Province Opens Tourism to "Off-roaders"
The new Road Trails Act, introduced in the legislature today, will give trail riders access to gas stations and restaurants, and in some cases, a whole lot of other community services.
The act creates a permanent set of rules so off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators can safely enjoy their vehicles on roads at approved locations.
The Minister of Public Works says, “The OHV pilot project showed us that Nova Scotians want to be able to use their vehicles to have fun, meet up with friends, and enjoy the natural beauty of our province.” Kim Masland added, "This legislation makes sure we can continue to use current OHV sites, while giving us a way to safely add more connections.”
The rules for using portions of provincial roads will remain the same as they were under the pilot project. Riders are required to have a valid driver's licence, insurance, registration, and a licence plate.
The act also allows for enforcement of the rules and gives municipalities authority to designate local streets for the use of off-highway vehicles through bylaws.
The off-highway vehicle pilot project started in 2018. It was scheduled to end this fall, on October 2nd.
Once proclaimed, off-highway vehicles — all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles — will gain access to certain community streets and supplies and services that will extend off roading stays and create lots of opportunities for smaller communities to grow their local economies.
Cumberland County is well served by a network of trails, not only part of the Trans Canada Trail, but also with connecting rails through the county to Pugwash, Wallace, and trough Tatamagouche to Pictou County and beyond.
The new act will add greatly to provincial tourism by a large community of “off-roaders” who have enjoyed such freedom for years, in New Brunswick and Quebec.
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