July 01, 2025
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Illinois and Michigan Canal walkways in Ottawa not typically plowed, city engineer says

Canal towpath is a designated snowmobile path

By Michael Urbanec
In this file photo, Paul Hettich and Tim Fitch, Lake County Forest Preserves ranger police officers, snowmobile in the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Snowmobilers were surprised to find the Illinois and Michigan Canal’s pathways in Ottawa plowed after last weekend’s snowstorm, but City Engineer Tom Duttlinger said this is not the norm. (Candace H.Johnson)

Snowmobilers were surprised to find the Illinois and Michigan Canal’s pathways in Ottawa plowed after last weekend’s snowstorm, but City Engineer Tom Duttlinger said this is not the norm.

Duttlinger said the person who typically performs the plowing in that part of town wasn’t available and the person who conducted the plowing only did so to help keep some early morning walkers safe.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal is typically under the care of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is listed as a designated snowmobiling path on its website.