Council Approves OHV Access Bylaw
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/
