The Town of Drumheller and the Drumheller RCMP are continuing efforts to curtail ATV users trespassing on private land. Both have been receiving complaints from landowners, particularly on Highway 9 South on the flats overlooking town.
The RCMP will now be towing vehicles away if caught on the flats.
“In concert with the Town and the landowners, that land has been posted as no trespassing. Any vehicles on that land will be towed and should we see any vehicles we will be calling tow trucks to have them removed,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
“You’re not allowed to be on private property without permission,” said Director of Community Services, Paul Salvatore. “Even for people who believe they are on crown land and are therefore free to use their ATV, that’s not true. Crown land in Drumheller is typically rented out and managed by an individual or corporation. You need permission from them to access that property.”
Dan MacDermid, whose land has seen much of the ATV activity is worried it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt.
“My main concern is sooner or later there will be serious injuries or even deaths. I am not sure all residents or parents know just how much of a circus goes on out there,” said MacDermid.
In addition to the ATV operators trespassing on his land, some trespassers have been dumping garbage on the flats and the vehicles have been damaging the landscape.
“Some have been bringing their garbage with them, throwing it on the ground anywhere. I am going to have to hire a crew to clean up the whole area,” said MacDermid. “It will take years for the area to come back to its natural beauty. We will be prosecuting anybody we find dumping garbage on the land.”
There is an off road track by the Stampede Grounds. Salvatore suggested those wishing to use ATV’s support and join the Drumheller Off Road Vehicle Organization.
“They’ve got an excellent track near the Stampede Grounds and you’ll have a good challenge,” said Salvatore.
“If somebody wants to operate an off road vehicle, they have to do so on the off road track by the Stampede Grounds,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins.
Apart from the DORVA track, there aren’t any areas for ATV users to ride, unless they have permission from the landowners. The RCMP will be increasing enforcement on ATV users trespassing on private land.
“The RCMP has access to quads and does patrols from time to time. We’re working with the landowners to control access. Between them, us, and the RCMP we’re trying to create awareness it’s not an acceptable practice,” said Salvatore. “They should have written permission from landowners before they access any property. If they don’t do that, they are subject to enforcement.”
MacDermid is open to having residents enjoy by walking the flats on the east side of Highway 9, but only asks no vehicles on his land.
“If you want to go for a walk on the land or take your dog for a walk be my guest,” said MacDermid. “But please, no vehicles.”
