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Register for TSSA's Amusement Ride Safety Training Forum 2026

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: Training and Education

Dec 24, 2025

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Register for the 24th Annual TSSA Amusement Ride Safety Training Forum. This 3-day forum provides specific training on ride inspection, codes and standards, employee safety and ride manufacturing. Attendees will receive 16 hours of NAARSO continuing education credits.

When: March 24 – 27, 2026
Where:  Springhill Suites Vaughan, 612 Applewood Crescent  
Registration deadline: Friday March 13, 2026 

Registration includes:
• March 24th Reception
• March 25h (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (8 hours in class)
• March 26th (Breakfast and Lunch) (4 hours in class, 4 hours practical)
• March 27th (NAARSO level I and II Exams, optional)

SESSIONS: In-Class and Practical Workshops
• Ride Inspection and Audit
• Incident Investigation
• Industry Best Practice
• Manufacturing
• Evacuation
• ESA / TSSA Update
• Operation training
• ASTM 2783

To register or find out more details, complete the form and follow the instructions. 

World’s Finest Shows Fined $40,000 Following Amusement Ride Incident at Brigden Fairgrounds

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: Enforcement

Dec 17, 2025

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Toronto, ON, December 17, 2025 — 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

Nanticoke-based World’s Finest Shows is licensed as an amusement device operator that operates amusement rides at fairs, festivals, and events across Ontario. 

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. 

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. 

“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. 

“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. For more information on amusement device safety requirements, visit TSSA’s website.

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 include 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. 

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Campbell 
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org

Magical Midways Inc. Pleads Guilty to Safety Maintenance Violation

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: Enforcement

Jul 02, 2025

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Toronto, ON, July 2, 2025 – Magical Midways Inc. has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act, following a serious safety incident involving one of its amusement rides in Campbellford, Ontario. The Ontario Court has imposed a fine of $30,000, along with a 25% victim surcharge. 

The incident occurred in August 2022 at the Campbellford Fair, where one of the cars became detached from the ride known as the Tilt-A-Whirl while in operation. At the time, the car was carrying three passengers and they all sustained minor injuries. 

An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) revealed that Magical Midways Inc. failed to maintain proper inspection records in accordance with Ontario Regulation 221/01. The employee responsible for maintenance used a simplified checklist that did not reflect the manufacturer’s required procedures. The logbook lacked any documentation of the necessary inspection and testing of fasteners on the car’s pivot pin assembly – a failure that led to the unit's unexpected detachment. 

“Maintenance is just as important as installation when it comes to amusement ride safety,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of TSSA’s Amusement Devices Safety Program. “Installation ensures a ride is set up for safe use, but ongoing maintenance ensures it remains safe over time. Overlooking key procedures or failing to document them can put users at serious risk. 

Every detail matters in maintenance, and the purpose of the logbook is to record all safety actions carried out. As the regulator, we urge amusement device operators to devote the necessary attention and effort to this safety process designed to help protect both property and passengers.” 

TSSA’s data show that failures in maintenance and record-keeping remain a key compliance issue in the amusement devices sector. According to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report, the highest number of orders issued during periodic inspections of amusement devices in fiscal year 2024 — accounting for 7.69% of all orders — were related to operators’ failure to ensure that certified mechanics performed periodic maintenance and documented it in the associated log books.

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 include 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. 

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Campbell 
Vice President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-2728
Email: media@tssa.org