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 initiat