Pembroke city council feels more information is needed from the County of Renfrew before allowing snowmobiles and ATVs on the Algonquin Trail through the city. A petition from 27 Pembroke businesses also shows support for snowmobile and ATV use on the Algonquin Trail. Costs for the City of Pembroke would include crossing maintenance, calls for policing, signs promoting businesses and attractions and any potential trailhead developments. A vote to conduct a one year pilot project to allow both snowmobiles and ATVs on the trail was defeated in a vote of 4-3. Members have directed city staff to consult with county staff to come with a safety plan. Council is expecting a further report back in February.
A meeting between staff was held September 1, 2020 to discuss various operational issues associated with motorized use of the Algonquin Trail through the City.
Issues discussed included:
• liability insurance ($15 million – County)
• signage (regulatory – County, others – Clubs)
• maintenance – County
• litter – County
• trailhead development – Individual Municipalities
• drainage – County
• maintenance of municipal crossings – User Groups, Municipalities
• kick plates on bridges to address ballast stones – County
• who addresses complaints – County
• speed limits within City – 20 kph
• penalties for infractions – Administrative penalties, Provincial Offences Act
Financial Implications:
The following financial impacts associated with use of the Algonquin Trail can be
anticipated:
Costs:
• crossing maintenance
• any policing calls for service
• signage promoting local businesses/attractions
• any trail heads the municipality may wish to develop related to tourism/economic
development
Benefits:
• increased economic development opportunities along or in the vicinity of the trail
• increased tourism exposure
• Increased recreational opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, snowmobilers, ATV
users, and other approved users.
On November 17, 2020, the Council of the Township of Laurentian Valley met to discuss the matter of allowing snowmobiles and ATV’s on the portion of the Algonquin Trail through the Township. The attached resolution was enacted which in effect supports allowing snowmobile use on the trail while reserving opinion on ATV use.
