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MEDIA RESPONSE
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
Our River Valley ATV club want to thank the Town of Woodstock for establishing a temporary by-law (August 10 through October 30) to allow ATV’s to travel on designated streets in Woodstock. The purpose of the pilot was to connect nearby provincial trails and support economic growth and tourism in our town. Basically the pilot allowed ATV’s to travel safely to access gas stations, restaurants and lodging.
We have now learned that the Town Council has delayed making a decision for a go forward plan until Spring 2023.
The provincial government requested all Quad Clubs, particularly in rural areas, to link their trails with the respective communities and include tourist attractions where possible to boost the local economy. The local ATV Club supports the government objective and proposed a trail link in August 2020 to the Town ad hoc committee to meet the government request, supported the Town Application for funding to replace the former CPR Bridge Span crossing the St. John River and included recommendations in the regional consultant impact study reports. The Club proposal was not accepted by the Town Council. The Town decision to rescind their by-law appears to support the concerns that were expressed and identified by the local ATV Club, particularly safety. It is very important to gather background information, consult with all user groups who share trails and work as a team to ensure a successful pilot. The local ATV Club is concerned the Town decision may have an impact on their Application for funding and their recently received communication from government on this initiative.
In New Brunswick, there are 23 communities who are supporting the government request to link trails and have approved ATV access for the 61,000 registered and licenced operators who enjoy the outdoors with their families on the trail network. Also, there are many NB communities who have started the by-law process to initiate trail links to their business and tourist attractions. The government supports these requests and the Council comments to date indicate tremendous success and business partnership with their local ATV Club.
Safety is of paramount importance and the number one priority. ATV’s or Quads have to obey the rules of residential area traffic. They cannot go over 40km/hr; must remain on the “extreme roght” side of the road, drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, have proof of registration, insurance and display a trail permit. Both drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.
Although this is disappointing news that the final decision has been delayed, the 500+ members of the local ATV Club are hopeful that the Town of Woodstock will join other municipalities throughout our Province who have successfully established by-laWS that support access on town streets. Completed consultant trail reports have proven Town access has maximized community economic growth by connecting the New Brunswick 10,000+ km. trail network for tourists and others who travel within the Atlantic Provinces and elsewhere to the linked communities.
REFERENCE NOTES:
Town of Perth and Grand Falls approved years ago, ATV trail access on their streets with no issues arising.
Town of Nackawic proposed an amendment to their existing 5-year by-law to add additional streets and supported the request for access on the Pokiok bridge to cross the St. John River to connect the trail network and tourist attractions such as their waterfront development and Kings Landing. This request has been approved.