All Terrain Vehicle Association Nova Scotia News

What the Current Canada–U.S. Trade Situation Means for Powersports in Canada

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:37:18 GMT

What the Current Canada–U.S. Trade Situation Means for Powersports in Canada

The breakdown in the latest trade talks between Canada and the United States is creating further uncertainty for businesses and consumers across the country — including Canada's powersports industry.

Moto Canada represents the manufacturers and distributors responsible for most of the motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides (ROVs) sold in Canada. Our industry supports a nationwide network of approximately 900 dealers employing over 88,000 Canadians in every province and territory.

With approximately 140,000 powersport vehicles sold in Canada each year coming from 15 different countries, the latest U.S. tariffs do not mean that Canadians will suddenly see a tariff added to every motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side sold here. However, the escalating trade dispute creates significant uncertainty for manufacturers, distributors and dealers operating across an integrated North American market.

As the Government of Canada considers new counter-tariffs in response to U.S. trade actions, Moto Canada supports Canada's efforts to defend Canadian economic interests. At the same time, we urge the federal government to avoid applying retaliatory tariffs to American-made motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides/ROVs, parts and accessories.

Previous Canadian tariffs on U.S.-origin motorcycles increased costs in Canada, contributed to lower sales and placed additional pressure on Canadian dealers, while doing little to influence U.S. trade policy.

The impact could be considerably larger today. Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-side vehicles assembled in the United States are sold in Canada each year — roughly 40% of the Canadian market.

These vehicles are not simply luxury goods. Canadians, businesses and governments at all levels use motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides for transportation, emergency services, farming, forestry and other work, as well as recreation and tourism.

Adding tariffs to these vehicles would ultimately mean higher costs for Canadian consumers, reduced sales and inventory for Canadian dealers, and increased pressure on Canadian jobs.

The motorcycle market alone generated approximately $1.1 billion in Canadian retail sales in 2025, including parts and accessories, and experienced a significant decline from 2024.

Moto Canada's position is straightforward:

 When the time is right, Canada and the United States need to return to the table and negotiate an agreement that keeps North American trade open and provides businesses and consumers on both sides of the border with greater certainty.

In the meantime, Canadian retaliation should be carefully targeted. Applying tariffs to powersport vehicles would primarily increase costs for Canadians and Canadian businesses while doing little to influence U.S. trade policy.

Moto Canada is actively engaging with the Government of Canada to explain the impact of these measures on our industry and advocate on behalf of our members, dealers, riders and the broader powersports community. We will continue working closely with our members, dealers and government partners as the situation evolves.

For Canadian riders and consumers, our message is equally straightforward: trade negotiations are a process with ups and downs, and we need to hold the course. The situation is changing quickly, and Moto Canada will continue to provide clear information about what these measures mean for our industry as decisions are made.

If you are a rider, dealer or other member of the powersports community affected by these events, we encourage you to contact your federal and provincial representatives. Tell them what powersports mean to your business, your community and your ability to ride.

The more governments understand the real-world consequences of these decisions, the better equipped they will be to protect Canadian interests.

Moto Canada HEADLIGHT: Motorcycle and Powersport Industry and News and Views

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:51:29 GMT

Moto Canada is pleased to share our 2025 Annual Industry Statistics Report with members and stakeholders.

This year’s report offers a closer look at the strength and resilience of Canada’s powersports community, with key insights into on-road motorcycle sales, ATV and ROV sales, registrations, and licensing trends across the country. Together, these numbers reflect not only market performance, but also the passion, participation, and momentum that continue to drive our industry forward.

A few highlights from 2025 include:

61,623 new motorcycles and scooters sold.

48,994 ATVs sold.

37,918 SxS/ROVs sold.

919,313 registered on-road motorcycles.

936,776 registered off-highway vehicles.

Thank you to our members, partners, dealers, clubs, and riding communities for being part of another important year for the industry. We invite you to explore the full report and see the story behind the numbers.

Read the 2025 Annual Industry Statistics Report

ROAD TRAILS UPDATE Province announces over 146 km of new connections

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:58:52 GMT

West Side Road, Country Harbour Road Trail. Antigonish County

Photo: Broadhorns ATV Club (Facebook)

Nova Scotia’s OHV riders have a fresh reason to celebrate—trail access across the province just expanded in a big way.

The Department of Public Works has appoved a new round of road‑trail sites, effective today (July 1). This latest update adds 38-new connections to the network, strengthening links between communities and making it easier for riders to reach local businesses and services along their route. Whether you’re heading for a meal, a place to stay, or a fuel stop, these additions help create a more connected and accessible riding experience across the province.

Newly approved sites include:

Bowater Mersey Road (Halifax Region)

2.18 km from Hwy 3 to Hiking Trail Rd

Chemin Pembroke Lake Road (Inverness County)

5.66 km from Chemin MacGarry Road to K-Unmaintained Chemin Pembroke Road at Pembroke Lake

Clydesdale Road (Colchester County)

1.19 km from trail 551 to Stewarts Road K-Unmaintained

Dick Theriault Road ext. (Digby County)

4.5 km from the Clare Trail to Trail 137

Frank Swinamer Road (Lunenburg County)

0.32 km from the Chester Connection Trail to Hwy 3

Glendyre Hill Road K-Unmaintained to MacDonald Glen Road (Inverness County)

8.21 km Hwy 19, North East Maboo Road, MacDonald Glen Road

Grosse Coques Road (Digby County)

4.07 km from Hwy 1 to Clare Trail 102

Hwy2 Glooscap Trail (Cumberland County)

1.67 km from Municipal Road at Cemetery to Sunshine Inn

Inverness Shean Trail to River to Sea Cottages (Inverness County)

2.02 km – Beach No1 Road, Central Avenue Trunk 19, MacLean Street, MacLeod Street

Isadore Thibeau Road (Digby County)

10.5 km from Hwy 1 to the K-Unmaintained section

Kennetcook Hwy 354 (Hants)

1.23 km from Trail 937, go behind XRT Station to Trail 937

Killag Rd Hwy 224 (Halifax Region)

1.78 km from Sheet Harbour Snowmobile & ATV Club driveway to Killag Road

Labelle Road – Molega Road (Queens Region)

15.8 km from Flossie Lane to Brookfield Mines Trail

Liverpool Access (Queens Region)

4.08 km from Liverpool Municipal Road, intersects Hwy 3 at Queens Place Drive to Glen Hill Road, to Nickerson’s Pond Road to Trail 253

MacKeigan Road (Cape Breton Region)

2.57 km from Trail 646, MacKeigan Road, Hwy 327 to Church’s Supermarket ESSO

Marconi Tower Road (Cape Breton Region)

1.37 km from trail 631A to Trail 623

Meadows Road & Morley Road (Cape Breton Region)

6.66 km from Trail 621 Glen Morrison Rd K-Unmaintained to Trail 622 on Morley Road

Milford Street & School Street (Queens Region)

7.3 km from Trail 253, Milford Street, Hwy 8, Bridge Street, West Street, and School Street to Trail 284D K-Unmaintained

Mooseland Road Extension (Halifax Region)

11.3 km from trail 106 to Magill Road K-Unmaintained

Morrison Road (Cape Breton Region)

2.61 km from trail 690 to trail 690

Hwy 10 New Germany (Lunenburg County)

2.27 km from the Mic Mac Rod & Gun Club driveway to Trail 10, the Lehave River Trail

