Town council has something to say to people complaining about their decision to ban ATVs on the Trans Canada trail in Princeton: the ban is here to stay.
“By far the vast majority of communities in British Columbia, including all the Lower Mainland and Okanagan Valley, do not allow the use of motorized vehicles on urban trails within their communities,” says a letter by council.
The ban will allow the trail to continue to receive government funding for maintenance and improvements, the letter added.
The letter was written in the wake of several complaints received by town council, including one from three Vermilion Trails directors saying the decision to ban motorized vehicles was done in haste and without the proper homework done.
The letter said funding will not be cut off because the trail hasn’t been officially designated as non-motorized by the government.
But the letter from council insists the trails must be non-motorized to receive funding, and they don’t plan on changing the ban.
Town council also sites safety concerns as a reason to ban ATVs.
“Council is aware that the majority of off-road motorized users operate their machines in a safe manner... However, motorized vehicles that are operated irresponsibly present an enormous safety concern for other trail users,” council’s letter says.
Council members are particularly worried about congestion during the summer months.
Council said it is the town’s responsibility to ensure the trail is safe and enjoyable for people who walk on the trail, hikers and non-motorized bikers.
The letter will be passed out to motorized vehicle groups in response to complaints town hall receives about the ban.