Photos courtesy Virgil Knapp.
Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Region isn't wasting any time passing bylaws to enhance its multi-use trail system.
The area has become the first Ontario Tourism Region to update and pass new by-laws approving changes to the Ontario Off-Road Vehicle Act.
The legislation changes in Ontario came into effect on July 1st.
The update permits the use of UTV’s commonly known as Side by Sides and allows passengers to ride along with drivers on approved ATV models, on the shoulder of municipal roadways.
Local municipal governments must pass local by-laws confirming approval of the permitted uses.
More information on legislative changes here:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/drive-ATV-faq.shtml
The region, located just three and a half hours from Toronto and Ottawa, boasts some of the most extensive family oriented motorsports opportunities in the world. The Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System has had for over a decade 300 km of signed and mapped trails that include many scenic unique trail side attractions.
The Boulter Conservation area in Bonfield on the northern edge of Algonquin Park is also home to hundreds of kilometres of trails as well as many scenic locations.
The local trail systems are enjoyed by hikers, equestrian riders, mountain bikers, off-road motorcyclists, off road trucks / jeeps and ATV’s / Side by Side users.
The 1,100km square tourism region is comprised of the Township of Bonfield, Municipality of Calvin, Town of Mattawa, Municipality of Mattawan and Township of Papineau-Cameron.
It's home to over 350 km of maintained roads by the local municipalities as well as thousands of kilometres of un-maintained crown land forest roads and trails. Together the local roads, organized multi use trails systems and crown forestry roads form thousands of kilometres of riding routes for off road vehicle users.
“Being legally able to access the trail system from lodgings, restaurants, gas stations etc., without having to trailer their off road vehicle to the trail head will be a big draw for these recreational tourists. We expect that there will be an increase in the tourism in the area which will be a big win the not only the trail system but for businesses and communities in the area” said Roger Janveaux, President of the Voyageur Multi Use Trails System.
“The MBEDC’s (Mattawa Bonfield Economic Development Corporation) strategic plan identifies local trail networks as major tourism, cultural and recreational resources. The report identifies that we must continue to build on the success of our trail assets, and this legislative update will assist us in achieving further economic success,” said Jeff McGirr, Director of Economic Development.
