Golf carts can now be used legally as transportation in Erieau.
Chatham-Kent's (CK) council approved the decision last week, after Ontario's Ministry of Transportation agreed to add the community into its 10-year pilot project.
People with a Class G licence can use a golf cart on roads in Erieau with a maximum speed of 50 km/h until November 30. The program restarts every year on April 1, and is scheduled to stay in place until June 2031.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Erieau residents and visitors to enjoy a new, convenient way to get around the community, while ensuring safety remains the top priority,” said Councillor Trevor Thompson.
Anyone interested must apply for a permit. The minimum age to ride on a golf cart is eight, while the maximum number of people on one is set at six.
Each cart must have four wheels, a steering wheel, a rearview mirror, a slow-moving vehicle sign, turn signals, brake lights, daytime running lights, and reflectors.
While people in Erieau are celebrating, there are some in CK who feel left out.
When the Municipality of CK first reached out to the Ontario government about the pilot project, the request was for Erieau and Mitchell's Bay to be included.
"I think Mitchell's Bay and Erieau are very comparable, both definitely have people who use golf carts," said Jamie McGrail, Ward Councillor for Mitchell's Bay.
She went on to say that people in Mitchell's Bay are using golf carts at their own discretion. That being said, she's reminding everyone that using them on public roads in the area is illegal.
"Everyone needs to be careful... you can be fined," added McGrail.
She confident that Mitchell's Bay will be added to the pilot project, remaining hopeful that it could happen as soon as next year.
