Glenn Goodale wants to “make it right” by submitting a proposal to rezone his property along Hwy. 118 E. to allow him to operate a snowmobile racetrack.
Rian Allen, Senior Planner with Planscape, said during the Nov. 8 Planning and Development Committee meeting that the track, which is located at 2819 Hwy. 118 E., previously operated for 16 years until Goodale realized it was non-compliant in 2020.
He explained the track will be used between Dec. and March every year and only racers sanctioned by the Canadian Snowcross Race Association, International Series of Champions, Championnat de Snocross will be allowed on the track. No spectators will be allowed trackside.
Allen said races will primarily happen on weekends with some practices held during the week.
“In my 20 years as a planner, I have yet to come across a proposal for a racetrack, let alone a snowmobile racetrack,” said Allen.
While staff recommended only allowing 6 sleds on track at a time, Goodale argued it would do more harm than good and asked for the limit to be upped to 15.
It was agreed during the committee meeting to up the limit to 10, however, Coun. Barry Hammond put forward an amendment during the Nov. 15 council meeting to up the limit to 15. He pointed out that the only affected property will be Goodale’s home. As shown in the various studies done by Planscape, Hammond said no other residence is within the decibel limit.
“I want to do things right,” said Goodale. Since he shut the track down in 2020 when he found out he was not in compliance, he told council about the work he’s done to ensure all his ducks are in a row to reopen the track.
Matt Holmes, Manager of Planning Services, clarified the track would not be used for all-terrain vehicles or dirt bikes in the off-season. The track is on the same property as Goodale Marine so, when the snow melts, Holmes said the marine operation takes priority.
He added compliance with the various town by-laws would be complaint-based.
While Goodale admitted it may not be well known, he pointed out how in the past decade, six Canadian snowcross champions have come from Bracebridge. On top of that, he said 89 racers from the area have finished on the podium at various snowmobile races.
Luke Dillon, from Zephyr, Ont., was one of a handful of people who spoke in favour of the track, expressing the good it has done for snowmobilers and how it pushed them to explore – and spend money in – Bracebridge.
“It’s tough to find somewhere to ride,” he explained, pointing out how there are so few tracks like what Goodale is proposing. Dillon said having a place like it gives him, a 16-year racer, and his two kids who have won national championships in the past a place to hone their skills.
Council agreed to the proposal and the requests for amendments to the town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law.
