The following resolution has been placed on the agenda of next week's City Council meeting by Ward 1 Couns. Sandra Hollingsworth and Paul Christian.
The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
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Snowmobile road use
Mover: Coun. S. Hollingsworth
Seconder: Coun. P. Christian
Whereas snowmobiling is a popular winter activity that injects an estimated $23.6 million into Northern Ontario through snowmobile tourism each year (accommodation, restaurants, retail, service, fuel and so forth); and
Whereas there are thousands of kilometres of groomed trails regulated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) surrounding our community; and
Whereas if Sault Ste. Marie adopts snowmobile-friendly accessible roads, winter tourism may increase and the city could be a starting point for those interested inriding the trails; and
Whereas Sault Ste. Marie is consistently trying to find additional winter attractions and activities to draw both Canadian and American tourists to the community; and
Whereas snowmobiling is a popular winter activity that can result in the community becoming a destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts; and
Whereas the City of Timmins has recognized the positive tourism value of snowmobilers and approved a trial period of snowmobile road use for the remainder of the 2020 snowmobile season with restrictions to ensure safety for both residentsand riders;
Now therefore be it resolved that appropriate city staff, in consultation with the Sault Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, be requested to research the process Timmins has adopted allowing snowmobiles to use municipal roads and report back regarding the use of roads and/or the John Rowswell Hub Trail in Sault Ste. Marie for a limited period, allowing riders to access restaurants, services, and accommodation from all points of the city with the goal of increasing winter tourism.
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