The Federation newsletter features recent activities that occurred in the province. If you do not wish to receive it or would like it sent to your personal e-mail address, please, send us an e-mail at nbatving@nb.aibn.com and you will be removed or added from the outgoing contact list. New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation 1925 Hanwell Road, Unit C Hanwell, NB E3C 1M4 506-472-5130 506-459-1411 1-888-847-1100 Fax: 506-472-5140 nbatving@nb.aibn.com www.nbatving.com Follow us on Facebook! NBATVF Executive Members: General Manager - Jacques Poirier President - Daniel Boucher Vice-President - Roger Daigle Secretary - Marc Haché Treasurer - Paul Branscombe Director-at-Large - Marion St.Pierre Inside this Issue: President s Message...p.1 Chief Instructor s Message...p.2 2013 AGM... p.2 & 3 A Message from the President Dear members and club administrators, Finally, summer has arrived, and it gives us the opportunity to go on beautiful regional or provincial local runs. Maybe not quite the product we wanted, but it is still possible to make good day trips. In this regard, we will continue our efforts to maintain our existing trails and exercise patience in regard to applications for permits to landowners for new trails. I am taking this opportunity to tell you about the latest issues that affect our activity exceptionally well. Let s start with the mandatory trail permit in affect since January 1, 2013. In regard to the sale of annual trail permits, we estimate a yield slightly higher than last year. To our surprise, however, the sale of seasonal permits exceeded our expectations. In this regard, the federation was forced to use several solutions, one of which was to sell annual permits as seasonal permits. Since the 2012-2013 winter season was over, this was acceptable. The alternative was to order additional seasonal permits to fill the need. The other significant change that will have a positive impact in terms of the Federation and clubs level is the management of a secure online database of members. Clubs will soon receive instructions on paper format and video that will allow them to access the system to input the data of their members and produce all kinds of reports related to their club. It is a system that is cutting edge, easy to use and similar for all the clubs and it will greatly improve the management of trail permits for clubs and the Federation. In addition, before long, the trail permits will be sold at Service New Brunswick counters at their local offices and from their website. This should help us reach out to those we could not reach with the current system and in the future, ATV owners can register their vehicles and purchase trail permits at the same time. In terms of good news, the government recently introduced a bill that will make positive improvements to the Off-Road Vehicle Act. These legislative amendments to be adopted by the end of June include a change to the definition of a managed trail so as to include all types of agreements that we have the ability to obtain and also include changes with respect to mandatory equipment such as a mirror on the left side of the rear lights and brake lights. These changes and equipment are necessary when we ride on an authorized road to reach services or to connect two trails. This is establishment not only for our safety, but for the other trail users and cars on the roads. Changes are also planned for the definition of all-terrain vehicles. This is significant but should be revised from time to time since they define an ATV as a two-seat side-by-side vehicle, an amphibious vehicle or a utility vehicle. It will only involve reviewing the way it is written. Changes are also planned for muffler replacement, namely that it must not exceed the number of decibels of the original. In summary, we hope that these changes will allow clubs to develop their managed trail system on a larger scale. It is important to note that the signage that was allowed must be installed as recommended by the manual that each club has received this spring at the annual meeting. ATVing, an activity in constant growth! Thank you and happy riding! Page 1
Why take a driver training with the Canadian ATV Safety Institute (CASI)? Chief Instructor Message CASI makes the difference in the extent where future drivers not only receive a certificate of attestation of competence, but they learn to be responsible for the conduct of their ORV to become safe drivers who are concerned about all other trail users and the road network. CASI provides training that meets the new industry standards recognized worldwide. We are proud to have instructors in New Brunswick on which we can rely to provide quality education. Each participates in continued education on an annual basis and they perform these duties with professionalism. If you have not already completed a training course, do not hesitate! You'll probably learn a few techniques that will come in handy when driving your ATV. Register online now from the Federation s website: www.nbatving.com. Safety