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MPP Clark seeks support for ATV regulation change
St. Lawrence News
News – Steve Clark believes it’s an issue of treating new classes of ATVs fairly.
The Leeds-Grenville MPP has launched a petition in support of a private member’s bill to update a section of the Highway Traffic Act. The bill was introduced by Clark’s Progressive Conservative colleague, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller; it proposes to amend the act by allowing side-by-side, four-seat side-by-side and two-up ATVs on Ontario roadways under the same conditions as other all-terrain vehicles.
Clark emphasized that updating the act would not increase the number of roadways on which ATVs could operate in Ontario; that remains the authority of municipalities.
“This is an issue I have been speaking out about and calling for action on since the legislature unanimously supported a motion to change this regulation more than a year ago,” the Leeds-Grenville MPP stated in a release.
Miller’s private member’s bill is scheduled to have second reading debate at Queen’s Park on Feb. 26. Clark indicated he is disappointed that the Liberal government has not acted on the matter but pleased that the bill will be discussed next month. “I look forward to bringing the support from ATV enthusiasts across Leeds-Grenville to that debate,” the local MPP stated.
Clark noted that the proposal, which is supported by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, would provide a boosts to rural Ontario’s tourism sector because it increases opportunities for new classes of ATVs.
“Owners should be able to legally use their vehicles to access woodlots, trails and hunting and fishing destinations,” the petition reads in part.
Copies of the petition can be downloaded from Clark’s website at www.steveclarkmpp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Petition_Bill_58.pdf. The MPP is asking that signed copies of the petition be delivered to his office at 100 Strowger Boulevard in Brockville.
