Bylaws take fun away from outdoor activities

[projekktor id=’21813′]

Hamilton’s recent move to dedicate three hills to tobogganing appears to be a move lessening restrictions against public fun. But a lot of outdoor activities we grew up playing as kids, are still against the law.

The fun police are alive and well and operating in Hamilton.

From road hockey, to basketball, skateboarding, to tobogganing, fun in Hamilton appears to be against the law.

James Buffett, Bylaw Supervisor: “Any activity on an actual street can be considered prohibited much like a basketball net can be considered an encumbrance on a street and also be required to be removed.”

Back in 1986 the City of Hamilton introduced a bylaw that bans all this type of activity. It was meant to prevent kids from getting hurt but it also prevented the city from getting sued — or at least it was supposed to.

Two years ago the city was forced to pay a Hamilton lawyer $900,000 after he injured his spine in a tobogganing accident, despite public signs prohibiting the activity.

Breaking the law carries a maximum penalty of $25,000 — a fine that has never been enforced.

Buffett: “There’s never been a single ticket issued for basketball on the road or street hockey on the road ever issued.”

In an era where kids are encouraged to get outside to play, some are questioning the need for the fun police?

Buffett: “I wouldn’t call ourselves that. We’re just municipal law enforcement officers enforcing laws passed by our city”.

A city where fun can sometimes be against the law.