By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Residents and visitors in Lighthouse Cove may soon be cruising local roads in golf carts after the community was added to Ontario’s golf cart pilot program, which runs until 2031.
The program allows golf carts to operate on roads with speed limits of up to 50 km/h. However, Lakeshore Council must first pass a bylaw permitting their use, which would establish specific requirements such as liability insurance and municipal licensing for golf cart owners.
“Council and I know that residents in Lighthouse Cove are very keen on participating in the golf cart pilot project, and we are excited to learn more about what Lakeshore can do to facilitate the process,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “We appreciate all the residents who’ve advocated for this change over the years, as well as the Ministry of Transportation who worked with us to expand the program.”
A report outlining the next steps for joining the pilot program is expected to be presented to Lakeshore Council in February. If approved, additional consent from the County of Essex will be required, as portions of Lighthouse Cove fall under County jurisdiction.
Until the bylaw and licensing program are finalized, golf carts are not permitted on municipal roads. The earliest they could be legally allowed in Lighthouse Cove is April 1, 2025.
For more details about Ontario’s golf cart pilot program and the requirements for drivers, visit Ontario.ca.
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