Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to articles in the last two issues of THE EQUITY pertaining to the usage of the C.N. Rail bed. Both articles refer to it as going to be at least a dual usage trail, snowmobiles and ATV’s. By what I have read . . .
the snowmobile clubs (PSDA) have been very involved. In this decision making, what has the ATV club been doing to get on board? Last fall there were special rides, the first had Ontario riders coming into Quebec and the second had Quebec riders going to Ontario. Both groups were very interested in cross border travel. This has only been heightened by the signing of trail pass agreements between the two provinces. Why has the ATV club not acted on signing an agreement to use the old rail bridge that the snowmobilers use? I know it was offered to them.
Warden Jane Toller stated in
THE EQUITY that one of her eight items to complete while in office was to improve ATV trails.
The ATV club keeps getting grant money for trails and projects. Why it is not being used here where riders want and can use it, instead of building trails that are not required?
Why, when the ATV club is receiving grant money, is the MRC not putting pressure on the ATV club? Maybe they should be asking why five of the ATV club directors, (five of nine) resigned en masse, in the last six months, including the V.P. Is there some sort of internal turmoil in the club that is preventing the decision making? Why when the rail bed is there, already built and with the connection to cross border travel, is the club not jumping on this?
I have been a member for several years, holding Ontario and Quebec passes, but with this inability to make a decision and get involved with this project I will no longer be buying a Quebec pass. Just look at the money both Ontario and Quebec businesses make from snowmobile traffic. With the ATV’s on board, this could become a year round income. At this present time with the pandemic, could the businesses on both sides of the river not use the help?
Darl Garlough
Thorne, Que.
