By-Law

Notice to the Public- Off road vehicle activity.

Notice to the Public- Off road vehicle activity

The Town is experiencing an increase in the disruptive use of off road vehicles within our community. This behaviour is in contradiction to our municipal ATV use By-Law #21-11, and will not be tolerated. Please visit our website https://www.deseronto.ca/residents/by-laws-and-standards for specific bylaw details and quick facts relating to safe and compliant ATV usage.

The use of non-street legal dirt bikes and pocket bikes are disruptive to our community.  They are not permitted for use on public streets and riding them in Town is illegal. Please note ATV’s with loud exhausts or riders who excessively rev their engines could face noise violation charges under Noise By-Law # 51-17.

Illegal use of off road vehicles is enforceable by the OPP under the Ontario Off-Road Vehicles Act (ORVA) and the Highway Traffic Act and we are actively working with them on a variety of prevention and enforcement programs and tools. 

The Town still needs your help as a concerned citizen to ensure success. Though it may not always feel effective, reporting an incident to the OPP is still one of the best ways to assist. This reinforces Council’s efforts when engaging with the OPP on our community’s behalf, and provides the OPP the data they need to analyze trends to serve the Town effectively. They can be reached at 1-888-310-1122 or online at OPP.ca and selecting the Report online option at the top right. If you would like a call back or follow up from an officer, please be sure to request one when speaking with dispatch.

To express a concern about a noise related violation pertaining to specific off road vehicle activity, please email gauthier.bylaw@gmail.com or call the Town Hall at 613-396-2440 during regular business hours to leave a message for the By-law Enforcement Officer.

Thank you for your help and consideration as Council and staff continue to work toward finding a solution to this disruptive and dangerous issue.  

FAQ’s regarding off road vehicle use in town

Q- Under Deseronto town bylaw #21-11 what is an “ATV”

A-   “All-Terrain Vehicle” means an off-road vehicle that,

a) has three or more wheels, the tires of all of which are in contact with the ground,

b) has steering handlebars,

c) has a seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver, and

d) is designed to carry a driver only and no passengers      


The All-Terrain Vehicle shall not be driven at a rate of speed greater than,

a) 20 kilometers per hour, if the speed limit established under the Highways Traffic Act or by Municipal By-law for that part of the highway is not greater than 50 kilometers per hour,

b) 50 kilometers per hour, if the speed limit established under the Highway Traffic Act or by Municipal by-law for that part of the highway is greater than 50 kilometers per hour.

Q- How can I get a copy of the ATV use bylaw #21-11?

A-   You can view the bylaw by visiting https://www.deseronto.ca/residents/by-laws-and-standards or by calling the Town Hall at 613-396-2440.

Q- If we did not have a town bylaw regarding ATV usage would it stop the use of off road vehicles in our community?

A-   Often those that are causing disruptions in our community are breaking the law as governed under Section 191.8 (3) of the Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990, c H.8 and the OPP would still be responsible for the enforcement of these non-complaint riders.

Q-   How is off road vehicle compliance enforced and can our bylaw team enforce it?

A-   Our bylaw team can work to identify problem areas within our community and engage the OPP.  They can reinforce the restrictions of our town bylaw, but off road vehicle compliance is enforced by the OPP under Section 191.8 (3) of the Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990, c H.8.

Q- What information should I give when reporting an incident?

A-   Information that can help OPP may include:

-       The name and address of the owner of the off road vehicle

-       Where the bike is stored

-       When and where the bike is being used (e.g. days, times and routes)

-       Any other useful information such as a description of those who use the bike and its make/model/colour

Joint By-law Enforcement Agreement

Deseronto, ON - The Town of Deseronto is pleased to announce a joint initiative with the Township of Stirling Rawdon, the Township of Madoc, the Municipality of Tweed, and the Township of Tyendinaga. As of May 2020, Animal Control and By-law Enforcement Services will be handled by the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.

Members of the Community should contact the Administration office to file an official complaint or concern.  The municipality will forward the information to the Joint Service Administration for the Commissionaires to follow up. 

The Enforcement Officer will work for all five municipalities and will respond to complaints or concerns received through our Joint Service Administration.  As this is a new service, please be patient as we work through the process and move forward with the enforcement of various by-laws.

For more information contact The Town of Deseronto at 613-396-2440.

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