HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-57-87 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
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Res. #
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M TING: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION MEETING
DATE: November 16, 1987.
REPORT #: WD-57-87 FILE #:
SMECT: REQUEST FOR ROAD OCCUPANCY PERMIT
LONG SAULT SMOWMOBILE CLUB
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended:
1 . That this report be received; and,
2. That the Department of Public Works be authorized to issue, forthwith,
the necessary Road Occupancy Permits to the Long Sault Snowmobile Club
to grade and maintain the unopened road allowance between Lots 24 and
25, Concession 9, former Clarke Township, from Concession Road 9
(Skelding Road) to Beaucage Road for winter recreational use.
. . .2
ley
Page 2
Report WD-57-87
BACKGROUND & REPORT:
Correspondence from the Long Sault Snowmobile Club requesting
permission to maintain the unopened road allowance between Lots 24 and
25, Concession 9, former Clarke Township, received by the Public Works
Department November 2, 1987, was presented to the General Purpose and
Administration Committee and subsequently referred back to staff for a
background report.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Transportation
and Communications support the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
in maintaining an intricate network of snowmobile routes within the
province. One of these routes is "SNO 10" which crosses Highway
35/115 at the base of Enterprise Hill, Lot 23 and 24, Concession 9,
former Clarke Township. In the M.T.C. proposal to reconstruct Highway
35/115 as a limited access highway, this essential snowmobile and
recreational trail was recognized and a recreational underpass has
now been constructed. Council, at its meeting of July 11 , 1983,
adopted the following resolution guaranteeing access to their
underpass.
"That the Ministry of Transportation and Communications be
advised that the Council of the Town of Newcastle endorses
the construction of a recreational underpass at Enterprise
Hill on Highway 35/115;
That the Town of Newcastle will guarantee access to the
proposed underpass on the west side of the highway;
That Staff proceed to take all of the steps necessary to
stop-up, close and convey the unopened road allowance
between Lots 26 & 27, Cone. 9, Clarke, in accordance with
the Town's established policy forthwith."
. . .3
Page 3
Report WD-57-87
The third portion of this resolution proceeded to the by-law stage
where Council heard on September 26, 1983, delegations objecting to
the closure. A subsequent report recommending that the road allowance
not be closed was approved and the by-law for road closure did not
receive third and final reading. This road allowance has continued to
be used as a section of the SNO 10 trail and is not for consideration
in the Long Sault Snowmobile Club's recent request. The most recent
request to groom a trail on the unopened road allowance between Lots
24 and 25, Concession 9, comes as a result of the installation of the
centre barrier in the final stages of the Highway construction. The
Long Sault Snowmobile Club advise in their letter that they have
exhausted all possibilities of access to the west end of the tunnel
over private lands.
It is, therefore, respectfully recommended that the Long Sault
Snowmobile Club be issued the necessary Road Occupancy Permits to
maintain the unopened road allowances between Lots 24 and 25,
Concession 9, as requested. Various correspondence, minutes and
reports are included as part of this report.
Respectf y submitted Recommended for presentation
to th%yCommittee,
f/
a id T. Gray, .E.T rencey otseff,
Deputy Director o blic Works. Chief A •istrative Officer.
j
DTG:jco
November 12, 1987•
Attachment
/'9'
Long Long Sault Snowmobile Club
November 2nd I987 NOV �'s
rot ;g
Mr David Gray, �� 8J
Works Dept. , +
Hampton Ont.
Subject, unopened road allowance
between Lots 24 and 25 Clarke Twsp,north from conc
9 to Beaucage rd,as an access to the recreational
tunnel under Hwy II5 & 35 (Resolution#GPA-610-83)
We have exhausted all possiblities for private
landowner trails, Beaucage on the west and
Ransberry on the east,both have said "NO" .
The said road allowance is very rough and
so will require leveling and lowering of the
grade on two of the hills. This can be confirmed
by Mr.Fred Brown as He and I walked this road
allowance. The club will finance this project with
help from CORSA (hopefully) . This trail is part ,of
"SNO 10" a Provincial trail system and the only
access across 115 to the Ganaraska and points
east.
The Club requests permission to do this work,-
early permission if possible, as time is running
out for moving dirt.
yours tru y,
Al Hoar rep. for club
P. S.
Enclosed is a photo of a groomer for leveling
and packing trails. It is 10' 8" long with a
cutting width of 41 , pulled by a double tracked
snowmobile. , You will understand the need for
lowering the grade on those hills.
