City wants to introduce ramps for snowmobile crossings

The City of Iqaluit is looking at the idea of building more snow ramps next winter to help snowmobilers get safely across roads. (PHOTO BY DAVID MURPHY)

The city is looking into making more snow ramps next winter to help snowmobilers get across roads safely on Iqaluit streets.

A ramp made of snow, created this past winter on Queen Elizabeth Way next to the Northmart store received praise, according to Iqaluit city planner Arif Sayani. Now there could be more erected at key intersections around the city where snowmobile paths cross with roads.

“The community’s general plan has identified major trails around town, including walking and snowmobile trails. The idea is to find where these major snowmobile trails intersect with major roads,” said Sayani.

The city will identify these intersections in the summer and try to improve the crossings further. Some ideas Sayani suggests are to install lighting for winter, and install signs so people are aware of upcoming crossing points.

“What the city’s plans are is to try to establish a primary snowmobile system that will help hunters get out of the community,” said Sayani. “The idea isn’t to allow snowmobiles to get around the core quicker. The idea is to help hunters get around the community safely and effectively.”

“Everybody’s trying to get to the sea ice. How can the city make it easier for you to get to the sea ice?”

The ramp near Northmart was made with snow produced by road clearance, a more practical solution to dumping excess snow in piling areas around the community, Sayani said.

Some snowmobilers were apparently annoyed during the construction of these ramps, but Sayani said the problem was fixed quickly, and he encourages others to bring concerns to the city if issues with snowmobile paths arise.

“There’s an open door policy where residents are more than welcome to make suggestions,” he said.