There’s a new bylaw on the table that could ban people from riding all-terrain vehicles in Princeton and some residents are rallying against the idea.
Motorized vehicles like snow mobiles, quads and dirt bikes have been prohibited on the section of the KVR trail that runs through the town since 2011.
The town recently put forward a bylaw that would completely ban people from riding ATVs anywhere in the community, even private property.
The idea isn’t sitting well with some residents like Cecile Anderson.
“We have to use it to clean the snow and we aren’t supposed to use it in town? Give me a break,” Anderson said.
Another resident, Jennifer Greening, told Global News she fears the impact it would have on the local economy.
ATV enthusiast and local resident, Ed Vermette, is leading the opposition to the bylaw.
“I don’t think council realizes the whole tourism dollar value to this whole thing,” Vermette said.
“We aren’t talking about 10 people, we are talking about hundreds of ATVs and off-road vehicles that want to come here and spend their money here.”
Vermette has started a petition in hopes of halting the motion before council puts the brake on ATVs. He said he has collected more than 500 signatures.
The town’s mayor said in 2011, several parents with young children, seniors and other residents cited safety concerns with having all terrain vehicles on the section of KVR trail and that’s what motivated the initial restriction.
“So people are feeling safe, they’re not feeling threatened and they’re not feeling intimidated,” Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage said.
“When we have invested over $200,000 in a walking trail, we are not just going to leave it wide open with no rules and regulations.”
Armitage said he doesn’t think expanding the ban to the entire community would negatively impact the local economy, but he said he’s willing to consider some changes.
While Vermette and other opponents say any restrictions are too much, the mayor said revoking the bylaw isn’t an option.
Town council is scheduled to review and adopt the bylaw on Monday, August 15. If passed, the fine would be $250 for the first infraction and $500 for every infraction after that.
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