The
City of Hamilton, in Ontario, Canada
is
home to more than 100 waterfalls and cascades...most of which are on
or near
The
Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment.
Ontario's
internationally recognized Niagara Escarpment provides
perfect geological conditions for waterfalls to occur from
Tobermory to Niagara Falls.
The most scenic waterfall in Hamilton is Webster's Falls. With its
30 metre (98 ft.) crest it is the largest waterfall within the city.
Tew's Falls is a 41 metre (135 ft.) ribbon waterfall...and is the
tallest waterfall found in the Hamilton region. Today, Hamilton is
literally captioned as:
“The
City of Waterfalls”...or sometimes “Waterfall Capital of the
World”
Last summer, (2016) bus excursions were available to the public and
tourists to visit a number of these waterfalls. The most popular are
Webster's Falls, The Devil's Punchbowl, Chedoke Falls, Albion Falls,
Tiffany Falls and Tew's Falls. Already, the 2017 season has begun.
More Visitors ~ More
Tragic Falls
A large colour photo shows a man peering over the edge of Albion
Falls...a day after a visitor to the east mountain park died. Two
others were rescued after falling down. Risky behaviour is highly
discouraged by public officials Another photo shows a young woman
who has climbed ledge by ledge and standing in the waters tumbling
over the rocks. The following are possible solutions the city is
considering: More signs warning visitors of steep drops...use
stairways at your own risk...one councilor suggested multi-lingual
signs and possibly hand-out pamphlets...$35 fines for illegal
roadside parking...possibly more fencing...rescue fees.
Firefighters Save
Woman at Albion Falls Rope Rescue
“Emergency
crews were called to their first 'rope rescue' of the spring on a
Saturday afternoon...another woman fell at Albion Falls...falling
about 3 to 4 metres just before 2 pm. Crews transported her out on a
backboard and then transported her to hospital.
Rope Rescues spiked at Hamilton's waterfalls last year.
Emergency crews performed 25 'rope rescues' at city waterfalls in
2016
(the largest number in 7 years...and it appears this problem will
appear again in 2017).”
Despite
signs of Danger at all Hamilton's waterfalls, there are risk-takers
who ignore the signage at these falls and of nearby trails...or
create their own paths which land them in difficulties and need HELP!
Will this year be a replica of what occurred last year such as: Man
killed at Albion Falls while taking photograph.
(he was a Toronto-based photographer)? 16th
rope-rescue came from Tew's Falls, Saturday.
(Officials are struggling to keep the escarpment pristine and safe
for hikers.)
Rope Rescues conducted at Tew's Falls and Webster's Falls
are the most common...followed by The Devil's Punchbowl and Albion
Falls.
Tree branch saves man who fell at Tew's Falls...Crews rescue woman
who tumbled 25 metres at Tew's Falls...Man dead after falling over
waterfall, Sunday, July 17,2016..in June, a 25-year-old man from
Toronto. Ontario died falling into The Devil's Punchbowl...In
February, 21-year-old Corey Dixon was with friends at the falls when
he slipped on ice and fell 12 metres breaking his back and several
bones. Shortly after the accident, Dixon urged city official to
consider 'better fencing' around the falls.
(So, his statement implies there was fencing...and he ignored it!
Woman
Who Died at Mount Nemo Was Hiking Unmarked Trail
(Although not in Hamilton, this occurred only a few weeks ago in
North Burlington.)
A
Toronto-area woman who died at Mount Nemo after plunging off a cliff
had been hiking on an unmarked trail on private property.
Administration Officer, Ken Phillips said, “It highlights the
dangers of going off trails marked by Conservation Halton ~ which
manages the Mount Nemo and other conservation areas such as
Rattlesnake Point and Kelso. There's clear signage as you enter all
our parks to always
stay on a marked trail.”
Mount Nemo is a 169 hectare park near Guelph Line. The 42-year-old
North York woman was out hiking with some friends late Sunday
afternoon in the park, long
after closing time. This area is also Escarpment Country!
ROPE RESCUES ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE NECESSARY...
AS ADVENTURERS IGNORE SIGNAGE... “TO DO THEIR OWN THING!”
Tragic
Falls ~ Risky Behaviour!
When
reading media captions: Fire Forces Evacuation...Crash Forces
Evacuation...Gun Violence in School Forces Evacuation...we become
alarmed; however, a recent local caption is becoming habitual...and
creates a severe problem. As suggested in The Spectator's recent
article by Matt Vandongen, he states, re
Signs
about 'steep drops' (referring to Albion Falls and other waterfall
sites) that perhaps 'shock
signs' should
be installed listing the number of falling deaths.
I
comment that MORE SIGNAGE IS NOT THE SOLUTION! Like sending an
unruly child to his room or to stand in the corner, time and time and
time again, which does not produce the needed effect...thus, a
different game-change to the rope-rescue dilemma, is necessary...as
additional signage will also be ignored! It is obvious that present
danger signs have no impact whatsoever on risk-takers because they
consider themselves to be invincible! Petty crimes such as road
work signs, stop signs at intersections, speed limits, thefts,
underwater currents, distracted driving devices, roads closed...any
kind of risky behaviour presents ideal opportunity to challenge
themselves...regardless of 'notices'. The photos posted in The Spec
of the recent 3-person incident at Albion Falls (where 1 died and 2
injured requiring 'rope rescue' ) will not deter these risk-takers.
Their concept is, “It'll never happen to me!” And the
opportunity to challenge themselves and where success is absolutely
foremost in their minds ~ they are totally unconcerned about the
dangers at risk.
THIS
IS THE MENTALITY OF TODAY'S SOCIETY! Yeah, RIGHT!
Re
Proposed Fencing:
One time when taking visitors to Tew's Falls in Greensville,
although there was obvious danger signage and a spacious viewing
platform, I noticed an adult male stepping
over the fencing
to stand at the precipice of the highest 'ribbon waterfall' in the
region; at 41 metres high, it falls into the deep gorge of Dundas
Valley. So, fencing is not much of a deterrent!
Re:
Rescue Fees:
I believe these are mandatory for those who determinedly bypass the
signs attempting to climb-up or climb-down to rocky ledges...to them
it's an enticement risk! And no one will deter them! Yes,
I believe that rescue personnel are needed for hikers who are
lost...for injuries incurred, etc.
But, persons who ignore and willfully place themselves in danger,
should PAY for the necessary rescues by our skilled firemen, our
skilled police, for medical attention...and ambulance if needed.
Re
Towing:
A good move for those drivers who park in unsolicited areas, thus
blocking emergency vehicles and personnel to aid a fallen victim.
Said vehicles to be ticketed and possibly towed away and the driver
must pay to redeem his vehicle. Parking fees on weekend visits do
control vehicular traffic to a couple of these waterfall sites.
I do have a viable positive solution to this dilemma!
Kindly
read the next posting of Tragic Falls in Hamilton's “City of
Waterfalls” ~ Part 2
Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...June 14, 2017
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