training has now started in all regions of the province. Daniel Boucher, CI, DCT 2013 Convention 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, April 6, 2013 The Federation would like to thank each member-club for their presence at the AGM this weekend. Their participation is instrumental in the development of the Federation. With all the changes that have occurred this year, it was a well-needed meeting. We had some very interesting guest speakers with some pleasant surprises. Kirk MacDonald, Department of Natural Resources April 6, 2013 Kirk spoke to delegates about the trail application process and the Provincial Trail Planning Committee whose members include representatives of the NB ATV Federation, the NB Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, the NB Trail Council, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Kirk mentioned that depending on the type of land the trail is located, i.e.: Crown lands, highways, towns, etc., there is a difference in the actions taken to access them. Also, since DNR has certain requirements for maintenance that need to be met, staff carries out inspections to confirm these are being respected. If requirements are not met, a notice of non-compliance is sent to the ATV Federation office and a Compliance Action Plan is required. It is important to know these things, as this is how clubs legally acquire their trails. Robert Fawcett & John Gilbert, J. D. Irving, Limited April 6, 2013 Robert Fawcett, Director of Forestry Relations and John Gilbert, Manager of Fish and Wildlife, with J.D. Irving Limited attended the AGM to speak to the clubs about trails on Irving property. In essence, the company is working to make it easier for clubs to develop trails on their property. In particular, they mentioned an ATV trail that could be built next to a 72 km road. The coffee break was also sponsored by J.D. Irving for this AGM. The presentation was very appreciated by the ATV Federation, and we are looking forward to working with J. D. Irving in the near future. Hon. Minister Robert Trevors, Department of Public Safety April 6, 2013 After supper, the guest speaker, Mr. Robert Trevors, the Minister of Public Safety, took the opportunity to thank the Federation and the members for their hard work in building and maintaining an ATV trail system in the province. He also mentioned that the Government will be introducing legislative changes in the current session of the Legislature in particular to amend the definition of a managed trail to legalize approximately 5,000 km of trails on Crown Land in the province. This was great news that has been a long-time coming. The Federation wishes to thank the speakers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to inform the members. Their presence was appreciated. Page 2
2013 Annual General Meeting 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, April 7, 2013 During the AGM, the President, Daniel Boucher; the General Manager, Jacques Poirier; and the Directors presented their reports. The Treasurer, Paul Branscombe, also presented his report, including the Audited Financial Statements for 2011-2012 and the NBATVF 2013-2014 budget. The accounting firm, AC Bringloe Feeney LLP, was re-appointed as NBATVF Auditor for the year 2013-2014. Trail Permits After the first break, clubs had a chance to discuss the proposed changes to trail permits. In terms of permit costs, the decision was made to keep the status quo for 2013 and 2014, i.e.: $25.00 plus tax for the seasonal permit and $75.00 plus tax for the Annual Permit. In addition, the permits will be available for purchase at the club level, like in the past, and through Service New Brunswick (SNB) outlets in person or online when the process has been established. It is anticipated that there will be an administration fee of approx. $6.00 when purchasing a permit from SNB. Sign Manual After lunch, Jacques and Daniel presented the revised Sign Manual and Schematics. The sign manual is now officially available to clubs. Signs can be purchased from two locations in the province; Visicom in Edmundston, and Massive Graphics in Fredericton. By-laws The proposed changes to the General By-laws were presented. Bob Randall of the Nashwaak Valley ATV Club proposed that the AGM documentation be sent 45 days in advance in the future. The by-laws were accepted with the change. Elections Alban Thériault, chair of the Nomination and Elections Committee introduced the nominees for the position of Vice President; Roger Daigle and Paul Martin. After the vote, Roger Daigle was elected. The nominees for Treasurer were Paul-Aimé Mallet and Paul Branscombe. Paul Branscombe was re-elected. The nominees for Director-At-Large were Paul Martin and Marion St. Pierre. Marion St. Pierre was elected. Congratulations to all! Door Prize Mitchel Lavoie won the door prize, a Federation multi-tool. Federation Sponsored Events! The Summer Sponsored Event The summer sponsored event was awarded to the Eastern Charlotte ATV Club. The event will take place in