Timmins Police are taking what they consider a firm response to the increasing problem of dirt bikes and ATVs being operated where they shouldn’t be.
Communications coordinator Marc Depatie says the complaints are coming from birdwatchers and other users of the Bart Thompson Trail’s north loop in South Porcupine.
“There is also the undeveloped land north of Hellen Ave., which is again private property and the OFSC trail systems,” says Depatie. “Those are for snowmobiles, only in the wintertime.”
Dirt biking or riding an ATV in those areas violates the Trespass to Property act and the Off Road Vehicles Act. You can be fined $150.
“There is talk amongst the traffic unit officers of issuing summonses requiring those offenders to come to court to explain their behaviour,” Depatie adds, “because we’ve gone to the extra lengths of making this a public issue.”
A judge or justice of the peace has the discretion to increase the fine to $500.