UPDATE: The application has been withdrawn, see story HERE.
At its Tuesday, January 10, 2023 meeting, Lake of Bays council is scheduled to hear from representatives of the Algonquin Snowmobile Club who will be asking for approval to build a snowmobile trail through Maplewood Cemetery, and Tally Ho Winter Park Road.
According to the snowmobile club, as a result of a local property owner closing snowmobile access through his property, the only alternative is to construct a trail through the cemetery and to also use the cemetery driveway.
“We have explored the area and have not been able to locate another connection between Miller Hill Road and Tally Ho Winter Road. We had hoped to find an alternative without asking to cross a portion of the Maplewood Cemetery,” notes a letter to council from the snowmobile club. “There is approximately 21 feet between the property marker and the closest monument. We would like to bring an approximately 12-foot-wide trail between the two and place snow fencing on the monument side of the trail. The trail would then connect with the existing laneway/entrance to Maplewood and cross Tally Ho Winter Road onto the Nadrofsky Lumber property,” notes the letter.
Council will be asked to approve the proposal in order to add the trail’s missing link. You can find the agenda for the upcoming meeting, HERE
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I think it is a great idea. Outdoor enthusiasts are some of the most respectful people around. Not too fussy about a snow fence but for the first year or two until something a bit classier and pleasing to the eye could be fashioned.
In our local cemetery people enjoy the twisting and turning roads and pathways for walking, biking, rollerblading, fetch with pets etc.
I think this can develope into a very respectful coexistence if residents embrace and grow with new ideas. It’s simply a pass through trail they aren’t going to be jumping headstones a la Evil Kenevial.
To the Huntsville Doppler,
On behalf of the ASC, could you please make your readership aware of the following:
ASC has withdrawn its reroute application
The ASC has withdrawn its application to Lake of Bays council to reroute trail 77 and wishes to assure the
community of its commitment to safe and respectful trails throughout our area.
I echo the comments of the others. Can you imagine visiting your loved one’s grave and in the midst of a moment of quiet reflection a group of snowmobiles invade that space? There has to be a better option for them getting from point A to B without infringing on this sacred place.
Louise Parrott: I too, am trusting that “saner minds will prevail.”
Snowmobile Club: Find another solution.
Sacred ground is sacred ground.
I agree, wholeheartedly, with John Earl and Gord Brown. What. On. Earth. Is. The. Snowmobile. Club. Thinking? A cemetery is a cemetery is a cemetery. There are no ifs ands or buts. It is sacred ground. Period!
OM Goodness!
Please, Algonquin Snowmobile Club, find another solution. Please, Lake of Bays Council, deny this request; it is the moral and ethical decision to make.
I would not want snowmobiles cruising across our parents’ burial grounds. It just isn’t right. Not to mention, people paid big bucks to have a sacred burial place – IT. IS. NOT. A. SNOWMOBILE. TRAIL.
What next?
For the Township of Lake of Bay’s to even schedule a hearing into allowing a Snowmobile Club to cross any portion of any Graveyard leaves a person wondering what they have holding their ears apart ! And Yes I am a property owner in the Maple Wood Cemetery
My opinion is likewise absolutely NOT. The whole of the lands within the cemetery boundary is sacred property. Its not a matter of where the graves are currently near where the trail is proposed. The whole cemetery was established to be a sacred burial grounds for those who have left us. Makes You wonder what and where some of the newer generation in our community really have in their priorities .
I have a very close family member layed to rest at Maple Wood Cemetery, at time of burial who would ever thought the local snowmobile club would have even the nerve to make a application to trespass through the cemetery. I certainly hope and prayer LOB council will be unanimous in denying this request .
Unbelievable!!! Is there no place too sacred for a snowmobile trail? I am trusting that saner minds will prevail.