Oxford residents began noticing the signs on October 10th, marking the path through the town that ATVs are now allowed to follow under the Road Trails Designation Bylaw, which came into effect after years of anticipation. The provincial government approved the Road Trails Act on September 29, 2023 after years of lobbying, giving municipalities the ability to pass bylaws permitting limited access to local streets. The Town of Oxford passed the bylaw in June, 2024, but it only came into force on October 10th, with the installation of road signs and the posting of public notice.
But as the old saying goes, “You can’t please everyone.”
For members of the ATV Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) and folks who participate in off-roading as significant hobby, it’s a great way to move from one part of the trail, through town, to the trail head in South Oxford. It provides access to local amenities (restaurants, shops, etc.) without having to skirt the law. Local businesses, for the most part appear to support the measure, as it may increase the customer flow.
The Town sees this as a way to move ATV enthusiasts’ dollars away from the town entrance near the Trans-Canada Highway (where the existing trail allows easy access) and the chain stores of the Irving gas station and Tim Hortons. Prior to this bylaw, ATV operators had no legal way to access the downtown core and the handful of shops that include a grocery store, pharmacy, pizza place, thrift store, general store and more.
Oxford is a small town, with many residents who own off-highway vehicles either for recreation or on-property utility. It’s difficult to gauge how many have bothered to license or insure their equipment, since not all have interest in accessing the surrounding trail system.
ATV owners who do want to access the trails, or the Road Trail down Main and Water streets, will still need to make use of trailers or some other method of reaching those sections if they live on town streets which are not designated as accessible by OHVs. The “so near, but so far” situation affects several local residents, who would rather see more streets made available for use. At a May, 2024, meeting of the Oxford Town Council, Councillor Brenton Colborne said he heard from local residents who were unhappy with only two streets being designated.
But some local residents aren’t keen on more ATV traffic… because there already is traffic, with ATV operators taking to town streets illegally. Much of that occurs in the nighttime hours, resulting in noise complaints. With only the RCMP serving as bylaw enforcement, much of that activity happens freely, particularly since the policing model provides what many see as insufficient officer presence in the town, as the on-duty force is shared with the surrounding county.
The public is always encouraged to call and report ATV operators (and speeding vehicles, and other activity) to the police, but many have taken the view that “it wont do any good.”
Former Chair of Oxford’s Accessibility Committee, Josephine MacDonald, was not in favour of the ATV bylaw being brought into force. At a public hearing on the matter in June, MacDonald cited concerns that sidewalks and crosswalks are in such poor condition that some residents have to resort to using the street instead — where ATVs will also be travelling. MacDonald feels the town should make accessibility a higher priority than enabling OHVs to legally transit along town streets. She noted that opposition to downtown access for OHVs was also voiced by some business owners.
OHV enthusiast Steve McLellan says he’s travelled in other provinces and throughout eastern Canada, and believes communities that are OHV-friendly are sought out by off-roaders when they plan their excursions. McLellan noted in some businesses frequented by the OHV community, the parking lots held more off-road vehicles than cars.
Ultimately, the Road Trails Designation Bylaw in Oxford will likely have little to no effect in answering the complaints regarding those who disobey the law. Operators under the bylaw only have access to Main Street from the Irving gas station down to Shelley’s Lower Main Market, and from the downtown core over to the South Side Trail Head via Water Street. And even then, access is only allowed from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
The Road Trails Act encourages a culture of legal road use for ATV (off-highway vehicle, including “dirt bikes”) owners who have registered their equipment, obtained insurance, and are holders of a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit). No child under the age of nine is allowed on the vehicle as a passenger. Seat belts must be worn, as well as a certified helmet. Speed is restricted to 25km/h, less than half the permitted speed of vehicles on town streets. The entire list of requirements is available on the provincial government website (Road Trails Act).
While there has been a some opposition to the presence of ATVs on town streets, “the proof is in the pudding.” Once they become a regular presence, the public response will undoubtedly be shared on social media. Could the presence of ATVs also cause consternation among drivers who will have to carefully overtake these 25 km/h slowpokes, or will this help to calm traffic on the main thoroughfare?
Where do you stand on the the Road Trails Act? Yea or Nay?