North Highlands Road (Inverness County)

9.51 km from the K-Unmaintained section of North Highlands Road to MacDonald Glen Road K-Unmaintained section

North Side West River Road (Guysborough)

0.6 km from Trail 522, the K-Unmaintained section of North Side West River Road to Hwy 348 existing road trail

Old Guysborough Road Extension (Halifax Region)

7 km from Trail 504 Ledwidge Road K-Unmaintained to K-Unmaintained section of Miller Road

Ponhook Lodge Road (Queens Region)

0.315 km from the Ponhook Lodge Campground to Laurie Wamboldt Road, a private road to be numbered soon

Myra Road – Porters Peak (Halifax Region)

1.04 km from Trail 500B to 2014 Myra Road Porters Peak Adventure Getaway

Pushie Road (Antigonish County)

1.01 km from Trail 713 to old Hwy 4

Salmon River Road (Cape Breton Region)

3.43 km from Trail 616 to Loch Lomond Road, an existing road trail

Sheet Harbour Hwy 7 (Halifax Region)

1.7 km from Trail 393A driveway to church across from Irving to Marmalade Café & Coffee Bar

Shore Cycle & Marine Hwy 3 (Lunenburg County)

2.0 km from the Dynamite Trail 202 to Shore Cycle & Marine on Hwy 3

Spry Bay Hwy 7 (Halifax Region)

1.68 km from Trail 105A to 105B at the end of Twin Bridges Loop Road

St. Mary’s Road – Wheelers Wilderness Base Camp (Halifax Region)

1.47 km from Trail M-RG to Wheelers Wilderness Base Camp

Strathlorne – North Highlands Road (Inverness County)

5.96 km from Trail 105 to Strathlorne-Scotsville Road, West Lake Ainslie Road, Church Road, Hwy 19, North Highlands Road K-Unmaintained section

Sunnybrae Eden Road (Pictou County)

2.4 km from trail 507 to trail 502

Swan Creek Road (Cumberland County)

2.47 km from Trail 31 to Hwy 2 across the bridge to Parrsboro municipal roads

Vinegar Lake Road (Halifax Region)

1.12 km from St. Margarets Bay Trail 355 to Trail 356

Westside Road (Antigonish County)

6.11 km from the Guysborough Nature Trail 528 to the trail directly across Hwy 316 from the bridge, soon to be numbered

West Side West River Road (Guysborough County)

1.79 km from the K-Unmaintained section of West Side West River Road to Hwy 348, currently an existing road trail to Trail 519 & Trail 531

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 112-provincially approved and eight municipal sites. Most of these connections would not be possible without the planning and advocacy from our clubs across Nova Scotia.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

June is Off‑Road Safety Month Across Canada

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:19:43 GMT

June marks Off‑Road Safety Month nationwide, a coordinated campaign led by Moto Canada with support from the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA), the Canadian Quad Council (CQC), and provincial partners including ATVANS. The month‑long initiative promotes safe riding habits, responsible trail use, and stronger stewardship of Canada’s off‑road trail systems.

With more Canadians than ever enjoying ATVs, side‑by‑sides, and off‑road motorcycles, the campaign delivers a unified message: safer riding protects people, preserves access, and strengthens our trail‑riding community.

Key Safety Priorities

The national campaign focuses on three core themes:

Gear Up: Wear certified helmets, protective clothing, and eye protection. Complete pre‑ride inspections and always ride sober.
Ride Smart: Stay within your skill level, slow down in unfamiliar terrain, watch for other users, and ensure youth riders are properly supervised.
Respect the Trails: Stay on designated routes, follow signage and landowner rules, share the trail respectfully, and help keep riding areas clean.

Why It Matters

As participation grows, so does the need for consistent safety practices. Preventable injuries, trespassing, and off‑trail riding can threaten long‑term trail access. Off‑Road Safety Month reinforces that every rider plays a role in keeping trails open and communities safe.

Supporting Clubs and Riders

Moto Canada has released a national toolkit with graphics, messaging, and resources to help clubs and associations share safety information throughout June. The campaign also tailors guidance for different rider groups, including ATV, side‑by‑side, and off‑road motorcycle users.

Protecting the Future of Riding

Off‑Road Safety Month is a reminder that safe, respectful riding is essential to maintaining access to the trails we all enjoy. By working together, riders across Canada can help ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations.

UPDATE: Road Trails in Queens Region/Liverpool NOW OPEN

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:26:47 GMT

Region of Queens Municipality says that newly designated Road Trails in the Liverpool area are NOW OPEN. Municipal crews have been installing signage along the approved routes since the bylaw was passed.

These Road Trails follow Council’s adoption of Bylaw No. 28 – Designation of Road Trails on Municipal Roadways on January 13, 2026, establishing where approved ATV and SxS travel is permitted within the Municipality.

The newly designated Road Trails include:

West Street — from civic number 181 to the intersection with Harley Umphrey Drive, continuing to the intersection with White Point Road.
King Street — from civic number 56 to the intersection with Lawrence Street, then to the intersection with Wolfe Street, ending at civic number 16.
Main Street — from the intersection with Central Boulevard to civic number 741.
Brunswick Street — from civic number 63 to the intersection with Main Street, then to the intersection with Henry Hensey Drive, ending at the pump station at civic number 4 Henry Hensey Drive.
Milton Road — from civic number 31 to the intersection with Bristol Avenue, west to the intersection with Hank Snow Drive, and east to the intersection with Queens Place Drive.
- This includes Hank Snow Drive to civic number 38, the entirety of Queens Place Drive, and Old Cobbs Barn Road.

These new connections represent a new chapter for recreation and responsible OHV use in the Region of Queens—providing access to amenities, supporting local tourism, and offering riders a safe, clearly marked way to enjoy the area.

Lucky Ticket! Westville Resident Wins ATVANS 2026 Lottery Grand Prize

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:36:08 GMT

Adventure Motors Sales Consultant, Karleigh Crawford reading the winner of the SxS alongside ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet.

Jeff Robinson of Westville is the lucky winner of a brand‑new side‑by‑side!

The grand prize draw for the record‑breaking ATVANS Lottery took place on Sunday, March 15, wrapping up a busy weekend at the Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show in Halifax.

This year’s lottery generated just over $150,000, with nearly $82,000 going directly to participating clubs. A huge thank‑you goes out to ATVANS’ partners—especially Adventure Motors—for their continued support. Our clubs and volunteers also deserve tremendous credit for helping make this year’s lottery such a success.

ATVANS Vice President Tom Arnold dedicated countless hours to planning and delivering the 2026 lottery and is already making strong progress on next year’s campaign.

“I’m working hard to meet our timeline and have our rollout announcement ready for our Annual General Meeting in May. We have some amazing prizes and partners lined up for this year’s campaign,” says Tom.

He also extends his thanks to the staff and board members who supported the Outdoor Show this past weekend, calling the event a “great success.”

PRIZE WINNERS:

GRAND PRIZE: 2025 Can-Am Commander XT700 side-by- side, provided by Adventure Motor Marine & RV

Winner: Jeff Robinson (Westville)

Ticket# 14702

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF5500DE Generator, provided by The Shack

Winner: Cameron Malay (Sheet Harbour)

Ticket# 28754

THIRD PRIZE: A pair of helmets provided by Canmac Power Sports

Winner: Michael Thorburne (Hunts Point)

Ticket# 21210

ATVANS would like to thank our lottery sponsors - Adventure Motors, BRP, The Shack, and Canmac Power Sports.