Al.
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CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
40 TEMPERANCE STREET
BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO
}�+� F�. L1C3A6 TELEPN E 623-3379
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REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD NOVEMBER 7 1983
ADMIN. 52 - 83
SUBJECT: CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE OF ROAD ALLOWANCE 7 C�
BETWEEN LOTS 26 AND 27, CONCESSION 9, �rtizw
FORMER TOWNSHIP OF CLARKE - BEAUCAGE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1 . That this report be received;
2. That the road allowance between Lots 26 and 27, Concession 9,
former Township of Clarke not be closed;
3. That By-Law 83 - 131 not be given third and final reading; and
4. That the applicant for road closure together with the Long Sault
Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club Inc. be so advised.
BACKGROUND AND COMMENT:
On September 26th, the matter of By-Law 82 - 131 was by resolution
#C-707-83 referred to the Chief Administrative Officer and staff for
a further review.
In preparing this report, I asked for reports from the Director of j
Public Works and the Planning Director. These background reports are
attached to this report as Appendices A & B.
In addition to soliciting the advice of other staff members on this matter,
I had the opportunity of meeting both Mr. & Mrs. Beaucage and representatives
of the bong Sault Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. In addition, I have had
the opportunity to do a site visit which involved walking down the road
allowance, travelling the open road allowance between Concession 8 and 9.
Further, this report was prepared on the understanding that at the July
11th Council meeting, Resolution #C-539-83 was pass which
. .2
ADMIN. 52 - 83 -2- g
confirmed the location of the recreational underpass at Enterprise
Hill on Highway 115/35. The resolution guarantees access to the west
side of the underpass. The same resolution instructed staff to proceed
to take all the steps necessary to stop up , close and convey -the
unopened road allowance between Lots 26 and 27, Concession 9, Clarke
Township.
Administrative Procedure
At the Council meeting of September 26th 1983, Mr. Hamilton, solicitor
for the Pine Ridge Snowmobile Club raised the question of notice. -fit.
He alleged, that abutting owners had not been notified of the intention
to close and convey the road allowance. This statement is correct.
Notice was not given as all owners affected were aware of the events
and, because of the uncertainty that the matter would proceed, a
decision was made not to give further notice until Council had dealt
with the matter. Had the decision been taken to close and convey,
all abutting owners would have been requested to declare their interest in
acquiring that portion of the road allowance abutting their property.
Any owner not wishing to exercise the purchase option would have no further
obligation and, such parcels would be offered to the abutting owner
on the opposite side of the road allowance. The practice has been and
will continue to be with this single exception, to obtain this letter
of intent from abutting owners prior to proceeding with the application.
After checking with staff, it is my understanding--that there are no
outstanding applications that staff are aware of and the recently
established road closing policy will be adhered to with respect to all
future applications for road closings, received by the municipality.
Additional Comments by Applicant and Objectors
In reviewing this matter with Mrs. Beaucage, she indicated that she is
not opposed to snowmobiling activity in this area but she has been
constantly frustrated during the winter months with repeated
instances of trespass on her property. Mr. Beaucage indicated to me
that if the road allowance were closed, it was intended to develop
further cross-country equestrian routes, which would attract a substantial
number of tourists to the area.
The snowmobile club representatives, Mr.Crago and Mr. Hoar indicated
that they have made a concerted attempt to cut down on the incidents of
trespass and further indicated that their snowmobiling activities generate
-3-
ADMIN. 52 - 83
substantial revenues for the restaurants located in the general
vicinity. There was some suggestion made that the clubhouse, which is
currently on the east side of Highway 115/35, would not be available
for use by the snowmobiling club in the next year or so. Mr. Crago
and Mr. Hoar confirmed that it was unlikely that they would be able to
utilize the clubhouse as in the past. However, they did point out that
there are in excess of 70 kilometers of trails in the Ganaraska Forest
and that they are very interested in maintaining an access point to this
Ganaraska Trail .
Analysis
For the benefit of Council members, I have provided two maps , one which
shows the location of the current route and the status of the roads,
and the second map which shows the proposed alternative routes that were
examined. Mr. Hoar and Mr. Crago both indicated that, at the present time,
their route is so positioned that they do not travel along any open road
allowance. They did acknowledge, however, that they do cross travelled
road allowances at a 90 degree angle. It should be drawn to Council 's
attention that owing to the location of the underpass , it will be
necessary to establish a different route. Whichever option is chosen,
the route would run north to Bigelow Road and west on Bigelow Road to
the next road allowance, which runs northand south. Bigelow Road is,
according to works department records, maintained on a year-round
basis, complete with snowploughing. As such for this small stretch
of road, snowmobiles would be travelling along a publicly maintained road.
