Webster's Falls staircase closed to public

Due to safety concerns, the stairs at Webster's Falls will close as of Saturday May 26, 2012. Public safety is the primary reason for this action by the HCA.

Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area, which includes Webster's Falls, Tews Falls and the Dundas Peak, has seen an exponential increase in visitor attendance over the last few years.

The stairway leading to the base of Webster's Falls is considered inadequate to safely handle the number of people that the area now attracts. The stairway, built many years ago, is used by visitors to gain access to both the bottom of the Spencer Gorge and the base of Webster's Falls.

In addition, the large number of visitors traveling into the gorge has caused some visible damage to the fragile ecology of the ravine walls and riparian areas adjacent to Spencer Creek.

The HCA has provided a number of safe viewing platforms to view Webster's Falls and Tews Falls from above.

In addition to the stair closure, the banks of the Spencer Creek above Webster's Falls have been fenced off to prevent visitors from entering the water and accessing the brink of the 22-metre waterfall. Visitors are reminded not to enter the water at Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area.

The Spencer Gorge is a significant Niagara Escarpment property. All visitors are reminded that to use caution when travelling along trails adjacent to the Escarpment edge and slopes. Stay well back from the edge and use only official trails.

HCA is currently reviewing and updating the Master Plan for the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area. The plan will be completed this summer. Information about the Master plan process can be found here. A public information centre was scheduled for June 13, but will now be rescheduled to a later date.