ATVANS Founding Member and First President Passes Away at the Age of 87

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:44:57 GMT

**Parts of the following obituary for Lorne Seymour Johnstone were taken from the original posting from Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. Click the link below to access the full obituary.**

https://personalcarecremations.ca/memorial/lorne-seymour-johnstone/

Lorne S. Johnstone, 87, of Head of St Margarets Bay / Macleod Cares Nursing Home, Mahone Bay, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of February 8th, 2026.

Born July 15, 1938, in Carleton, Yarmouth county to the late Milton and Edna (Allen) Johnstone. He grew up in Waterville, Kings county and Carleton, Yarmouth county.

He met Ruby in Yarmouth; they had both moved to Ontario for work and were married there in 1958 then returned to Carleton. In 1962 they settled in Head of St Margaret’s Bay for 60 years as Lorne came to work for Wiles Electric. He eventually took over the business from Mr. Wiles and ran it as L.S. Johnstone TV and Electric until he was in his late sixties. Lorne was a member of the District #1 Volunteer Fire Department and served in various positions. He was a founding member and first president of The Safety Minded ATV Association (SMATVA), based in Head of St Margarets Bay and served as the first president of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS).

Lorne is survived by his daughter; June (Dieter) Haas Martins River; sons, Ronald (Carla) Johnstone Boutiliers Point, Corey (Ken), Ottawa ON; grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie), Amber (Colton), Andrea (Derek), Emily, Anna (Kyle), and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Link, and Archer; brother Wayne, Boutiliers Point and sister Rose, Pleasant Lake.

Lorne was predeceased by his wife, of 65 years, Ruby, and his brother Arthur.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Lorne’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.

Donations in Lorne’s memory to the St. Margaret’s Bay United Baptist Church would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Esther Raymond, the staff of Harbour View Haven nursing home in Lunenburg for their care and the staff at Macleod Cares, Mahone Bay, where he resided since October 2025 for their love, care, and compassion.

ATVANS extends it's heartfelt sympathy to Lorne's family.

Province adds 27-new road trails: Connecting trails and linking riders to amenities

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:11:42 GMT

Great news for Nova Scotia’s OHV community - riders now have even more options to explore!

The Department of Public Works has officially released the latest batch of approved road trail sites, effective December 8. These 27-new connections expand and connect trail networks, making it easier for riders to reach local businesses and services along the way - whether it’s lodging, restaurants, or fuel stops.

Newly approved sites include:

ANTIGONISH COUNTY (multiple trails on same map)

IRISH ROAD: 3.85 km, Trail 121 – Upper Springfield Road – Irish Road – Trail 529D
LOWER SPRINGFIED: 1.06 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
MARYDALE: 0.43 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
ST.ANDREW'S: 1.84 km, Trail 529 – Highway 316 – MacDonald’s Convenience Store.

CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

2.23 km Trail 526 – Cameron Settlement Rd – Highway 348 – Calgar Rd 0.68 km to the K-Unmaintained part of Calgar Rd Trail 533.

CAMERON MOUNTAIN - WEST BAY ROAD (Richmond County):

20.2 km, Trail 65 begins at the parking area on Cameron Mountain Road – Cameron Mountain Road – Roack Bay Road right up to Inspiration Point Lodge.

CAPE ROAD EXTENSION (Annapolis County):

0.54 km, from civic address 76 Cape Road to Highway 8.

DICK THERIAULT ROAD (Digby County)

3.32 km, Clare Trail 102 – Dick Theriault Road – Highway 1 – The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta.

FORT LAWRENCE ROAD - EDDY ROAD (Cumberland County)

6.29 km, Fort Lawrence Road – Eddy Rd to the municipality of Amherst. No access to municipality yet.

GLEN ROAD (Pictou County)

1.34 km, Trail 522 K-Unmaintained - Glen Road – Trail 559.

GLEN ROAD - DALHOUSIE ROAD (Pictou County)

7.74 km, Gunshot Road K-Unmaintained – Gunshot Road I-Local – Glen Road – Dalhousie Road - Dalhousie Road K-Unmaintained Trail 551.

GLENELG CHURCH ROAD (Guysborough County)

5.78 km, Trail 520 – Leads Mines Road – Waternish Road – Glenelg Church Road – Trail 534.

LOCH LOMOND ROAD (Richmond County)

18 km, Trail 681- Stirling Road – Loch Lomond Road – Trail 616.

LOWER CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

2.54 km, Trail 522 Highway 348 – Southerland Brook Rd Trail 531.

MABOU CEILIDH TRAIL MOTEL (Inverness County)

1.25 km, Trail 105 Celtic Shores Coastal Trail – Highway 19 – Ceilidh Trail Motel

MARGAREE VALLEY (Inverness County)

WEST BIG INTERVALE ROAD: 1.3 km, Trail 105 at the Irving – West Big Intervale Road Trail 105A – River Trail Cottages.
EGYPT ROAD - OLD RYAN ROAD: 0.6 km, Crowdis Rd (K-Unmaintained) Egypt Rd - Old Ryan Rd – Old Egypt Loop (K-Unmaintained)
EGYPT ROAD2: 4.88 km, Trail 106 to Egypt Rd (passes Ross's Cottages) – East Big Intervale Road – Fielding Road – Stops at Valley View Chalets.

NEW HARBOUR WEST ROAD (Guysborough County)

5.82 km, Trail 701 by Harbourview Community Centre – Highway 316 – Lonely Rock Seaside Bungalows.

NORTH FRAMBOISE ROAD (Richmond County)

9.3 km, Trail 652 – North Framboise Road – Grand Mira North Road – Trail 652C.

NUTTBY - Highway 311 (Colchester County)

0.11 km, Trail 410 – Highway 311 – Trail 410.

OLD MARGAREE ROAD (Victoria County)

4.51 km, Trail 710 Landfill Site (Parking) - Old Margaree Rd – Westside Baddeck Rd to Trailhead 710.

PICTOU ROAD - 104 TUNNEL (Colchester County)

3.55 km, Trail 410 – Kemptown Road – Old Highway 4 Loop – Old Riversdale Road – Pictou Road – Service Road COL 104-12 – Trail 410A.

PONDVILLE (Richmond County)

3.79 km, Trail 601 – Highway 320 – Pondville North Road – Gibbs Lane – Rockey Bay Road – Trail 601.

PORT HOOD / DUNMORE (Inverness County)

4.3 km, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail 520 – length of Dunmore right to the Ultramar – to get to Port Hood Main Street go back to - Highway 19 that intersects with Dunmore – Main Street Port Hood – High Road – Wharf Road – Water Street to Breakwater Beach Parking area.2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.

RIVER ROAD (Queens Region)

2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 74-provincially approved and five municipal sites, totaling 260 km of connections (including municipal road trails).

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below:

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

Burn Ban Lifted in Annapolis County, Daily Restrictions Still in Effect

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:50:45 GMT

Photo: Government of Nova Scotia

Great news for OHV riders in the valley!

Open fire and woods access bans have been lifted in Annapolis County as of 2 p.m. today (October 15), thanks to cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. However, daily burn restrictions remain in place across Nova Scotia until October 31 due to ongoing wildfire risk.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton urges residents to stay cautious: “We’re seeing improvement, but it’s still dry. Please follow the daily burn rules to keep communities safe.”