On the second map, I have identified the alternative routes. Alternative 1
being between Lots 26 and 27 , Concession 9. Alternative 2 being along
Best Road and a portion of Skelding Road, and Alternative 3A and B going
north to the Concession 10 Road, or preferably partially into Concession 10
and across to hook up with the existing route at Lots 26 and 27.
From the previous reactions to Alternative 3, it would appear that
either Options 3A or 3B would not be acceptable. The file indicates
that the private property owners that would be required to give consent for
the proposed snowmobile route on Option 3B are not inclined to do so.
To utilize Option 3A would necessitate travelling on a public road with
a number of hills. From the engineering department statistics and my
own observations of Concession Road 10, it appears to be more heavily
travelled than either Best Road or Skelding Road. It should be noted
ADMIN. 52 - 83
that Option 3 would also bring the snowmobilers closer to the
breeding stable, which was previously mentioned in correspondence.
Alternative 62 would require the club members to traverse opened publicly
maintained and snowploughed road allowances. The Director of Public
Works has indicated his concern with respect to safety aspects. I can
only concur with his concerns and suggest further that the nature of the
construction of the southern part of Best Road as it approaches Skelding
Road has a number of cuts which limit any snowmobile to the travelled
portion of the road only. There are approximately six such road cuts
as one travels from Skelding Road north to Concession 10.
Further, I am most concerned with respect to safety at the intersection
of Concession 10 and Best Road. My site visit revealed that there are
small hills immediate to the corner which would adversely affect
visibility from a seated position on a snowmobile, and to a lesser
extent in a car.
It has been suggested that the stop signs which currently stop the
traffic going north-south could be re-arranged to stop the traffic
going east-west at this intersection. This may be a marginal benefit
but I would suggest that owing to the existence of these hills that it
would be difficult to say that this intersection would then be safe.
The trees in the area are quite mature and grow right to the fenceline,
which further reduces visibility at the corner. ;n comparing the
Concession crossing of Best Road with that of the current crossing on
Concession 10 between Lots 26 and 27, it can be said that the current
crossing is by far superior as there are relatively good sight lines
in each direction.
When I walked down the road allowance between Lots 26 and 27, Concession 9,
I noted that for a large percentage of the route, the trail was well
confined within tree growth making it very difficult for instances of
trespass to occur. However, towards the southern end of the allowance,
there are a number of places where trespass could occur. These can be
identified from air photographs as well as on-site observation. While
I am not a snowmobiler, it would be my feeling that the incidents of
trespass, be they many or few, would still continue on an alternate route
and as such to change the location of the route would not stop the
trespass problem, but rather just shift it to another area.
. .5
( -5-
ADMIN. 52 - 83
Attached as Appendix B you will see the comments of the Planning
Director who indicated that the impact on surrounding uses would be minimized
by the maintenance of Alternative #1 . However, it is not with respect to
compatibility of surrounding land uses that my recommendation is not to
close the road allowance. It is rather for the safety of both the
snowmobilers and those people travelling in cars along these open road
allowances that it is suggested that the road allowance not be closed.
Further Correspondence
I have attached to this report, in addition to the various appendices
and maps, additional correspondence that was received from Mr. Hamilton
and Mr. Clair Chapman.
While Mr. Chapman addressed his letter to the Regional Municipality
of Durham, I believe that the content is a reiteration of his remarks made
at the September 26th 1983 meeting wherein he fully supported the
closing of the road allowance.
The reasons for the closure of the road allowance being related to the
substantial damage to his property over recent years as a result of
persons passing on his property.
The second and third letters are from Mr. Irwin Hamilton, Solicitor
for the Long Sault Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club Inc. He was suggesting
in his letters that Council not deal with this matter until the Snowmobile
Club had an opportunity to examine possible alternate locations of the
underpass. In this connection, I have spoken with representatives of
the Ministry of Transportation and Communications out of their Toronto
office and they have indicated to me that the preferred location is the
one that has been identified at Enterprise Hill . Secondly, he has
provided a copy of a resolution from the Snowmobile Group with respect
to route selection.
