Snowmobile trail to run along Hollinger Park

It didn’t get the full approval of council, but snowmobilers will get to legally access the Shell gas station via Hollinger Park.

There were many variables taken into account, one main item being safety.

Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier says the last thing they want is to have snowmobile traffic mixed in with pedestrian or even vehicle traffic.  But with the proposed trail said to be fenced in, Gauthier says that makes things a lot easier.

Ward 5 councillor Noella Rinaldo says the request is worth a shot.

“This is a very quick try and test pilot, see if it works,” she said, “(It) makes sense for the (Timmins) Snowmobile Club, it makes sense for snowmobilers that aren’t members of the snowmobile club and it might make it safer for (Skate Hollinger).”

Ward 2 councillor Walter Wawrzaszek suggested an alternate route behind the baseball grandstands and through the gate.  But it was pointed out by Skate Hollinger operator Ken Pye that the gate is also an entrance for patrons of the hockey rink set up on the diamond.

Ward 5 councillor Rick Dubeau requested that the item get deferred, as he felt more information was needed.  When prompted, Dubeau, Wawrzaszek and Ward 3 councillor Joe Campbell voted in favour, but were overruled by the rest of council.

The final vote on this was 6-3.

See the full conversation HERE, under Items 4A and 6K.