​Township Golf Car pilot project shows about 80 participants in 2022

About 80 people registered their golf carts for the Golf Car pilot project in Huron-Kinloss Township last year.

That’s the word from deputy clerk Kelly Lush, in an information report to council at its committee-of-the-whole meeting, Monday (Jan. 16).

Ontario Regulation 407/21 Pilot Project – Golf Cars sets out the broad regulatory framework to allow golf carts on municipal roads in Huron-Kinloss and on Pelee Island, and includes operator and vehicle requirements.

Aug. 16, 2021, Huron-Kinloss council approved participation in the Golf Car pilot project and approved a bylaw to regulate golf car use. Golf car registration officially opened Sept. 7, 2021, and the annual fee for a golf car permit is $50.

Once registered, each person receives a decal to adhere to the golf car, indicating that it is registered in the pilot project, as well as a sticker of the current year of registration, the rules and regulations to operate a golf car in the township, a copy of bylaw 2021-90 and a frequently-asked questions brochure. Residents can access all the information on a dedicated page on the township website.

Last year, there were 79 registrations, including 61 new and 18 renewals. The township anticipates registrations will increase for 2023 as more residents become aware of the pilot program and can register for an entire season. Registration in the Golf Car pilot project is renewable annually and golf cars can be on the roads from April 1 to Nov. 30 each year.

In 2022. there were several comments regarding the project, questioning insurance for golf cars, enforcement, and regulations and requirements to operate the cars within the township. Questions also came in from other communities, inquiring on how to become a part of the pilot project.

As part of the pilot project, the township must provide golf car signage. To date, signage has been installed along the lakeshore and will be installed throughout the rest of the township, once approved by Bruce County.

The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) requires data from the municipality to evaluate and determine any potential amendments that may be required to the project. The township is required to provide any information annually by March 1 of each year of the pilot, to the ministry. The report on the pilot project will be submitted prior to March 1, and will include the number of registrations and any comments and feedback received about the project.

Renewal letters, regarding registering for the 2023 Golf Car pilot project, will go out in February. Ongoing communications regarding the project will continue throughout the year using various channels including the township website, social media posts, direct mail-outs and electronic newsletters.

The South Bruce OPP also provides education to the public on safety and regulations for operating a golf car under the Highway Traffic Act.

Deputy mayor Jim Hanna said he renewed his registration last year but did not receive a sticker.

Clerk Jennifer White said he can obtain one at the township office.

Councillor Ed McGugan said he heard the Province of Ontario is planning to expand this program already which is a surprise, given that it was a 10-year pilot project.

“Now, the province is speeding up the process,” he said. “That’ must mean so far, so good.”

“There’s more need for it in other areas, especially more seasonal communities,” said mayor Don Murray.