Hanover adopts bylaw to allow off‑road vehicles on designated roads for access to services

Hanover council voted Jan. 12 to adopt a bylaw that permits certain off‑road vehicles on designated town and county roads to allow riders access to fuel, service and food without travelling on residential streets.

"The intent of this bylaw is to provide access to our community by ORV users who may need access to fuel or service or food," Jamie McCarthy, the town’s manager of public works, told council. He stressed the bylaw does not allow residents to ride from their doorstep to the designated streets; machines must be trailered into town or transported by truck to the permitted routes.

During public comment Mr. Bailey, representing a local ATV club, said the proposed routes would let riders bypass the town and connect to West Gray and other regional trails, and that the club has "between 700 and 800" members who use the mapped network. Council noted a small map omission and requested staff correct the schedule so the designated roadway segment is clearly shown.

Councillors also discussed whether noise or exhaust restrictions should be added; staff said existing noise bylaws and provincial highway enforcement can address some concerns and that specific exhaust restrictions could be considered in a future update.

The bylaw (3373‑26) was passed as part of a package of bylaws introduced and adopted by council; earlier in the meeting the ORV report (PW0226) had been presented and discussed. The package of bylaws was moved by Councillor Brandon Cable and seconded by Councillor Susan Sackle; the bylaw vote carried.