Smiths Falls council is set to approved a bylaw amendment allowing limited ATV access on a section of Jasper Avenue, following a request from the Rideau Lakes ATV Club to restore a key link in its regional trail network.
The club says a recent change in land ownership resulted in the loss of a critical trail corridor, forcing its route to bypass Smiths Falls entirely. That change, according to the club, has reduced tourism activity in the town, with riders no longer passing through for fuel, food, and accommodation stops.
Club Member Josh Hicks offered a rough traffic estimate.
In their presentation the club outlined multiple options to reconnect the network while a longer-term solution is reviewed by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. A proposed preferred route would eventually connect through the Cataraqui Trail, but approval is expected to take time.
Until then, the approved option uses Broadview Avenue East and Jasper Avenue to reconnect riders to Old Slys Road. Town staff recommended the change be made permanent, noting it aligns with existing ATV-permitted roads and helps maintain a more direct corridor through the south end of town while reducing travel through more densely populated neighbourhoods.
Councillor Dawn Quinn echoed the thoughts around the horseshoe.
Council approved the staff recommendation and directed that the bylaw and agreement be amended accordingly.
