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ATV bylaw amendments proposed

Council will review proposed amendments to an all-terrain vehicles bylaw when Committee of the Whole meets Thursday.

Changes would reflect provincial legislation recognizing different types of ATVs, and that their use be prohibited within municipally owned parks and recreational areas – excluding the Millennium Trail.

Ontario announced new changes aimed at increasing road access for ATVs and ORVs (Off Road Vehicles) effective July 1, 2015 which allowed for multiple passenger recreational vehicles. The County’s current by-law only allows ATV’s designed to carry a driver only and no passengers.

The report from Engineering, Development and Works reminds there have been concerns raised by residents regarding the use of ATV’s causing unsafe conditions within parklands and other properties owned by the municipality.

A deputation by Lawrence Cornett regarding ATVs on urban and residential streets, playgrounds and parks within the County was received and staff directed to prepare a report with recommendations regarding the use of all recreational vehicles on public roads in Picton, public parks and public property and that the use and regulations of ATVs be included in the Millenium Master Trail review in consultation with Quinte Conservation.

Effective July 1, 2015, more types of ORVs and ATVs were allowed on some provincial highways and municipal roads, where permitted. These vehicles include:
 Single-rider ATVs
 Two-up ATVs
 Side-by-Side ORVs
 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs)
A two-up ATV is designed for a driver and one passenger only; must have a seat designed to be straddled by the passenger while sitting facing forward behind the driver and foot rests for the passenger that are separate from the foot rests for the driver.
A side-by-side ORV is a type of ORV that must have:
 four or more wheels that contact the ground
 a steering wheel
 seats that are not designed to be straddled
 has an engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000 cubic centimetres
 a weight of 1,700 kilograms or less
 an overall width of 2.03 metres or less (excluding mirrors)
 a roll-over protective structure
 a handle or device that an occupant can grasp
 a seat belt for each seating position
 a rear view mirror
An UTV is a type of ORV that must have:
 four or more wheels that contact the ground
 a steering wheel
 seats that are not designed to be straddled
 a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kilograms
 a weight of 1,814 kilograms or less
 an overall width of 2.03 metres or less (excluding mirrors)
 an occupant protective structure
 a handle or device that an occupant can grasp
 a seat belt for each seating position
 a rear view mirror

It is proposed that Prince Edward County’s existing bylaw be amended to allow these additional types of ORVs on municipal roads.

A deputation was presented to Committee of the Whole May 28, 2015 outlining
concerns regarding the use of ATVs on streets within the Town of Picton, mainly within the Delhi Park, Glenwood Cemetery vicinity, and in Delhi Park itself.

Thursday’s report, prepared by Andy Harrison, chief building and bylaw enforcement official, states that due to the proximity of the ATV use to pedestrians in the area and children using the playgrounds, it has created an increase in potential hazards to persons living and using the streets in and around the public parks as well as in the parks themselves.

“It is proposed that bylaw be amended to prohibit the use of All Terrain Vehicles within any park, as defined in the bylaw, with the exception of the Millennium Trail. Proposed, “Park” means and includes all public parks, approved parks, trails, including, without limiting the foregoing, pedestrian walkways, pathways, recreational trails, waterfront lands, buildings, structures, gardens, golf courses, marinas, skate park and recreation areas owned or controlled by the County.

“With ATVs not being permitted within these park areas, it should reduce the amount of ATV traffic on the streets used to gain access to the parks.

“In the Millennium Trail Master Plan, it has been suggested that with regulation of speed limit, ATVs could provide safe access to the corridor for many who would not use the corridor for more active forms of recreation.”

Filed Under: Local NewsSports & Recreation

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