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Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch noted the City of North Bay will be "open for business" for snowmobiling when the next season comes around.
North Bay City Council unanimously approved an updated Motorized Snow Vehicle By-Law during its regular meeting, Tuesday, granting winter enthusiasts access to additional amenities within city limits, at the request of area snowmobile clubs.
See original story: Snowmobile access within city limits set to expand with council approval
"Snowmobiling is a big winter tourism and economic driver for the city and the district," observed Coun. Dave Mendicino, "and snowmobilers visiting the city now have access to more hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and dealerships and even the casino. It's good news for tourism, it's good news for the snowmobile industry, and it's certainly good news for the businesses."
With the passing of the by-law, snowmobile access will be permitted to the following locations:
Seymour Street Area
- North Bay Cycle & Sports Ltd located at 475 Wallace Rd.
- Quality Inn at 1525 Seymour Dr.
Lakeshore Drive Area
- Lakeshore Drive restaurants, hotels and gas stations: Shell, Metro, BMO, Super 8, Lincoln Inn, Comfort Inn, Best Western, Lakeshore Suites, Travelodge, food establishments and convenience stores.
Downtown Area
- Homewood Suites at 495 Oak St. W
- Days Inn at 340 Main St. W
Pinewood Park Area
- Pinewood Park Drive restaurants, hotels and gas stations
- Cascades Casino (under construction), Ramada (Pinewood Park Resort), Beef N’ Brand, Tim Hortons, Subway, and Petro-Canada
Vrebosch noted there were some concerns from the public about snowmobile access on city streets, as well as the environmental impact of increased traffic.
"Some people thought it might be a free-for-all with snowmobiles driving everywhere but it's really more just about access to get to parking lots from the lake," she advised.
As far as the environmental aspect, both Vrebosch and King noted most snowmobiles operating on trails use emission-controlled four-stroke engines and have no more impact than a regular vehicle.
Council also approved the use of set fines for the enforcement of the Motorized Snow Vehicles By-Law via Offence Notices (tickets) under Part I and Part II of the Provincial Offences Act, which allows the defendant the opportunity to pay the fine out of court. The fines for the majority of offences will be raised from the $90 set out in 1995 to an updated level of $200. See the schedule of proposed fines here and here.
Besides expanded access to amenities, the snowmobile clubs that approached the City and Tourism North Bay also requested $15,000 in annual funding to build, maintain, sign and groom the access trails to the businesses included in the list above, plus $40,000 in funding to purchase equipment (utility snowmobile and a groomer drag apparatus).
Mendicino hoped the snowmobile clubs might receive their requested funding through Tourism North Bay. "This could be a perfect fit for the MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) fund."
Coun. Mark King wondered about the exclusion of the hotel and gas station on the southwest side of the Seymour Street intersection from the expanded access list.
According to the associated staff report, the City has determined access to the Holiday Inn and MacEwen Gas Station located on Seymour Street "would not be feasible at this point in time due to safety concerns relating to motorists, pedestrian movement and overall highway safety concerns."
