City puts up more fences, more signs, pleads for a safe weekend at waterfalls

With the long weekend upon us, and many expected to visit Hamilton's waterfalls, the city is taking extra measures to ensure visitors can enjoy the falls safely.

Temporary fencing and signs are being erected at Albion Falls to make sure people can clearly identify the safest places to view the waterfalls.

There are now barriers of piled, cut brush-trees blocking unsafe pathways, near the designated viewing platform.

Visitors will also notice "Keep Out" signs and blocked access to the stairs.

The city says permanent fencing will be installed next week.

"During this holiday weekend, if residents and visitors are planning to take in any of the beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton we want them to do so safely,"said Ward 6councillor, Tom Jackson in a statement released by the city Friday.

"We would ask everyone to please exercise the utmost caution and respect the signs and temporary fencing that have been placed around Albion Falls. Our priority is to ensure public safety."

The city is reminding residents that given the recent rainfall, many of Hamilton's waterfalls will have extra water flowing through them and could be dangerous.

People are also reminded to be aware of slippery conditions caused by the rain and wet weather.

Along with safety measures, the city is also cracking down on parking enforcement.

To date, nearly 650 tickets have been given to illegally parked cars since mid-April.

Enforcement will continue over the long weekend in an attempt to reduce traffic and parking-related issues around the city's waterfall areas.

The city is reminding people that illegally parked cars may also be towed.

Tips for keeping safe around the fallscan be found on the city's website:http://www.hamilton.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-beaches/waterfall-safety