City approves operation of horse-carriage business

Whitefish will allow a horse-carriage business to operate along city streets.

Resident Stacy Reid proposed the operation of Tamarack Carriage with plans to operate the carriage on weekends giving tours around town.

City Council July 17 approved the proposal.

“I have seen this work very well in other beautiful cities — adding to their charm — an attraction for tourists and local residents alike,” she told council in a letter.

“This could be a nice little addition to our town,” Councilor Katie Williams said.

City Council last spring rejected a plan from Reid to operate her carriage business after noting concerns about the safety of the horses and the potential impact it could have on traffic on already busy streets.

Reid changed her route since her previous request noting that she will now stay off of Highway 93, Wisconsin Avenue, Second Street and Baker Avenue.

She is planning a route through downtown including on Depot Street with a stop near the train depot. In addition, she plans to stop at Grouse Mountain Lodge, accessing it from the south along Fairway Drive. She also expects to make a loop on Colorado Avenue.

Last week Councilor Andy Feury asked that the city review the business again in a year to make sure it’s still working.

Police Chief Bill Dial said he doesn’t have any concerns about the carriage operation as long as it follows traffic laws.

According to city codes for use of public ways, the council is authorized to designate places on city streets where public and private hacks, buses and taxicabs can stand when not in use.