Vehicles
Personal vehicles are allowed on the reserve and are subject to restrictions. You must notify the Station Manager if you plan to bring a personal vehicle to the reserve. There is a vehicle available for use at the reserve and is billed at a per km rate. You must have a valid ‘G’ class license, and must submit a copy, or original to be copied, to the Station Manager prior to use. You must be a student, staff or faculty member of the University of Toronto.
Driving off-road on the reserve for research purposes only should be considered a last resort option as it can damage research and impact the conservation of the property’s valuable ecosystem.
Water Safety and Swimming
Never go out on or in the water alone (swimming, canoeing, kayaking, etc.). Always have the appropriate number of personal floatation devices with you (e.g., life jacket) and safety items based on your activity (e.g. whistle, bilge pump for canoeing, kayaking).
The lower pond is open for swimming to KSR visitors and researchers. Please be advised that swimming is at your own risk, not the liability of the University of Toronto or Jokers Hill Estates. Swimming after alcohol consumption and night swimming are strictly prohibited.
Personal Safety and Accident Protocols
All visitors to KSR, regardless of status, are responsible for their personal safety and are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and reasonable manner.
In the event of an accident resulting in injury to a person on KSR property, call 9-1-1 immediately if the injury warrants immediate medical attention. Regardless of the severity of the injury contact the Station Manager as soon as possible. All incidents require the completion of the ‘Personal Injury Incident Report’ and are to be submitted to the Station Manager in a timely manner.
All personal belongings are the individual’s responsibility; the University of Toronto and Jokers Hill Estates are not liable for any lost damaged items.
In the event of damage to personal property, including vehicles, while on KSR property notify the Station Manager and your insurer where applicable. You will also be required to complete a ‘Property Damage Incident Report’ and submit to the Station Manager in a timely manner.
Fire Safety
Indoor fireplaces, within residential houses, are inoperable and cannot be used.
There is only one (1) fire pit available for use at KSR. It is located by the Hilltop house. You must notify the Station Manager before starting a fire.
A fire can be started only in the designated fire pit stated above and cannot be started if there are windy or other conditions that make it difficult to contain a fire, or if the Township of King has issued a ban.
You are responsible for,
- Keeping the fire under control and ensuring it is attended at all times
- Having a bucket of water readily available
- Making certain the fire is completely extinguished before you leave the site
For more information and policies regarding researching and staying at the Koffler Scientific Reserve visit https://ksr.utoronto.ca/