The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) is putting the brakes on a proposal to allow All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on the CASO Trail in Ridgetown.
An information report to be presented at CK Council on Monday evening shows the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR), the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV), and the Chatham-Kent ATV Club are asking Entegrus and the Municipality to explore establishing a formal, managed trail system operated in partnership with ATV organizations on the CASO Trail and other sections of the corridor maintained by Entegrus.
The ATV groups contend that a model managing ATV access would provide greater oversight and risk management than the current situation of unauthorized ATV use.
The proposal includes the organizations providing $15 million in liability insurance, with Entegrus and participating municipalities named as additional insureds; distribution of rider permits, waivers, and risk acknowledgements; Trail Wardens to educate riders, monitor trail use, and encourage compliance; trail signage, rider education, and communication programs; digital trail mapping to manage and communicate trail openings, closures, and restrictions; and collaboration on enforcement, monitoring, and trail management.
"OFTR and OFATV state they have experience operating motorized recreation trails in partnership with municipalities and landowners throughout Ontario and believe that responsible ATV use can safely coexist with other trail users through appropriate rules, education, signage, monitoring, and enforcement," the report stated.
The Municipality noted the current easement agreement with Entegrus restricts recreation use on the CASO Trail to cyclists and pedestrians only and that Entegrus has not expressed interest in allowing ATV use on its corridor.
Administration said it does not support this request as ATV users have over 1,500 kilometres of gravel roads to utilize in Chatham-Kent and the CASO trail was intended as a safe space for walking, running, cycling, and enjoying nature without the hazards of a shared ATV use.
The Chatham-Kent Trails Council (CKTC) also does not support permitting ATVs on the CASO Trail, citing a history of unauthorized ATV use resulting in vandalism, infrastructure damage, trail surface deterioration, safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, and challenges related to enforcement along the 32 kilometre corridor.
"Neighbouring rail trails do not permit ATV use and that ATVs already have access to many municipal roads. CKTC recommends maintaining the current prohibition on ATVs, continuing to permit e-bikes, consulting with CKPS (CK police) regarding enforcement implications, and seeking input from Entegrus regarding potential impacts on existing trail agreements," CKTC noted.
The Municipality is exploring ways to prevent unauthorized ATV use and damage at the CASO recreational trail in Chatham-Kent.
