Photo by Photo Submitted
Pictured Above: DOUG HNATIUK
Please stop, city tells ‘rogue trail builders’
The city is reminding residents that there is a process to follow when it comes to building trails – and of the potential $500 fine if the rules are not followed.
The city is reminding residents that there is a process to follow when it comes to building trails – and of the potential $500 fine if the rules are not followed.
The warning comes after city staff were alerted to something by members of the Contagious Mountain Bike Club.
They noticed what appeared to be a trail being built off the Go-T trail in the Magnusson area of Grey Mountain.
Under the city’s parks and public open spaces bylaw, no trail nor roadway within a public open space can be developed unless it has been approved by the city or other landowner. Breaking the bylaw can carry a fine of up to $500.
Doug Hnatiuk, the city’s parks and community development manager, said in an interview Tuesday afternoon it was a small section that was in the beginning stages of trail development and not much damage has been done.
However, the city wants to ensure the “rogue trail builders” are aware of the process.
The city has issued a statement detailing the bylaw regulations, and is hopeful the person or people who were carving the trail will come forward.
Signs detailing the information in the statement are being posted at trailheads and at the site of where the illegal trail was started.
As Hnatiuk noted, going through the city process allows for a number of factors to be considered before a trail is created.
It ensures trails are built to city standards and that a variety of factors are considered before approval.
He pointed out that depending on the location, there could be issues around drainage, sustainability, environmental protection, liability and so on.
“We’re not opposed to trails,” Hnatiuk emphasized.
The city has an application form available on its website for those wanting to build a trail on city land.
The application is reviewed by the city’s trails and greenways committee – made up of representatives from a number of groups that make use of trails and green spaces – which makes recommendations to the city. The committee meets on a monthly basis.
City staff either approve or deny the application.
“We take everything into consideration,” Hnatiuk said.
He hopes that those who have begun the trail building will come forward and work with the city, starting by calling officials at 668-8662.
“Let’s work together,” Hnatiuk said.
As it was noted in the city’s statement: “The City of Whitehorse values the contributions of independent builders in creating the world-class trail network Whitehorse residents and visitors enjoy.
“The city works to assist and support builders and their sponsoring organizations with design and specialized construction assistance to ensure that trails are built to high standards of quality and sustainability.”
While there is a potential fine, Hnatiuk said the city aims to inform the public of the bylaw first.
If the illegal trail building continues after the more educational approach is tried, the city would likely pursue a fine, he said.
Though no trees were removed in this case, the city included a reminder that tree removal without city permission can also carry a separate $500 fine.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (8)
Up 10 Down 7
Salar on Aug 26, 2015 at 6:52 am
Bar....there are no shared use trails on Grey Mtn.....it's for mountain bikes....what was that regarding flexibility...literal and physical....snitch.
Up 13 Down 9
Uncontagious And On the Pavement Only on Aug 26, 2015 at 2:21 am
The NIMBY comments miss the point, in my view. I don't know much about the bike trail systems--Contagious or others (if there are other groups)--and I can see the point you seem to be making, that some get to have trails and others don't. I don't know if that's true. I'll take your word for it. Maybe. But the point is that when you make trails ... it kills living things. Simple as that. THAT is why there's a committee of relevant people and groups, not because some people get all the good luck and the rest don't. I personally don't approve of all the bicycle trails being made (I say bicycle to distinguish from dirtbike), because they cause erosion and water runoff. Scare wildlife off. Make ungodly noise. Moss that has held the soil in place for ages is now gone and when it rains it all washes away, including the soil right next to the new trail. And it's much much worse when it's a dirtbike, let alone an ATV. Every place I used to wander seems to now boast a bike trail. But there'd be a hell of a lot more damage and mess if anyone were allowed to just build a trail anywhere.
I just recalled seeing some kid building a new, or adding to an existing, trail to the bluffs from the end of Alexander Street, this past spring. As for ATV trails--well, talk about a disaster if they were made everywhere. I swear if it were legal to have personal bulldozers, some of you guys would happily go knocking down forests. We NEED to have these committees and rules. I don't think they're 'snitches,' but people trying to protect habitat. I think it's a great thing. Whistle-blowers are necessary. Off-road vehicles make a damned mess. Just because they build them doesn't mean folks should buy and use them. Say "No way, Festus--I ain't going to contribute to the tearing and killing no more. Me, I am going to walk and enjoy this beautiful natural world." Or mtn bike around. Ha--well was worth a try. Look at the College area and all the greenery that used to be there along that road to the pumphouse--all gone thanks to ORVs. You might think so what, lots more, but it is finite. I've seen little saplings shoved over by some idiot's bumper. So what? Well, better a thing living and sucking up our exhaust than dead, in my view. Just my opinion.
