DGATV’s Trails Remain Closed (2021)
Dufferin Grey ATV Club’s (DGATV) typical season extends from May 1st to November 30th (or first snowfall).
On March 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario returned to the COVID-19 Response Framework prompting the Grey Bruce Health Unit to move to the Green Prevent Level of the framework.
Due to the Government of Ontario’s stay-at-home order and enhanced public health shutdown measures the Grey Bruce Health Unit has recommended to Grey County that the trails be closed to recreational ATVing.
Grey County is a prominent landowner providing riders with access to the rail trail and Harkaway Forest. Please stay off DGATV’s trails in accord with landowner wishes to preserve a positive relationship with the landowner for future use.
The Government of Ontario’s declaration of emergency and province-wide Stay-at-Home order have been extended until June 2, 2021.
Keep an eye on our social media for update.
May 21, 2021 TRAIL UPDATE: Premier Doug Ford announced outdoor amenities will open tomorrow, The Grey County health unit has given the go ahead for outdoor amenities. Grey County Recreation and trails sent this link stating ATV’ing is not a listed activity therefore trails cannot open… We have contacted several councilors, the County Warden, our MPP and Doug Ford’s office.. unfortunately, it is unlikely we will receive a response by tomorrow morning … Tim Allen, DGATV President
May 22, 2021 UPDATE: As riders we are disappointed about the governments’ lockdown measures as well. As volunteers we are doing our best to deal with our governments to open the trails. Unfortunately responses are unlikely to come in until after the long weekend.
May 23, 2021 UPDATE: Wardens have been asked to patrol the trails to deter unauthorized riding and to perform spring trail maintenance. Please continue to stay off closed trails.
May 26, 2021 UPDATE: DGATV’s President Tim Allen has repeatedly contacted Grey County, local Councilors, our local MPP, and the Office of the Premier – “everything short of driving to Queen’s Park” himself. Since the re-opening does not specifically state “ATVing”, the trails will not be opened by the county. DGATV’s Executive have considered a partial trail opening, but after advice and careful consideration decided that a partial opening would work against the club for future riding access and possibly prompt a loss of agreements for county roads and trails. DGATV’s Executive continue to work on this issue and suggest that you contact your MPP asking for clarification under Ontario Regulation 344/21 “Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020” to include the recreational sport of ATVing.
May 31, 2021 UPDATE: Ontario Legislature votes to extend Ontario’s state of emergency to December 1, 2021. Of 124 seats the motion passed by 36 in favour; 22 opposed; 66 abstained.
- Bill Walker, Grey Bruce MPP did not vote.
- Jim Wilson, Simcoe County MPP did not vote.
DGATV’s Executive are following up with local municipal councils to determine the impact of this political decision on DGATV’s trails.
June 1, 2021 UPDATE: Government of Ontario News Release
June 2, 2021 UPDATE: CBC’s news coverage reports not much has changed despite reaching the deadline of Ontario’s Stay at Home order. Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen plan is not slated to start until June 14th leaving Ontarians subject to the provincewide emergency brake restrictions. DGATV’s Executive continue to pressure local and provincial governments to open DGATV’s trails. Stay tuned.
June 3, 2021 TRAILS UPDATE: We have received word from Grey County. They have received confirmation from the MPP’s office, Premier’s, and Health Unit that ORV/ATV trails may be listed in the law. We await the wording change…. This leaves us in a position to “potentially” open with STAGE 1 on June 14th. We will provide any updates as the date approaches … Tim Allen, DGATV President
June 7, 2021 UPDATE: Government of Ontario moves up Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen to June 11th. Note that recreational ATVing is not specifically listed in Step One so contact your MPP to request consideration.
June 10, 2021 UPDATE: DGATV trails will OPEN Friday, June 11, 2021 – Watch for updates for construction re: routes and trail sections currently under maintenance. Refer to the OFATV trails map or the QuadON app. for active updates Friday morning.