Respectfully submitted,
DSJ:nof David S. Johnston, M.C.I .P. ,
Chief Administrative Officer
att.
r T TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PP
till ('[MIAIrM
TO: D. Johnston, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM; R.G. Dupuis, Director of Public Works
DATE; October 11, 1983
MELT: PROPOSED BEAUCAGE ROAD CLOSING
I have reviewed our files and the relevant information
related to the three alternatives for the above. The
attached map shows the alternatives which I understand have
been proposed.
Alternative 1 involves utilizing the existing snowmobile
route which, while it follows existing road allowances, is
not located on travelled roads. Hence there is no conflict
with maintenance operations or vehicular traffic.
Furthermore, since it has been used for several years, no
new residents would be subjected to the same 10,000 - 12,000
snowmobiles per year alleged to use the route.
Alternative 2 would place the snowmobile traffic on what we
call Best Road (north/south) and Shelding Road (east/west) .
The part of Best Road north of Concession 10 Road is
maintained year round as is Skelding Road in Lot 28.
Accordingly, through these sections, the snowmobile traffic
would be forced to mix with car and truck traffic which is
undesirable. Although there are less than twenty-five (25)
vehicles per day using these roads, the potential conflict
of 25 vehicles with 10,000 snowmobiles produces an exposure
factor of some 250,000 which is significant. Also, use of
travelled roads by so many snowmobiles could hamper winter
maintenance operations. It has been suggested that the Town
could reduce its standard of maintenance on these roads,
i .e. , eliminate sanding, not plough so bare, etc. , to
facilitate their use by snowmobiles; however, this is not
desirable as it is contrary to the principles of maintenance
based upon the use of the road. Roads are meant primarily
for cars and any reduction in maintenance standards would
conflict with that principle.
1
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AD,v,
' ,,O.. S OFFICE
Page 2
BEAUCAGE
Alternative 3 utilizes the Concession 10 Road and the road
allowance between Lots 24 and 25. The possibility of a
route across private properties rather than the 10th was
also considered as part of this route. The 10th Concession
Road is a year round maintenance road with traffic volumes
of about forty (40)0_veh.icles per day producing an exposure
factor of about 400,000. For the same reasons as stated for
alternative 2, it is''undesirable to mix snowmobile traffic
with car and truck traffic on the 10th Concession Road.
The alternative which utilizes private property would
eliminate this conflict, however, snowmobile traffic would
be introduced into an area where none previously existed.
This would create a whole new set of problems with respect
to nuisance to residents in the area.
In summary, having considered the technical and practical
merits of the various alternatives for a snowmobile route in
this area of Clarke Township, I would maintain that the
existing route is the most desirable in all respects.
Hence, closure and conveyance of the road allowance between
Lots 26 and 27 is not considered desirable.
One further point relates to the question that the Town has
not adhered to its own policy for road closings in that
there was not a preliminary advertising of the subject
closure to solicit public input: The new policy introduced
in 1982 has this requirement, however, the policy under
which the Beaucage Closing was initiated does not. Since
the procedures under which the closure was initiated should
be followed until its completion, the Town-is not being
inconsistent in its requirements.
I trust that the above will be of assistance in presenting
the facts surrounding this matter to Council .
R.G. Dupuis.
RGD:jco
Attachment
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IN-
TOWN OF NEWCASTLE A pen J;x p
,1� � NE1�lORANDUM P
TO; D. Johnston , M.C. I.P. , Chief Administrative Officer
FROM; T.T. Edwards, M.C. I.P. , Director of Planning
DATE; October 14, 1983
SUBJECT: BEAUCAGE ROAD CLOSING
The area in question is designated Major Open Space by the
Regional Official Plan and zoned "A"- Agriculture by the
former Clarke By-law. As indicated on the attached map, the
uses in the area are generally agricultural in nature with
some scattered non-farm related residential uses .
Recreational activities are not specifically permitted,
however I see the intent of the By-law as one of restricting
commercial recreational uses and not preventing private
recreational activities on private property which are not
conducted for gain or profit. The existing route passes in
close proximity to five residences and one barn. The best,
alternative in terms of exposure to such land uses , would
pass by four residences and three barns. However, with the
construction of the underpass, and the necessary re-routing
associated with it, the existing route would potentially
affect three dwellings and two barns.
I do not feel that there will be any substantial reduction
in any real or perceived impacts through the— relocation of
the route to one of the previously suggested alternatives.
To relocate the existing snowmobile route will only shift
any existing problems that property owners may be
encountering and in fact, could result in greater conflicts.
The only possible land use conflict that I could identify
would be one of noise. However, most machines are muffled
and most of the traffic occurs during daylight hours.
