Issue #1: The existing stairs are narrow and of various materials-steel,stone, wood, concrete with 2 sided handrails at the top. The lower stone 'steps' are uneven, and narrow with railing on only one side. The stones can become slippery when icy or wet. The stairs are currently closed.>Issue #2: Activity in the lower gorge includes scrambling up the embankments,'walking behind the waterfalls' and hiking into the gorge along the unofficial trail, resulting in environmental degradation and safety concerns.
Please note: re-opening the existing stairs, and restricting access to weekdays or off season times is not an option for the long term, due to the condition of these stairs which is not suitable for continued use by the public.
Option #B - access to the lower gorge be permanently closed, with the removal of the existing stairs to protect the environment in the lower gorge.
Option #C - To provide a safe access to the lower gorge for viewing Webster's Fall a new stair is recommended.
Parking, Vehicular Access and Emergency Services Access
Issue #1: Existing parking demand exceeds available on-site capacity
Issue #2: Lack of on-site parking, combined with lack of parking restrictions along local roads, results in high volume of on-street parking.
Issue #3: High volume of on-street parking and pedestrian traffic results in traffic congestion and safety concerns along local roads.
Issue #4: Need for improved Emergency Service Access to Webster's Falls.
Option #B - Maximize on-site parking by continuing to utilize open lawn areas for overflow parking. Minor improvements to existing parking facilities in attempts to improve vehicular movement and circulation. High volume of on-street parking will continue due to lack of on-site parking facilities and will result in continued vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Please Note: Short term (2hr) parking will not reduce the amount of vehicular traffic on local roads. Traffic congestion will continue.
Option #C - Closure of on-site parking lots during peak season weekends and holidays while providing shuttle service from Christie Lake. Implementation of parking prohibitions within local residential neighbourhoods to discourage long-term parking. This option reduces traffic congestion, reduces pedestrian traffic, provides improved access for Emergency Services and provides control of number of visitors to the site.
BBQ and Fireplace
Issue #1: The BBQ's create smoke and smell
Issue #2: The Fireplace rely's on individuals to manage their open fires
Issue #3: BBQ's are part of the traditional familty picnic destination. Families picnics now include larger groups
Option #B - BBQ and Fireplace use to be allowed
Option #C- BBQ and Fireplace use not to be allowed