Timmins Police is ramping up its enforcement of snowmobiles on Victoria Avenue.
According to police, there have been recent complaints about snowmobilers using or accessing the road where W. Earle Miller Public School is located.
While snowmobile access has been opened up in the north and south areas of Timmins, it doesn’t include streets around schools, in the downtown or major roads. Around W. Earle Miller school, sleds aren't allowed on the block of Victoria in front of the school, as well as a section of Reg Pope Boulevard.
Police say there will be enhanced patrols and a “firm police presence” by all platoons, and the traffic section.
“Continuous enforcement efforts in response to such traffic complaints received by the Timmins Police Service are deemed necessary to address this situation,” said Const. Darren McGaghran in a news release.
“MSV operators who choose to disobey the pertinent bylaws or any section of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act can expect a firm application of the law. Any MSV operator who takes to prohibited areas or drives in a manner that places himself of others at risk will have their comportment addressed appropriately. The need for these unethical operators to police their own behaviour by making lawful and conscientious choices is obvious and falls within public knowledge.”
Earlier this month, council approved the second phase of a multi-year trial program to make the city more snowmobile friendly.
It means snowmobiles are allowed on certain streets north and south of Algonquin Boulevard to access trails, gas stations, restaurants and accommodations.
The Timmins Snowmobile Club launched the project last winter.
The first phase allowed snowmobiles on some streets in Schumacher, Gold Centre, Porcupine, South Porcupine, Mountjoy and Connaught for the 2018/19 season. It also allowed access to the Hampton Inn by Hilton. The final phase is creating a city bylaw for snowmobile access to roads ahead of the 2020-21 season.
There are conditions for snowmobilers using the roads. They are:
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The driver must be at least 16 years old
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All operators have a valid license and insurance
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The speed limit for snowmobiles is 20 km an hour
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Access is only allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
People are also asked not use Mattagami Region Conservation Authority walking trails, and not have exhaust modifications on their sled.
A public consultation in the areas affected will be held after the second-phase trial period as well, which was done for the first phase.
Maps of the streets accessible to snowmobiles across the city are available here.
