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RDBN grants motocross track extension

Temporary use permit will allow SMXA use of Donaldson Rd. track for at least one more year.
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The regional district is currently working with the SMXA to find a new location for the group's motocross track.

The Smithers Motocross Association will be allowed to operate in their Donaldson Rd. location for at least one more year.

At a recent Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako board meeting, directors agreed to extend the organization’s temporary use permit for their motocross track by one year, buying them more time to find a more suitable piece of property.

SMXA president Aaron Miles said the decision is very positive for his members and they have already planned two fun races and one official event for the coming year.

“We’ll find a spot for our riders no matter what,” Miles said.

The fun races are June 8 and Sept. 26 and the British Columbia Motocross Association sanctioned race is July 26 and 27.

Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach, who sits as a representative on the RDBN board, said the process of finding a new site for the motocross track has taken longer than they expected but is moving along.

“Unfortunately, nothing will be in place for next season,” Bachrach said. “But everyone is working together and moving in the same direction.”

Applications are currently being looked at by the provincial government for the SMXA to be able to use a piece of Crown land to build a track, said RDBN director of planning Jason Llewellyn.

“We have a couple of applications in on some land and we’re just waiting to hear back from the government on whether or not they’ll work,” he said.

“Hopefully, we’ll hear back soon and can get something permanent in place for the following season.”

The SMXA track was built on top of a landfill closed by the RDBN in 2000, which is the main reason they are not allowed to remain on the site.

The RDBN has been working with the SMXA for more than a year to find a permanent home for the motocross track.