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October 18, 1983
The Council of the Regional
Municipality of Durham OCT 21
Clerk's Office
Town Hall TON Of P NVICASTLE
40 Temperance Street CLW, DEPARrmc-NT
Bowmanville, Ontario
L1C 3A6
i
Dear Sirs:
Re: Proposed closing of unopened
road allowance between Lot 26 J �
and Lot 27, Concession 9,
Geographic Township of Clarke
now Newcastle
E
To reiterate my remarks made at your meeting concerning
the abovenoted road closing I wish to state again, and this
time in writing that I fully support the closing of this road
allowance in vieew of the fact that I am an owner of adjacent
lands being part of Lot 27, Concession 9, Geographic Township
of Clarke and have experienced substantial damage to my prope ty
over the recent years inflicted by persons purportedly making )
use of the public right of way but, in fact committing, eithe�
knowingly or negligently successive acts of 'trespass.
' I
Yours truly,
j
CLcnk-- ........
Clair Chapman.
ACK. BY: ...............
ORIa1NAL Tqt ....
COPIES W.
I
P.O.BOX 307
43 ONTARIO 8T.
BOWMANVILLE,ONTARIO UC 254
P40NEt4W OW7744
IRWW A KAMILTON B.C.OM,LL8.
PAUL L BELLEFONTAINE BA.L.LB
September 20 , 1983
HAND DELIVERED IYYYY
Town of Newcastle
Clerk
Temperance Street
Bowmanville , Ontario
Dear Sir:
Re : Council Meeting
September 26 , 1983 - 7 : 00p .m.
I am the solicitor for the Long Sault Ridge Runners
Snowmobile Club and wish to advise that I wish to appear
as a delegation at the above meeting in regards to the •
proposed by-law to close the original road allowance between
Lot 26 and 27 , Concepsion 9 , the former Township of Clarke,
now in the Town of Newcastle .
�✓ As advised by telephone on the 20th day of September,
1983, my clients are opposed to the closing of the road
allowance. The road allowance is essential.--for the snowmobile
club to obtain access to the proposed underpass under Highway
35 and 115 . The underpass is jointly funded by the Ministry
of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Transportation and
Communication. It is my understanding that the underpass will
only be built if Council of the Town of Newcastle guarantees
to the various Ministries that access will be provided to the
trail.
I would refer you to the report to Council of D.N. Smith,
Administrator, dated July 19 , 1982 . In that report there was
a full outline of the proceedings to that time. At that time
various alternate routes had been discussed over private
property and it was found that these were unacceptable.
Continued. . . 2/
At the present time the road allowance between Lots 26 and
27 is used by the snowmobile club and by using this route access
. is easily obtained to the proposed underpass. As there is no
private property available the only way that Council could guarantee
access to the proposed underpass would be for the snowmobilers to
travel over public roadways which are open for automobile traffic.
It was pointed out to Council by Mr. Tom Hoar that the Ontario
Federation of Affiliated Snowmobile: Clubs attempt to keep snow-
mobilers off the travelled roads . This is an obvious safety
precaution. Further, many public roads are simply unfit for
snowmobile travel. The snowmobile club has large snow grooming
equipment which it uses to make the trails more passable for members
of. the public. If the club were to use a public road over such a
long distance it is likely that the equipment of the snowmobile
club will interfere with the equipment used to clean the snow off
the roads. The two types of equipment basically seek to do- the
Opposite type of work. That is , your road cleaning equipment will
attempt to push the snow back as far as possible from the road and the
snow grooming equipment will attempt to make a wide and passable
trail.
It is also my understanding that the normal road closing
Procedures have not been followed in this matter. I understand
that a directive was given to staff during a July Council meeting
to close the road according to normal procedures . As I understand
normal procedures, the staff is instructed to advertise in a local
newspaper that there is a proposal for a road closing and inviting
members of the public and adjoining property owners to voice their
concerns . Further, I understand that adjoining land owners are
written and asked to voice their concerns . It is my information
that the adjoing land owners were not written and there was no
notice to the public inviting their inquiries and giving them an
opportunity to express ' their concern. I understand that the only
ad in the paper is a notice of proposal to pass a by-law closing
the road. This type of notice is not generally understood by
members of the public and I believe that this is the reason that
the initial -ad is usually placed.
The position of the snowmobile club can b'e summarized as
follows :
1. The present road allowance has been used for a number of years
as a snowmobile facility and the same is safe for all members of
the public.
