RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — Trail users are always required to maintain physical distancing of two meters and they should not be in groups of more than five people. Trail users should not touch anything found on trails and are expected to follow safety regulations, at all times.
The following guidelines are in place for all recreational trail use across Renfrew County: obey all posted speed limits and stop signs; dirt bikes and motorcycles are not permitted; keep pets under control and on leash; clean up after pets and horses, stoop and scoop; keep your social distance of two metres; and avoid touching rails or surfaces on the trail.
“During these stressful times the citizens of Renfrew County have assets like the Algonquin and K&P Trails to unwind in nature while keeping their physical distance of two meters. The Trails are considered open to the public; however, we ask that people do not travel from outside the County to use our trails as we want ensure the health of our community in these unprecedented times,” said Robert Sweet, Chair of the County of Renfrew Development and Property, and Algonquin Trail Advisory Committees.
OPP officers have been on the trails early this Spring issuing warnings to some users and charging others for trespassing and off-road vehicle offences. The OPP will continue to patrol the trails now that they are open, and all trail users are advised to follow the code of conduct for trail use. The 2020 trail maintenance work-plan has started with the brushing of the Algonquin Trail from Greenwood Road to Algonquin College with County Public Works staff. This section of the Trail remains closed to the public until further work is complete.
While May 1 is the opening day for ATV use on trails throughout the province, the County of Renfrew is reminding ATV users of the recent messaging from the local Renfrew County ATV Club. “RCATV is recommending staying at home and not riding until States of Emergency have been cleared! RCATV will be abiding by the guidelines and direction set out by both County of Renfrew and Province of Ontario and keeping their trails closed until such time as restrictions on travel are removed.”
The County says it is taking all necessary precautions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus to keep residents safe. For more information, phone their office or visit their website at www.ottawavalleytrail.com.
