Closed section of the Algonquin Trail in the City of Pembroke between Albert Street and Alexander Street.
The County of Renfrew is considering requiring trail passes for ATV’s.
The development and property committee is recommending that County Council approve trail pass requirements for ATV’s on the Algonquin and K&P Recreational Trails.
Manager of GIS and Forestry Jason Davis told committee members they’re not aware of any municipal multi-use trails (motorized and non-motorized) in Eastern Ontario that don’t require ATV trail passes.
Davis says there’s confusion regarding trail passes as other nearby municipalities and counties already have them in place.
The County of Renfrew maintains approximately 130 kilometers of the Algonquin Trail and 21 km of the K&P trail with one staff member to maintain the trail system. Another 100 kilometers of the Algonquin Trail towards Mattawa still needs to be opened.
Laurentian Hills Mayor Jed Reinwald was supportive of the trail pass requirements, but thinks there will be some challenges as residents have never had to pay to use ATV’s on the trail before.
While ATV’s in Renfrew County do not have to pay for a trail pass, snowmobilers are required to have one.
Chair of the Development and Property Committee and Petawawa Mayor, Bob Sweet, says there will be some growing pains, but adds it’s important to have a revenue stream.
At the end of this month, County Council will vote on whether or not to require trail passes for ATV’s on the Algonquin and K&P Recreational Trails.
The County says when the Algonquin Trail was first purchased in 2016, there was only 72 permits sold. In the last four years, the Renfrew County ATV Club has sold over 13,000 trail passes.
If the County of Renfrew decides to require trail passes, staff will reach out to the Renfrew County ATV club to renegotiate a deal that would see the club help with maintenance and financial contributions.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)