Public Service Announcement
Information for the Public

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is reaching out to the community to help raise awareness on snowmobile safety and the Municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations (http://bit.ly/2hgomGZ).

Violations and complaints received are mostly related to individuals operating snowmobiles on municipal roadways, exceeding the 15 km/ hour speed limit for the purpose of accessing the nearest possible trail, and crossing a highway where the operator has less than 100 metres visibility.

Individuals who do not comply with the Snow Vehicle Regulations could be subject to a $100 – $500 fine for the first offence and a $500 – $1,000 fine for the second offence.

The Town’s priority is the safety of its residents. We are encouraging members of the public to help increase snowmobile safety by reporting any snow machine violations to the Goose Bay RCMP Detachment at 896-3383 or the Town’s Community Constable, Gary O’Brien at 897-7011.

Please report violations of snow machines operating:
o On municipal roadways;
o Without due care and attention; and
o Without reasonable consideration for other persons or property

Under the municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations, all snow machines must be registered and insured in accordance with the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act or the Highway Traffic Act.

The regulations cover a variety of other information, including:

• Prohibited operations:
o Areas designated as a park or playground;
o Sidewalks or designated walking paths;
o Private properties without the express permission of the property owner or occupant;
o Property of any hospital, health centre, school or senior citizen’s home;
o Within 15 metres of airport terminal buildings or the ends and sides of airport runways or ramps;
o Any area where signs prohibit the use and operation of a snow vehicle; and
o Areas where persons engage in skiing, skating, tobogganing or another outdoor recreational activity.

• Operation on highways
• Age of Operators
o Operation prohibited under 13 years of age, unless accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older.
• Penalties

Members of the community are encouraged to become familiar with the municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations, found here: http://bit.ly/2hgomGZ

The Town appreciates the public’s assistance in making our public areas safety and raising awareness on snowmobile safety.