Council debates fate of ATV pilot program
Kawartha Lakes residents say trails for kids, cyclists
With the ATV pilot program having come to an end in Kawartha Lakes, council now faces the decision of making it permanent or completely pulling the plug.
Council was provided with considerable food for thought during Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, courtesy of a report by public works director Bryan Robinson and three public deputations.
In 2022, council created routes in various Kawartha Lakes communities to be used for all-terrain vehicles.
The pilot has been well-received by users, particularly members of the Kawartha ATV Association, said group president Carolyn Richards. She noted the group has tried to make the pilot a success, including personally providing space near Lindsay’s downtown for riders to park their machines.
Ward 5 Coun. Eric Smeaton applauded the group’s efforts noting that, while he didn’t support intown ATV routes, the ATV group has proven to be a valuable municipal resource.
Municipal law enforcement has also been working with local police to monitor the use of the routes.
Robinson’s report showed that 12 complaints were received the first year (May 2022 to April 2023) and one in year two (May 2023 to January 2024).
Kawartha Lakes Police Service received nine assorted ATV complaints, with only two related directly to the roads within the pilot project, councillors heard.
Kawartha Lakes OPP received 27 assorted ATV complaints, none of the issues appear to have occurred on roads within the scope of the pilot project.
Residents Don Hughes and William Steffler didn’t dispute this, but told council — in their opinion — the pilot has failed.
Hughes, whose property backs onto the Victoria Rail Trail, has seen an increase in non-permitted vehicles, specifically dirt bikes and a noticeable decrease in cyclists, pedestrians and families with small children.
He pointed out, given Lindsay’s anticipated growth, the city should be creating more walking and cycling trails, not supporting in-town ATV use.
Like Hughes, Steffler asked council to discontinue the ATV route program, citing similar concerns. He also presented another issue; the environmental impact.
Steffler added “encouraging the further consumption of fossil fuels” runs counter to the municipality’s Active Transportation Master Plan, health and wellness, and environmental protection efforts.
Since the pilot expired Dec. 31, 2023, should council agree with Hughes and Steffler, and opt to revert to the original bylaw, the net effect would be staff time working with KATVA to remove the signs currently in place.
If council opts to make the pilot program road routes permanent, staff would be directed to make the amendments, which included the pilot roads a permanent part of the bylaw.
Council expects to make a decision during a regular meeting March 19.