Staff
With Old Man Winter having made his return for another year, some snowmobilers already have been taking their sleds out for a spin.
But before they hit the trails, they should keep in mind the municipal bylaws that govern the use of snowmobiles within town limits.
The bylaws state:
•No person shall operate a motorized snow vehicle in the town unless the operation of the vehicle is for the purpose of proceeding to, or returning from, a point outside of Fort Frances;
•No person shall drive a motorized snow vehicle along or upon any public property, pathway, or footpath used by or set apart for the use of pedestrians;
•No person shall operate a motorized snow vehicle in the Town of Fort Frances at a speed in excess of 25 km/h;
•All motorized snow vehicles shall be equipped with a muffler in good working order, and in constant operation, to prevent excessive or unusual noise or excessive smoke;
•No person under the age of 16 years shall drive a motorized snow vehicle within the limits of town; and
•No person shall drive a motorized snow vehicle within the corporate limits of the town between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday-Thursday, and from 1-6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Motorized snow vehicle owners and operators also must comply with the provisions of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, which includes possessing a licence, registration, insurance, and trail permit on OFSC trails.
Sledders also are reminded that alcohol, excessive speed, unstable ice on waterways, and the absence of safety equipment all are contributing factors in snowmobile-related injuries and deaths.
The public can report any unsafe or careless snowmobiling incidents to police by calling toll-free 1-888-310-1122 or dialing *OPP on their cellphone.
