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The Citizen, 2003-02-26, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2003. Nil opts in to economic development project By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor North Huron council approved an investment of $2,500 at its Feb. 17 meeting to be one of three municipal partners in the first year of an economic development readiness initiative. Rick Hundey, representing the Huron Business Development Corporation made a brief presentation outlining the program. The partnership would involve HBDC as the lead partner, the Steiss rink at Brussels The Brussels Curling Club January and February draw winners were: first, three wins with 53 points, Steve Steiss, John Dorsch, Rose Kellington, Marie Dingman; second, three wins with 50 points, Mark Gillis, Pauline Patterson, CRAJG N/CHOLSON ATV Challenges By Craig Nicholson (©2003 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) Is it any wonder that ATVs are a major problem for snowmobiling? All Terrain Vehicles are the hot seller of the moment. This development is not surprising, given their technological progress and their benefits for farming, hunting/fishing, utility and commercial applications, and for work around the home or cottage. But what is a surprise is their attempted usage as a vehicle for recreational trail riding. Why? Because much of that use remains questionable or illegal — and snowmobiling is suffering the fallout. Trespass is the big issue, especially in farm country where there are many ATVs and most snowmobile trails are on private land. What many ATV riders choose to ignore is that, by agreement with the landowner, snowmobile trails on private land are for the exclusive winter use of snowmobiles — and that snowmobile trails are closed during all other seasons. By illegally entering these trails and these private lands in every season, ATV riders are angering landowners, who sometimes react by shutting a trail permanently. No more ATVs, but no more snowmobiles either. Suddenly the positive relationship with landowners, built up over 30 years by local snowmobile clubs, is endangered because some members of a new user group insist on breaking the law. With few exceptions, ATV riders do not pay their own way either. They have no provincial user-pay system in place, nor much grassroots buy-in to purchasing a trail permit. So wherever ATVs do ride on snowmobile trails, they also make a negligible contribution to I maintenance. This cost is mostly left to snowmobile clubs, who pay for trail restorations with their own trail permit revenues. So effectively, snowmobilers frequently pay the freight for ATV riders. How fair is county planning and development department, six municipalities (three each year), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The objectives, Hundey said would be to assist the municipalities involved in understanding their assets and strengths and to ensure organizational capacity exists within the municipality to undertake local economic development efforts. These municipalities will receive expert knowledge and advice on wins curling Steve Knight. Shirley Wheeler; third, with 45 points, Tom Warwick, Fran Bremner, second, George Zwep, Tara Pipe; fourth, with 37 points, Merv Bauer, Nora Stephenson, Terri Van Nes, Maren Thomet. this? The next beef snowmobiling has with ATVs is that, with a few notable local exceptions, they have no liability insurance for trail riding. Trail liability insurance is the coverage that would protect anyone associated with operating the ATV trail or on whose land it is, from claims arising from the legal use of that trail by ATVs — assuming of course, that they have their own trails in the first place! The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has such trail liability insurance for all of its snowmobile trails, but for the most part, ATVers ride without such protection. Sure, some operators have personal liability insurance for their ATV, but that covers them against claims arising from their use of it, not for a claim arising from a trail-related injury or loss. It remains illegal in Ontario for ATVs to ride along public roads. This fact makes it difficult for recreational riders to get from here to there, and often entices them to take alternate routes, often across private property where ATVs are not wanted. The ATV community pins its hopes on the passage of legislation which would allow municipalities to legalize ATV road usage in their jurisdictions, but police sources speculate that this could lead to a hodgepodge of varying bylaws, that by their very proliferation and dissimilarities could make enforcement almost impossible. This effective carte blanche could make ATVs an even bigger problem for snowmobiling than than they already are. Until next time, remember that snowmobilers care about the environment too. For trail condition reports check out ofsc.on.ca Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer, Canada's Snowmobiling Magazine. The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television. The opinions expressed local economic development opportunities and their involvement with an action plan will direct an inter-municipal response to economic development issues in the county. “HBDC will be available on an on-going basis for guidance. North Huron, Huron East and Goderich are being approached for this first year. Hundey explained that the target was for those which had made some commitment to economic development. Speaking of the lack of workforce, Councillor Jeff Howson said that as an employer he had a big concern with the economic development procedure. “Are we spending money foolishly when we have an unemployment rate in Huron. Would we see money better spent focusing on bringing people back here to work? There’s no point bringing RRSP loans at prime! Deadline for RRSP contributions is close of business Monday, March 3, 2003. Extended Branch Hours - Thursday, February 27 to 7 p.m., Friday, February 28 to 8 p.m. (usual hours), and Monday, March 3 to 8 p.m. Shift your retirement plans into high gear. Call our Investment Specialists today for more information (519) 482-3466 Gene Baynham, Josie Cook or Sonya Thompson business here, if there is no one to work.” Hundey agreed that this is a huge problem. “The paradox drives me crazy. We have a very serious out­ migration problem.” Closer working relationships with the schools and more attention to skilled trades is necessary. “It maybe even involves outreach to other areas,” he said, speaking of ways to entice'people to come to Huron to work. Hundey added that he hoped the initiative would help identify priorities such as this and create a “recipe for what to do to get the problem solved.” Brian Treble from the planning department, mentioned that North Huron had committed a similar amount of money to the Rural Connections program, which did not work out. “This might be a way to roll that money over without spending new dollars,” he said. Treble also inquired as to whether or not money was the only investment required from the municipalities. Hundey explained that it would also require a commitment from council to create growth and vitality for the community. “You’ve got to be involved,” he said, adding that there would be workshops to attend. Reeve Doug Layton said that he really felt the municipality needed to “prepare for tomorrow.” In making the motion to take part, Councillor Archie MacGowan said, “For the amount of money I think it’s an interesting idea and would like to pursue it.” ICheck out The Citizen's WEBSITE at www.northhuron.on.ca