WHEREAS the Province of Alberta regulates the operation of off-highway vehicles under the Traffic Safety Act, Chapter T-6, RSA 2000; and

WHEREAS municipalities in all of Alberta are requiring a clearer set of Acts, Regulations and Bylaw guidelines in order to effectively control the use of off-highway vehicles;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC urge the Province to take a lead role in developing a clear set of Acts, Regulations and Bylaw guidelines for all Albertans pertaining to the use of off-highway vehicles.

Acts, Regulations and Bylaws pertaining to the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV’s) in the Province of Alberta are not consistent and aligned.  A comprehensive review of legislation concerning the use of OHV’s is required.  The current situation creates confusion amongst OHV users.  Simplification and consistency of provincial legislation, municipal bylaws and enforcement methods would allow the OHV user to know what to expect in each area of the province.

The AAMDC has no current resolutions directly related to this issue.  However, Resolution 3-06F deals with recreation corridors and asks the province to leave the matter of allowing recreational corridors to local municipal development processes.

See also the Fall 2008 resolutions Review of Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement on Public Lands, Review of Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Program and Review of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Initiatives.

Transportation: Alberta Transportation is responsible, under the Traffic Safety Act, for the registration of off highway vehicles and the equipment standards of off-highway vehicles.  Alberta Transportation’s legislation does not provide the department with authority to control the use of off-highway vehicles on public land.  This responsibility is the purview of Alberta Sustainable Resources Development or the appropriate municipality.  Alberta Transportation is willing to work with key stakeholders and other government departments to provide Albertans with enhanced guidance on the use of off-highway vehicles, as well as to increase the safety of off-highway vehicles through voluntary training programs and public education.

Alberta Transportation is proposing to introduce mandatory helmet use for drivers and riders of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) when operated on public lands throughout the province. This provincial initiative aims to reduce fatalities and injuries in support of Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan. Although the law would not apply to private property, education to Albertans on the value of consistent helmet use regardless of location would continue. The Alberta Recreation Corridor Committee is continuing its work around trail development and minimum standards. While these initiatives take steps toward promoting safe OHV use, the AAMDC finds that response to the intent of this resolution is unsatisfactory.