No ATV's on our Roads

Having attended a meeting of the Kawartha ATV Association in Pontypool and having reviewed their proposal, and the Highway Traffic Act, I feel that opening roads to ATV traffic is a recipe for disaster. I state this on many different levels as follows:
Noise pollution. The noise of one is tolerable, but they generally travel in packs.
Air pollution it is not only about the burning of fossil fuels, but also the airborne dust, dirt, pollen.
Safety for the ATV driver due to the rolling terrain. Visibility issues for other drivers.
Safety of pets.
Safety of wildlife.
More accessibility increases the potential for vandalism and theft.
Erosion of roads and shoulders. Increase of potholes.
Increased Law Enforcement officers would be required to ensure licensing both of the driver and the ATV, and certainty that their vehicle is insured and road safe.
Can our emergency department(s) handle the potential of more caseloads due to ATV accidents?

Further concerns about potential increased ATV traffic within the area:
Wildlife disruption and destruction of habitat
Damage to trees, seedlings, native plants, and other flora
Destruction of private property
Disregard for signage (i.e. No Trespassing, No Motorized Vehicles Allowed, etc.)
Further confrontations with land owners


The southern portion of City of Kawartha Lakes has more population and more commuters than the northern section. We are much less of a recreation area than our counterpart to the north. Considering all of the above listed points, the following must be addressed also before making bylaw changes:
Many of our taxpayers work shift-work, and need to sleep at irregular hours. The noise of ATVs is disruptive.
Others have retired to the country for a little peace and quiet and have chosen this beautiful area for its tranquility rather than waterfront areas with the noise of motorized watercraft.
Future permanent residents may bypass our area because of some (or all) of the above listed issues.
Others already living here may want to try to sell. As we all know, this will be difficult with our current softened economy.
Many of us are active hikers, bikers, joggers or just dog-walkers. We are getting healthy exercise and enjoying nature. ATVs do not enhance any of these activities.


To every problem there can be a solution. One possible resolve would be to provide increased parking for vehicles and trailers and better offloading facilities at the authorized ATV trails.

We the undersigned are opposed to the opening of any roads to ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) in the southern portion of City of Kawartha Lakes.