Vehicles and snowmachines could soon be legally sharing the road.
At this week's Timmins council meeting, the bylaw that would open up some streets to snowmobiles is on the agenda.
If council approves it, snowmobiles with an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) permit will be allowed access on some streets in Schumacher, Gold Centre, Porcupine, South Porcupine, Mountjoy and Connaught. The trial period would be for the remainder of the 2018/19 snowmobile season.
At the last council meeting, city clerk Steph Palmateer said the trial period will give the city invaluable feedback from residents and snowmobilers.
The Timmins Snowmobile Club first talked to the city about opening up the streets two years ago, and used that feedback to create the phased-in approach.
The proposal would not allow access to streets around schools or busy roads. The Hampton Inn has also asked to be included to allow access to the hotel.
The second phase would include Timmins north and south.
While most of the northern area of Timmins is fairly accessible, most of the downtown core would not be open to snowmobiles.
City administration and Timmins Police also have some conditions for sleds using the roads. They are:
- The driver must be at least 16 years old
- All operators have a valid license and insurance
- The speed limit for snowmobiles is 20 km an hour
- Access is only allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- That public consultations in areas affected by the trial period are held before the start of the next snowmobile season
The Tuesday, Feb. 5 council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers. You can read the updated bylaw here.
