Skip to content

ATVs on South Porcupine trail a concern

Conservation authority encourages people to report violators to police
2017-11-07 MRCA ATVs SUB
Northern College president Fred Gibbons, City of Timmins Manager of Parks and Recreation and Building Maintenance Glenn Thurston, Mattagami Region Conservation Authority general manager David Vallier and Timmins Police Sgt. Tom Chypyha behind Northern College, where ATV drivers have caused damage.

NEWS RELEASE
MATTAGAMI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
*************************
The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) is reminding the public that all walking trails, conservation areas and city parks are off limits to motorized vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes and snow machines. Violators could face charges and fines under the Trespass to Property Act and/or the Conservation Authority Act of Ontario.

Many complaints have been received about the use of motorized vehicles on walking trails. The safety of cyclists and pedestrians, often with young children and strollers, is at risk. Photos have also been received of youth driving ATVs, and parents are asked to recognize the dangers of allowing ATV use on walking trails, City property and other private properties.

One area of concern is the trail behind Northern College. ATVs are being used on the open areas between White Waterfront Park and Northern College at great speeds causing damage and concern for pedestrians. To help ensure public safety, the MRCA is asking anyone who sees an ATV or other motorized vehicle on the trail to get the license plate number and contact the Timmins Police.

Currently, more than 55 km of trails throughout the City of Timmins and in conservation areas are maintained by the MRCA for hikers and cyclists to enjoy. Much effort goes into beautifying our open space areas each year and it only takes a few inconsiderate operators to undo what has taken years to complete.

The MRCA is a community-based environmental protection agency that has been actively involved in the management and protection of our watershed resources for over 50 years. Our goal is to make sure we have a healthy environment in which to work and play both now and in the years to come.

*************************