Park Charged After Child's Fall from Unauthorized Zipline

📊 Key Data
  • Date of Incident: January 3, 2026
  • Charges Laid: Multiple offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, including operating without a permit and providing false information
  • Potential Fines: Up to $1 million for corporations under the act
🎯 Expert Consensus

Experts emphasize the critical need for regulatory oversight and strict compliance with safety protocols in amusement facilities to prevent avoidable injuries and ensure public safety.

about 1 month ago
Park Charged After Child's Fall from Unauthorized Zipline

Park Charged After Child's Fall from Unauthorized Zipline

TORONTO, ON – March 13, 2026 – Ontario’s public safety regulator has laid serious charges against the operator of a Scarborough trampoline park following an incident in January that saw a child fall from an unauthorized zipline, sustaining significant injuries. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) announced today that it has charged KVPM Realty Limited, the operator of Aerosports Trampoline Park, with multiple offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, including operating an amusement device without a permit and providing false information to an inspector.

The charges stem from a harrowing event on January 3, 2026, which has since cast a harsh spotlight on the safety and regulatory compliance of amusement facilities. The case underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight and the severe consequences for operators who allegedly sidestep safety protocols.

A Fall and Its Aftermath

The incident involved 11-year-old Ramin Azizi, who was visiting the Aerosports Trampoline Park on Birchmount Road. According to reports from the family, a day of fun turned into a nightmare when the harness on the facility's zipline failed moments after he began his ride. Video footage reportedly captured the terrifying moment the boy fell several meters, landing on the concrete floor below.

His family stated there were no safety nets or protective padding beneath the attraction to cushion the fall. Paramedics were called to the scene by another patron, and the boy was transported to the Hospital for Sick Children. Ramin spent a night in the hospital and was treated for back injuries and internal bruising before being discharged to recover at home. His father noted the boy was left deeply traumatized by the experience, expressing fear he might not survive the fall. The family subsequently filed a police report.

In the weeks following the incident, the boy's family expressed frustration, stating they had not received an apology or any direct contact from the park's management. Aerosports Trampoline Park later issued a statement indicating the matter was under review with their insurers and legal counsel, declining further comment due to the involvement of a minor.

A Web of Deception and Negligence

Following the incident, the TSSA launched an immediate investigation that uncovered a series of alleged safety failures. Investigators found that the zipline from which the child fell was operating without the required TSSA permit. Under provincial law, attractions like ziplines are classified as amusement devices and must undergo a rigorous review and inspection process before being opened to the public. TSSA records confirmed no such authorization existed for the device at the Scarborough facility, and it was promptly shut down by the regulator.

“As Ontario’s public safety regulator, TSSA has the responsibility to oversee amusement devices under our safety mandate,” said Kelly Hart, Vice President of Operations for TSSA, in a statement. “We review their technical design, issue permits to operators, inspect these devices, and certify the mechanics who work on them, as part of our efforts to ensure public safety.”

Perhaps the most serious allegation is that the park’s operator actively concealed the zipline's existence from regulators. TSSA also charged KVPM Realty Limited for allegedly providing false information to an inspector. According to the authority, a TSSA inspector was at the facility in December 2025—just one month before the accident—to conduct an inspection related to two licensed go-kart tracks. During that visit, a representative of the facility allegedly told the inspector that there were no ziplines on site.

“Amusement device operators are responsible for securing a permit for each amusement device before public use,” Ms. Hart added. “Devices operated without TSSA’s knowledge or authorization can pose a serious risk to the public, and we will pursue all necessary regulatory actions to uphold safety requirements.”

Cracks in the System: The Regulatory Maze

The case highlights a significant challenge within Ontario’s public safety framework. While the TSSA has a clear mandate to regulate specific amusement devices, its ability to proactively enforce rules can be compromised when operators are not forthcoming. The permitting process involves a thorough technical review and on-site inspections to ensure a device is safe. However, this system relies on operators to register their attractions in the first place.

This incident also brings the broader regulation of family entertainment centers, particularly trampoline parks, into question. Across Canada, the trampoline park industry itself remains largely unregulated at a national or provincial level. This means there are often no consistent standards for general park layout, supervision, or injury reporting. However, specific attractions within these parks, like the zipline in this case, do fall under the TSSA's jurisdiction as amusement devices. This creates a regulatory patchwork where some elements of a facility are highly regulated while others are not.

Safety advocates and regulators in other provinces have already raised alarms. In 2019, Technical Safety BC (TSBC), British Columbia's equivalent to the TSSA, recommended that trampoline parks be regulated in a manner similar to other amusement attractions, citing public safety risks and the potential for serious injuries. The lack of comprehensive oversight has been linked to a rise in injuries and civil lawsuits nationwide, fueling a debate about the need for more stringent, standardized rules for the entire industry.

The Path to Justice and Industry Scrutiny

With the charges now filed with the Ontario Court of Justice, KVPM Realty Limited will face the legal consequences of the TSSA's investigation. The Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, grants the authority to pursue significant penalties for non-compliance. Corporations found guilty of offences under the act can face fines of up to $1 million, while individuals can face fines and even imprisonment.

Precedent shows that courts take such violations seriously. In a past case, another amusement operator, World's Finest Shows, was fined $40,000 plus a victim surcharge for two offences under the same act. The charges against Aerosports—particularly the allegation of misleading an inspector—could result in severe penalties if proven in court.

This high-profile case is expected to send a powerful message throughout Ontario's amusement and family entertainment sector. It serves as a stark warning that operating unpermitted devices and deceiving regulators carries immense legal and financial risk. The incident will likely lead to increased scrutiny from both the TSSA and the public, potentially forcing operators across the province to re-evaluate their own compliance and safety management practices to avoid a similar fate.

Theme: Regulation & Compliance
Metric: Financial Performance
Sector: Insurance
Event: Restructuring
UAID: 21124