A property on Highway 118 East was once again the topic of discussion for Bracebridge councillors during their most recent general committee meeting.
In November of last year the owners of 2819 Highway 118 East, which operates as Goodale Marine, were given approval by Council to rezone their property as a snowmobile racing and practice course in the winter. The property had been used for that purpose for nearly a decade but never with a formal rezoning.
The property was back before the committee in June, when councillors voiced their opposition to a proposal for the construction of a new cell tower on the grounds.
During this week’s general community meeting, councillors considered an exemption to the Town’s noise bylaw to permit the operation of snowmobiles and grooming vehicles for periods exceeding 15 continuous minutes between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Coun. Don Smith asked why the Town was considering what was, in effect, a permanent noise expedition.
“If we pass this there’s no moving back on anything,” said Smith. “I’d prefer to see us wait until we go through this season.”
Coun. Barb McMurray, who represents the ward where the property is located, said she’s received complaints about the property and the cell tower proposal remains a bone of contention.
“Is it fair that now the community around the snocross track could be listening to this for 16 hours straight?” she said. “We’re already dealing with another problem out there. I might have to change my phone number.”
Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, Michael Mayer said the snowmobile track has been operating for many years and the bylaw department has never received a complaint.
Councillors Brenda Rhodes and Tatiana Sutherland both reminded the committee that council has already given approval for the snowmobile track.
“It feels a little bit hypocritical,” said Sutherland. “It feels like we’re now questioning a decision we already approved.”
The committee ultimately voted in favour of the exemption, which must still be ratified by the full council during their meeting on Tuesday.
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