Snowmobile enthusiasts in Timmins are having fun with the fresh snow that's fallen recently, but some people don't like the loud sounds being made by some of the snow machines.
To some, that sound is a source of pride, but to others, it's enough to make them call the police.
The complaints have prompted police to issue a warning to snowmobilers.
Marc Depatie of Timmins Police Service says some local snowmobilers are riding on altered or aftermarket exhaust systems.
"At the risk of sounding condescending, a muffler muffles the sound of the engine, so much so it's not an assault on the senses of the people who are not snowmobiling. When people choose to engage in the activity of altering the muffler or removing it or causing it to be less effective than its intended purpose, then that's an offence under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act." said Depatie.
"They are louder than the stock machine would emit, but some are excessively loud, especially when they're travelling on trails that are close to residential areas." said Marc Lapalme, of Temiskaming Abitibi Trail Association.
Timmins police officials say they've received numerous complaints about the loud machines, saying it's necessary now to step up patrols and lay charges.
“We have to appeal to the motoring public to alter their machines so they meet the requirements under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act or stand and face the consequences." said Depatie.
The Temiskaming Abitibi Trail Association supports the police enforcement and discourages snowmobilers from polluting the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs’ trails with the noise.
"Hopefully a lot of people will start to think, you're doing more damage than good by having these machines and you're not doing anybody any favours." said Lapalme.
Police say the fine is $100 dollars and the snowmobile patrol unit will be on local trails looking for offenders.
