ATV (OHV) Trail Usage During COVID-19 State of Emergency

PLEASE NOTE: The restrictions below have been lifted. OHV’s are once again allowed to use the trail.

The following was posted on the ATVNS Facebook page:

source: ATV NS Facebook Page

Members and all riders please see the attached letter from the Chief Medical Officer of Health concerning ATV use during the Covid-19 Outbreak. Now is not the time to look for loopholes around rules, now is the time to protect the health and safety of you , your family and neighbors. Please no questions or comments on this post the letter is very clear.

April 22, 2020

Dear Barry.

Thank you for taking the time for our phone call on April 21st.

As we discussed, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation all Nova Scotians are being asked to stay at home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel and activities. This means that at this time outdoor recreational activities such as hiking. fishing and ATV riding should not happen. It is also important that Nova Scotians know that at this time all provincial parks and trails are closed to the public.

I recognize that what we are asking all Nova Scotians to do to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19 may be difficult, but at present it is critical to continue with these restrictive measures. Please know that I will be looking to slowly open up outdoor recreational activities as soon as this can be done safely.

I will be communicating this information directly to Nova Scotians in the coming days during my daily briefings. Your willingness to communicate directly to your members. and if possible the ATV riding community in Nova Scotia is greatly appreciated.

I have also asked my colleagues at Nova Scotia Environment to continue their compliance activities regarding outdoor recreational activities.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely.
Robert Strang MD. MHSc. FRCPC
Chief Medical Officer of Health

The following is an email from Minister Iain Rankin:

I am responding to your email of March 30, 2020, regarding off-highway vehicle (OHV) use during a provincial state of emergency.

The Department of Lands and Forestry continues to work with provincial OHV organizations to inform OHV users of the provincial public health directives which are in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  These directives will remain in effect for the duration of the state of emergency unless otherwise announced.

Trails not within the provincial park system, including OHV trails, can be accessed by a member of the public, in their immediate area, who have no symptoms, and has not been told to self-isolate, adhering to the public health orders and directives. The public is not to drive to a trail, not to access an OHV trail illegally and not to trailer or unload at a trail head.

If you witness someone not following the provincial public health directives, please call a non-emergency number for the police that serve your community, not 911.

Sincerely,
Iain Rankin
Minister of Lands and Forestry