Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Dec 17/01) - A public meeting is being planned in the new year to deal with rising numbers of snowmobile complaints.

Municipal councillors in Hay River say there are more snowmobiles than ever and more complaints. - NNSL file photo

A bylaw which says the vehicles can only be driven the shortest route out of town is routinely ignored, and police have said it's difficult to enforce.

Municipal councillors have noticed more snowmobiles than ever this year.

"There are more complaints about the machines in all areas of town," reports senior administrator John Pollard.

But elected officials have been cautious.

The popularity of sleds, and ATV's in summer can't be ignored, Coun. Dean McMeekin warned a recent town council meeting.

"Skidooing and ATV'ing is one of the attractions of living in the North," he said.

Coun. Diana Ehman wants to enlist help from the Transportation Department because she's noticed a lot of the illegal riding takes place on department land alongside highways.