Petawawa is looking to become an ATV and snowmobile friendly community. Director of Community Services Kelly Williams says they’re lucky to have the four-season Algonquin Trail run through the main core of the town. Williams says right off the trail in Petawawa, you have services for machines, gas stations, restaurants, shopping and accommodations. Staff are currently working on two Algonquin Trail related projects including the development of a container shopping plaza, trailhead, tourism kiosks, public washrooms, a gazebo and other trail infrastructure. Williams adds they plan to work with local businesses, snowmobile and ATV clubs to grow tourism in the community.
The town is testing out a pilot project to offer a public access point for motorized users on the trail. Williams says right now, residents have to access the trail from neighbouring municipalities. At the towns council meeting Monday night (December 9th), staff proposed using property next to Kiddyland Park off of Norman Street as an access point to the Algonquin Trail. Feedback received during the 3-year pilot project will be sent back to council.
The parking lot would have signs installed to help with the flow of traffic with the possibility of developing access from Petawawa Boulevard in the future.
Pilot parking trail access