News

It’s a little bit late for a New Year’s Address but this is it . The first word goes to our hero and mentor, David Suzuki :

“Every bit of the natural world has become a vestige of potential information about how nature works and thus becomes a priceless hedge against our ignorance. Dirt bikes and ATVs are not compatible with natural systems and anyone who is serious about protecting an area should keep them out.” David Suzuki

There is much work to do but we will continue to fight the good fight. Although it is not really a fight. We must remain positive.  The “sportsmen” who are scarring, eroding and generally destroying Chilligo Valley, surrounding lands and road allowances are not our enemies. They’re merely misguided and ignorant of the law. They’re out to have some fun and don’t realize or care that they’re breaking the law with every turn of the wheels and annoying a lot of people. We can only pity them for having no sense of wonder and little respect for the natural world.

We, the friends of Chilligo, must visit our beloved greenspace as often as possible enjoying it’s beauty and bounty. Let’s walk our dogs, take the kids on nature hikes, ride our bicycles, observe the wildlife, have picnics and generally celebrate this urban oasis. If you see a motorized vehicle, without endangering yourself, let the rider know of your displeasure. Take a picture if you have a camera and contact the police ( 519 653 7700 ) if you have a cell phone. This is all very important.

We really need to you to sign up as a Friend if you haven’t done so. No strings attached, we just need the numbers and support. Please tell your friends and neighbours about this site. We’ve gained some interesting allies if the past several months and have some great ideas for the near future. Keep checking in.

Extracted from the 2007 CAMBRIDGE TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Annual Report to Cambridge Council, (November 12th, 2007)

“For several years CTAC has been and is still currently concerned with the abuse of trails by ATV’s and other non-authorized motorized vehicles. The destruction it causes to trails and surrounding natural areas, and the potential impact to trail user safety and municipal liability/ risk management issues is problematic with no easy solution. CTAC is disappointed with the amount of monitoring and enforcement initiative put forward not only by our municipal forces but also by the Police and other jurisdictional agencies / property owners, especially in known ‘hot spots’ of such illegal use and abuse.

Towards this end, CTAC will be reviewing the City’s Parks By-Law, with the intent of recommending changes to strengthen the legal aspects of enforcement, including the option of fines. CTAC will also investigate and recommend strategies to Council on enforcement to help reduce non-legal motorized use of vehicles on trails.

CTAC hopes to have recommendations before Council on this matter by the June of next year…”

Read more: minutes

City asked to ban ATVs from trails

Ray Martin, Cambridge

(Nov 16, 2007)

The peace and solitude of Cambridge‘s natural areas is being shattered by the wail of ATVs as they tear down the city’s multi-use trails.

During the presentation of the Cambridge Trails Advisory Committee’s annual report committee chair Bob McMullen told council, “something has to be done about these ATVs.”

“These ATVs are dangerous. They are destroying the trails,” he said. “What we need is a clear and enforceable bylaw.”

McMullen said the city’s current bylaw does not clearly prohibit ATVs and suggested a bylaw similar to that of Welland which sets a $1,000 fine.

In his presentation, McMullen showed council photographs of ATVs using the trails and said that one cyclist has been accosted by ATV riders on the trails.

McMullen suggested the problem might be corrected by better signs and the installation of large stones at the trail entrances which would block the ATVs but would still allow hikers, cyclists and small wagons through the access point.

In addition to the ATV problem, McMullen asked council to consider additional funding for the trail system. In 1997, the trails were budgeted $200,000 annually for maintenance and development. There has been no increase in funding since….