.jpg)
10 hours ago
2
Article content
Toronto, ON, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — World’s Finest Shows has pleaded guilty to two safety violations following a serious amusement ride incident at the Brigden Fairgrounds in 2023. The Ontario Court of Justice has imposed a total fine of $40,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge, for two offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Nanticoke-based World’s Finest Shows is licensed as an amusement device operator that operates amusement rides at fairs, festivals, and events across Ontario.
Article content
Article content
Article content
The incident involved an amusement ride called The Whale (also known as Dive Bomber). During its operation at the Brigden Fairgrounds, the ride’s centre mast failed, causing part of the rotating structure to drop and two cars to strike the ground. Seven children were injured in the incident, with one requiring medical treatment at the hospital.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) revealed a crack in the telescopic centre mast, which progressed to a failure of the centre mast while the ride was in motion. It was also found that the centre mast involved was not included in the routine inspection after the assembly of the amusement ride. Additionally, two adjacent cars had been left empty at the time of the incident that caused an unbalanced ride, contrary to the manufacturer’s specification that only one car can be left vacant.
Article content
“Once a ride is up and running, both its operation and maintenance are vital to ensuring safe use. Operating a ride according to the manufacturer’s requirements reinforces tested and verified safety requirements, and thorough maintenance checks can uncover mechanical issues that may put riders at risk, as we see in this case,” said Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Vice President of Operations.
Article content
Article content
“Amusement ride operators have the legal responsibility to uphold safety standards in all aspects of a ride’s use, including installation, maintenance, and operation. Any oversight in these areas can potentially lead to incidents and injuries,” added Ms. Hart.
Article content
For more information on amusement device safety requirements, visit TSSA’s website.
Article content
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators, mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services includes public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
English (US)