WHEREAS park and conservation lands acquired at great expense to protect the natural environment and provide for quiet and peaceful enjoyment have for too long been enduring damage and vandalism caused by prohibited but nevertheless sustained off-road vehicle use; AND WHEREAS it is not possible for park and conservation land managers, or the police, to enforce existing law, bylaw or regulation barring off-road vehicles like ATVs and dirt bikes because the prohibited vehicle users cannot be identified, traced and pursued: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the Province of British Columbia to bring forward without further delay legislation requiring the licensing and regulation of off-road vehicles so there is a reasonable opportunity to enforce the ban on these vehicles within parks and conservation areas.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE THE ARTS Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts has been working closely with other agencies, local government and key stakeholder associations to identify off-road vehicle ORV issues, shared interests and workable options for moving forward. Throughout these discussions, we have learned that ORV issues are complex and involve many parties. Government is working toward an effective ORV regulatory framework that would focus on vehicle registration, safety, expanding the definition of ORVs and the ability to cross public roads in a more convenient manner. Expanding the definition of ORVs would provide local governments with the ability to enact municipal bylaws to better regulate ATVs and dirt bikes. In terms of improving compliance and enforcement CE efforts on Crown land, we are exploring a more visible identification as part of vehicle registration, to better assist CE efforts to address irresponsible ORV riders and trace stolen vehicles more easily. Note: CE staff at BC Parks accept the general reference to CE efforts on Crown land, rather than specifically referencing parks and protected areas.