What You Need to Know:

❌ Burning is never allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Daily burn status updates are posted at 2 p.m. on the BurnSafe map.
Restrictions apply to open wood fires (campfires, brush fires, chimeneas).
✅ Charcoal and gas devices are permitted if used properly.
Violations carry a $25,000 fine.
Wildfire season has been extended to October 31.

Stay informed. Burn safely. Protect your community.

LINK TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE

LINK TO NOVA SCOTIA BURNSAFE MAP

P.E.I. ATV Federation Withdraws from Reciprocal Agreement with ATVANS: Effective in the New Year

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:54:36 GMT

An unfortunate development for off-road enthusiasts in Atlantic Canada.

The reciprocal agreement between the Prince Edward Island ATV Federation and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) will officially come to an end on January 1, 2025.

The P.E.I. ATV Federation has exercised the cancellation clause in the longstanding agreement, meaning riders will no longer be able to use a single permit to access trails in both provinces. Starting in the new year, ATV users will need to obtain separate trail permits for each jurisdiction.

ATVANS has a 30-day trail permit option specifically for out-of-province riders, allowing short-term access to Nova Scotia’s trail network. Meanwhile, ATVANS' 2026 trail permits are now available for purchase online and will soon be stocked at all affiliated clubs across the province.

Nova Scotia Shuts Down Forest Access Amid Wildfire Fears

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:58:37 GMT

In response to an intensifying wildfire threat fueled by weeks of hot, dry weather, the Nova Scotia government has enacted sweeping restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas across the province.

Effective as of 4 p.m. on August 5, the ban prohibits hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles such as ATVs in forested regions, including both Crown and private lands. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until October 15, or until conditions improve.

Premier Tim Houston urged residents to take the warning seriously:

“We are telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” he said during a press conference.

What’s Off-Limits?

All trail systems through wooded areas
Forested land, rock barrens, brush land, dry marshes, bogs, and muskeg
Use of vehicles in wooded terrain
Hosting guests for outdoor activities on private forested property

Parks Canada also announced several closures effective as of 12 p.m. on Aug. 6:

All trails in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
Backcountry camping at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
All trails at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
York Redoubt National Historic Site
Fort McNab National Historic Site
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site

✅ What’s Still Allowed?

Camping in designated campgrounds
Access to beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, and other non-wooded park areas
Use of charcoal and gas barbecues, as long as they’re enclosed and follow safety guidelines

Penalties & Enforcement
Violators of the ban face a $25,000 fine, matching the penalty already in place for the province-wide burn ban. Officials have already issued several fines for breaches of fire restrictions.

️Why Now?
The province has seen minimal rainfall in recent weeks, and forecasts show no significant precipitation ahead. Fire departments have raised concerns about low water levels and their ability to respond to emergencies.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton emphasized the urgency:

“We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain, and there’s no significant rain in the forecast,” he said, urging forestry operations to shift to nighttime hours to reduce fire risk.

️Looking Ahead
While the woods are off-limits, officials encourage residents and tourists to explore Nova Scotia’s coastal parks, beaches, and open green spaces. Businesses and tour operators are being asked to adjust programming and inform visitors of the new rules.

In an interview with CBC News, ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet says the member clubs have about six or seven events planned over the next month but it's not the first time rallies and runs have had to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions.

"They're all things that can occur later in the year, so its a matter of waiting for the rain and then moving the dates so they comply with the Ministerial order"

For updates and details on the restrictions, visit Nova Scotia’s wildfire prevention page.

ROAD TRAILS UPDATE: Province Officially Announces 22-New Connections

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:03:39 GMT

More options and improved access for off-highway vehicle riders in Nova Scotia!

The Department of Public Works has released the next batch of approved road trail sites, effective July 1st. These roadways provide OHV riders with additional trail connectivity and access to businesses and services, including lodging, restaurants, and fuel. The new sites are as follows:

Back Road (Richmond County) 0.16 km on Back Road, connects the Richmond County Rail Trail to the K class unmaintained section of Back Road.
Birchtown (Shelburne County) 0.17 km on Hartz Point Road, 1.2 km on Highway 3 and 1.62 km of Shore Road completing the connection of Trail 102.
Black River Road (Richmond County) (two road trails) 2.7 km on Black River Road and 2 km on Balmoral Road assisting in connecting the Richmond County Rail Trail to Cooper Road to connect to Trail 60.
Cooper Road (Richmond County) 0.81 km on Cooper Road connecting to Trail 60.
Flat Iron Road (Digby County) 0.12 km on Service Road, 0.05 km on Flat Iron Road connecting Digby County Rail Trail to Trail 101C to amenities.
Lequille (Annapolis County) (two road trails) 0.22 km on Highway 201, 0.29 km of Cape Road and 0.25 km on Highway 8 connecting Trail 151A to amenities.
Maccan (Cumberland County) 0.24 km on Mines Road, 1.06 km on Highway 302, 1.31 km on Highway 242, and 0.46 km on Harrison Lake Road connecting Trail 472 to Trail 32B
Mira Gut (Cape Breton County) 2 km on Mira Bay Drive, and 1 km on Highway 255 connecting Trail 645 to Trail 623.
Moser River North Road (Halifax Regional Municipality) 6.2 km on Moser River North Road connecting Trail 112 to amenities.
Nictaux (Annapolis County) 0.4 km on Highway 201 connecting South Shore Annapolis Trail 101 to amenities.
Northern Spur Line (Annapolis County) 1.45 km on Messenger Road, 0.75 km on Service Road ANN-101-10, 0.42 km on Service Road ANN 101-09, and Highway 101 Right-of-Way connecting the Northern Spur Line to the Harvest Moon Trailway
Old Guysborough Road (Halifax Regional Municipality) 1.39 km of Highway 212 Old Guysborough Road connecting Trail 503- ATV Pipeline Trail Old Guysborough to Trail 504 Mary Jane.
Old Road Hill (Guysborough County) 2.69 km on Old Road Hill connecting Trail 512 to 512B Sonora Trail.
Port Hilford (Guysborough County) 6.13 km on Sonora Road and 1.4 km on Highway 211 connecting the Sonora Trail 512B to amenities.
Prince Street (Guysborough County) 0.85 km on Prince Street and 0.18 km on Church Street connecting Rail Trail 528 to Prince Street K class Trail 528.
Pugwash (Cumberland County) 2.13 km on Highway 6 and 0.59 km on Water Street connecting Trail 263 to amenities.
Spanks Bridge (Guysborough County) 0.09 km on Larry’s River Road connecting Rail Trail 528 to Trail 528 on Larry’s River Road.
St. Peters Access (Richmond County) 5.75 km on Oban Road and 0.7 km on Pepperell Street connecting Trail 64 to amenities.
Stewart Hill (Halifax Regional Municipality) 1.22 km on Stewart Hill Road, 2.26 km on Mountain Road and 1.36 km on Highway 336 connecting Trail 311 to Trail 336.
Strathglass Road (Antigonish County) 5.2 km on Browns Mountain Road, 2.6 km on Strathglass Road and 1.6 km on Highway 4 connecting Trail 700 north of Highway 104 to Trail 700 south of Highway 104.
Wallace (Cumberland County) 0.7 km on Highway 307 and 0.2 km on Highway 6 connecting Wallace Quarry Branch Trail 265 to amenities.

