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We received an email from Councillor Rick Cowsill who it turns out has a happy history with Chilligo.  It seems there is already a bylaw in place concerning  the use of “fun” motorized vehicles within the city limits of Cambridge.  Yep folks.  It’s true.   The use of ATV’s , dirt bikes and snowmobiles is prohibited except perhaps on ones own private land.  Period!  Oh wait a sec.  I didn’t mention that Mr. Cowsill rides the Hespeler circuit with a constable at least once a month and  has promised us that he would remind and encourage the Police to enforce the following  :

BY-LAW NO. 41-04 OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Being a by-law of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge to prohibit the passage of motor vehicles upon any sidewalks, pathways or footpaths set apart for the use of pedestrians and to repeal By-law 141-84.

WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, S.130 provides that a municipality may regulate matters not specifically provided for by this Act or any other Act for purposes related to health, safety and well-being of the inhabitants of the municipality;

AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge deems it necessary to prohibit and regulate vehicles of any description, whatever the motive power, being used, drawn, hauled or propelled along or upon any sidewalk, pathway or footpath used or set apart for the safe passage of pedestrians.

NOW THEREFORE, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE ENACTS AS FOLLOWS :

DEFINITIONS

1. That in this by-law:(a) “”Motor Vehicle”” means an automobile, motorcycle, motor assisted bicycle, motorized snow vehicle and any other vehicle propelled or driven otherwise than by muscular power. (b) “”Maintenance Purposes”” includes the removal of snow and litter.2. No person shall drive, operate or propel any motor vehicle along or upon any sidewalk, pathway or footpath used or set aside for the use of pedestrians including those forming part of any highway or bridge, boulevard or other means of public communication, or being in or upon any highway, boulevard, park, park-lot, garden or other place set apart for ornament or embellishment or for public recreation.3. Emergency vehicles and vehicles used for maintenance purposes shall be exempt from this by-law.

OFFENCE

4. THAT any person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is upon conviction guilty of an offence and is liable to any penalty as provided for by the Provincial Offences Act.

NO DIRT BIKES
NO ATV’S

Residents of Silverheights. For too long we have been tolerating the people that have turned our neighbourhood into a motorized vehicle playground.

HERE ARE THE FACTS

According to the Region of Waterloo Transportation and Environmental Services Dept.and The Police, riding motorized vehicles along the dirt highways that have appeared along Hespeler Rd. and Maple Grove Rd. is ILLEGAL

According to The Grand River Conservation Authority, The MTO, The City Of Cambridge and The Police, riding motorized vehicles in the Chilligo Conservation Area and surrounding lands is ILLEGAL

Until a bylaw is passed totally banning ATV’s within the city limits of Cambridge we need a grassroots outcry against these activities that are affecting our quality of life.

WE ASK THAT YOU TO DO THE FOLLOWING

1. If you see motorized “sport” vehicles in action please display your displeasure in whatever safe and legal means that you can.

2. Phone The Waterloo Regional Police at 519-653-7700(ask for Cambridge Dispatch) with as much info as you have to report any sightings.

3. Contact our Councillor and / or Mayor or anyone at The City Of Cambridge, as well as The Region of Waterloo and The GRCA.

Together we can end these activities that are compromising the beauty and environmental integrity of our otherwise great neighbourhood.

Much work has been done over the past two years attempting to keep this green urban oasis that we call Chilligo Valley as a passive use-nature preserve.  In other words :  feet, bicycle tires,  wings, paws, fins and hooves.   

Today we gave a tour of the area to our Ward 1 Councillor, Rick  Cowsill and Emil Marion,  Supervisor, Technical Operations with the Transporation and Environmental Services of the Region Of Waterloo.  This on the same day that our computer guy got this blogsite up and running.  We know that this is  an auspious sign!

Our  greatest concern is that this nature preserve and the Regional Road allowances of Hespeler and Maple Grove Rds have become a playground for dirt bikes and ATV’s causing much environmental and aesthetic damage.

Here’s the verdict folks.   As suspected everything these “sportsmen” are doing is illegal. 

But let’s not dwell on that now.  Let’s revel in this beautiful autumn that we’ve had so far and appreciate the fact that this area exists within our urban sprawled community.  We have much more work to do and much to say.  Please stay tuned.