The 2018 ice racing season on Pigeon Lake is set to start mid-January.
On Dec. 6, 2017, County of Wetaskiwin administration received correspondence from the Rocky Motorcycle Club, in conjunction with the Canadian Motorcycle Association, requesting to host the first ice race of the 2018 season on Pigeon Lake, near Mulhurst Bay.
County councillors discussed the request and gave their approval during their Dec. 19, 2017, general council meeting; subject to five conditions:
• Making participants and spectators aware of all parking bans at or near the Mulhurst Bay boat launch.
• Adheres to the County of Wetaskiwin Off-highway Vehicle bylaw.
• That the Rocky Motorcycle Club liaises with the County of Wetaskiwin Protective Services Department concerning municipal by-laws and provincial laws.
• Adheres to the County of Wetaskiwin Public Assembly bylaw, excepting the waiving of the loud speaker restriction.
• Proof the County of Wetaskiwin is listed as an additional name insured with the Canadian Motorcycle Club’s insurance company prior to the event.
“They have their insurance in place. They have safety provisions,” said research officer Jeff Chipley. He added that includes both persons and environmental provisions.
The races will be held at 11 a.m., with registration starting at 10 a.m., on Jan. 14.
Council also approved the alternate dates of Jan. 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 11. These dates were offered should there be concern the thickness of the ice on the lake will not be sufficient to support the event.
Being the first race of the season, it is expected approximately 100 participants, 25 volunteers, and 500 to 1,000 spectators from across western Canada will be in attendance.
The County of Wetaskiwin approved similar requests for races in 2015, 2016, and 2017.