Township Superintendent of Public Works Steve Peace was before Lake of Bays Council on December 10, asking for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be entered into for the use of snowmobile trails in the municipality.
“Over the last couple of decades, there’s been various versions of these agreements signed on a club-by-club basis and what’s happening now across Muskoka is the OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) District 7 has been grouping them together, so it’ll be one agreement for all clubs that operate within Lake of Bays,” said Peace. “So we’re basically just looking for council permission once we get everything finalized with the agreement. We’re currently waiting on GIS to take the trail map and integrate that into our GIS system, so we have an understanding of which road allowances are being utilized.”
In his report, Peace noted: “As with any use of Township lands there is a risk to the Township but this MOU will help with limiting this risk. This MOU contains insurance coverage of $15,000,000 and will also have the Township listed as additionally insured.”
Peace told council other municipalities are currently working on the same. “Some took them to council last month. A couple of them are in council this month,” he said.
District of Muskoka Council is expected to revisit the issue on December 16 after staff expressed some trepidation regarding the MOU.
Councillor Bob Lacroix said he’s glad Lake of Bays municipal staff is recommending approval. He asked how long the memorandum would last; Peace noted that it could last indefinitely until it is revoked.
Councillor Nancy Tapley said she was also glad to see approval for the memorandum. She said snowmobiling supports the township’s economy.
Council approved the recommendation from municipal staff.
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