Up 12 Down 6
Pjt1959 on Aug 25, 2015 at 10:20 pm
Well here we go again. I do not want new trails as I remember being able to drive an ATV or snowmobile on grey mountain with my kids. But what does one expect when all trails are deemed non motorized and taken over by mountain bikers that can put jumps etc. on the trails. Yes I walk up there also and am always expected to move off trail by bikers. COW blew it by not allowing some trails to be used. Yes there are trails I have walked on that should not have any wheeled traffic but bikers rut these trails also. I have only lived in Riverdale a short time 30 + years. Again COW should have at least some motorized trails there it used to be nice to go for a ride with my kids but can not do that with my grandson. I pay taxes and would like to go out for a ride. Maybe all the bikers should ride their bikes over to the trails instead of add more traffic over to Riverdale. That's my rant many won't like it.
Up 1 Down 5
Just Say'in on Aug 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Come on people lets get along and all use the trails. There isn't even 30,000 people in Whitehorse I am sure we can share. @Mark S. You really need to turn down the rhetoric. It is not your job to be a policeman and tell anyone where they can or can't go, let alone openly threaten Bear Spray which by the way is very illegal. Grow up people. When you meet people on the trail enjoying their activity of choice, smile and say "isn't it a great day". One persons pleasure is not Holier then the other. Let's embrace our differences.
Up 64 Down 13
Mark S on Aug 25, 2015 at 12:34 pm
I am concerned that there are so many people who feel they can just build a trail and ignore the city and it's residents (who have said time and time again that they want a process and proper trail planning).
Its really sad that some people say they will just keep on doing whatever they have been doing for 30 or 20 or 10 years, or even a few days. Trails of all types have impacts and need to be planned.
In my part of town the new city requirements for motorized recreational vehicles are almost totally ignored. And many people claim they are not aware of them despite all the newspaper PR work the city has done.
I also see reckless behaviour and people who are driving these vehicles after drinking.
Despite surveys and planning, the new expensive signage in Riverdale is often vandalized, removed or ignored.
If you tell some people that a trail is not motorized they often ignore you or get very angry with you. I have experienced this. How do you deal with this as a city resident who is just out for a quiet walk? Carry bear spray to defuse a situation with an aggressive ATV driver? I am not against planned trail use and often wonder how we can get to the point where we get balance and to compliance.
Up 50 Down 13
BnR on Aug 24, 2015 at 6:27 pm
Salar
Flexibility is an important skill, especially useful for removing ones foot from ones mouth. Case in point, CMBC has always worked with the CofW with respect to trail development, and has worked with KSA (of which I am a member) with respect to shared trails. Mountain bikers ain't the enemy, it's a small group, and I won't get into finger pointing, but everyone involved knows who they are. And snitching? Really? It's called policing our own, something ATV users have always held up as something to aspire to rather than resorting to increased regulation. And no, all trails were not illegal at some point. CofW came up with the management plan, which is still a work in progress, to avoid issues like this.
And Mark, I'm glad $500 is chump change for you, you sound like an entitled NIMBY bro. And only 20 years in RDale? Geez, it's newbies like you who are ruining it for us lifers.
Up 37 Down 9
Salar on Aug 24, 2015 at 11:35 am
I'm sure the Contagious Mountain biking group is full of good folks but this article really only represents them as snitches......"oh look a trail...off OUR trail....they can't do that!" then rolling off to tattle re the 'find'.
I'm pretty confident all the trails on Grey Mtn were illegal at some point only to become blessed and exclusionary (mtn bike ONLY) over time.
Little rant re our 'sandbox'.
Up 49 Down 65
Mark on Aug 22, 2015 at 10:17 am
Ok let's get this straight......the city doesn't want new trails cut if they have no control where they are done, but if you want to build a monstrosity of a mountain bike obsticle course in the trees, feel free to do so? I've lived in Riverdale for 20 years and U challenge anyone to prove to me that there is even one trail that is deemed ok for off-road vehicles. I have personally looked everywhere on Grey mountain for one. The city map shows nothing but Cantlie lake road, the road to the tower and part of powerline behind the cemetary. This local government is so badly corrupt they should be running for the NDP government. They are self pleasing losers who grew up spoiled by useless parents. Looks like I should invest the $500 fine into an atv trail. That's cheap for a trail that will last a couple lifetimes. (Note to self.....sharpen chainsaw).
These Nimby losers have no idea what it's like to share anything since they've never had to share anything. So in summary..... $500 is Chump change to me, a good investment really!