‘Absolutely wonderful’: First year of New Tecumseth ATV bylaw proves to be smooth ride

There have been few bumps in the road when it comes to the bylaw passed one year ago allowing ATV riders to use local roads to access trails or do shopping in town.

New Tecumseth recently conducted a review of the bylaw it passed in November 2019.

In his one-year report, municipal law enforcement supervisor Chris Glanville said no charges were laid throughout the year by either police or the town — but that’s not to say things were perfect.

The OPP did receive 32 complaints and issue 13 warnings. Three accidents were also reported, but none resulted in a death.

The town’s bylaw department, meanwhile, fielded three complaints, but didn’t issue any warnings.

The cost for police to investigate the complaints was a little more than $3,300, while the town spent about $478. But the town did spend an additional $3,775 to place new signs around town.

There were also no issues to report from the Ontario ATV Clubs.

At the Nov. 2 committee-of-the-whole meeting, Glanville said he also spoke to the OPP detachment and was told the past year was “pretty much status quo” compared to others.

Glanville will be bringing additional information to the Nov. 30 council meeting, comparing this past year with other recent years. He will also report back on complaints as it relates to dirt bikes being used illegally on roads, which is an issue about which some members of council receive regular complaints.

ATV user and Tottenham resident Patrick Pyke created a petition in 2018 that helped convince council to pass the bylaw.

He said he is pleased with how the first year has gone.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful,” he said. “I can go into town and not have to take my truck if I need to go to the store or Timmies. It’s a lot easier to get to the trails, too.”

ATV users are permitted to use all municipal roads except for Industrial Parkway — the busy bypass used by dump trucks and transport vehicles — between Highway 89 and Young Street.

ATVs are also not allowed to use county roads, like Tottenham Road, or provincial highways like Highway 89.

Pyke encourages other municipalities that haven’t put rules in place to look at these results.

“Give it a shot,” he said. “It will bring a lot more tourism in to the area. It’s a big plus all around for the town and for us as ATVers.”

Prior to New Tecumseth passing the bylaw, Adjala-Tosorontio was the only local municipality with a bylaw allowing ATVs on municipal roads.

Essa Township has been studying the issue, and council is expected to consider putting a trial bylaw in place in the spring.

Other municipalities in Simcoe County that allow ATVs on roads or select roads include Innisfil, Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Springwater, Severn and Tiny. The specific rules vary in each municipality.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Simcoe.com wanted to revisit the ATV bylaw that council passed one year ago to see how things went for the municipality and local riders.