How do local ATV riders feel about a One-Trail System?

By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady

A few months ago, I met with representatives from the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV). Haldimand-Norfolk has many folks who are ATV enthusiasts, some have even formed clubs over the years. I’ve had my own ATVs over the years too, so meeting with the OFATV and hearing their concerns seemed a no brainer.

The OFATV told me about their tireless work approaching government and public stakeholders to enable the introduction of a One-Trail permitting system to unify Ontario’s ATV trail network under one governing body. The One-Trail System will improve rider safety, spur tourism, and connect communities under a proven self-sustaining funding model.

Rider safety is a top goal for OFATV in implementing this One-Trail system. I believe enthusiasts should be able to enjoy Ontario’s great outdoors in a safe and environmentally respectful way. OFATV has been working closely with municipalities, the provincial government, and the Ontario Provincial Police to ensure that the One-Trail plan makes ATVing in Ontario as safe as possible.

The One-Trail system will include several elements to ensure that riders, particularly youth, are properly trained and using vehicles that are right for them. The implementation of the One-Trail system will come with mandatory safety training for youth and offer training resources for riders of all ages.

OFATV marks trails with universal signage to ensure that riders understand the indicators wherever they are in the province. OFATV uses a decentralized, self-funded trail maintenance model to distribute funding equitably to member clubs across the province.

In many jurisdictions, OFATV has been a responsible stakeholder in promoting rider safety and respect for the rules of the road. Rarely, ATV riders are seen on public roads and cutting across private property, but fortunately the vast majority of riders obey the laws and refrain from those detours. I’m thinking that the OFATV’s One-Trail system of education and a continuum of trails will cut those instances down substantially. 

The economics of ATVing are compelling. Beyond being a fun and exciting way to enjoy nature, ATV tourism contributes to local economies all over Ontario, contributing over $3.7 million in tourism spending across the province in 2022 (as of writing I don’t have the tally for 2023). But I do believe that ATV tourism presents countless opportunities for local retailers, restaurants, and hotels in communities along the trails. As communities in Haldimand-Norfolk become better connected by road and trail, more and more communities along the trails can capitalize on the influx of adventurous Ontarians riding through their locales looking to experience some of what the area has to offer.

The warm weather will be gone before we know it so get out there and soak it up now.  Find ways to get outside and explore all that Ontario has to offer. And if you feel the passion to the point where you want to become an OFATV member or to start an OFATV club in your area, please contact [email protected]. I’d also be interested in knowing your thoughts on the One Trail System – whether you think it’s a good idea locally, or you are content with the current state of things.

This summer I’ll be heading out to ride with the OFATV.  Just as I had them in my office, they’re going to have me in their office—the great outdoors of Ontario.

Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk