ATV users in West Grey now have more room to ride around.
Close to 90 people packed the West Grey council chambers last night as Council considered passing the proposed ATV By-Law.
The by-law would see some municipal roads open up to allow ATVs to operate.
Delegations included Maureen Handley and Donna Clark from the Grey-Bruce Health Unit and David Sugarman — a member of the ATV By-Law Committee — all argued against the proposed by-law for various health and safety reasons.
Council voted 6-3 in favour of the passage with Councillors Bev Cutting, Carol Lawrence, and David Mollison voting against the by-law.
The President of the West Grey Four Wheelers ATV Club — Andy Nixon — says the passage of the by-law has been a long time coming.
He says an all-terrain vehicle is no different than any other mode of transportation whether it be cars, motorcycles, or horse and carriage.
Nixon says he doesnt see the problems that are being brought up by the opponents like safety in neighbourhoods and schools.
He says there will be trail wardens and members of West Grey Police patrolling the trails.
Sugarman is disappointed in Councils decision saying they ignored the warnings of police organizations, insurance companies, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
He says he isnt buying the arguments being brought up by ATV groups about the improvement of the quality of life and that money is being put in by governments to build and expand trails.
Nixon says the way the by-law is set up anyone can call police and complain.
While the by-law will rely more on police enforcement, Councillor John Bell — who chaired the ATV By-Law Committee — says there will be no changes to the level of police service.