Feature Article September 30, 2004
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Will ATVs be legalized on South Frontenac Roads?by Wilma Kenny
At a Committee of the Whole meeting this week in Sydenham, Councilors expressed a range of opinions on whether the township should pass a bylaw legalizing ATVs on township roads. A vote has not yet been held on the matter, and from what was said at the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council is about evenly split on the issue.
Each of the Councilors and Mayor Lake weighed in on the issue.
Peter Roos expressed a number of concerns. He said Safety becomes an issue when two classes of vehicles travelling different speeds are using the same road and noted that many township roads have minimal or no shoulders. As well, he said that Reports from the Townships CAO, Public Works Administrator, Solicitor, and Insurance representative all advocate against this.
He also mentioned increased insurance costs; potential lawsuits against the municipality; additional policing costs; security risks against property; and the fact that most surrounding municipalities have not approved ATV use of their roads as reasons why an ATV bylaw is a bad idea.
Jack Barr on the other hand describes ATV riding as a new sport, excellent recreation, and added that Somebody has to test the waters. Lots of residents want road access, and there would be economic spin-offs if we go with this.
Ron Vandewal said, Police have said they dont charge ATV users on the roads now if they arent doing anything wrong and as soon as Council approves, Council will become fully liable. He also said he has received a "a ton of e-mails" on this.
Gary Davison said he had discussed ATV road use with 3 OPP officers during a golf meet in Bancroft: they said they had experienced no problems. (ATVs are legal on roads in the Bancroft region, as well as in Addington Highlands). Davison said he would be in favour of bringing in a one-year approval, with reassessment at the end of the period.
Bill Robinson said "ATVs are here to stay. We have to work with them."
Del Stowe, on the other hand, pointed out that We dont have any ATV trails. If we approve this, our roads would become the trails, and attract riders from well beyond South Frontenac. Non-riders should not have to subsidize the few who ride. I think we should wait and see how it works for other municipalities. Lets not make a hasty decision on this."
David Hahn said when making a difficult decision, you rely on three factors - staff reports, the public, and your own head & heart. Council has received four cautionary staff reports; public opinion is strongly split; and OPP reports at ROMA were negative. There are also many hazardous road edges in the township. He then advocated delaying a decision on the issue.
Lets wait a year or two, until a provincial record is established. It would be difficult and expensive to grant permission, only to withdraw it a year later, he said.
Don Smith said there has been a lot of fear mongering, but I am distressed by the way ATV riders have been handling themselves, ignoring basic safety by riding without helmets, carrying children, riding two abreast. They dont police themselves now, why would they later? He also said he has received many complaints from Bedford, where much of the road riding would take place. He said he is also concerned about the state of township road shoulders, and would prefer to postpone a decision for a while.
Finally Mayor Lake made some comments. He said he would want South Frontenac riders to be clearly identified, and would be in favour of a one-year agreement with a sunset clause.
On-road ATV fans, dont rev up your engines just yet. Council will vote on this issue at their next meeting, October 5, in Sydenham.
