[thistleclub]

Kenilworth Stairs swaying and need $95,000 in repairs
(Hamilton Spectator, Matthew van Dongen, Apr 1 2016)

The Kenilworth Stairs are too popular for their own good.

The upper section of the 229-step steel staircase up the east Mountain is exhibiting worrisome "swaying" that an engineer has recommended fixing, said parks manager Tennessee Propedo.

"It's not unsafe for pedestrian use, but there's a concern that if you don't address the issue it will lead to problems."

The decade-old staircase – which some call the Kimberly stairs – is the most easterly of five escarpment climbs maintained by the city, including Wentworth, James, Dundurn and Chedoke.

Minor repairs in 2013 to the upper stair case from the rail trail to Margate Avenue were supposed to address the "wobble," said Propedo, but evidently didn't do the trick.

"It's such a popular attraction and people are constantly exercising on it, running up and down," he said. "It almost has 24-7 use."

The stats seem to bear that out.

An average of 1,400 stair-climbers a day – 510,000 a year – are estimated to use the staircase, which – like many of its competitor climbs – has its own Twitter account @KenilworthStair.

Coun. Chad Collins, who represents the area at the bottom of the stairs near Kimberly Drive, has a motion going to public works committee Monday asking for $95,000 in emergency cash for the fix.

The recommended repair includes new cross-braces for the steel stair and more anchors into the nearby escarpment rock.

If the money comes through, Propedo said the stairs would be closed immediately "for a few days" to do the work.