Staff
As more and more of the white stuff falls, and people have a little more spare time over the holidays, area snowmobilers are bound to want to ride their sleds.
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 to 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.
OPP officers across Rainy River District will be patrolling area lakes and trails this season.
The public is encouraged to report any unsafe or careless snowmobiling incidents to the police by dialing *OPP by cell phone or 1-888-310-1122.
