Risks of landslides on the rise at Scarborough Bluffs due to higher water levels

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority has issued a notice of caution to the public, warning of the risk of landslides and erosion along the shoreline of the Scarborough Bluffs.

The notice warns that the Bluffs have become saturated with water, meaning paths as well as the beach are being washed out.

That's something that's not necessarily visible to those standing on the trail, it says, which can slide at any moment if water levels are high, as can the Bluffs' edges.

"We've had a couple deaths off this edge, people going over, it can be incredibly dangerous," Ward 36 Coun. Gary Crawford told CBC Toronto. "And added with that, all the rain we've been having."

That means anyone heading to the Bluffs for that perfect snap to post to social media is putting themselves in grave danger, said Crawford.

Already in the past year, firefighters have had to make 20 rescues, he said.

Signs have been posted in areas where people aren't allowed to go, with anyone trespassing facing fines of up to $5000.

Still, some residents nearby are worried people will be tempted to explore the unstable cliffs.

Catherine Bacque, a preservation member with the Wild Bluffs conservation group has lived in the area for 24 years and seen a change.

"They do go down and they find themselves in trouble and we end up calling EMS," said Bacque. "And the ground isn't getting sturdier."