Snowmobiler Faces Multiple Charges After Late-Night Stop on Downtown Owen Sound Sidewalk
A 31-year-old Owen Sound resident faces charges after riding a snowmobile on a downtown sidewalk and testing over the legal alcohol limit. Here’s what local by-laws say about snowmobile use.
A 31-year-old Owen Sound resident is facing multiple charges after police say the individual was caught operating a snowmobile on a downtown sidewalk late Friday night — with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
The incident occurred just before midnight on January 5, when an officer with the Owen Sound Police Service spotted a snowmobile travelling along the sidewalk in the city’s downtown core.
The officer conducted a traffic stop, and during the interaction detected signs of alcohol consumption. The driver provided a roadside breath sample, which registered a “fail.” The suspect was arrested on scene and transported to the Owen Sound Police station for further testing.
According to police, that person’s blood alcohol concentration was confirmed to be over the legal limit.
They were charged with operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 milligrams, operating a snowmobile on a sidewalk, and operating a snowmobile within a prohibited downtown area.
As a result, the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days, and the snowmobile was impounded for seven days. They have since been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court later this month.
Police did not release the gender or name of the person charged.
Snowmobiles Prohibited Downtown and on Sidewalks
While snowmobile use is legal in parts of Grey-Bruce under specific conditions, Owen Sound’s municipal by-laws strictly regulate where and when motorized snow vehicles can operate within city limits.
Under By-law No. 1976-027, it is illegal to drive a snowmobile on any sidewalk or within a designated prohibited zone that includes much of the downtown area — specifically the area bounded by 3rd Avenue East, 2nd Avenue West, 12th Street to the north, and 7th Street to the south.
In addition, the by-law prohibits snowmobile use between midnight and 7:00 a.m., regardless of location, and on a number of streets and connecting links listed in the by-law’s schedule.
The by-law was originally passed in 1976 and has been amended several times, most recently to clarify restricted areas and enforce safety considerations related to pedestrian zones, worship areas, and traffic corridors.
Violating these regulations can result in fines under the Provincial Offences Act, in addition to any criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada for impaired operation.
Police Reminder to Snowmobile Operators
In a statement following the arrest, Owen Sound Police reminded the public that snowmobiles are not permitted on city sidewalks and are banned from operating in large parts of the city — including the downtown.
“City by-law No. 1976-027 restricts operating a motorized snow vehicle on any sidewalk,” police noted, adding that the by-law also prohibits snowmobile use on numerous city streets and within the downtown core.
Anyone operating a snowmobile within Owen Sound is encouraged to review the relevant by-laws and safety regulations in advance to avoid fines, impoundments, and court appearances.
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