Dear Editor,
A report is currently being prepared for North Perth Council to respond to a request by North Perth ATV Association to allow ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) use of the Listowel-Atwood-Henfryn Trail.
This is a serious development undermining the original and current purposes of this trail for walking, running, and biking.
To quote North Perth’s Parks and Recreation Services Master Plan (2017) “To preserve the trails’ condition and limit path destruction for users, all-terrain vehicles are not permitted.”
Why then would council be even consider allowing ATV’s to use this trail? In this same study, the highest activity of North Perth households was hiking and walking for leisure (63 per cent) and 76 per cent supported or strongly supported nature trails. Students were also surveyed and 93 per cent responded with ‘I love this and like this’ to bike paths and trails.
A major study done by Acadia University in Nova Scotia has shown that when motorized vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on bike and pedestrian trails, recreation displacement occurs where bikers and pedestrians no longer feel safe to use the trail.
North Perth’s Master Plan #4 calls for “Connected Parks and Trails: Maintain a well-designed network of parks and trails that connects our communities, preserves our natural environment, promotes tourism, and encourages healthy and active living.”
During the recent pandemic when recreation facilities were closed or limited, the rail trail from Henfryn to Listowel was available for safe and healthy exercise and promoted mental well-being in a scenic setting of nature. We need these trails to remain as they were first developed – for the active modes of transportation of walking, running and biking.
I am appealing to council members to stay true to their Master Plan and the integrity of trails and trail connections and only allow “active transportation” (running, walking, biking) on community trails.
The Acadian University study proved that there were severe environmental concerns, noise levels and negative social impacts when ATV use was introduced on community trails.
Please contact your local council member to let them know how important these trails are to this community and to your family. Having motorized vehicles (ATVs) on them will destroy not only the trail itself but also the healthy benefits that come from using the trail in an active way.
This issue is on the council meeting agenda scheduled May 6 so it is imperative to have your voice heard before then.
This is a safety issue and important to preserve a highly-used trail loved by many. We deserve a maintained trail where children, adults, seniors, pets, and everyone can enjoy without the worry of vehicles.
Peter Hammermueller, Atwood
