Road Trails Designation Bylaw

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For more than a decade, the Town of Yarmouth has actively engaged the province to be part of a pilot program to allow OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) to access specific streets within town. Recently, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs, that meet requirements, to legally access designated streets.

In response to Bill 273, the Town has drafted a bylaw to designate Water Street as open to OHVs. Once passed, the bylaw would open Water Street to OHVs that meet the requirements of Bill 273.

To your right can be found some helpful additional information about Bill 273 and council's consideration of the proposed new bylaw to allow OHVs on Water Street. These include an informative presentation on Bill 273, a link to the province's detailed breakdown of the bill, and a link to a recent special council meeting where the presentation is offered, followed by a thoughtful discussion by council.

Be sure to attend the public consultation meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm in council chambers, 400 Main Street. The OHV bylaw presentation will be given to those in attendance, and a Q&A session will be held for attendees to ask questions and actively discuss the topic before it goes to council for first reading. More details can be found in the "News Feed" below.


For more than a decade, the Town of Yarmouth has actively engaged the province to be part of a pilot program to allow OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) to access specific streets within town. Recently, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs, that meet requirements, to legally access designated streets.

In response to Bill 273, the Town has drafted a bylaw to designate Water Street as open to OHVs. Once passed, the bylaw would open Water Street to OHVs that meet the requirements of Bill 273.

To your right can be found some helpful additional information about Bill 273 and council's consideration of the proposed new bylaw to allow OHVs on Water Street. These include an informative presentation on Bill 273, a link to the province's detailed breakdown of the bill, and a link to a recent special council meeting where the presentation is offered, followed by a thoughtful discussion by council.

Be sure to attend the public consultation meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 24th at 5 pm in council chambers, 400 Main Street. The OHV bylaw presentation will be given to those in attendance, and a Q&A session will be held for attendees to ask questions and actively discuss the topic before it goes to council for first reading. More details can be found in the "News Feed" below.


  • Council Approves OHV Access Bylaw

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    The “Road Trails Designation Bylaw” will come into effect on Wednesday, November 1st

    Friday, October 27th, 2023 - Yarmouth, N.S. – At a meeting on Thursday, Yarmouth Town Council approved the second reading of a new bylaw. The Road Trails Designation Bylaw (Bylaw 80) was unanimously approved by council, and will allow off-highway vehicles (OHVs), that meet specific requirements, to access Water Street.

    For more than a decade, the town has actively engaged the province to be part of a pilot program to allow OHVs to access specific streets within town. Last spring, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs to legally access designated streets. In response, the town drafted the new bylaw to designate Water Street as a road trail open to OHV use. The bylaw will come into effect on Wednesday, November 1st.

    “We are excitedly and cautiously optimistic about this step,” said Mayor Pam Mood. “Economically this is a golden opportunity for the Town of Yarmouth. It connects trails, brings people into town to our restaurants, shops and more, and is a forward-thinking move. My sincere hope is that we are all patient as this change takes place. There will always be the very few who will not abide by the rules, but we don't ask everyone to stop driving vehicles on the highway because of those who speed or otherwise break the rules. Instead, with the OHVs, we encourage the proper and respectful use of Water Street and leave the rest up to the authorities and the responsible OHVers who will assist in policing each other as they know what's at stake.”

    As previously mentioned, access is only permitted to OHVs that meet specific requirements of the Road Trails Act. It is the responsibility of riders to ensure they meet all requirements before accessing Water Street. Some of the key requirements include (but are not limited to):

    • Riders must have a valid driver’s license (not learners) and third-party liability insurance. All riders must also have their OHV legally registered and inspected, where applicable.
    • Licence plates must be clearly visible, the same as on motor vehicles.
    • Helmets and seatbelts* must be worn (*if OHV was equipped) and OHVs must have a headlight (on), red rear light, and left side mirror.
    • OHVs are not permitted to exceed 25 KPH while using Water Street.
    • No operation 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
    • No children under 9 years old are permitted as passengers while accessing Water Street.

    Police can stop any OHV or motor vehicle to check for valid registration, insurance, and driver’s licence. Motorists are asked to please take caution and be prepared to share Water Street with OHVs. OHV riders, please ensure you meet all requirements before accessing Water Street. Please ride safely!

    A list of frequently asked questions can be found at https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/ohv-road-trail-access.html

    The Road Trails Act (Bill 273), which details all rules and regulations, can be found on the Nova Scotia Legislature website at https://nslegislature.ca/

  • Notice of Second Reading

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    NOTICE OF SECOND READING

    This is to serve notice that the Council of the Town of Yarmouth, at its meeting on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, at 3:30 pm, will consider and if deemed advisable approve the Second Reading of the Road Trails Designation Bylaw.

    Written submissions with any questions, concerns or comments will be considered at the time of the readings by emailing admin@townofyarmouth.ca.

    Road Trails Designation Bylaw (Bylaw 80)

    Last spring, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act”. The Bill recently became law, and it gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs/ATVs), that meet requirements, to legally access designated streets.

    In response to Bill 273, the town drafted the Road Trails Designation Bylaw (Bylaw 80) to designate Water Street as open to ATVs. Once passed, the bylaw will open Water Street to ATVs that meet the requirements of the bill.

    For more details including a draft version of the bylaw, a presentation of Bill 273, and a video from a recent public consultation meeting on the topic, please visit: https://getinvolvedyarmouth.ca/ohv-bylaw



  • Notice of Public Consultation Meeting

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    A Public Consultation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24th, at 5:00 pm in council chambers, 400 Main Street.

    What is the Meeting About?

    For more than a decade, the Town of Yarmouth has actively engaged the province to be part of a pilot program to allow OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) to access specific streets within town. Recently, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs, that meet requirements, to legally access designated streets.

    In response to Bill 273, the Town has drafted a bylaw to designate Water Street as open to OHVs. Once passed, the bylaw would open Water Street to OHVs that meet the requirements of Bill 273.

    Seeking Public Input

    Before making the decision to pass the bylaw and determine any changes needed, council is seeking public input. The meeting will feature a short presentation on the Road Trails Act, followed by an open Q&A session.

    The public is welcome to attend and speak at the hearing, or hand in written submissions with any questions, concerns or comments about the matter below. Written submissions must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23rd. Please email your submission to: admin@townofyarmouth.ca

Page last updated: 10 Nov 2023, 11:43 AM