Does west way support the local trail network/club more than the others - I thought they did and why the stronger support to support them.  never stayed anywhere else in Cochrane, it’s an ideal location for gas, timmies, restaurant, beer store, etc….and as you mentioned, always lots of like minded people to chat with. 

I did not. I use my local meter. Our bay is always 1st part of the lake to freeze.   Its been capped over 3 weeks now, good solid temps, now big part of the lake is capped over, means good to go for me.

Truthfully I try to avoid Timmins if possible.     The only time I will stay there is if we are starting a loop towards Chapleau/Wawa/Hearst etc...   I either launch further south or go straight to Cochrane.    I dont like staging out of Timmins or Cochrane.    Whenever I go to Cochrane it is generally just a place to leave the truck with the plan of heading west towards Hearst to get out of the gong show traffic that Cochrane is famous for.      The Westway is a nice little motel and the owners are great people but I really dont see the "must stay there" mentality that a lot of people have.    Other than the fact that there are a lot of sledders to shoot the breeze with in the parking lot, there really isnt anything that special about it?    

Wasn't cleared early when people complain about it. Thankfully it was in useable condition when you encountered it. 

That a good spot. Not as practical with big loop broken to east though. Last time the c was closed and I had to go thru Cochrane anyways. I swear I never start in Timmins after that ride back to truck in melted down trails, bare bridges etc. When c open it's a much better drop point.