ATV advocates take another run at road access
In September, Clearview council said no to ATVs accessing township roads.
This week, Central Ontario ATV Club director Soren Klemmensen was back to ask councillors to reconsider.
The ask: In collaboration with council, staff and the club to create an ATV bylaw “facilitating the creation of an environmentally sustainable trail system connecting people and communities while creating tourism opportunities in Clearview Township.”
Klemmensen told council that in the six months since council considered the request, the not-for-profit club has grown by more than 200 members and has a focus on safety and sustainability. He said the trails are insured and patrolled by off-duty OPP officers and trail wardens affiliated with the club. The trails are developed and maintained by the club.
The dream, said Klemmensen, is to connect developing trails in the area of Penetanguishene, Midland, Elmvale and Wasaga Beach to Collingwood and beyond through Clearview. They hope to provide trail connections and access to restaurants, accommodation, shops and gas stations in the township to promote tourism all year.
In September, a split vote defeated a staff recommendation to approve the use of all roads in Clearview Township, with some exceptions.
Deputy Mayor Barry Burton responded to Councillor Deborah Bronée’s request for the September report to be brought back to council, saying other options should be included.
“I think we need to do a little more work. I am in favour of finding a solution that works for everyone,” said Burton. “I will not support carte blanche access to all roads.”
The staff recommendation was based on public input at an information session and the results of a survey.
From May to June, 764 surveys were completed, 117 of those were discounted because they were completed by non-residents. Sixty per cent of respondents were ATV owners and 51.8 per cent said ATVs should be allowed on all public roads, 29.2 per cent said they should not be allowed on public roads and 19 per cent said they should be allowed on some public roads.
Councillor Thom Paterson said although many people will say they are not fussy about ATV traffic they’ll say they recognize it as a recreational activity and will understand the benefit of accessing services. He said the township should go through another public process.
“It is a fairly complicated process to plan a trail system,” said Paterson.
Councillor Kevin Elwood said he would like to see a plan of possible routes presented to the community and he would like to see a framework developed including clear criteria for how roads are chosen, considering shoulder width for example.
