A golf cart pilot program in Erieau will return this summer.
The program permits the use of golf carts on roads within the designated area only.
Chatham-Kent (CK) Council approved the program on Monday night, after a staff report showed that CK police noted that no calls for service were received regarding golf carts in Erieau during the pilot program last summer.
The municipality reported issuing 16 permits during the partial operation of the program from August to November 2025 and expects that number will increase this summer because of a full operating season for the program and increased awareness.
The fee for each permit will remain at $75 because it covers the cost of the administrative work required to process permit applications, review documentation, and issue permits.
"Staff reviewed the efforts required for issuing the permits in 2025 and confirmed that a fee of $75 addresses cost recovery for the program and is acceptable," administration reported. "It is recommended to establish this fee for 2026, and to include this fee with adjustments annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in future User Fee By-law Amendments to account for wage cost increases."
The program parameters for 2026 remain the same as 2025, and will operate in accordance with the Ministry of Transportation's regulation for the pilot program, according to staff.
During the council meeting, Councillor Rhonda Jubenville asked if there had been any update on bringing the pilot project to Mitchell Bay.
Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben noted there has been no update, but council approved writing a letter to request expanding the Golf Cart program to the Mitchell Bay area.
