Dear Editor;
I am writing to express my concern about the request to allow ATVs to use the Listowel-Atwood-Henfryn Trail.
I was on the North Perth Trails Committee when it first formed and spent countless volunteer hours on its creation.
I volunteered alongside other residents who were (and are) passionate about having a recreational trail for walking, running, and biking.
We raised money for building materials and labour, for a recreational trail that focused on pedestrian use not ATV use.
We also invested countless hours planting trees, to beautify and naturalize the trail for the enjoyment of pedestrians and wildlife.
Shortly after the trail was completed, there was a request to the town council for ATV access. At the time the request was declined. As far as I’m concerned, nothing has changed since then. North Perth still needs a place for residents to be active and enjoy the outdoors. Introducing ATVs would be detrimental to the ability for pedestrians to use the trail.
The Listowel-Atwood-Henfryn Trail can be used by pedestrians to go outside to be active, bird, and enjoy nature. As North Perth continues to grow (and have more traffic), it’s crucial that these public spaces be preserved for pedestrian recreational use. Introducing ATVs onto this trail would tremendously reduce pedestrian safety.
I would also like to note that the size of ATVs has gotten tremendously larger over the last number of years. There are now four and six-passenger ATVs. This is essentially a car. I think we can all agree that cars shouldn’t use the trail, so why would we let ATVs?
I urge council to decline the request from the North Perth ATV Association to allow ATVs to use the Listowel-Atwood-Henfryn Trail. Please keep pedestrians safe.
