Please be advised that Trail 63, west of Joe Simon Lake, will be closed to all traffic until November 27th. The closure is to accommodate repairs to the Sucker Brook Bridge - GPS coordinates N44° 45.134' W64° 56.394'.

Any questions about this closure can be directed to Rocky Pearce. (Rocky.Pearce@eastlink.ca)

The trail between Senora and Sherbrooke is closed until further notice due to the installation of a bridge.

Town of Yarmouth Leads the Way on ATV Road Use

The Town of Yarmouth was first off the blocks, allowing ATV use on a public roadway. Council approved a bylaw Thursday, October 26th enabling trail connectivity from one side of town to the other. Riders will now be connected from Digby to Yarmouth and on to Port Clyde, creating over 200 kilometers of connected trail. The bylaw comes into effect November 1st and trail signage will be installed in the coming days. 

Mayor Pam Mood spoke about the economic value of the trail and business opportunities it would provide. She also encouraged riders to use peer pressure to get the message out about following the rules as set out in the Road Trails act and the Town bylaw. The vote was unanimous, with all councilors present voting in favour. 

“This is a big step forward in creating a fully connected trail network“ said Barry Barnet, Executive Director ATVANS. Club members who worked hard to make this happen were also present.

ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet (second from left) with Yarmouth Council following passage of the bylaw.

Several other municipalities across the province are also in the planning stages of developing similar bylaws and ATVANS has submitted several applications to the province for Road Trails on provincially owned roads. 

Road Trails Act (nslegislature.ca)

Please see the following press release from the Government of Nova Scotia:

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New Rules for Off-Highway Vehicles in Effect

Public Works

September 29, 2023 - 8:59 AM

A pilot project that allows off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to access trails and services via designated road shoulders and roadways will become permanent today, September 29.

“After a successful pilot project, off-highway vehicle operators have demonstrated they can use their vehicles safely and responsibly on designated public roads,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “By making this project permanent, we are helping riders get from one trail to another safely and supporting economic development in rural areas by giving better access to services like gas stations and restaurants.”

The Road Trails Act, which includes the same requirements as the pilot project, requires riders to have a valid driver’s licence, insurance, registration and a licence plate.

It also outlines rules and penalties, and gives municipalities the ability to designate local streets for off-highway vehicle use through bylaws.

New regulations under the Road Trails Act also set out requirements for vehicle equipment, helmets and road signage for designated roads.

Quick Facts:

the off-highway vehicle pilot project started in 2018

the Road Trails Act applies to all-terrain vehicles, including multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles, as well as dirt bikes

the new act was introduced in the spring sitting of the legislature

Additional Resources:

Road Trails Act: https://nslegislature.ca/.../64th_1st/3rd_read/b273.htm

Off-highway vehicle pilot project and reports, including designated roads: https://novascotia.ca/ohv-pilot/

Department of Public Works on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks

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