The Town of Sylvan Lake was presented with a review for the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Bylaw during the council meeting on Feb. 10.
The review was presented after a request was made by councillor Tim Mearns during the meeting on Jan. 27 to have information relevant to the operational aspects of the OHV Bylaw presented to council.
The OHV Bylaw first came into effect on Dec. 1.
In order to provide stats, municipal enforcement coordinated with the RCMP.
Since the OHV Bylaw came into effect:
- Nine municipal enforcement files have been created for complaints to be investigated
- four OHV's have been stopped by municipal enforcement
- one OHV driver has been given a written warning
In addition to the enforcement stats, the review presented to council noted that there was damage done to a park.
"Post and cable fencing is present in the area and the cable was cut and pulled out of the posts to open up access to the lake," town staff said.
"Considerable damage to the park, (and possibly the shoreline) was caused as the incline was such that the OHVs were spinning and ripping up the ground going from the lake back up to the park."
To prevent this issue in the future, the town has placed concrete jersey barriers in the area, Director of Parks and Protective services Ron Lebsack said
"Damage will be assessed in the spring once the snow melts."
The town's Parks department has also ordered signage for the parks to clarify that OHVs are prohibited from operating within parks and on the trail system.
"The signage cost is approximately $3,000 plus staff time for installation," town staff said.
Lebsack said the OHV Bylaw program is still underway, and there will be another review following its completion in March.
More information on the OHV Bylaw 1904-2024 can be found on the Town of Sylvan Lake website, sylvanlake.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/9051/?preview=81563.
Individuals can also read more and ask questions on the Engage Sylvan Lake website, engage.sylvanlake.ca/ohv-bylaw.
