Pembroke council can’t seem to come to an agreement on allowing motorized traffic along the Algonquin Trail.
The main concern tonight (August 10th, 2021) was around ATV’s disrupting those at waterfront in Pembroke.
Pembroke Mayor Mike Lemay suggested taking ATV’s off the trail at Mackay Street to bypass the waterfront and return to the Algonquin Trail by the college.
Council was also concerned about dust and that motorized traffic would not stop in Pembroke and just drive through.
Pembroke councillor Andrew Plumber suggested paving the Algonquin Trail to reduce the dust in the summer and to make it more accessible.
Representatives from the County of Renfrew also talked about leaving vegetation in place to reduce noise and dust suppression techniques.
In the end Pembroke council decided more time was needed to make a final decision when it comes to allowing motorized traffic through the city.
A motion to try a 2-year trial period allowing just snowmobiles on the Algonquin Trail in Pembroke was defeated by a vote of 4-3.
Those against the motion said the city already did a successful trial and wanted to move forward to allow both ATV’s and snowmobiles.
Comments and questions will be provided to the CAO by August 20th with a report to come back before in October so a decision can be made before winter.