The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) is halting a proposal to permit All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on the CASO Trail in Ridgetown.
An information report set to be discussed at CK Council on Monday evening 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 urging Entegrus and the Municipality to consider creating a formal, managed trail system in collaboration 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 than the current situation involving unauthorized ATV use.
The proposal outlines that these organizations would provide $15 million in liability insurance, naming Entegrus and participating municipalities as additional insureds; distribution of rider permits, waivers, and risk acknowledgments; appointing Trail Wardens to educate riders, monitor trail usage, and promote compliance; providing trail signage, rider education, and communication programs; digital mapping for managing and conveying information about trail openings, closures, and restrictions; as well as cooperating 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. Moreover, Entegrus has not shown interest in permitting ATV use along its corridor.
Administration indicated it does not back this request since ATV users already have access to over 1,500 kilometers of gravel roads across Chatham-Kent. The CASO Trail was intended as a safe area for walking, running, cycling, and enjoying nature without the risks associated with shared use by ATVs.
The Chatham-Kent Trails Council (CKTC) also opposes allowing ATVs on the CASO Trail due to a history of unauthorized ATV activity leading to vandalism, damage to infrastructure, deterioration of trail surfaces, safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists alike along this 32-kilometer corridor.
“Neighbouring rail trails do not permit ATV use and that 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 feedback from Entegrus about potential impacts on existing trail agreements,” CKTC noted.
The Municipality is looking into ways to curb unauthorized ATV activity and prevent damage at the CASO recreational trail in Chatham-Kent.
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