The Town of Port Hawkesbury is discussing a new by-law that could allow ATV riders to use some of the town’s main roads.
The by-law would let people access trails throughout the region by driving their ATV straight from their house to the trail instead of having to tow it on a trailer. It would also let people from outside the community who make the trip to enjoy the local trails enter the community on their ATVs.
Councillor Jason Aucoin brought the item forward at this week’s town council meeting. He says it would be a boost to Port Hawkesbury’s economy, particularly in shoulder seasons.
“It’s an opportunity for people on the trails to come into the town of Port Hawkesbury, to get fuel, eat at restaurants and give a little boost to our economy for our small businesses,” said Aucoin. “This time of year, with tourism being such a big focus, any new people you get into the area, spending a few extra dollars, really goes a long way.”
A similar by-law is in the advanced stages of getting approved by the Town of Yarmouth, it’s currently in it’s second reading. Aucoin says he has spoken with officials from Yarmouth about how to implement the by-law but says there are some key differences to consider.
“It’s a little bit of a different situation there. They’re trying to connect two trails by one street, whereas in Port Hawkesbury, I’m asking the council to allow residents to leave their homes to access trails and to allow people to come in from trails into our town,” said Aucoin.
Should the by-law go forward, it would require anyone who drives an ATV on a main road to hold a valid drivers license and for the ATV to be registered and insured.