Pocologan, Charlotte County, starting July 12, 2013 until July 14, 2013. The Fall Sponsored Event The fall sponsored event was awarded to the Club VTT du Nord-Ouest Inc. The event will take place October 5, 2013. Registrations will be held the day of the event from 7:30 am until the start of the event at 9:00 am. The Winter Sponsored Event The winter sponsored event was awarded to the Albert County Trail Blazers Inc. The event will take place in February 2014 in conjunction with the town of Riverview s Winterlude Days at the Coverdale Recreation Centre. Congratulations to the three clubs. May the trails be with you! All in all, this AGM was very successful, a lot of information was provided, numerous questions were answered and the club representatives were pleased with the results. A big thank you goes out to all the clubs, the guest speakers and the staff of the Rodd Miramichi for their great service and hospitality. The Federation would like to inform clubs that there is a possibility that the AGM will be held in Fredericton in 2014 as long as we find a hotel that can accommodate everyone inside one building, and that the cost stays about the same. Page 3
June 2013 - Volume 9, issue #2 News Release New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation pleased with amendments to Off-Road Vehicle Act May 28, 2013 FREDERICTON The New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation (NBATVF) is pleased that the Alward Government is making amendments to the Off-Road Vehicle Act that will help strengthen the sustainability of New Brunswick s growing all-terrain vehicle industry and sport. The changes to that legislation will help resolve a number of long-outstanding issues that have been impeding the progress of ATVing in the province said NBATVF President Daniel Boucher. I have no doubt that these changes will greatly benefit our volunteer club members who have worked very hard over the years to build a network of ATV trails in New Brunswick. The most important changes, related to land owner agreements, will make it easier for the NBATVF and its clubs to negotiate f or and obtain private land and Crown land for the use of ATV trails in all areas of the province. The expansion of the definition of all-terrain vehicle to include side-by-side off-road vehicles, utility vehicles and amphibious vehicles, will allow the operator of these types of vehicles to legally travel on NBATVF managed trails. To make ATVing safer in the province, ATV safety equipment requirements have been added, passengers will no longer need to disembark an off-road vehicle to cross a roadway, and any person who has had their driver s licence suspended for an impaired driving infraction will be restricted from driving an off-road vehicle. We believe that these amendments will help us provide an enhanced ATV trail system that will boost New Brunswick s tourism potential by attracting ATV enthusiasts from neighbouring provinces, from other provinces and from the northeastern U.S., added Boucher. New Brunswick has much to offer the ATV rider in terms of clean air, pristine lakes, beautiful natural spaces, abundant wildlife and magnificent vistas. We believe this is an excellent step toward building and maintaining a better, safer and more sustainable managed trail network for present and future generations of ATV users. - 30 Media Contact: - Daniel Boucher, President, New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation, 506-740-2666, Daniel.boucher@nbatving.com, daniel.boucher@bellaliant.net or daniel.boucher@avquad.ca. Federation Trail Maps The trail maps are all on the Federation website. We had some technical problems with the printing company, so the final project is not completed. Here is an updated on regional trail map: Region 1 is complete and printed, Region 3 is almost ready, they are only missing sponsor. They will also complete the Region 5 as they have all the sponsors. The Federation is currently looking for a new printing company to complete the other regions. Meanwhile, Ben Cyr, Trails Coordinator, is trying to find GPS signals for trail maps, however this is something that will take some time. Page 4
June 2013 - Volume 9, issue #2 Summer Jam 2013 Please do not hesitate to contact the Federation Office if you wish to see your event announced in our next newsletter. We also welcome any new ideas or special requests! The Federation aims to inform their ATV community. Pocologan, Charlotte County,NB July 12th, 13th, 14th Marked trails, escorted rides, 50/50 draw, local lakes rivers and sights highlighted. Mark your calanders, some sections of managed trail incluuded, passes advised. We will have day passes available. Host Hotel The Clipper Ship : http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/products/c/clipper-shipp-beach-motel.aspx Resturant and 2nd hotel:http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/products/b/ BayBreezeMotelRestaurant.asp Camping at Ocean View : http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/products/o/ocean-view-camping.aspx Page 5