Sefety in Escarpment Areas

There are areas in the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area that   are fenced off and closed to the public for safety reasons.   Some visitors  are climbing over or removing fencing to enter these areas, which are unsafe. The slopes and edges of the escarpment can be unstable and pose a  fall   hazard. 
If a user falls in an escarpment area, the only way to assist them out of the area is through a rope rescue by the Hamilton Fire Department, who are trained   to carry out these rescues safely.

We ask that all visitors to conservation areas respect the rules, stay on  trails
and do not climb or otherwise bypass fencing,  for their own  safety  and  the environmental health of the areas. Keep well back from the edge of gorges and escarpment areas, at least a body length. Adults should keep children and pets well away from these areas. Some natural areas may not be fenced.  Visitors should also take care when walking at the bottom of gorge and escarpment areas due to the chances of falling rocks or slips and falls on wet or algae-covered rocks.

Visitors should keep to marked trails at all times, not only for their own safety, but for the safety of the many rare and sensitive plants and small animals that could be easily damaged or hurt if you leave the trails.

Please stay safe while enjoying your local conservation areas. For more information on Hamilton Conservation Areas, please visit www.conservationhamilton.ca.