Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Info for ATV's

ATVing is a wonderful way to enjoy some of Ontario’s more remote, hidden treasures. The sport is enjoying exponential growth, and many communities have opened up their roadways to the many smiling, muddy faces that venture north and fill up area motels and restaurants.

Before ATV operators consider taking their machines onto highways, there are a few things they’ll need to understand. Lets begin with a brief look at Regulation 316-03 to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. This regulation allows for the operation of ATVs on highways within the province of Ontario. Regulation 316-03 defines ATVs as those machines having four wheels, steering handlebars, a seat designed to be straddled, and a design for driver only. Though this definition encompasses the majority of machines currently on the market, there are a number of designs which are excluded. Machines designed and intended for two or more persons are excluded and shall not be operated on a highway.

So we own an ATV, GREAT! Lets continue. If you intend on riding within the territorial boundaries of a municipality or organized area, you’ll need to ensure that a bylaw has been enacted. The term highway is broadly defined in the Highway Traffic Act. For our purposes let’s consider any area which has been developed for the intended use of vehicles as being a highway. Yes, that logging road into the hunt camp is a highway!

We’re almost ready to venture forth. Just a few last points. Any person operating an ATV along a highway needs to be a licensed driver and must be able to produce the registration and insurance for their plated ATV. Safety is or paramount importance so we’ll need to be wearing a DOT or SNELL approved helmet and our headlamps will need to be on at all times. Speed limits will need to be observed. 50km/hr on highways with a speed limit in excess of 50km/hr. 20km/hr on highways with posted limits not greater than 50km/hr. Keep off the paved portion of the highway and be mindful of your impact on the immediate environment. You are responsible for any damage your machine might cause to the shoulders and ditches so go easy and remember you are representing a growing number of ATVing enthusiasts.

That’s the basics. You may have some questions about specific highways in your area. If so, you’ll need to contact the municipal offices and find out what limitations have been imposed on the highways under their jurisdiction. The local police are another source of information and they’ll be able to answer any related questions you might have about the operation of your ATV. The entire body of the regulation can be viewed and downloaded via the internet at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. Take time to review the schedules of both permitted and prohibited highways. In addition, there are further definitions and exemptions which you should become familiar with.

The members of the OPP SAVE Unit (Snowmobile ATV Vessel Enforcement ) wish to encourage you to respect private property and leave the area as you found it. Practice responsible, safe riding practices and be mindful of other persons within the area. The continued acceptance of ATVs upon our trails and highways is dependant upon the diligent behaviour of all riders.

Break and Enter At Local Hotel

(Blind River, Ont.) The OPP attended the Old Mill Hotel located in Blind River is regards to a theft report.

On July 26th, 2005 the victim reports that he woke in his hotel room to find his window opened. He stated that someone came into the room during the night and took $80.00 from his wallet. Also taken were cigarettes and a lighter.

Anyone with information regarding incident is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

Investigation continuing.

Police would like to remind everyone to ensure when traveling to always lock your unattended vehicle and before leaving your room or retiring check to make sure the windows and doors are locked.

Mischief and Theft at Local Marina

(Bruce Mines, Ont.) At 7:47 p.m. police attended the Bruce Mines Marina in regards to a mischief.

The complainant reported to police that when she arrived at work she noticed that unknown culprits had bent the flagpoles and stolen an American and Ontario flag. Culprits also destroyed a picnic table, cut the Canadian Flag rope and placed a potted tree on the trop of the gazebo.

Anyone with information regarding the above incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

Investigation continuing.

Intruder Arrested By Police

(Thessalon, Ont.) On Friday, July 22nd, 2005 OPP received a call to attend a residence regarding an intruder.

Investigation revealed that the owners of the home returned home at approximately 3:41 p.m. to find a male in their kitchen. The intruder was known to the homeowners but had entered their home via an access door in the basement.

Charged with Mischief Under and Unlawfully in Dwelling is Peter Raymond GOODALL (29) of Thessalon. GOODALL is scheduled to appear in court on September 15th, 2005.