By Karen Wolfe
Council for the Town of Georgina has decided to convert an ATV pilot project, that allowed winter ATV access to the lake via ward-created buffer zones, into a permanent situation. In addition, council is set to implement a pilot project that will allow ATV riders year-round access on town roads in Ward 5.
Currently under the pilot project, only ATVs (and not dirt bikes) are permitted on town roads in Ward-specific buffer zones which were selected to permit access to Lake Simcoe from December 15 to April 15.
The initiative, which was designed to give anglers with ATVs easier access to Georgina’s premier ice fishing grounds during the winter months, was deemed a success and will now become a permanent ruling going forward.
The changes to the ATV by-law will also include an amendment that will permit Ward 5 ATV owners who are licensed and insured, to ride their machines on Ward 5 town roads year round.
The lobby to approve ATVs on Town roads began in 2009 when several ATV owners approached council asking for the same public road access as snowmobiles were given years ago.
Town staff presented the two proposals to council at a June 19 council meeting and told council a by-law amendment is required to make both changes to the ATV regulations.
When the changes were discussed by council, staff was directed to return to council with a briefing note that would detail the specifics of the plan and have the bylaw amendment ready to be passed.
It is expected the issue will come back to council at the August 13 council meeting.
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