On April 1, 2022, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) will be permitted to drive on Hamilton Township roads during certain hours as part of a pilot project approved by Township Council in 2021.
As part of the pilot project, ORVs, which include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides, will be permitted to ride on Township roads from dawn until dusk, between April 1 and November 30, 2022. This pilot project does not permit the use of ORVs on County Roads within the Township.
“After extensive public consultation and debate, Council has authorized a pilot project to permit ORVs on our roads. It is our hope that this pilot project will promote the safe operation of ORV’s on our roadways, boost the local economy, and encourage residents and visitors alike to respectfully enjoy the wonderful countryside our Township has to offer” states Township of Hamilton Mayor Bill Cane.
ORV operators and passengers will be required under the Highway Traffic Act to wear helmets, be insured, and follow ORV-specific speed limits when riding on Township Roads. Township of Hamilton By-law #2021-48 identifies ORV-specific speed limits in the Township as:
• 20km/h in 50km/h or less zones
• 30km/h in 60km/h zones
• 50km/h in 80km/h zones
Failure to follow speed limits, riding outside of the pilot project hours, or operating a vehicle with a modified exhaust system could result in a $200 fine as authorized by By-law 2021-48. All other applicable aspects of the Highway Traffic Act and other relevant legislation will continue to apply and will be enforced by Northumberland OPP.
During the pilot project, Township staff will work closely with community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses, ATV Associations, and the Northumberland OPP, on an education campaign to ensure riders and non-riders alike are aware of ORVs on the roads, the pilot project, riding etiquette, and the rules for riding on Township roads.\
Township staff will also gather data throughout the pilot project to determine if ORVs should continue to be permitted on Township Roads. Data relating to community support, economic and social impacts, public education, enforcement and non-compliance issues, and the impacts on road and Township infrastructure will be collected, analysed, and presented to Council in 2023.
For more information about the ORVs on Township Roads Pilot Project or By-law
#2021-48, please visit www.hamiltontownship.ca/orv
Quick Facts for ORVs on Township of Hamilton Roads Pilot Project
Item Detail
Pilot Project Time Frame • April 1 to November 30, 2022
ORV Hours of Operation on Roads during Pilot Project
• Dawn until Dusk
ORV Speed Limits on Township Roads
• 20km/h in 50km/h or less zones
• 30km/h in 60km/h zones
• 50km/h in 80km/h zones
Roads in Township Excluded from Pilot Project
• County Road 2
• County Road 9 (Oak Ridges Drive)
• County Road 15 (Harwood Road)
• County Road 18 (Burnham St. N)
• County Road 28
• County Road 74 (Dale Road)
• County Road 45 (Baltimore Road).
Governing By-law • By-law #2022-48
Fines Under By-law • Operating an ORV after dusk on November 30th and before dawn on April 1st ($200.00)
• Operating an ORV between dusk and dawn ($200)
• Having a modified exhaust system on an ORV ($200.00)
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
