Snowmobilers in the region now officially have a way to get to a gas station previously accessible only by breaking the law.
After a council decision on January 9, in which a city bylaw was bent allowing access through Hollinger Park, a dual-sided orange temporary fence has been set up along the fringes of the park. The path was groomed by members of the Timmins Snowmobile Club, and they are solely responsible for its maintenance.
The corridor leads to a Shell station, which as described by TSC member Marc Lapalme at the January 9 meeting, has preferable fuel for many snowmobiles.
Marc Lapalme of the Timmins Snowmobile Club speaks to council on January 9, 2017. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday After snowmobiles caused approximately $4000 dollars in damage to Sk8te Hollinger in early December, the issue became a divisive topic among area residents.
The link has been temporarily added to the designated trail system in the city, although it will be re-examined before next winter's snowmobile season begins. Snowmobiles caught outside of the fenced area can still be subjected to fines up to $1000 dollars.
The Shell station does not currently contribute to the Timmins Snowmobile Club.
