With 30 spectators in the gallery at the last Council meeting, it was clear a new issue was touching a nerve with some community members.
The item of interest was a report presented by Parks and Facilities Manager Gerry Barker regarding potential routes for consideration for on-road All-Terrain Vehicle traffic.
The report was prepared in response to a delegation led by Cavan resident Al Steele presented at the May 6th meeting requesting assistance in developing a route for off-road vehicles. With support from the Kawartha ATV Association, the delegation was asking the municipality to establish a link that would connect the trail system in the City of Kawartha Lakes to the Ganaraska Trail system south of Millbrook. Ideally these trails would follow abandoned rail beds, unopened road allowances or travel on municipal property to avoid ATV travel on public roads.
Staff reviewed the options, but no clear route emerged that met these criteria, so any link between the two trail systems will require allowing ATV access on municipal roads. Through discussions held in June between township staff and Kawartha ATV Association members promoting this trail link, several routes were identified where there is very little residential build up to minimize disruption to residents.
The delegation also requested that a route be established that would allow ATV traffic to enter Millbrook to purchase food, fuel and other amenities, suggesting the vehicles be permitted from 9 am to 7:30 pm daily for this purpose.
Municipalities have sole authority to determine whether or not to allow off-road vehicle traffic on municipal roads through municipal by-laws. They may also create rules to specify the months and/or hours that ATVs and ORVs can operate on their roads.
Given the interest the topic has generated already and the number of residents affected by the proposed routes, Council opted to hold a number of public meetings to allow residents plenty of opportunity to voice their comments and concerns. While each meeting will be focused on a specific section of the proposed routes, the public is welcome to attend any and all of them to learn more about this recreational opportunity that seems to have generated an enthusiastic response from both sides. The first meeting is scheduled for September. KG