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 49-provincially approved and five municipal sites. Additional proposed sites continue to be assessed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

ATVANS now has 48 Member Clubs

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:20:59 GMT

ATVANS is proud to announce it's 48th club!

The Marble Mountain Trail Riders & Conservation Society (MMTRACS) are now registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks and already have 45 members. The new Cape Breton club is based out of the Marble Mountain area in southern Inverness County and includes the nearby communities of Valley Mills, Malagawatch and Orangedale.

MMTRACS has already been busy planning the mapping and maintenance of their trail system, discussing future corridors and inquiring about funding.

Good luck going forward to the Marble Mountain Trail Riders & Conservation Society!

We look forward to supporting your plans to develop your trail systems and serve your members.

ATVANS Lottery Grand Prize Meets it's New Owner

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:53:29 GMT

LEFT: From left to right - Adventure Motors General Manager, Kevin Crawford, Mekelle (daughter of Grand Prize Winner, Dennis Manuge), Grand Prize Winner, Dennis Manuge, ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet. (March 19)

RIGHT: A very happy Dennis Manuge giving the thumbs-up in his new ride. (March 19)

After winning the grand prize draw in the 2025 ATVANS Lottery, Dennis Manuge finally claimed his new Kawasaki Teryx S LE side-by-side on March 19 at Adventure Motors in New Glasgow.

The Musquodoboit Harbour resident was out for supper with his wife on March 9 when he received a phone call from ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet. Dennis says he was in shock when Barry told him his ticket was just drawn as the winner of the side-by-side. The lucky winner bought that ticket back in September from the Musquodoboit Harbour Trail Runners Association at the iconic local train station. He says his daughter and him would look at the tickets occasionally over the past several months and dream of winning.

Congratulations again, Dennis!

RECAP OF THE LOTTERY WINNERS:

GRAND PRIZE: 2024 Kawasaki Teryx S LE Side by Side

Winner: Dennis Manuge (Musquodoboit Harbour)

Ticket# 04044

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter

Winner: Shelly MacDougall (West Richmond)

Ticket# 42188

THIRD PRIZE: Stihl MS 171 Chainsaw

Winner: Cory Henwood (Prospect)

Ticket# 28187

Lucky ticket drawn for ATVANS Lottery SxS at Outdoor Show

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:22:52 GMT

(Left) ATVANS Trails Coordinator Eric Rideout behind the grand prize Kawasaki Teryx S LE side-by-side at the Atlantic Sports and RV Show.

(Right) Adventure Motors General Manager, Kevin Crawford drawing the winner of the side-by-side alongside ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet

After an eight month campaign, a successful 2025 ATVANS Lottery is in the books.

The grand prize draw capped a busy weekend at the 41st Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show. Ticket sales were brisk at the Halifax Exhibition Centre during the three day event, (March 7-9) with the draw taking centre-stage Sunday afternoon in the arena area.

The prize winners were as follows:

GRAND PRIZE: 2024 Kawasaki Teryx S LE side by side

Winner: Dennis Manuge (Musquodoboit)

Ticket# 04044

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter

Winner: Shelly MacDougall (West Richmond)

Ticket# 42188

THIRD PRIZE: Stihl MS 171 Chainsaw

Winner: Cory Henwood (Prospect)

Ticket# 28187

ATVANS would like to thank our lottery sponsors - Adventure Motors, Canadian Kawasaki Motors, The Shack, and Bay Equipment Rentals.

Proceeds from the annual lottery go to support ATVANS clubs across the province, with a large portion of the money going back into trail maintenance and development.

Planning is already underway for the 2026 Lottery. ATVANS hopes to see you back at the Halifax Exhibition Centre next year for another exciting draw.

Public Works Officially Announces it's Newest Batch of Road Trails Across Nova Scotia.

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:03:53 GMT

You may have noticed new Road Trail signs being installed in various areas of the province over the past few weeks. The Department of Public Works has now officially released the next group of approved Road Trail sites, which are already in effect. These roadways provide OHV riders with more options for trail connectivity and accessing services and amenities. The new sites are as follows:

1. Bloomfield Cross Road (Digby County): 1km on Bloomfield Cross Rd and 100m on Ridge Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #101) to amenities at Haines Lake.

2. Broad River_ Beech Hill Road (two road trails), (Queens Municipality): Two road trails comprised of 3.8km on Beech Hill Rd, 1.5km on Hwy #3 and 1.1km on River Head Rd. to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Liverpool and the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

3. Churchover (Shelburne County): 1.9km on Shore Rd, 150m on Goulden Rd and 350m on Old Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to lodging at Boulder Cove Rd.

4. Cranton Crossing Road (Inverness County): 640m on Cranton Cross Rd and 1.6km on West Big Interval Rd to connect trail #105 to Highland Rd and trail #105 to Cheticamp and also to connect to amenities in the area.

5. Lennox Passage 2 (Richmond County): 500m on Rogers Rd, 150m on Hwy 206 and 7.7km on Hwy 320 to connect trails on Isle Madame to the rail trail (trail #2) into River Tillard.

6. Port Clyde (Shelburne County): 600m on Hwy #309, 1.65km on Greenwood Rd and 1.9km on Shore Rd to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to Gunning Cove to the rail trail (trail #102) to Yarmouth.

7. Pubnico Access 2 (Yarmouth County): 450m on Hwy #3 to connect the rail trail (trail #102) to amenities.

8. Spa Road 2 (Shelburne): 320m on Spa Rd to connect the Town of Shelburne road trails to the rail trail (trail #102) to Jordan River.

These newly approved Road Trails bring the total to 26-provincially approved and four municipal sites. Additional proposed sites continue to be assessed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

Approved Road Trails

Road Trails Act

Questionnaire from ATVANS to the Major Provincial Political Parties

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:38:08 GMT

ATVANS has reached out to the major provincial political parties in the run-up to the election to get their responses to a series of questions pertaining to OHV-related issues in Nova Scotia.

The Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, and NDP were each sent the same six questions on November 5th, and given until November 19th to send us their responses.

Unfortunately, only the Progressive Conservatives responded to our questionnaire. The questions and unedited responses from the PC's are attached below:

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1. Would your party introduce legislative and regulatory changes to modernize the OHV act to better reflect current conditions and practices, including practical changes allowing families to better participate in our sport, with greater legal riding opportunities for younger riders within the first two years of your mandate?

Yes, our party remains committed to modernizing the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Act to better reflect current conditions and practices. We believe in adapting regulations to ensure safety while also enhancing opportunities for the sport. Our willingness to make changes is evident in the regulatory amendments we’ve already made, including:

● Amended the Off-Highway Vehicles Designated Trails and Trail Permits Regulations (N.S. Reg. 224/2006 to N.S. Reg. 173/2023)

● Updated the Off-Highway Vehicles Fees Regulations (N.S. Reg. 103/2004 to N.S. Reg. 262/2022)

● Revised the Off-Highway Vehicles General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 13/1988 to N.S. Reg. 174/2023)

● Introduced the Snow Vehicles Pilot Project Trails Designation (N.S. Reg. 222/2023)

No other government has made amendments or new regulation to the OHV Act since 2008, which reflects our willingness to listen to ATV operators and respond to their evolving needs.

We are committed to collaborate with ATVANS to identify opportunities to expand legal riding areas for younger riders and introduce further practical changes that make it easier for families to participate in this recreational activity.

