MPP Clark Tables Motion to Create One-Permit Trail System for ATVs

Enhanced trail network will improve rider safety and provide economic spin-off for communities by making Ontario a destination for riders

BROCKVILLE – Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, has tabled a motion to create a one-permit trail system for all-terrain vehicles in Ontario.

MPP Clark’s motion is scheduled to be debated in the Ontario Legislature on March 4, 2025. In a Member’s Statement at Queen’s Park last week, he said the motion follows after a trail tour he did with members of the Thousand Islands and Johnstown ATV Clubs, and the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) earlier in the fall.

“I saw the passion riders have for maintaining trails, their respect for property owners, how they support small businesses, and raise funds for community groups,” said Clark. “But they told me there is so much more potential for ATV’ing. The missing piece is what exists for Ontario’s 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails: a One-Permit Trail System. This would allow users – whether from Ontario or from beyond – to purchase one annual pass to access thousands of kilometres of trails.”

A One-Permit Trail System is supported by the majority of ATV clubs in Ontario, including the Johnstown and Thousand Islands clubs, however, MPP Clark’s motion provides the ability for individual clubs to opt-out.

MOTION TEXT:
Private Members’ Notice of Motion #176 Filed December 3, 2024 That, in the opinion of this house, the Government of Ontario should work with the trail management clubs to establish a one-permit system for trails, and that individual clubs be provided with an option to opt-out.

Ontario is the second largest province for ATV use with more than 300,000 insured vehicles, however, it is the only province without some sort of comprehensive trail permit system in place.

Providing a single permit simplifies the process for ATV riders from across Ontario and beyond to access trails and creates a source of revenue that can be used to enhance trail systems.

“These investments will increase rider safety and the responsible use of trails, which is a benefit to property owners and municipalities,” said Clark. “Better connected, safer, and well-maintained trails will increase the opportunity for tourism and provide economic spin-offs for businesses and communities across Ontario.”

Clark thanked the Ministry of Transportation and OFATV for working with him and for their support.

“Every year, ATV riders across our province take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, adding more than $6 billion to Ontario’s economy,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is proud to invest in trail improvements and safety campaigns and will continue to work with ATV clubs to improve Ontario’s trail system for everyone.”

“By working with industry to implement a unified system, the Government of Ontario will position this expanding sector for exponential growth, benefiting riders, individual clubs, and local economies throughout the province,” said Shari Black, Executive Director of OFATV. “OFATV applauds the initiative of MPP Clark for raising this motion and eagerly awaits a government decision on the matter. Our team is more than willing to be an active partner in informing, designing, implementing, and operating a unified trail system.”