The ‘no ATV’ signs in Port Sydney could come down this spring for a one-year trial period to assess the impact the move would have on the local community.
Following a request last month from Port Sydney residents Leon Braithwaite and Mike Fedorowich to have restrictions on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the area lifted, a public meeting was held during the February 28 General Committee meeting to hear community input.
Residents on both sides of the issue spoke during the meeting.
Those against lifting the restriction cited concerns about increased noise, increased traffic on already busy roads in the summer, and ATVs using snowmobile trails and walking trails and trespassing on private property due to the lack of ATV-specific trails and Crown land in the area. One said that ATV users “don’t want to ride the roads, they want to ride trails,” while another noted that it’s difficult to enforce trail usage. Another speaker suggested that lifting the restriction would be a threat to snowmobiling in the area because “people aren’t going to want noise year-round.”
We don’t want them, quite frankly. I have an ATV, I have a snow machine. I’m an outdoorsman. I have a full understanding of the potential problem in the future if this goes through… We are not concerned with responsible riders, we are concerned with the ones that are causing a concern now.
Port Sydney resident opposed to lifting ATV restrictions in the area
Those in favour of lifting the restriction questioned the logic of having it in place when ATVs are permitted on roads outside of the restricted area, and one said that there will “always be people who abuse [the laws], just as with snowmobiles and boats.” Another noted that the issue is more a problem of enforcement.
Yes, there is bad apples in every barrel but I think personally it would help the economy in Port Sydney. I’ve seen it up north where there is ATV trails. Everybody seems to think we are going to go around and terrify the whole village.
Port Sydney resident in favour of lifting ATV restrictions in the area
In a later discussion in the meeting, Councillor Det Schumacher reminded his fellow committee members that they’d been asked to open up the restrictions on road usage for ATVs, even though many of the comments made earlier by residents were regarding trail use.
“What I’m hearing here today is not about an ATV going to get gas, it’s a conflict between snowmobilers, ATVs, and land owners,” said Schumacher. “That’s not what we are deciding about. We have had a request to open up the urban area of Port Sydney so that people with an ATV, if they’d like to, can drive to get gas or get lunch and go back home… We’re looking at should we allow somebody that’s got the legal right to drive on roads everywhere else other than the urban core to get from his house to the gas station.” He said he’d support lifting the restriction for a year to see what impact it has on the area.
This section of the Town of Huntsville ATV map shows the restricted area in Port Sydney
Schumacher also suggested that, with snowmobile usage declining due to changing weather patterns, residents interested in promoting ATV usage in the area could “form an association and maybe build some trails in the Port Sydney area to get to other places and stay clear of snowmobile trails.”
Mayor Scott Aitchison, prompted by comments that ATV enthusiasts have been using a trail intended for walking, added that the Town “needs to ensure that ATVs and walkers or skiers aren’t mixing. I’d like to see a report on all those trails that we should be properly gating or putting bollards in so vehicular traffic doesn’t go down it. ATV use is increasing. Like Councillor Schumacher said, there are fewer snowmobiles because there’s not enough winter here anymore.”
Councillor Jason FitzGerald agreed that a one-year trial period would be a good idea, followed by another public meeting if necessary. He referenced areas to the north of Huntsville, like Kearney, that have successfully welcomed ATV users. “I think their trail system is quite intricate and they have larger groups of riders which I don’t think we’ll experience in Port Sydney… You are always going to have people that break the law. They shouldn’t be on the trails and that’s what a lot of the complaints were based on.”
The conversation then shifted to other areas in Huntsville with ATV restrictions — downtown Huntsville and Hidden Valley.
Councillor Bob Stone said that the Economic Development Committee has had discussions and is “still entertaining the idea of looking at bringing ATVs downtown as well. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to see if there’s any problems in Port Sydney and we’d very much like to open downtown.”
Councillor Dan Armour noted that ATVs are allowed on Townline Road but the District signs on Brunel prohibit access from there and wondered if the signs could be moved closer to town.
And Mayor Scott Aitchison suggested that Hidden Valley should be included as well. “It’s a recreational area… Some people do it and there’s no complaints about it. These are recreational vehicles and that’s a recreational community. What if Deerhurst decided they wanted to have ATV tours and stuff like that and they couldn’t cross the road and of course that wouldn’t be allowed?”
But in the end, the suggested bylaw amendment to lift the ATV restrictions addressed only Port Sydney for a one-year period. It will go before Huntsville Council at its next meeting at the end of March and, if approved, District Council will be asked to follow suit at their April meeting.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.
