Mini Ski-doos and off highway vehicles

Public Service Announcement
Mini Ski-doos and off highway vehicles
April 22, 2024 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

As the warmer weather comes the City of Iqaluit would like to send some timely reminders about the use of Off-Highway Vehicles in the community.

Off-Highway Vehicles can mean ATVs (Hondas), Side-by-Sides or Skidoos/Snowmobiles. This includes “Mini-Skidoos” of 120cc or 200cc that are often given to children. The City of Iqaluit Municipal Enforcement department recognizes that these vehicles are a fun and enjoyable way to use the land, and that they form an important part of Inuit culture. However if these vehicles are not used responsibly, they can pose a significant safety hazard.

Under the Traffic Safety Act of Nunavut, and the Bylaws of the City of Iqaluit, Off-Highway vehicles are not permitted to be used on the roadway unless they are registered with the Government of Nunavut or City of Iqaluit and insured. The use of helmets is also required for any vehicle operated within the City of Iqaluit, whether on a roadway or not.

The City of Iqaluit also recommends that an adult or other responsible person directly watches over children operating Off-Highway Vehicles. Below are some other safety tips and recommendations to ensure we can all share our community safely.

• Children should not be allowed to carry passengers on Off-Highway Vehicles. These vehicles are designed by the manufacturer for one operator only. Carrying passengers alters the weight and balance of the vehicle and can be unsafe.
• Children should not be allowed to tow or pull sledges/toboggans/other children, unless using a solid, rigid attachment. Towing with ropes or straps could result in contact with the track or wheels of the vehicle, which can cause serious injury or death
• Children should be reminded that when crossing roads/parking lots with off-highway vehicles, to take care to stop, watch both ways for cars/road vehicles and then cross. Impacts with road vehicles can be deadly, but are avoidable with proper road safety

• Children and their vehicles should be fitted with lights and reflectors, to help them be visible in low-light conditions. High-visibility clothing or clothing in bright colors helps children to be seen.
• Children should not be allowed to operate vehicles in a playground area. Under the Bylaws of the City of Iqaluit, no vehicle is permitted to be operated in a playground area.
• Make sure children know what to do if there is an accident, and where to get help.

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For additional information, please contact:
Steve Allen ∙ Chief Enforcement Officer City of Iqaluit
867.979.5674 S.Allen@iqaluit.ca