Could driving a golf cart on sidewalks and roads in Mitchell’s Bay be allowed in the near future?
The answer will ultimately rest with the Province of Ontario.
A Chatham-Kent staff report says a petition was delivered on April 3 to the attention of Mayor Randy Hope and council concerning the use of golf carts in Mitchell’s Bay.
“The petition seeks the allowance of golf carts on public highways in Mitchell’s Bay beginning in the spring of 2017,” Emily Crawford, legal officer, wrote in her report.
“Legal Services was subsequently directed to investigate the feasibility of a by-law permitting the operation of golf carts on public highways in Mitchell’s Bay.”
The item was presented to council on Monday night, and they directed administration to request the Province of Ontario to amend the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, or other relevant legislation, to permit the use of golf carts on sidewalks and public highways in tourist villages and communities with small populations, at the discretion of Municipal council.
Currently, the Ministry of Transportation has made it clear that golf carts can only be used where the Ontario Highway Traffic Act does not apply, such as on private property.
“The operation of a golf cart on public highways is therefore illegal on all public highways in Ontario,” Crawford wrote in her report.
“Golf carts are a type of ‘motor vehicle’ that are illegal for on-road use because they do not meet provincial equipment requirements and cannot be registered with the MTO.”
Mayor Hope said once the Ministry informs the Municipality that the changes are made, community input would be sought.
“I don’t want to mislead people that it is going to happen, I’d rather get consent from the Ministry that it is approved,” he said.
“If the (Ministry) changes the Act, then we can be more proactive in establishing the guidelines and principals in which we would be working around.”
Hope said he would hope to receive letters of support from the local MPP’s on the issue if it moves forward.
“We know a lot of golf carts are run by electricity and they will become a greener fashion instead of big cars and trucks riding around the roadways,” Hope said.
Crawford said at the council meeting on Monday that she was not aware of any communities in the province that have gotten similar changes made to the Highway Traffic Act.
you are banning the use of golf carts, why stop there how about electric scooters and electric wheel chairs, where will it stop, they are a means of transportation for the elderly and disabled people, I feel there is a purpose for them, there should be rules involved like age limit for one, treat them like a motor vehicle.
Is there any update to this?
I’m in Point Clark and am interested in doing the same petition.