New regulations are coming to the Millennium Trail.
During Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, council discussed a proposed by-law to establish fines for people breaking the rules of the trail.
The recommended by-law comes after a series of complaints regarding people disobeying trail signage, riding dirt bikes at dangerous speeds, and otherwise behaving in unsafe ways.
Under the proposed by-law, vehicles wider than 1.82 metres would be banned from the trail. Vehicles with more than four wheels, designed to carry more than three passengers, or that are not equipped with steering control would also be banned.
In addition to the restrictions on what types of vehicles can be used, the new by-law also prohibits cutting trees or brush, camping on trail grounds, or exceeding posted speed limits.
The by-law also establishes the potential for fines starting a $500 and going up to $100,000 for those found breaking the rules.
The proposal sparked significant debate in the council chamber, with several councillors weighing in. Councillor Phil Prinzen raised concerns that the original proposed fines were too high.
“If you get caught doing anything on the trail, it’s going to cost you more than it does on a public highway. That I have an issue with,” said Councillor Prinzen. “The fine levels are, in my opinion, absurd. Like, I cannot believe it.”
Councillor Phil St-Jean put forward a motion to refer the by-law back to municipal staff to have them adjust the potential fine levels.
“I think it’s a little over the top. I think some of them quite frankly, because they’re unenforceable or ridiculous, really have no place in this by-law,” said Councillor St-Jean.
After debate, the committee voted to refer the motion back to municipal staff for revisions, and to bring the motion back to the committee at a later date.
