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Press Release March 13, 2009

Trails BC withdraws from the Canadian Trail Federation over concerns in CTF’s involvement with the National Trails Coalition

Vancouver, Mar 13th

Effective  of March 5th, 2009, the Trails Society of British Columbia (Trails BC) has formally withdrawn its membership in the Canadian Trails Federation.  We have taken this action because we do not believe that the CTF is fulfilling its mandate to represent the interests of non-motorized trail users in its dealings with the National Trails Coalition.

The NTC is the vehicle through which the Federal Government will allocate $25,000,000 for Canadian trails.  There are three partners which make up the NTC:  the Canadian Off Highway Vehicle Dealers Council, the Canadian Council of Snowmobiling Organizations, and the Canadian Trails Federation.  Clearly, with two of the three partners representing motorized organizations, the NTC is weighted in favour of their interests and Trails BC does not believe that this entity meets the requirements of being a fair and balanced association that will provide an equitable allocation of funds to the various user groups.  The two motorized organizations not only represent summer and winter motorized use, but they also strongly advocate for it.  The CTF has not provided a similar advocacy role for non-motorized users.

Spokespersons for the NTC have been advocating for multi-use trail systems.  The notion is admirable, but the reality is that as soon as motorized vehicles regularly use a trail, that trail becomes alienated from all other users.  Without strong support from the CTF the interests of the non-motorized community are lost.  We do not see evidence of this necessary support.

Trails BC will also be asking the Federal Government to organize a National Trails Symposium to address the interests of all trail users, and to help find options and solutions for trail systems that will meet the needs, not only of those who choose to drive the trails, but also of the hikers, cyclists and equestrians who wish to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

For further information contact

Leon Lebrun- Trails VP at (604)942-6768  southwest@trailsbc.ca
or Al Skucas  -Trails Pres. at (250)489-1083  rockies@trailsbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 22, 2008 ANOTHER TORY ATV FIASCO?

Nova Scotians Say Enough is Enough

On October 8th, David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources, announced that a section of abandoned DAR rail bed in the tranquil village of Paradise would be re-opened to ATV use, reneging on the promise of the previous minister and DNR staff. The decision has outraged and dismayed the residents of Paradise who feel that they have been betrayed by a Minister who favours the interests of ATV groups over the people who actually live in the village.

In 2005 the Annapolis County Trails Society (ACTS) was unsuccessful in its bid to put a motorized trail through Paradise. Local DNR staff consulted with the community and concluded that the vast majority did not want ATVs driving through their back yards. Then minister Richard Hurlburt heeded the advice and declared that Paradise would be off limits to ATVs as of January 2008. David Hankinson, a Paradise businessman recalls "The barriers were put in place on the order of Minister Morse, who personally delivered red and green non-motorized signage, with Christmas wishes, on December 22, 2007."

But ATV interests continue to have enormous influence on this government and only months after putting up the barriers, Morse announced that the Paradise solution was only temporary, contrary to what Annapolis County and the residents had been told by Richard Hurlburt. In early October the barriers were removed and ATVs, once again, drive night and day, through backyards and on front lawns, church parking lots, community centres and even the entrance to the Paradise Cemetery, Some ATV users have made a point of revving their engines late at night in front of the houses of residents most vocal in their opposition to ATVs in their community, as if to trumpet their influence with David Morse.

Morse's U turn on ATV use was stunning to Paradise residents, and to anyone who does not believe that ATVers have the right to ride where ever they want, when ever they want and regardless of who or what they hurt. Despite being presented with declarations in which the vast majority of landowners residing beside the trail oppose ATV's on this rail bed, Morse decided instead to focus on the interests of the 'broader community', a euphemism for ATV interests.

Paradise was only the first community on Morse's agenda. Next up was Chezzetcook, which was told last week by Morse to expect the same treatment. The Chezzetcook Musquodoboit Trails Association applied for a Letter of Authority for a non-motorized trail through the heart of their community, submitting survey results that showed a clear majority of adjacent landowners preferred a quiet, active transportation trail. Instead they were told that unless ATVs were allowed nobody would have a trail. The CMTA acting chair, John Hawkins, incredulous at this disregard of community interests, asks, "When will this government listen to its citizens instead of a minority of vocal ATV advocates?"

These communities do not stand alone. They are supported by a recently formed coalition, Nova Scotians Promoting Active-Transportation on Community Trails, representing communities and organizations across the province which are fed up with this government's catering to ATV interests at the expense of genuine healthy living choices.

Dr. Chris Milburn of Sydney, a member of NSPACTS, says "Nova Scotians already have more than enough opportunity to drive motorized vehicles. Let's focus resources on creating opportunities and places for them to be more active, for the sake of our health and environment."

Dr. Keith MacCormick of Kentville, spokesperson for NSPACTS says, "By promoting walking and cycling on community trails, NSPACTS is simply advocating for what the government of Nova Scotia has named as one of its highest priorities. It is a complicated job to get Nova Scotians to become more active and NSPACTS was formed to help government with this challenge."

Paradise farmer George Lilly shakes his head. "When the barriers went up in January, we celebrated. My wife and I depend on our farm for our livelihood, and when the ATVs and snowmobiles were running on the rail bed, not 40 feet from our barn, livestock production was at an all time low. When the traffic stopped, production went way up. We stand to lose thousands and thousands of dollars from this." Looking across the farm his family has worked for nearly 100 years, he says, "It seems this government has no regard for the quality of life of rural Nova Scotians, nor for our right to enjoy our homes and make a living on our own land."

Residents of Paradise have obtained a legal opinion that Morse's decision is contrary to a legally binding agreement made between the previous minister, the County of Annapolis, the Annapolis County Trails Society and the residents of Paradise.

"We will take whatever action is necessary to see that the agreement is respected" states resident Grant Moar, whose home sits a mere 25 metres from the abandoned rail bed. "This Minister has acted without regard for people's health and welfare, the environment and, apparently, the law. We intend to fight for our legal right to live in peace and quiet."

Sandy Mackinnon, an NSPACTS member from Wolfville, hopes it won't have to be resolved in the courts. "Did they learn nothing from the kiddie ATV fiasco? The use of tax dollars to support such an unhealthy activity is bad enough, but to foist it on communities which have clearly said "No" is shocking."

On behalf of the great majority of Nova Scotians and for the sake of our health and environment, we are calling on Premier Rodney MacDonald to once again step in and do the right thing.