Acronym
AD
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.
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For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Campbell
Vice President, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Telephone: 416-734-6227
Email: media@tssa.org
More than 160 attendees from across the amusement ride industry gathered in Vaughan, Ontario for the Amusement Ride Safety Seminar held from March 25-27, 2025.
Hosted by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in collaboration with the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), the annual event brought together industry experts, regulators, professionals from Canada's Wonderland, manufacturers and third-party engineers for three days of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and hands-on training.
Participants earned 16 hours of continuing education credits while gaining valuable insights from industry leaders through both In-class and practical sessions. Topics covered ranged from ride inspection and auditing to incident investigation, evacuation, industry best practices, and Electrical Safety Authority training.
A key highlight was a field trip to Canada’s Wonderland where participants received a behind-the-scenes look at the park's safety practices, upcoming attraction and the latest technology used in the amusement park.
Event organizers Sonny Silva, Regional Supervisor for Elevating and Amusement Devices (EDAD), and Joelle Javier, EDAD Manager, gave an update on TSSA and ASTM regulations and standards.
Deep Dives into Specialized Topics
Andy Benko, Quality Assessment Specialist with TSSA’s Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) Program, presented on BPVs in amusement rides. He emphasized the responsibility of amusement ride owners and operators to ensure that BPVs regulated under Ontario Regulation 220/01 are registered, inspected and maintained in safe operating condition.
Dr. Kathryn Woodcock, a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University in the School of Occupational and Public Health, delivered a presentation on device control interfaces in amusement rides. She highlighted the importance of designing operator controls that are within easy reach not just for comfort, but also for speed, accuracy of response and to avoid unintentional activation.
Dr. Woodcock said a task group is updating ASTM F2291-24’s clause 17 on ‘Operator Controls’ to provide more guidance on good interface design. The scope will apply to all user interfaces with safety implications, including riders, attendants and mechanics. “We want to make sure everyone understands what we mean by the principles we refer to in the standard,’ she said.
“Ideal controls will leave the user no uncertainty as to what will happen to the system when a particular control is moved a certain way,” Dr. Woodcock notes. “Meaningful displays will be user-centered, supporting accurate intuitive interpretation or the current state. Interfaces should be easy to use because the operators will do their tasks more accurately and faster.”
Devan Devalia, application engineer with SKF Group, presented on the bearings used in amusement rides and shared maintenance tips to optimize their performance and lifespan.
Other industry experts at the event include Cindy Sypher, Chair of TSSA’s Amusement Devices Industry Advisory Council; Vince Conforzi, Building/Plumbing Inspector at the City of Vaughan; and Jason Gordon, Director of Operations at Cobalt Safety East. They discussed building, fire and occupational health and safety in amusement buildings such as escape rooms, which are designed to disorient people or have reduced lighting and can make it challenging for people to find their way out in an emergency.
Concluding the seminar was a presentation by Chris Clarke, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Amusement Operators. Clarke’s presentation highlighted practical field issues with amusement rides and illustrated with before-and-after examples.
The session wrapped up with a final exam for some members who were sitting for certification.
The next seminar will take place in spring 2026. TSSA looks forward to continuing to strengthen safety, spark innovation, and support excellence across the amusement ride industry. Stay tuned.
Applications submitted after February 1, 2025, without mandatory documents will not be processed
To enhance the efficiency of processing design registrations for Elevating & Amusement Devices and Ski Lifts (EDAD Ski), design registrations submitted after February 1, 2025, without mandatory documents will not be processed.
TSSA reviews designs for EDAD Ski to ensure compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act and any other applicable regulations or adopted safety codes and standards.
Submitting mandatory documents along with the application is critical to ensure the timely processing of design registrations. Please ensure that mandatory documents are complete.
Click the button below for a list of mandatory documents for EDAD Ski design registrations.
EDAD Ski Safety Program
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Continuing education for NAARSO-certified inspectors - in-class and hands-on training
Register now for the 23rd annual TSSA Amusement Ride Safety Training. Over the three-day forum, attendees will receive 16 hours of continuing education credits (CEU) from the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO).
When: March 25 – 28, 2025 (Tues - Fri)
Where: Springhill Suites Vaughan, 612 Applewood Crescent
Registration deadline: Friday March 14, 2025
Topics covered in class and practical sessions:
- Ride inspection and audit
- Incident investigation
- Industry Best Practices
- Inspection Practice
- Evacuation
- ESA Training
- TSSA Update
- ASTM 2783 Requirements
- Hands-on training at Canada’s Wonderland
Practical Training:
- Ride inspection
- Evacuation
- Logbooks
ASTM Requirements
Registration includes:
- March 25 Reception
- March 26 (Breakfast Lunch, Dinner; 8 hours in class)
- March 27 (Breakfast and Lunch; 4 hours in class, 4 hours practical)
March 28 (NAARSO level I and II Exams - Optional)
