County approves review of ATVs on roads
Public consultations planned for update of transportation plan
County councillors have backed a plan to update Peterborough County’s transportation master plan and undertake a comprehensive review and public consultation process concerning the use of off-road vehicles on county roads.
A request for proposals will be prepared and issued to update the 2014 document, starting next year, after councillors approved a staff recommendation during Wednesday’s second-last meeting before the Oct. 22 municipal elections.
The decision followed a report on the possible expansion of off-road vehicle use on county roads by Frank Cowan Co. road specialist Brian Anderson, a former public works manager who works for the insurer.
Five other alternatives were also presented to council, ranging from maintaining the status quo by doing nothing to repealing the existing bylaw and prohibiting off-road vehicles.
Some of the options carried more financial impact, such as cost increases related to road shoulder maintenance and inspection, enforcement needs and risk/liability.
Wednesday’s decision does not have any financial implications — any extra costs would be in next year’s budget, acting director of public works Bryan Weir confirmed after Coun. Bev Matthews reminded council it is sitting in “lame duck mode.”
Off-road vehicles are currently allowed on designated county roadways, but the Peterborough County Trails ATV Club requested seven additional routes in April that would connect trails between the city and the Ottawa Valley and areas to the north.
The potential links include sections of county roads 6, 44, 48, 46, 42, 52 and 504 ranging from 0.5 to five kilometres.
Council considered a proposed amendment to county ATV bylaw in May that would allow the requests for a one-year trial period and direct staff to report back at the end advising of any complaints, the number of crashes and overall general comments.
That motion was withdrawn
Wednesday by Coun. Jim Martin, without objection. He said he hopes the broader move of updating the transportation plan will take care of some of the other issues that have been discussed this year.
As councillors discussed the recommendation, Coun. Mary Smith said it would be premature for the county to take a position before knowing the position of the townships.
Coun. J. Murray Jones agreed, asking how the municipalities can have wholesome debate before getting details from a comprehensive review. “Let’s get all of the information before anyone makes their mind up about anything.”
The townships will play a key role in the process, Coun. Scott McFadden said, adding he doesn’t want to see the county waste money or time reviewing roads where links haven’t been requested by the ATV club.
The public consultation has to go beyond ATV groups, Smith added, highlighting local efforts to make the region a destination for cyclists.
After the recommendation was approved, she also urged a communication plan to the public that emphasizes safety and getting citizens to report illegal activity.
The county subsequently issued a press release reminding people that no changes have been made to existing off-road vehicle allowances on county roads 46 and 48.
The decision also followed a delegation by Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee chairman Larry Tyldsley, who voiced concerns over what expansion of off-road vehicle routes would do to the PeterboroughHastings Trail.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited from the trail during summer. He has already seen evidence of off-roaders flouting the rules.
“If ATVs are allowed to use the paved shoulder, I guarantee there will be an increase of motorized use of that trail,” he said, explaining how that could lead to conflict. “This trail was put there to encourage people to get out and be physically active.”
County council also received letters from committee vicechairwoman Marilyn Freeman and B! KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub executive director Tegan Moss expressing safety concerns over possible ATV use of more paved shoulders.
NOTE: See more county council coverage on Page A3.