The City of Corner Brook has taken another big step towards making itself friendlier to ATV and snowmobile tourism.
At its public meeting Monday evening, city council authorized staff to commence a public consultation process to seek input from residents with respect to considering ATV/snowmobile trail use on a discretionary basis.
The Western Sno-Riders Snowmobile Club has applied to Crown lands to expand the trail network on the south side of the city that would connect the outskirts of the boundary near Lundrigan Drive with the existing groomed trail beyond city limits.
That application must include approval from the city for parts of the proposal that fall within the municipal boundary.
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To allow the use of snowmobiles — and ATVs during the warmer months — the city would have to amend some of its Integrated Municipal Sustainability plan and the city’s development regulations.
While doing so would open the door for the potential approval of snowmobiles and ATVs in other areas of the city, there are no other trails being proposed at this time. Still, allowing use in some other parts of Corner Brook is something council is open to considering.
City council feels these amendments will help Corner Brook enhance its identity as a winter tourism destination.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of comments that we are behind when it comes to these trails,” said Deputy Mayor Bill Griffin. “We need them. I think this is a positive thing and it’s going to bring money into the city.”
The proposed legislative amendments will be advertised and a public hearing will be scheduled, if necessary. No dates have been set yet.
Mayor Jim Parsons said the first step of opening up access to the Lundrigan Drive area fits well with the tourism strategy Corner Brook and the surrounding area is currently jointly pursuing. He said that linkage will help operators in that area of the city with their touring products.
“It’s a great first step. We can now explore this in earnest.”
