A unique partnership has been formed between snowmobilers and city police. The Miramichi Valley Snowmobile Club and the Miramichi Police Force have joined together in an effort to raise awareness and promote snowmobile safety on local trails. The snowmobile club has purchased two snowmobiles and outfitted them for the police to patrol the 140 kilometres of trails within city limits. “We had the manpower, but we didn’t have the resources,” said Deputy Chief Paul Fiander.

 

Both parties said the partnership was formed after concerns were raised about the lack of enforcement on the trails. Club president Stephen Geikie said the trails have not been patrolled for the past two years because of a lack of funding.

 

Concerns both parties include:
• people making use of the trail system without trail permits;
• four-wheelers using the trails and causing damage; and
• people drinking and operating snowmobiles.

 

Fiander said patrols began two weeks ago and will be maintained on a regular basis throughout the snowmobile season. The deputy chief says having the snowmobiles also provides the department with a means to get to the scene of an accident on the trails. When not in use, both snowmobiles will be stored in the police garage.

 

A rescue sled purchased by the snowmobile club is kept at the Miramichi Regional Health Authority in the ambulance bay.