Mr. Ryeland your comments are what I would expect from an ATV organization but have NO relevance to what I am writing about. Have you been to the waterfront area of Port Sydney or are you just sending out the template reply…PS : Your comment about ATVs on paved roads is especially irrelevant here as the entire travelled portion of the roads I speak of are paved….There are no organized off road trail systems here and so the drivers are often on paved roads illegally and have no concern about tire wear….PS : I hope Parry Sound makes millions…It’s on the map and they apparently want Your business !
If you read my comments then you would know what makes me happy and as I expected people translate my comments into slamming ATV owners and operators and that is and never was….This is about SAFETY and Need and both are a huge concern for the Village Waterfront Area which is a Community Safety Zone,…Do you know the name of the local ATV club which operates in Port Sydney with NO Atzv trail system because I don’t. Thank You
Kudo’s to Huntsville Council!! I deal with ATVing issues daily with my position at Park to Park Trails. Whether you like them or not, ATV’s are here to stay and it is much better to deal with them rather than stick your head in the sand. As stated by Andrew Ryeland, Parry Sound has allowed them on all roads for almost two years now and have had one or two minor issues in the first but nothing last year. Most ATV riders are considerate and mature enough to realize that it is a privilege to be able to ride roads to get to services or trail access points. As with any sport whether atving/sledding/cycling/etc you’ll always have a few that try to abuse it but truthfully they will regardless(in the case of ATV’s) of having legal access to use roads or not. This is what I believe we have police for; to call if something is happening that shouldn’t. Same as if it were a car etc. As I am seeing on the Parry Sound side this access also brings with it economic benefits .
This is a great move. Unfortunately, there is an irrational fear that ATVs will be noisy and unruly.
First, if you stood beside a car and an ATV and revved their engines the car would definitely drown out the ATV, These machines are not the 2 stroke variety of 20 years ago.
Second, many towns in Ontario, including Parry Sound, have recognized that ATVs are safe vehicles that are no different than motorcycles on all of its roads. Ontario’s world-famous Park to Park Trail system links Killbear Provincial Park to Algonquin Provincial Park. The Georgian Bay, side of this 250km + trail and all of its municipalities welcome ATVers and the tourism they bring. This same trail delivers adventurers to your doorstep and they would love to spend money there I’m sure.
No ATVer wants to drive on the pavement because it wears down the machine’s tires. We do, however, enjoy the aspect of visiting the local sites, businesses, restaurants and all other attractions open to any other visitor.
I’d suggest that elected officials survey towns in this area and learn from their experience.
Andrew Ryeland
President – ATVOntario Tourism Initiatives Inc.
Port Sydney has been a recreational vacation spot since vacationing started in our area.
Great to see some positive moves made for ATV’S.
I think it will be great. Yes, there will be a few who abuse it. It will be nice to be able to get to the gas station or stop by for a swim or an ice cream. These are things I would have done many times last summer if I could have gotten there. Instead I turned around and went home after riding. If I could have we would have stopped for a swim and probably spent a bunch of money at the store. It bugs me that because we are into power sports we are hated and shunned. I travel five hours north to ride because I can ride down the back roads, check out some trails and go to the store where after a week up there I have spent anywhere from $500-$1000. Just wish I could use my $30,000 dollar machine around home and not just the few weeks I spend up north.
Mr Beatty
I really wonder what exactly would make you happy?
Unless properly posted signs are placed you cannot complain about where they park. You are painting the whole group of responsible ATV and UTV riders with the same brush.
Just like there are unresponsible boaters, motorclye, and snowmobile riders there are a few that ruin it for everyone else.
We need a program similar to the one the snowmobile association uses to enforce this bylaw. The OPP are busy enough with more important public problems.
I would suggest that you take the time and try to work with your local ATV club to help find a solution with a open mind.
I am sure that your children or maybe even grandchildren would enjoy using the recreational vehicles on the trail network. Be it an ATV or mountain bikes
For all those that do ride try to remember that it is a privilege to ride on these trail not your right, and your actions affect everyone.
Thank You Mr. Beatty
P.S…..Don’t be surprised when they are parked on the grassed areas of the Beach in the Summer…because they can !
Huge mistake…Extremely disappointed in this decision…..Will do nothing for tourism other than discourage and endanger people in the Beach area……Trial should have been to bridge at one end and Pine Lodge at other end of District Rd. 10 ……This is certainly not a decision for the large majority of full time residents but a small amount of local owners……Wrong!!!!!!