An RM of Gimli resident launched a petition to prevent off-road vehicle (ORV) traffic on one the RM’s most cherished nature trails, the Rail Trail, and has already received hundreds of signatures.
The petition on Change.org is titled “Oppose motorized vehicles on Gimli Rail Trail” and has had over 400 people sign it as of May 3.
Resident Zoe Bailey started the petition after many people expressed disappointment in Gimli council’s recently released Trails Master Plan, which presented three development options for the Rail Trail — all of which include ORV use along part or all of the trail.
The Rail Trail, a former CPR line, has been off-limits to ORVs since it was gifted to the municipality in 2004. Despite its official vehicle-free designation, people on ORVs drive on it anyway, sometimes at pace and get into confrontations with non-motorized users.
Residents in several subdivisions along the trail, which runs parallel to PR 222 between the Diageo distillery and Arnes, have for at least a decade been raising concerns with various iterations of Gimli council about pedestrian safety, pollution and noise generated by ORVs on the trail. The Interlake Offroad Club proposed in the past to help fund trail repairs (ruts created by ORVs) and implement rules for drivers.
Bailey said the RM had originally provided an option within its trails plan to keep the popular 36.2-kilometre trail as an “active transportation corridor” — permitting only pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, horses, cross-country skis and snowmobiles — but that changed at some point during the planning process.
Her petition will give RM residents an opportunity to provide feedback to council on what they want regarding the future of the Rail Trail.
“The Gimli Rail Trail is more than just a path: it is a cherished active transportation nature corridor that holds a special place in the hearts of our community. Gifted to the RM of Gimli in 2004 by the Trans Canada Trail, this trail was intended to provide a tranquil, safe and environmentally friendly route for pedestrians, cyclists and other active transportation travellers. The legally binding Gifting Agreement explicitly requires the trail to remain dedicated to active transportation, allowing snowmobiles only during the winter months,” states the petition.
By changing the designation of the Rail Trail and allowing ORVs on it, council will be going “against the initial agreement,” and that will pose “significant threats” to non-motorized trail users, the environment and the quality of life for neighbouring residents.
“We must insist that the RM of Gimli honour the Gifting Agreement with the Trans Canada Trail. This means maintaining the trail’s status as an active transportation corridor, respecting its historical and ecological significance, and protecting the integrity of its purpose. Let us unite in safeguarding our trail for current and future generations who seek solace, connection to nature and a space for healthy, active living,” states the petition. “We call on everyone who values this vital community resource to stand with us in opposition to the introduction of ORVs on the Rail Trail.”
Hundreds of residents have put their name to the petition.
Deb and Vic Thordarson signed it and added a comment saying they live metres from the trail and want it left as it is.
“We bike with our grandchildren and walk the trail daily. We are also owners of ATVs and know there are multitudes of other trails for these to use,” they wrote. “It seems we are signing petitions against ATV use on the Gimli Rail Trail every year. We thought this had been settled. Leave the Rail Trail to be enjoyed by people who love nature.”
Another petition supporter said the trail is a “municipal asset,” providing citizens of all ages with a quiet and beautiful nature corridor between residential developments north of Gimli. And ORVs are a safety concern.
“It is widely known that motorized vehicles on a trail will deter most active users from using a trail system for safety concerns, noise and the feeling of intimidation when encountering these machines. Most families will not allow their kids to walk or ride bikes on a trail with motorized vehicles for safety concerns, citing a potentially lethal accident waiting to happen,” said Christopher, who didn’t provide a last name with his comment. “As a former off-road vehicle user, there’s already an abundance of spaces to run motorized off-road vehicles, including all road allowances between the shoulder and fence line marking the privately owned land.”
To read and sign the petition, visit Change.org, click the search button and type in Gimli Rail Trail or visit www.change.org/p/oppose-motorized-vehicles-on-gimli-rail-trail
