Extension of access for ATVs on K&P Trail, Verona to Harrowsmith

** Note: Engagement has ended on this topic. On December 20, 2023 the Council of the County of Frontenac passed a resolution to deny the request for extended ATV access on the K&P Trail, between Verona and Harrowsmith. **

Frontenac County Council received a request to expand ATV access on the Frontenac K&P Trail south from Bellrock Road in the village of Verona to the village of Harrowsmith, and received input from the community on making this change.

A public survey was available for input from May 23 until June 21, 2023. The results of the survey were included as part of a comprehensive report considered by the County’s Planning and Economic Development Committee on July 5, 2023 in order to make a recommendation to County Council. The committee will also hosted a public meeting at that time.

The agenda for the meeting with any associated reports is available for download from the County’s Civicweb Portal. A video recording of the meeting is also available for viewing on the County’s YouTube account.

After reviewing the staff report, survey feedback and receiving several presentations from the public, the committee requested more information from staff with respect to:

• Safety
• Liability
• Bylaw Enforcement
• Additional Use Data
• Comparable Trails from other Jurisdictions
• Status of the Verona Pilot Project

Frontenac County's Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed the Request to Extend Access for ATVs on the K&P Trail, between Verona and Harrowsmith at its regular meeting on December 13, 2023. The committee passed the recommendation that Frontenac County Council decline the request to extend ATV access on the K&P Trail. County Council confirmed this recommendation at it's regular meeting on December 20, 2023 and the request to extend ATV access was not granted.

Background

As part of the initial development process for the Frontenac K&P Trail, it was established that ATV use would begin at Craig Road, north of the village of Verona.

In 2020, County Council approved a pilot project for ATV access to be extended south through the village of Verona to Bellrock Road, where the popular Verona Trailhead access point and parking is located. That pilot project continues on a temporary basis until further information is available on the anticipated housing development in Verona, with consultation between the County and the Township of South Frontenac

At its regular meeting on April 19, 2023 County Council received a delegation from the Verona District ATV Club requesting expanded access to the K&P Trail an additional 9-km south of Verona to the village of Harrowsmith.

At its next regular meeting on May 17, 2023, County Council provided direction to staff for this request to be investigated, to solicit input from the community, and for a report to be presented to the Planning and Economic Development Committee at 10:00 AM on July 5, 2023. Prior to consideration of that report, the committee will be hosting a public meeting for anyone who may wish to provide their input in person.

Snowmobiles

In the winter, motorized access to the Frontenac K&P Trail for Snowmobiles extends the length of the entire trail in Frontenac County, beginning at Oser Road where the trail enters the City of Kingston. This access is available from December 1 - March 31 of each winter season and links the K&P trail with the Cataraqui Trail in Harrowsmith. The Cataraqui Trail is owned and managed by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and does not support motorized use except for snowmobiles during the winter months.