Private Motocross track up for closure.you can help.



The Township of Zorra is trying to close a private recreation facility. (MX track aka The Pit)



Lorraine and Ian Freel have been allowing friends and family to use an MX track in their backyard for 26 years. They used to run sanctioned MX and a national hare scramble events until they told to cease by the township. They complied and then were charged, fined and place on 24 months probation. The probation order further states they may allow up to 6 bikes on their track and to permit motorcycles of less than 50cc suitable for children. Now they want to shut them down completely although the application does not state why.



In addition, the track is closed on Sundays, not open until noon and close by 6pm on Saturdays. They have imposed noise restrictions event though there is a private airstrip across the road from the property and have nearby trailer park that has live bands duting the summer. So partying seems to be OK in Zorra but heart-healthy activities seem to create a problem.



Off Road Motorcycle is a reconized activity by the Ministry of Health Promotion and is part of "Active 2010" and the "Ontario Trails Strategy" as an effective way to reduce overwieght and obesity in Ontarians. More information on the physical benfits of off road recreation can be found at http://www.oftr.ca/OFTR_Fitness_Study.pdf



Details of the application for the zoning change is available at



http://www.county.oxford.on.ca/Portals/_county/5971/5-06-2-PN.pdf



You may also call Ron Versteegen, Planner, 519-539-0015 Ext. 3214.



Written comments may be forwarded to the address below or emailed to:

[email protected] Please include the applicant's name (The Corporation of the Township of Zorra) ; and the File Number (ZON 5-06-2) on all correspondence.



Margaret Misek-Evans, MCIP, RPP

Corporate Manager of Community

and Strategic Planning

County of Oxford

Community and Strategic Planning Office

415 Hunter Street, Court House

P.O. Box 397, Woodstock, On N4S 7Y3

Telephone: 519-539-9800; Fax 519-537-5513





P U B L I C N O T I C E

pursuant to Section 34(12) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended APPLICATION FOR ZONE CHANGE

in the TOWNSHIP OF ZORRA

P.O. Box 306, Ingersoll ON N5C 3K5 Telephone: 519-485-2490

DATE: May 30, 2007

FILE: ZON 5-06-2; The Corporation of the Township of Zorra

The Council of the Township of Zorra is considering an application for Zone Change.

The purpose of the application is to amend the General Agricultural (A2) and Development (D)

Zones to increase the minimum lot area from 20 ha (49.4 ac) to 30 ha (74.1 ac). The zone

change will apply to all lands zoned A2 and D within the Township of Zorra. The purpose of the

application is to also prohibit the construction or use of a track on private property for the driving,

racing, or testing of motor cross vehicles. The prohibition would apply to all zones within the

Township of Zorra.

Public Meeting

The Council of the Township of Zorra will hold a public meeting to consider the proposed zoning

by-law amendment on:

Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Township Office, 274620 27th Line, Ingersoll, ON

You are encouraged to attend the public meetings, and we would welcome your comments or suggestions either in writing or presented in person at the meetings.





Thanks for your support