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HAY RIVER
A public meeting to inform Hay River residents of a proposed bylaw on all-terrain vehicle use in the community left many in attendance asking, "do we really need this?"

Keith Dohey is one of the Hay River residents who believes an all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile bylaw will not be of use to the community. - Kristen Campbell/NNSL photo

Bylaw officer Dave Ryan stood before a full gallery in the council chambers last week to give a short presentation on what he believes to be a necessary addition to the town's regulations.

The presentation gave the public and the council members a brief overview of why a bylaw is needed, why fines are required and how much fines would be for various offences.

The bylaw mimics the GNWT's act which council thought may not be the best for the town.

Mayor Kelly Schofield raised the issue of the age restrictions. Under the proposed bylaw, ATVs within town limits would be restricted to operators 14 and older, which Schofield warned could cause a problem.

He said young riders would be able to drive out "on the lands" but should the need to refuel arise, it would be illegal for that rider to go to the gas station because they would be on property within the town limits and under the legal age.

The bylaw would also require all snowmobiles and ATVs to have licence plates and insurance.

Coun. Bernie Langille said he thinks the only people in town who would be punished by the bylaw are the honest ones who would actually stop and hand over papers if asked to.

Keith Dohey, an avid user of ATVs in town, said he does not believe the bylaw will change how people use their machines.

"I agree with Coun. Langille on this one for the most part," he said. "The only people who will stop are people who are not really breaking the law anyway.

"I agree that some people drive like idiots in town, but a bylaw won't stop that. I would not argue that every ATV should be plated and registered. That way when you report an ATV it can at least be traced to someone. Other than that, I think spending a bunch of time and money on a bylaw is a total waste."

He believes the time and effort should be spent on education instead.

"I think when you have proper education on safe use of ATVs they can be an awesome way for recreation," he said. "I understand where they are coming from, don't get me wrong, but it won't work. They should promote safe operation instead."

If council decides to go through with the bylaw, it will hold a public consultation before the finalized draft is passed.

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