2. Annually, our clubs and members invest over $1,000,000 in fundraised contributions and in- kind value to the overall trail network. This is in addition to the funds from the rider contributions through the OHVIF. Would your party support a request for an annual capital trail program of $5,000,000 to contribute to large significant projects, including new trails, and bridge construction?

We recognize the significant contributions that clubs and members make to the off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail network, both financially and through in-kind support. The investments made by the community are crucial for maintaining and enhancing this extensive network.

Through the Department of Communities, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism (CCTH), we offer a variety of grants and funding programs designed to support organizations like yours. These programs include:

Recreation Facility Development Grant: Assists community groups, municipalities, and other non-profit organizations in developing facilities that increase public participation in sports and recreation.

● Recreation Trail Expansion Program: Provides support for developing new trails and making capital upgrades to existing trails.

● Trail Engineering Assistance Grant Program: Offers funding for professional engineering expertise, such as planning and designing bridges and other significant structures.

● Trail Maintenance Program: Funds ongoing trail maintenance and emergency repairs for major maintenance issues caused by fire or weather events.

● Community Recreation Capital Grants: Assists with the development of small-scale capital recreation projects

We encourage you to access these funding opportunities for trail development and related projects. Additionally, should a project not align perfectly with the criteria of a specific program, we are committed to working with organizations to explore alternative funding sources and solutions through CCTH when funds are available.

While these existing programs already support trail development across the province, we welcome your feedback on how we can enhance them to better meet your needs.

3. The newly implemented Nova Scotia Road Trails Act has enabled ATV use on certain public roads for the purpose of trail connectivity and access to local services. This initiative has been a huge success with no known issues; however, the approval process has been lengthy and the strict eligibility criteria has decreased the potential effectiveness of the legislation. Would your party support a request to expedite the approval process for Road Trail sites and remove or alter some of the guidelines to be less restrictive?

Our government was proud to introduce and pass the Nova Scotia Road Trails Act in 2023, enabling ATV use on designated public roads for trail connectivity and access to local services. We are pleased to hear that ATVANS and its members recognize the success of this initiative, as we value its role in promoting recreational activities and community connectivity.

While we remain committed to balancing safety and accessibility, we acknowledge the concerns about the lengthy approval process and strict eligibility criteria. A re-elected PC government would work collaboratively with stakeholders to review the approval process and explore modifications to the guidelines, ensuring essential safety standards are maintained.

Our goal is to enhance recreational opportunities in Nova Scotia by making processes more efficient and responsive to the needs of the community.

4. ATVANS is the largest motorized sport organization in Nova Scotia, with 44-clubs and nearly 7,000 members year-to-date. Our sector contributes over 80% of the money managed by the OHVIF yet we only have a single voice at the table where decisions are made that impact our clubs and organization. Would your party support a greater role for ATVANS at the decision table based partly on contribution to the fund by sector?

We greatly appreciate and value the significant contributions ATVANS makes to the OHV Infrastructure Fund, as well as the vital work of more than 140 volunteer community groups and municipalities that help build and maintain trails across Nova Scotia. This collective effort ensures the management and upkeep of over 10,000 kilometres of trails, providing a network that is essential for recreation, connectivity, and tourism.

While we recognize the importance of ATVANS’ perspective and would be happy to hear suggestions on their priorities, it is equally important to include voices from other community organizations. These groups often possess localized knowledge that helps us better meet strategic goals and respond to regional needs effectively. Maintaining a balanced approach allows us to plan, manage, and operate the trail network in a way that benefits all Nova Scotians.

Our commitment is to continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure trails are accessible, well-maintained, and aligned with the broader recreational and community development goals of the province.

5. ATVANS is the fourth largest ATV organization in Canada, only behind Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Two of these provinces have mandatory trail permits or membership on managed trails. This has enabled them to not only grow their sport but to also manage activities better. Would your party consider changes to the OHV act that would provide for mandatory trail permits on managed trails similar to the New Brunswick and Quebec model or models already used by another OHV sector in Nova Scotia, within the first two years of your mandate?

While we understand the benefits of mandatory trail permits, such as increased funding for projects and improved trail management and maintenance, our government’s focus during this affordability crunch is on reducing costs and cutting red tape. We recognize that this approach could potentially help grow the sport, but we do not believe that now is the right time to add costs for Nova Scotians. However, once the economy reaches a stronger position where Nova Scotians can better afford such measures, we will revisit this proposal and give it thorough consideration.

6. Over the past four years we have seen tremendous growth in our sport, this occurred at a time when enforcement was preoccupied with pandemic duties and other activities. What does your party plan to do to help address some of the enforcement issues resulting from increased activity and decreased enforcement?

A PC government is always willing to listen to the needs of the community, and we value the input from organizations like ATVANS. At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that the safety of all Nova Scotians is maintained. We welcome the opportunity to engage in discussions about enforcement concerns and explore the best ways to balance safety standards with ensuring that trails can be enjoyed by those who use them most.

As we move forward, we are committed to working with stakeholders to find solutions that support both the growth of the sport and the protection of the trail areas.

Kind regards,

NSPC Campaign

New Road Trail By-laws Continue to be Adopted in NS: Halifax and Digby

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:00:39 GMT

More good "legislative news" for OHV riders across Nova Scotia!

A pair of municipalities have recently passed their own Road Trails Designation by-laws.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) adopted By-law R-500 by a vote of 14-1 at a meeting of council Sept 10. The municipality says the purpose of the by-law is to "provide the ability for Council to designate road trails on HRM roadways, allowing for the operation of off-highway vehicles on those roadways designated as road trails."

No new road trails were designated as a result of the legislation, however R-500 will pave the way for possible future trail connections to be approved and implemented within the HRM.

Moving onto the Town of Digby...

The "Scallop Capital of the World" now has its own Road Trail By-law and designated Road Trails in the town. Second reading and passage of 2024-03 occurred Sept 3, with the town advertising the new by-law Sept 11.

The HRM and Town of Digby now join the Towns of Yarmouth, Oxford, and Shelburne in passing their own Road Trail by-laws.

The following excerpt from the Digby by-law details the designated portions of streets as Road Trails:

"Designation: The Town of Town of Digby hereby designates the following portions of streets as Road Trails pursuant to section 5(2) of the Road Trails Act: 1. First Avenue from civic number 194 to the Mount Street Intersection, 2. Mount Street from First Avenue Intersection to Montague Row intersection. 3. Saint George Street Extension east of Montague Row Intersection 4. Montague Row from Saint George Street Intersection to civic number 5."

ATVANS New Trail Mapping Application has Arrived!

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:58:51 GMT

ATVANS official trail mapping application from Mapgears is now ready for use!

This interactive app is now available for installation on PC - and from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The new mapping system includes the latest trail routes in Nova Scotia, trail types, connections, closures, and various services available along your route.

The download to PC is FREE, while the cost of the mobile app from both Apple and Google is $4.99 + HST per year. To access the online version for PC, go to atvans.evtrails.com

A pair of short tutorial-style videos (for PC and Mobile), displaying the various menus and screens, along with helpful tips is now posted on ATVANS' Facebook, YouTube and our News page at atvans.org.

Shortcuts to Mapping App Video and and app downloads:

YouTube (longer video for online PC version)

YouTube (shorter video for MOBILE app)

Google Play Store

Apple App Store

We will be monitoring the performance of this app as riders begin to make use of it. With any new app, there may be opportunities for improvement or enhancement and we invite users to pass on their feedback.

