The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) is halting a proposal to allow All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on the CASO Trail in Ridgetown.
An information report set to be presented at CK Council on Monday night reveals that the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR), the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV), and the Chatham-Kent ATV Club are asking Entegrus and the Municipality to consider creating a formal, managed trail system operated in partnership with ATV organizations on the CASO Trail and other parts of the corridor maintained by Entegrus.
The ATV groups argue that a managed model for ATV access would offer better oversight and risk management compared to the current situation of unauthorized ATV usage.
The proposal includes these organizations providing $15 million in liability insurance, naming Entegrus and participating municipalities as additional insureds; distribution of rider permits, waivers, and risk acknowledgments; having Trail Wardens to educate riders, monitor trail use, and promote compliance; implementing trail signage, rider education, and communication programs; digital trail mapping to manage and inform about trail openings, closures, and restrictions; along with collaboration on enforcement, monitoring, and trail management.
“OFTR and OFATV state they have experience operating motorized recreation trails in partnership with municipalities and landowners throughout Ontario and believe that responsible ATV use can safely coexist with other trail users through appropriate rules, education, signage, monitoring, and enforcement,” the report stated.
The Municipality pointed out that the current easement agreement with Entegrus limits recreational use on the CASO Trail to cyclists and pedestrians only. Furthermore, Entegrus has not shown any interest in allowing ATV use along its corridor.
Administration indicated it does not support this request since ATV users already have over 1,500 kilometers of gravel roads available in Chatham-Kent. The CASO Trail was designed as a safe area for walking, running, cycling, and enjoying nature without concerns from shared ATV usage.
The Chatham-Kent Trails Council (CKTC) also opposes allowing ATVs on the CASO Trail. They cite previous instances of unauthorized ATV use leading to vandalism, infrastructure damage, deterioration of trail surfaces, safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists alike, as well as enforcement challenges along the 32-kilometer corridor.
“Neighboring rail trails do not permit ATV use. ATVs already have access to many municipal roads. CKTC recommends maintaining the current prohibition on ATVs while continuing to allow e-bikes. They also suggest consulting with CKPS (CK police) regarding enforcement implications while seeking input from Entegrus about potential impacts on existing trail agreements,” CKTC noted.
The Municipality is looking into ways to prevent unauthorized ATV usage and damage at the CASO recreational trail in Chatham-Kent.
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