Bracebridge Council approves rezoning for snowmobile racetrack
Bracebridge Council approved the rezoning application for the snowmobile racetrack on Highway 118, in the November 15, 2023, meeting.
Council agreed to rezone the property, with provisions, from Rural to Rural Special to allow it to remain open.
Provisions include a maximum of 15 sleds allowed to run between 7am to 7pm, 2 sleds between 7pm and 11pm, and 0 allowed from 11pm to 7am.
The property owner, Glenn Goodale, has also agreed to place a notice beside the property to inform the public and has made efforts to mitigate the noise audit and concerns.
Councillor, Barry Hammond, recommended the Town allow the 15 sleds, rather than the original 10 agreed upon. He said, “We know that his initial cost of $20,000 or $25,000 is a pretty substantial amount that he paid for his noise audit, and I don’t think it would be doing anybody any good to force that type of burden on somebody. Out of the goodness of his own heart, he’s created a track to allow people to come out, to train, to practice, and to exceed in their sport.”
He added that having 15 sleds is more consistent with what riders will encounter in real competitions and lend familiarity when competing.
Councillor, Andrew Struthers, concurred with Hammond about allowing 15 sleds. He said, “I don’t think it does justice for us to ask him to spend another $25,000 to come back and increase from 10 to 15... I do support giving him the opportunity to get back up and running with something that serves the community very well during our winter season.”
He continued that he visited the site and has seen the noise reduction changes. He added, “It was impressive to see the attendance to the facility when it’s being used… He’s only done better and tried harder to make a better facility.”
Councillor, Barb McMurray, also supported the initiative. She added, “I actually had a few heart palpitations when the kids that were at the committee meeting last week that were saying that they really enjoyed the sport.”
She added that this was something they did with their families and friends and would otherwise have to travel to places like Barry, North Bay to do it.
She continued, “I think it’s a win-win for our residents whether young youth or young adults. They’ve actually proven they’ve done an excellent job and became champions in their sport.”
Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, expressed appreciation to the youth that spoke up at the Planning and Development meeting last week to keep the track open. She added, “It’s not an easy task to speak to us, no matter what age. But being involved and giving your opinions on different issues is very important… We need people here telling us what they feel and how they feel about different issues.”
