Off-Road Vehicles Damage Roads: Mayor Urges Drivers to Slow Down

URGENT UPDATE: Conmee Mayor Sheila Maxwell is urgently calling on off-road vehicle drivers to halt the reckless use of freshly graded roads. The mayor’s plea comes after repeated damage to local gravel roads, recently repaired by municipal crews, putting public safety and community resources at risk.

In her latest newsletter to taxpayers, released in September 2023, Maxwell stated, “A recurring challenge has been the misuse of freshly-graded roads by off-road vehicles and, on occasion, regular vehicles.” The damage not only forces crews to revisit the work, increasing costs for taxpayers but also delays other crucial municipal projects.

The mayor emphasized the safety hazards posed by reckless driving, particularly when off-road vehicles share the road with trucks hauling gravel. As per Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, riders of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roads must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.

Maxwell pointed out concerning incidents, including damage reported at the municipality’s cemetery on Pifer Road, urging parents to educate their teenagers about the importance of respecting community property. “Police will be involved as needed, and steps will be taken to ensure this issue is addressed,” she warned.

Moreover, Maxwell reminded residents to report any sightings of downed power lines to Hydro One. Municipal crews are also prepared to assist with fallen trees on roadways, provided there are no electrical hazards involved. “Recent storms have been a strong reminder of how unpredictable nature can be,” she noted.

In a surprising turn of events, it was confirmed through security camera footage that an outdoor bathroom unit at the municipal rink had been blown over by strong winds, not vandalized as initially suspected.

This developing situation underscores a critical need for cooperation between residents and local authorities to maintain road safety and protect community resources. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.