Happy Trails!

More Road Trails now Approved Across the Province

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:39:32 GMT

OHV riders across Nova Scotia now have more options for trail connectivity and accessing services and amenties on their vehicles! The Department of Public Works has listed the next batch of approved road trail sites, which go into effect immediately. These sites are as follows:

1. Doucetteville: 5km on Henry Maillet Rd, 2km on Doucetteville Rd, and 5km on Fourth Lake Rd to connect the rail trail to the inland trail network at Fourth Lake.

2. Framboise: 1.75km on St Peter’s Fourchu Rd and 250m on North Framboise Rd to connect MacDonalds Rd trail to trail #652.

3. Capelin Cove (Framboise): 3.25km on St. Peter’s Fourchu Rd to connect trail 679 at Capelin Cove Rd to 679 at St. Esprit Rd.

4. Kemptown: 1.55km on Kemptown Rd, connecting Upper Kemptown Rd to the Gully Lake Protected Area.

5. Mooseland: 325m on Mooseland Rd providing a legal connection between Lake Charlotte and Sheet Harbour.

6. Riversdale: 660m on Riversdale Rd, and 150m on Thorpe Rd providing a safe & legal crossing of the active rail line as well as the Black River.

7. River Tillard: 530m on Mountain Rd to connect the rail trail to trail #62.

8. Sherbrooke, Guysborough County: Two extensions of the existing road trail in the community of Sherbrooke providing access to the Sherbrooke Village Inn and River’s Edge Campground.

9. Tusket: 550m on Hwy 308 providing access to food and fuel.

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 17-provincially approved and three municipal sites. Additional proposed sites are still being reviewed by the province and ATVANS will share any updates when they become available.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below:

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

Road Trails Act overview

JOB POSTING: Trail Connectivity Specialist/Project Manager

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:06:59 GMT

ATVANS is excited to be posting a job for the position of Trail Connectivity Specialist/Project Manager to work out of our office in Lower Sackville.

Applications must be sent to execdirector@atvans.org and will be accepted until Thursday, August 8th. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Click the link below to access the full job listing and a description of the position.

Trail Connectivity Specialist Job Listing.pdf

Town of Shelburne Passes Road Trails Designation Bylaw

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:10:29 GMT

The Town of Shelburne’s Road Trails Designation Bylaw is now officially passed following Council’s discussion of the second and final reading of the proposal on July 15.

Shelburne Bylaw Officer, Dana Nash says the town will now be getting the proper safety signage in place, including stop signs and arrows. Signage detailing a list of “do’s and dont’s,” taken directly from the Province’s Bill 273, will also be installed at each entry and exit point of the trail. Nash expects this work to be completed by September before a two-week advertising period of the bylaw occurs for the benefit of town residents. He says OHVs will then legally be allowed on the designated roadways.

Shelburne’s Road Trail Designation includes “approximately 208-metres of Spa Road, King Street to the corner of Water, all of Water Street, all of Falls Lane and Ohio Road and not beyond the Highway 103 intersection…” (excerpt taken directly from the Town’s newly approved by-law) Spa Road is connected to the existing Jordan Trail. (SEE MAP BELOW)

Nash also identifies several areas where residents can park to load/unload their bikes. These include two “massive” vacant lots owned by the town on Water Street, the Government Wharf, the “Green Bridge” near where Falls Lane changes to Ohio Road, and at Needs and Tim Hortons on Ohio Road, near Hwy 103.

Shelburne joins the towns of Yarmouth and Oxford in approving road trails in their communities, with the Town of Digby also working on drafting their bylaw.

“I’ve spoken to the Town of Yarmouth about their road trail and they’ve had great success,“ says Nash. He adds that (Yarmouth) has not had any vocal opposition from residents or businesses and he only received two opposition letters from Shelburne residents.

ATV Safety Month 2024 - ATVANS Media Release

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:29:41 GMT

Town of Oxford's Road Trails Designation Bylaw to Receive 2nd Reading

Fri, 24 May 2024 16:28:55 GMT

Notice of Second Reading of the Road Trails Designation Bylaw 05-2024-2

TAKE NOTICE THAT Council of the Town of Oxford intends to consider the adoption (second reading) of the Road Trails Designation Bylaw 05-2024-2 at a Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6:00 pm. The Council meeting will be held at 105 Lower Main Street, Oxford, NS. The Council Meeting will also be virtual using the Zoom platform and will be broadcast live on Facebook.

The purpose of this bylaw is to designate part of a highway as road trail that is intended for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) that meet specific requirements.

Written submissions with any questions, concerns or comments will be considered at the time of the reading by emailing lcloney@oxfordns.ca.

Persons wishing to make a presentation verbally may do so at the Council meeting on June 27, 2024 and must pre-register with the Chief Administrative Officer by 3:30 pm on June 21, 2024.

The Bylaw may be inspected during Town Hall regular office hours 9 am – 4 pm at 105 Lower Main Street, Oxford, NS, or by visiting the Town’s website: www.oxfordns.ca

DATED at Oxford, Nova Scotia, this 23rd day of May 2024

Linda Cloney

Chief Administrative Officer

lcloney@oxfordns.ca

902-447-2624

Reciprocal agreement ENDED between QuadNB, ATVANS, RidePEI, and OFATV

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:20:41 GMT

May 16, 2024

Dear Members,

As many of you have already heard, QuadNB has announced that the reciprocal agreements with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario have ended.

The agreement that was in place allowed ATV riders from these three provinces to ride on managed QuadNB ATV trails without having to purchase a QuadNB trail permit, on the condition that they had a permit from their own provincial ATV Federation.

The termination of this agreement is unfortunate and ATVANS was not consulted prior to the decision being made.

Effective immediately, ATVANS members who wish to ride on QuadNB’s managed trails will have to buy a New Brunswick trail permit, just like any other provincial resident. Daily and weekly trail permits are also available. For more information on purchasing these permits, go to www.quadnb.ca

Another Successful ATVANS AGM this past Weekend in Truro

Tue, 07 May 2024 16:03:30 GMT

Dave Bishop and Butch Guitard (Mid Valley ATV Club) speaking about the recapitalization of the Clarence North Spur Line.

Attendees at ATVANS' Annual General Meeting, at the Inn on Prince in Truro, were treated to a variety of informative presentations and opportunities to mingle with other club members.

The AGM kicked off with a "meet & greet reception" on Friday May 3, followed by a full day of presentations, a town hall meeting, and an awards banquet on Saturday. The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning with a business meeting.

Delegates and guests were treated to a group of knowledgeable presenters, addressing such topics as "best practices" for running clubs, the shared strategy for trails in Nova Scotia, and a review of current and future trail mapping products.

The Mid-Valley ATV Club presented a report on the extensive work their club has been completing on a current project, and PEI ATV Federation Executive Director, Peter Mellish was on hand to discuss his organization's challenges and successes as well. Presentations were also given on the "rails to trails" update, disaster relief efforts, and grant funding.

