Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT PROVIDENCE (Feb 05/99) - The hamlet of Fort Providence is attempting to eradicate some snowmobile concerns before they result in avoidable tragedies.

Things like reckless operation, riding without a helmet, missing headlights and tail-lights and the use of tow bars for sleds are being addressed by hamlet council.

"We've got a problem with snowmobile operation in town like a lot of the Northern communities," said Albert Lafferty, the community's senior administrative officer. "Concerns are being brought to elected members of council."

Fort Providence's current bylaw was passed in 1994 and will be amended to make it more consistent with territorial legislation, according to Lafferty. For example, the current bylaw prohibits anyone under the age of 12 from operating a snowmobile, while the territorial legislation has set an age limit of 16 and up.

"The original bylaw ... was an introductory thing for the community. The provisions in it were somewhat toned down and not as stringent as what we're moving towards," Lafferty said.

"We're no longer dealing with the old, workhorse-type machines that we had in earlier days. We've got very high-powered machines now that are being used by small children. We're trying to encourage the responsible use of these machines because there's potential for serious accidents to pedestrians, especially walking on trails."

There are restricted hours of operation within the community as well. Nobody is allowed to ride a snowmobile from 1-6 a.m. Those hours won't likely be changed, Lafferty said, but they will be strictly enforced. As a matter of fact, the RCMP have already been issuing tickets, he said.

Council is also reviewing the registration and insurance regulations for the community, he added. Public consultation will be sought in regard to the proposed new provisions.

"We're asking people to make written submissions to the hamlet," he said.