2 . In one year the number of snowmobilers using the road allow-
ance was approximately 12,000 . With such public use it would appear
to be unreasonable for Council to close the- road allowance based
on the request of one property owner.
3 . The snowmobile club and traffic that it attracts is a plus
to the tourism industry in the Town of Newcastle in general and
to the hotel and restaurant owners on Highway 115 and 35 in
particular.
Continued. . . 3/
4. If the Town of Newcastle is to guarantee to M.T.C. and M.N.R.
that a snowmobile route will be provided to the underpass then the
F,ame will have to be over public property a long distance and this
will be unsafe.
5. The normal procedures for passage of such a by-law has not
been followed and members of the public should be given a better
opportunity to express their opinion.
I trust that you will circulate this to members of Council.
Yours very truly,
HAMILTON AND BELLEFONTAINE
Per:
� y
Irwin A. ilton
IAH:LB
I
P.O.BOX 3b7
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
43 ONTARIO ST.
BOWMANVILLE,ONTARIO LIC 2S4
PHONE 14161 623.7744
IRWIN A.HAMILTON WCOM..LLB,
PAUL L SEILEFONTAINE B.A..U.S.
October 28, 1983
Corporation of the Town of Newcastle,
40 Temperance Street,
Bowmanville, Ontario
L1C 3A6
Attention: Mr, David Johnson
r Administrator
Dear Sir:
Re: Long Sault Ridge Runners
Snowmobile Club Inc.
Further to our telephone conversation I enclose
a copy of the resolution of the Club.
Yours very truly,
HAMILTON AND BELLEFONTAINE
Per:
Irwin A. Hamilton
IAH/mr
Encl .
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R E S O L U T I O N
of the
LONG SAULT RIDGE RUNNERS
SNOWMOBILE CLUB INC.
WHEREAS for the past number of a years the club has used
the unopened road allowance between Lot 26 and 27, Concession 9 ,
in the former Township of Clarke, now Town of Newcastle;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Newcastle is by By-Law intending
to close the said road allowance and convey the same to the
neighbouring property owners;
AND WHEREAS if the road allowance is so closed the club
would have to use plowed roads as part of its trail to obtain
access to the proposed underpass under Highways 115/35 ;
AND WHEREAS the club and the Snowmobile Association of
Ontario feel that the use of plowed roads by snowmobilers is
unsafe;
AND WHEREAS the members of the club feel that if a plowed
road is used then personal injury or death will: most certainly
result.
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that:
1. If the road allowance between Lot 26 and 27 , Concession 9,
Township of Clarke, is in fact closed and conveyed to
neighbouring property owners by the Town of Newcastle that the
club will not post as part of its trail any portion of a
plowed road.
2 . The President of the club be authorized to discuss with
M.N. R. and M.T.C. the possibility of the location of the under-
pass and another location or locations so that the club may
obtain a trail by unplowed roads to said alternate sites.
3. That the Town of Newcastle, M.N.R. and M.T.C. be advised
of this resolution.
. �?.,
-OT,
PRESENTATION
TO
THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
BY
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS
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SEPTEMBER 26 , 1983 .
SUBMITTED BY :
ROSS EDMONSTONE ,
1ST . VICE PRESIDENT .
SEPTEMBER 26 , 1983 .
YOUR WORSHIP , MAYOR RICKARD AND MEMBERS OF CQUNCIL :
FIRST , I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AND THANK
YOU FOK ,THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TONIGHT .
I AM ROSS EDMONSTONE , FIRST VICE PRESIDENT AND
TRAILS CHAIRMAN OF THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOW- j
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MOBILE CLUBS (O . F .S . C . ) .
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THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS IS AN
INCORPORATED BODY WHICH REPRESENTS SOME 238 SNOWMOBILE
CLUBS AND OVER 15 ,000 SNOWMOBILING FAMILIES IN THE
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO . ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS IS TO PROMOTE
SAFETY AND RESPONSIBLE OPERATION OF SNOWMOBILES AND ALL
RELATED EQUIPMENT . OF COURSE WE HAVE OTHER OBJECTIVES ,
BUT SAFETY IS ONE THAT ALL OF US AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
CANNOT STRESS TOO STRONGLY . WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT
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THE NUMBER OF FATALITIES THAT OCCUR BETWEEN SNOWMOBILES
AND HIGHWAY VEHICLES . IF EVEN ONE OF THESE CAN BE AVOIDED
THEN WE MUST DO ALL IN OUR POWER TO PROVIDE SAFE ROUTES
FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAILS .
