Province Addressing Off-Highway Vehicle Use

The Nova Scotia government announced today, April 28, that Voluntary Planning Board has accepted its request to conduct a public consultation and research initiative on off-highway vehicle use in the province.

"We're concerned about the rapid growth of the use of off-highway vehicles, especially their impact on public safety and the environment. We're looking for input from the public in the development of sound solutions on this complex issue," said Environment and Labour Minister Ron Russell.

Voluntary Planning will assemble a task force of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the private or non-governmental sectors to address a wide variety of concerns regarding off-highway vehicles issues. Widespread concerns include public and user safety, liability, insurance, environmental damage, unauthorized use of private and public lands and the lack of systems in place to enforce appropriate use.

"We are pleased that Voluntary Planning has agreed to lead a consultation and research exercise to address this broad issue," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "Off-highway vehicles have become part of many people's lives and it is important that we look at their use throughout the province."

Voluntary Planning is being asked to provide policy recommendations that address recreation opportunities, possible legislative/regulatory changes, the role of public stewardship, trail development, insurance, enforcement, education and training, administration and funding.

The public consultation, research and recommendation process may take up to a year to complete.

Jim Eisenhauer, chair of Voluntary Planning said planning for the project will begin immediately and that a consultation schedule will be announced as soon as possible.

He said people who have knowledge, experience and/or other credentials regarding off-highway vehicles and who are interested in volunteering for the task force should write Voluntary Planning Suite 600, Joseph Howe Building Halifax, N.S. B3J 3J9; phone 424-5682 or (toll free) 1-866-858-5850, or e-mail: [email protected] .

More information on Voluntary Planning can be found on the Web site at: www.gov.ns.ca/vp .

The committee will be supported by a provincial interdepartmental resource team with representatives from the Office of Aboriginal Affairs and the departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment and Labour, Justice, Natural Resources, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Tourism and Culture, Transportation and Public Works, Treasury and Policy Board and the Office of Health Promotion's Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission.