Provincial government's Trail Act is off-track, says Huron-Bruce MPP

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson has responded to local concerns regarding Bill 100, the Supporting Ontario Trails Act, 2015, by asking tourism minister Michael Coteau to withdraw it.
 

"The Progressive Conservative (PC) Party respects the right of Ontarians to access trail systems and footpaths, and recognizes the value they bring to Ontario's tourism industry," said Thompson, "but it should not come at the cost of property rights and fulsome consultation. The minister has a responsibility to ensure that both are respected, and needs to look hard at the consequences of this Bill."

 

In May of 2015, Coteau introduced the Bill, which has recently caused concern among landowners and trail organizations in regards to vague terminology related to easements for trail systems, Thompson said. The result has been talk of landowners ending agreements with trail clubs, that allow access to pathways on their land, a loss to organizations that currently enjoy the social and recreational benefits these extensive networks provide.

 

"I'm hearing from people who have already notified local trail clubs they will remove access to their land if this Bill progresses," said Thompson. "Sadly, it has already seen one resident end his association with the Bruce Trail Conservancy because of the negative ramifications of Bill 100.

 

"Private landowners and trail organizations have long been effective partners in negotiating access to trails on private property for the wider community. These volunteers have been responsible for building positive relationships and are good stewards of the land. This vague Bill, from such a disconnected government, will do serious harm to their efforts if it is allowed to progress."

Concerned residents can also make their voices heard by signing and sharing the petition at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/jrnvy2e.