YOUR WORSHIP , I AM HERE TO SUPPORT THE REQUEST BEING
MADE BY THE CENTRAL ONTARIO REGIONAL SNOWMOBILE ASSOC-
IATION , AND REQUEST THAT THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE
ROAD ALLOWANCE BETWEEN LOTS 26 AND 27 , FORMERLY CLARKE
PAGE . . 2 . `.
TOWNSHIP ,NOW IN THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE BE RECONSIDERED .
THIS UNOPENED ROAD ALLOWANCE IS A VITAL LINK FOR THE
SNOWMOBILE CLUBS IN THIS AREA . TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
ON A PLOWED ROAD WOULD MAKE ACCIDENTS A VERY REAL POSSIBILITY .
SAFETY IS FOREMOST IN OUR MINDS AND I AM SURE IT IS IN
YOURS . COULD ANY EXISTING PROBLEMS NOT BE RESOLVED
WITHOUT THE FINALITY OF ROAD CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE ? IT HAS
BEEN MY EXPERIENCE , AND I AM SURE IT HAS BEEN YOURS THAT
MOST PROBLEMS CAN BE RESOLVED WITH OBJECTIVE DIALOGUE .
THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN GRANTED TIME ON YOUR AGENDA
TONIGHT IS ENCOURAGING . THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOW-
MOBILE CLUBS IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE MANY DEMANDS PLACED
UPON OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS . LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT AS A
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE
CLUBS I WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
AND ASSIST IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE .
YOUR WORSHIP , I CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH THE CONCERN
OF THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS AND OUR
MEMBER CLUBS . SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT . WE ASK YOU TO CONSIDER
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THE NEED TO KEEP UNOPENED ROAD ALLOWANCES FOR THIS AND
FUTURE GENERATIONS . CLOSURE AND CONVEYANCE IS FINAL . LET
US NOT DEPRIVE OUR FAMILIES AND FELLOW RECREATIONALISTS
OF ANY PORTION OF SAFE TRAVEL . LET US WORK TOGETHER TO
RESOLVE ANY EXISTING PROBLEMS AND BE TRULY "OUR BROTHERS
KEEPER" .
I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS
YOUR COUNCIL TONIGHT .
Council Minutes - 4 - September 26, 1983
-L. (A)
Mr. Clair Chapman, property owner of Lot 27,
Objections to Concession 9. He has had problems with snowmobilers,
By-law 83-131 damaged Xmas trees, and had his fence cut by riders who
may not be members of the snowmobile club. He plans to
reforest some of his property and is in agreement with
having the road allowance closed.
Mrs. Ruth Beaucage was represented by Mr. Michael Meighen.
His client is not suggesting that access to the proposed
underpass be denied. Council should weigh both sides of
the question and puke the best decision. He presented
letters from Mr. & Mrs. John Buggeli and Mr. & Mrs.
J. Kennedy supporting the road closing. He said the
Beaucage horse shows bring in tourist dollars. Council
should balance the interest of the snowmobilers, many of
whom are not residents of the Town, against the interest
of large land owners. He suggested an alternate trail ,
continuing between Lots 28 & 29, turning east on the 9th
Concession. This might cause some difficulty for
snowmobilers. He felt that changing the stop at the
10th Concession to a 3-way or 4-way stop could eliminate
the safety hazard. There are solutions to the problem
if both sides co-operate.
Mr. Lorne Crago, of the Long Sault Ridge Runners
Snowmobile Club, and a trail foreman in CORSA, said
that the Club tried to eliminate problems and police
the trail . He felt part of the road allowance is not
suitable for summer use because of springs under the
road. He spoke of problems with the proposed 'alternate
route. He said that all snowmobilers are registered
and if seen doing damage, should be reported. He objected
to the road closing and asked Council to make a good
decision on this and future road closings.
Mr. Roy Forrester stated that the Town provides recreation for
hockey, baseball , and other players. He feels there is no
great cost to the municipality to allow use of road
allowances for recreational vehicles. Population is aging
and wish to take part in leisure pursuits such as cross-
country skiiing, hiking, bird watching, etc.
Resolution 9C-684-83
Recess Moved by Councillor Cowman, seconded by Councillor Woodyard
THAT there be a 10 minute recess.
"CARRIED"
f'esclution NC-685-83
Communications Moved by Councillor Hamre, seconded by Councillor Hobbs
THAT the communications to be received for information
be approved, except for I - 1, I - 2, 1 - 3, I - 4,
I - 5, and I - 8.
