Rural West area Off-Road vehicles Safety Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 28^th, 2022       1:30 pm

(Ottawa) – West Frontline Patrol officers, Suburban West Neighborhood Resource Team (NRT) and members of the Marine, Dive, and Trails Unit (MDT) continue education and enforcement with drivers of off-road vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) throughout rural areas.

Since early April, our focus is on ensuring that riders are following applicable laws, respecting the trails, and enjoying their vehicles safely. More specifically, ensuring that off-road vehicles are being operated off-road and in authorized areas. 

Last weekend, officers actively patrolled the rural West area of our City, specifically the areas of Constance Bay, Dunrobin, Carp and the Marlborough Forest and surrounding area.  They had numerous interactions with off road vehicle users and residents of these areas.  Provincial Offences Notices (PON) were issued, and several off-road vehicles were removed from the roadways.  

The Ottawa Police Service would like to remind the population that when driving your off-road vehicle on a trail, you would not expect and would not be prepared to react to a tractor trailer crossing your path. The same applies if you decide to drive your off-road vehicle on the roadway. Not only is it unsafe, but it is illegal under both the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and City of Ottawa By-law No. 2019-421.  The only exception to this is a limited number of roads identified here and located in Osgoode (Ward 20).

In order to use these roads, you need to be a member of the Nation Valley All-Terrain Vehicle Club (NVATVC).

The Ottawa Police urges off-road vehicle operators to stay off the roadway and use their vehicles safely in permitted trails and properties.

Some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Wear an approved helmet and appropriate protective clothing.
• Take a course to learn proper off-road vehicle operation and maintenance. Visit the Canada Safety Council for a list of available courses.
• Read your owner’s manual before operating your off-road vehicle and be sure to follow safe operating procedures.
• Do not consume alcohol or drugs prior to or during operation of your off-road vehicle
• Do not operate your off-road vehicle at excessive speeds.
• Choose appropriate speeds based on the terrain, visibility, conditions and your experience.

Visit the Canadian Quad Council’s website for training and accredited courses, as well as additional safety information at quadcouncil.ca.

This safety project will continue over the next few weekends throughout the rural areas and is in response to community concerns.  Police have received numerous complaints regarding off-road vehicles being operated on prohibited roadways and properties.

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