Awards were handed out following the dinner. The winners are as follows:

Trail Builder of the Year: Boyd Moore, Sunrise Trails ATV Club
Executive Member of the Year: Chris McQuaid, Sheet Harbour Snowmobile & ATV Club
Club of the Year: Pictou County ATV Club
Ray Gouthro Memorial Award (given to someone in the opinion of the executive director has demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to our organization over time.): Paul Smith, ATVANS Treasurer, PUMA ATV Club
Overcoming Adversity Award: Safety Minded ATV Association
Bob Wright Memorial Spirit of Riding Award: Leo LeBlanc, Sou'west Nova ATV Association
Volunteer of the Year: Debbie and Wally Shute, North Shore ATV Club
Landowner Partner of the Year: Irving Woodlands, a division of J.D. Irving Limited.
Certificate of Merit: In recognition of the bravery, selflessness, and compassion displayed by Colin MacInnis, Adam Partridge, David MacDonald, Bernard MacInnis, Kyle MacInnis, and Andrew MacInnis in Arisaig, Nova Scotia on February 3 and 4, 2024. **RECIPIENTS ARE MEMBERS OF EIGG MOUNTAIN TRAIL ASSOCIATION**

April Showers Bring...Two New ATVANS Clubs!

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:01:54 GMT

Two new clubs joining the ATVANS family in April are working overtime to build their membership numbers and get their trails ready for a busy riding season.

One of the newest additions to the ATVANS roster of ATV clubs is the "BCALM Freewheelers Trail Society." The name of the group is derived from the names of the communities in their area of Cape Breton Island (B - Bateston, C - Catalone, A - Albert Bridge, L - Louisbourg, Lorraine, M - Marion Bridge, Main-a-dieu).

Say hello to the Musquodoboit Harbour Trail Runners Association! MHTRA is the most recent addition to the list - our 44th club. The newly formed club held its first meeting on April 23. Congratulations, and good luck!

Gate Width Standards Finalized on Former Rail Corridors

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:16:34 GMT

BREAKING NEWS:

Temporary Trail Closure near Wentworth and Richmond (Sunrise Trails ATV Club)

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:43:16 GMT

**TRAIL CLOSURE**

The Sunrise Trails ATV Club has received confirmation that their Funding Application for the overhaul of Trail 266 (Wentworth Connector) has been APPROVED!

The conditions and weather forecast is favorable, and therefore our contractor will be beginning work Tuesday, April 23rd.

Please be aware that the trail will be temporarily closed. This closure is to allow efficient operation of machinery, ensure safety and allow the surface to dry and settle prior to OHV use.

We understand this may pose some inconvenience to trail users but rest assured, this short term closure will result in sustainable and enjoyable trails for years to come.

Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to complete necessary and high-quality repairs to this trail.

Boyd Moore

President, Sunrise Trails ATV Club

ATVANS Welcomes New Member Club on Cape Breton

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:38:25 GMT

ATVANS is proud to announce the formation of it's 43rd member club.

The newest addition to the family is the "BCALM Freewheelers Trail Society." The name of the group is derived from the names of the communities in their area of Cape Breton Island (B - Bateston, C - Catalone, A - Albert Bridge, L - Louisbourg, Lorraine, M - Marion Bridge, Main-a-dieu).

The club has named its executive committee and is now eagerly looking forward to recruiting members and managing their trails. They plan to hold meetings in Catalone and are hoping to have representatives at the ATVANS Annual General Meeting in May.

Please join us in welcoming the BCALM Freewheelers Trail Society!

ATVANS Lottery takes Centre Stage at the Atlantic Outdoor Show

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:10:17 GMT

An Annapolis Valley man cannot believe his luck after having his ticket drawn for the grand prize in the ATVANS lottery.

Brandon Lake, of Bridgetown is the lucky winner of a Kawasaki BruteForce 750 4x4i ATV.

Lindsay DeWitt, of Amherst, is the second prize winner, taking home a Honda power generator EU 2200i

Mike Kelly, of Timberlea, is the third prize winner. Mike gets a pair of matching full face helmets.

Large crowds filled the Halifax Exhibition Centre from Friday, March 8 thru Sunday March 10 for the Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show. ATVANS had a large contingent of club volunteers helping to make the organization's participation successful and profitable through lottery ticket sales and membership registrations.

ATVANS would like to sincerely thank everyone who bought tickets and the member clubs for all their hard work in selling the tickets. Also, a special "Thanks" to Adventure Motors in New Glasgow for partnering with us on the ATV and Steele Recreation in Bridgewater for their partnership on the power generator.

Proceeds from the sale of the tickets support club and association projects, including trail construction, maintenance, events, training, youth programs and environmental and safety awareness.

Road Trails Act Clarification

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:02:06 GMT

AWESOME Day for ATVANS and ATV Riding In Nova Scotia

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:16:04 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AWESOME Day for ATVANS and ATV Riding in Nova Scotia

Bill to Allow OHV Road Travel in Nova Scotia Introduced

Today Minister Kim Masland introduced a bill putting an end to the “Share The Road” pilot project and making road travel in certain areas legal in Nova Scotia. The bill applies the same rules as the pilot project and new candidate sites will be added as they are evaluated. The bill also allows for municipalities to create bylaws to allow OHV travel on roads they control, where appropriate.

This is an exciting time for our organization and sport. This was a ten-year effort that finally paid off. We will need to have clear communication and the bill must still make its way through the legislative process. Government has assured me that they will make this happen quickly.

ATVANS will provide additional details as we learn them in the coming days.

In attendance at the legislature were Barry Barnet, Executive Director, Paul Smith, Treasurer, Tom Arnold, Vice President, Eric Rideout, Trails Coordinator and Jen MacIsaac, Member Services Coordinator.

L-R: Tory Rushton (Cumberland South), Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables; Jen MacIsaac, ATVANS Member Services Coordinator; Eric Rideout, ATVANS Trails Coordinator; Kim Masland (Queens), Minister of Public Works; Barry Barnet, ATVANS Executive Director; Tim Houston (Pictou East), Premier of Nova Scotia; Barb Adams (Eastern Passage), Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care; Danielle Barkhouse (Chester-St. Margaret's), Deputy Speaker; Tom Arnold, ATVANS Vice President 2; Paul Smith, ATVANS Treasurer; Brad Johns (Sackville-Uniacke), Attorney General and Minister of Justice

We have included the government press release for additional information:

News release

Legislation Supports Off-Highway Vehicle Use

Public Works

March 24, 2023 - 9:14 AM

The new Road Trails Act, introduced today, March 24, creates a permanent set of rules so off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators can safely enjoy their vehicles on roads at approved locations.

This also gives riders improved trail connections and better access to services like gas stations and restaurants.

“The OHV pilot project showed us that Nova Scotians want to be able to use their vehicles to have fun, meet up with friends and enjoy the natural beauty of our province,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “This legislation makes sure we can continue to use current OHV sites, while giving us a way to safely add more connections.”

The rules for using portions of provincial roads will remain the same as they were under the pilot project. Riders are required to have a valid driver’s licence, insurance, registration and a licence plate.

The act also allows for enforcement of the rules and gives municipalities the ability to designate local streets for the use of off-highway vehicles through bylaws.

Quotes:
Our members across Nova Scotia have been patiently waiting for this day. This legislation will help us make vital connections, create safer travel and grow the local economy.
Barry Barnet, Executive Director, All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

the off-highway vehicle pilot project started in 2018 and will end October 2, 2023
Nova Scotia’s Off-highway Vehicles Act has not been amended significantly since 2006

Additional Resources:

Off-highway vehicle pilot project and reports: https://novascotia.ca/ohv-pilot/

Department of Public Works on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_PublicWorks

Bill 273 (as introduced), First Reading:
https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-64-session-1/bill-273

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