WinooskiWednesday, November 11
A Winooski city panel votes unanimously against horse carriage rides at Casavant Nature Preserve
The Daily Burlington team
If you walk your dog at the Casavant Nature Preserve, a Winooski city panel just weighed in on horse carriage rides there. It voted unanimously against recommending the plan from the new Sugar House Hotel, which sits beside the preserve's 100-plus acres. The City Council will hear more at its next meeting in December.
Winooski's carriage ride proposal heads to the City Council next
- Dec. 2025Council changes the ordinance to allow special permits for carriage rides.
- Nov. 10City panel votes unanimously against recommending the plan.
- DecemberCity Council will hear more at its next meeting.
- LaterOn Town Meeting Day, voters could see a change to the ordinance on the ballot.
Sources: WCAX, MyChamplainValley.com
- Cost: likely $10 to $15 per person, not yet decided
- Who could ride: possibly the public, not just hotel guests
- Opponents cite animal welfare, the environment and safety
- Petition: about 200 signatures, with another 200 needed
Developer Doug Nedde said the horses are used to noise, and residents also raised dogs on nearby trails and F-35 flyovers. Alissa Johnson gathered about 200 signatures on Election Day to change the ordinance back, and another 200 would equal 5% of the city's voter base. The council could then adopt the change or put it to voters. Panel chair Meredith Bushey saw a tourism boost but couldn't support the plan in its current form.
Petitioners have about half the signatures they'd need
200signatures gathered on Election Day
Source: WCAX
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| signatures gathered on Election Day | 200 |
| Total equal to 5% of voters | 400 |
Sources: WCAX, MyChamplainValley.com