burns might be possible. Sprains and strains from reaching may also be possible. Instructors provide clear information on the task at hand and the ways in which injuries can be avoided and all activities are undertaken under supervision. We also teach participants to look out for each other and provide the role of ‘spotters’ where climbing is involved.

You can help mitigate these risks by listening to instructions, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.

High Ropes is the term we use for a series of activities that are based around high level obstacles. This includes climbing walls, aerial challenge courses, abseiling and zip lining. Many of these activities can be undertaken at a lower level, but progression into more challenging environments that are as much as 30 feet above the ground will take place if the participant is comfortable to take part in these. All high rope activities are closely supervised, involve wearing a harness and helmet at all times, and being roped in or secured to an activity. Occasionally, participants may ‘spot’ each other to provide additional support.

The main risks include with high ropes are slips, trips and falls at a low level while preparing or moving between activities, strains and sprains associated with using equipment and the possibility of rope burns. There is also the possibility of fractures, head injuries, or other serious injury resulting from falls from heights.

You can help mitigate these risks by listening to instructions, acting in an appropriate manner, and reading appropriate signage.