Sudbury city councillors turn down motocross track proposed for Hanmer
CBC News | Posted: June 9, 2015 2:33 AM | Last Updated: June 9, 2015
"The people of Greater Sudbury want a motocross track. I just don't want to live right next to it."
One group of citizens likes to spend their leisure time quietly. The other, likes to make noise.
Sudbury city councillors heard both points of view at length Monday night, but in the end agreed with the quiet side, in voting down a motocross track proposed for Gravel Drive in Hanmer.
The three members of the planning committee who were present all voted against the dirt bike course. But the decision won't be official until all 13 members of city council vote in two weeks.
The track has existed since 1998, but has been shut down several times for noise bylaw violations, including the last three years.
Track organizer Serge Solomon promised to abide by a noise protocol, restricting the number of bikes running at any one time and what times of day the races are held.
"I am committed to work with my neighbours to ensure a balance is met," he said.
But the people who live in a nearby subdivision all said the noise kept them from enjoying their backyards.
"We're looking to get our lives back," said Dan Miron.
"There has been no willingness from these people to work with the residents. He has lied to us. People cannot enjoy their properties."
"Should they cancel grass cutting in our city because lawn mowers are loud?"
But there was also a large contingent of motocross racers at the planning meeting, arguing that since Solomon's track has been shut down, people have been forced to ride dangerously on illegal trails.
"We too are looking to get our lives back and enjoy our sport," said Garson resident Kyle Lacarte.
Justin Dacey hobbled up to the podium on crutches.
"I'm a prime example of what happens when you don't have a safe place to ride dirt bikes," he said to some laughs that broke the tension in the room.
"I understand what they mean with noise, but should they cancel grass cutting in our city because lawn mowers are loud?"
Several neighbours said they were not against motocross said Andreane Chenier, but didn't feel this was the appropriate place to put a track.
"If this does get approved what you're saying is my comfort... is not as important as the track that might be proposed."
"The people of Greater Sudbury want a motocross track," Chenier said. "I just don't want to live right next to it."
The councillors agreed with her, saying that they believe a motorsports facility is needed in Greater Sudbury, but this is not the place to put it.
There were several references during the evening to the multi-million-dollar racetrack being planned by the city, but it is still on the drawing board and a location has not yet been selected.