This year’s Corduroy Enduro event is under the wire, and has asked Highlands East council for some last minute support. At yesterday’s council meeting, event chairman Blair Sharpless asked for approval to close portions of some roads to the September event. Reeve Dave Burton said he supports the event but was disappointed the request hadn’t come forward months ago. He said he didn’t like the pressure being put on council to make the last minute decision. Sharpless explained his struggle with the MNR to get approval for use of trails that has been going on since last October.
After receiving almost two thousand dollars in fines for using off-road plate motorcycles on roads last year, approval from the municipality to block off a portion of the roads will allow the bikes to use the road. Sharpless said he’s still waiting on confirmation from Haliburton Highlands OPP Detachment Commander Chad Bark. The hope is that closing only a portion of the road is enough that the bikers will not be in violation of the Highway Traffic Act. Sharpless said that after reading the Act he understands that as soon as the road is closed to the public, it is a piece of public land meaning it will not fall under the regulations of the Highway Traffic Act.
Deputy-Reeve Suzanne Partridge suggested council approve a resolution in principal so plans can move forward as soon as possible. She said the event is great for the municipality. Reeve Burton disagreed and said he couldn’t support it. Councilors Steve Kauffeldt, Ryall and Partridge all voted in favour, pending OPP approval. Sharpless agreed to keep council updated on the decision from the OPP on how to proceed with partial road closures.