Councillors here has denied a request by a property owner to buy a road allowance that exits onto Highway 9.
The road allowance is adjacent to emergency number 5926 on the road.
Public works committee members favoured retaining ownership in the event the town requires access in the future since the road allowance is located off a main road.
Mayor David Anderson said the road allowance comes directly onto Highway 9 and the adjacent property owners are having problems with off-road vehicles and ATVs using the route. “They wanted some sort of control of that property.”
But because it exits to the highway, Anderson said the municipality is always looking for access for trails and to promote Minto as a walkable community.
“One of the things discussed at the committee meeting, was the idea of a gate to prevent ATVs from using it in the non-winter months.”
He noted the road allowance is used as a snowmobile trail in the winter. “I don’t think they have as much problem in the winter time as in the summer.”
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked who would have access if the property was barred by a gate.
The road allowance is used by farmers to reach their properties.
Public Works Director Norm Fisk said it would likely be better to put signs up first that states No ATVs Allowed. He believes it would be less expensive than installing a gate and dealing with keys for those who require access.
Martin agreed, suggesting a gate arrangement would be a second option.
Councillor David Turton also recommended talking to the adjacent property owners now, before taking action.
Council denied the sale of the road allowance.
