Albion falls dangers

The city is fencing off parts of Albion Falls and considering ticketing people for trespassing after yet another dramatic rope rescue over the weekend.

A nine year old boy who fell 30 feet became the fifth person firefighters have had to rescue from the waterfall so far this year. And last month a man in his 20’s didn’t survive his fall.

There are already warning signs in place but people aren’t taking them seriously. The city put up a temporary fence Friday with a big sign saying “Danger Keep Out ” but by the next morning it was cut down and pushed to the side.

The plan is now to add permanent fencing blocking the staircase and to other dangerous access points to the falls.

There is no sanctioned path to the bottom of the waterfall but on a sunny weekend day the place is packed with families.

The city plans to fence off the area beside the viewing points because right now it looks like there’s a trail, but there isn’t. It just leads to a steep cliff.

The city will also be putting “Danger Keep Out” signs in front of other dangerous footpaths that aren’t sanctioned and covering them with vegetation.

They’re also considering ticketing people for going past the signs and fences. It would still need to go though council before becoming a reality though.

Last year Hamilton firefighters performed 25 rope rescues. It costs the city about $5,000 each time.