"CARRIED"
Council Minutes - 3 - September 26, 1983
5. The adverse effect on tourism in the area and dollars
Objections to for businesses in the area. The members of the Club
I By-law 83-131 buy their machines, have them serviced and insured
in the area.
6. He felt that normal procedures in advertising the road
closure had not been followed. He asked Council to
defeat the by-law, or table it until the safety aspect
and funding of the underpass had been determined.
Mr. Aldin Hoar opposed the road closing and explained that
the grooming equipment was about 4' wide and 10 to 12' long
and was pulled by a double track snowmobile.
Mr. Robert Allin objected to the road closing. He is a
land owner on the west and south side of section of road
to be closed. He has had no problem with snowmobilers
on his property and no fences cut. He stated that
the proposed alternative route was ploughed and sanded
and cannot be used as a snowmobile route. The allowance
in question is a public road, used by the public.
Mrs . Cindy Broome, who lives on Highway 115, objects to the
road closure, and fears loss of the underpass if road closed.
This underpass is to be her link with her neighbours on the
other side of 35/115 Highway.
Mr. Harold Ransberry objects to the road closing. He said
that snowmobiling had opened up the northern area of Clarke
Township to winter recreation. The use of private property
is not the answer, and road allowances are important.
The Members of the Club have travelled on his property with
an agreement for 10 or more years, and he has had .no
problems. Closing the road allowance is a big mistake.
More and more people taking part in winter recreation.
There is no cost to the Town fo-f-maintenance of these
road allowances.
Donald J. Ransberry, a resident property owner, Lot 24,
Concession 8, Clarke, has lived on the skidoo trail for
6 years, machines pass within 100' of his house causing
no problems. He is opposed to closing the road allowance.
It would only benefit abutting land owners - as opposed
to thousands using the road allowance.
He had been opposed to the widening and barrier in the
centre of 35/115 and the underpass was to be his link to
his neighbours. Closing the road allowance would jeopardize
the underpass. The same owner who is asking for the road
closure ownsland abutting Lots 24 & 25 and there could be
the same problem with an alternate route. Council would
create a large tract of land with no access.
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Mayor Rickard called for persons to speak to 10)
Objections to By-law 83-131, being a by-law to stop-up and close
By-law -
1 atv 83 13
1 and to authorize the sale of al t
Y a 1 hat o do the
original road allowance between Lots 26 & 27, of h
Concession 9, in the former Township of Clarke,
now in the Town of Newcastle.
Mr. Ross Edmonstone First Vice-President of the Ontario
Federation of Snowmobile Club, representing 238 Clubs and
over15 ,000 snowmobiling families, presented a brief in
opposition to the road closing. He stressed the safety
factor of using unopened road allowances and assured.Council
that the Federation would co-operate to try to resolve
the problem.
Mr. Toni Hoar, Vice-President of the Long Sault Ridge
Runners Snowmobile Club Inc. , also spoke in opposition
to the road closing. He stated that this allowance was a
vital link in a snowmobile trail maintained by the Central
Ontario Snowmobile Association. He felt that alternate
routes which had been suggested were not suitable.
The Ministry of Natural Resources had committed funding for
an underpass at 35/115 Highway to accommodate snowmobiles,
hikers, horse riders, etc. , and he felt that closing the
road would jeopardize this project. He mentioned businesses
on the Highway such as Flower Pot Restaurant & Garage,
Noone's Motel and Restaurant, and the Oasis Gas Bar, which
feared a loss of business if the snowmobile trail was
closed.
Mr. Irwin Hamilton, Solicitor, for the Long Sault Ridge
Runners Snowmobile Club Inc. , made 6 points in opposition
to the Road Closing:
1. Road is used by 12,000 snowmobiles and it seems unusual
to close a road which is us.pd by so many members of the
public; f.
2. Council has guaranteed the Ministry of Transportation
and Communications and the Ministry of Natural Resources
access to an underpass on 35/115. How can they
guarantee this if the road allowance is closed.
Alternate routes would restrict the age of snowmobile
drivers as drivers under 16 years of age are not
allowed on travelled roads.
3. Snowmobiles on groomed trails cannot travel at as
high rate of speed as on ploughed roads. Equipment
used for grooming trails is not allowed on ploughed
roads.
4. The Ministry of Natural Resources who have committed funding
for the underpass would have to review the funding if
road closed.
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