A one-year pilot program to allow all-terrain vehicles and off-road vehicles on Penetanguishene roads will begin Sept. 1.
As regulated by the Highway Traffic Act, the Off-Road Vehicles Act, and two Ontario regulations, Penetanguishene had previously not permitted all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or off-road vehicles (ORVs) on the municipal roads, until a pilot project and a related municipal bylaw were approved at the recent meeting of regular council.
The one-year trial period was first explored in early 2023, and underwent discussions through council and committee meetings, open houses, and a survey through the town’s Connect Penetanguishene website before council approved the matter.
As approved, the pilot would permit ATVs on municipal roads through Aug. 31, 2025. Staff were additionally directed to work with the County of Simcoe to discuss possible permissions in county forests.
The survey produced more than 240 responses between March and May, summarized by town staff as having varying comments and concerns. These included the positive attributes for tourism and growth in the activity as well as an attraction for local businesses and better in-town transportation. However, safety and enforcement concerns were noted in the negative attributes.
To clarify those issues, the report listed the following:
- ATVs/ORVs are not permitted in town parks or on trails including the county forests;
- ATVs/ORVs are not permitted on County Road 93 into Midland, and Overhead Bridge Road, Lafontaine Road, Military Road and Champlain Road into Tiny Township;
- Vehicles must be plated and registered with the province in order to operate on a road; and
- There are requirements for safety equipment.
Also at the recent meeting of Penetanguishene council, a verbal presentation from Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment commander Insp. Todd Pittman included that the detachment could be looking into obtaining ATVs for increased patrol in communities with related bylaws.
A detailed staff report on the project and a survey summary were included in the June 12 committee of the whole agenda, available on the Town of Penetanguishene website.
