Opponents of ATV use on St. Peter’s trail say they are not being heard
Opposition to ATV use on the three-kilometre St. Peter’s Coastal Trail in Richmond County continues to grow as concerns from local residents remain unaddressed. The trail, situated along a former rail bed connecting the Richmond County village to River Tillard, currently prohibits motorized vehicles. However, the St. Peter’s Community Club and the East Richmond ATV Riders Society are vying for authorization from the province to manage the trail, sparking division among area residents.
Clair Rankin, a representative from the community club, expressed frustration over what they perceive as miscommunication and disorganization on the part of the provincial government. “We’re really upset that the government has pitted community against community,” Rankin stated. “There’s friends that are arguing against each other, the communities are arguing with each other.”
In response to the ongoing debate, the provincial government has enlisted Halifax-based ATN Strategies to conduct consultations with local residents to determine the preferred use for the trail. Ama Lorenz from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage emphasized the importance of respecting both perspectives regarding ATV access. The consultation process aims to ensure that any decision aligns with the broader community’s values and interests.
Despite these efforts, Rankin criticized the recent engagement session for its poor planning, noting that several attendees left in frustration. The lack of opportunity to ask questions added to the growing tension surrounding the issue.
Municipal councillor Amanda Mombourquette acknowledged the desire of ATV users to access St. Peter’s amenities but emphasized the importance of maintaining pedestrian access along the trail. She highlighted the support from the local business community for increased ATV access as a means to boost business during off-season months.
Moving forward, the consultation process will involve meetings with homeowners along the trail to gather their input. The community club plans to engage in discussions with homeowners, launch a signage campaign, and promote the trail as a non-motorized walkway to various community groups in St. Peter’s.
As the debate over ATV use on the St. Peter’s Coastal Trail continues, finding a consensus among stakeholders remains a challenging task. Balancing the interests of ATV enthusiasts, pedestrians, and local businesses will be essential in reaching a mutually agreeable solution for the management of this scenic trail in Richmond County.
