Growing ATV trail connections in PEI

CANADA, July 23 - A new ATV pilot road is coming to Millvale, in Queens county. Pilot roads allow ATVs to use portions of some provincial highways in rural areas. 

The Mill Road pilot is the first step towards expanding the ATV trail network in the area.  The PEI ATV Federation and the Quad Trax ATV Club have provincial approval to use 1.5 kms of the Mill Road. 

“Pilot roads offer ATVs riders a safe and legal way to drive on sections of some provincial roads. As the PEI ATV Federation moves towards developing a dedicated tip to tip ATV trail, more pilot roads will be coming onboard to create links between existing trails.”

- Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson

The Quad Trax ATV Club develops, manages, and maintains the ATV trails between Borden and Kensington. The club is collaborating with property owners, the provincial government, and other stakeholders to connect existing ATV trails that will expand trails in the region.  

“Our trails are multiuse and expanding them is important for ATV club members and other groups, like the local running club,” said Jason Matheson, president of the Quad Trax ATV Club. “It’ll be really nice for Islanders to drive around here and not travel to other provinces for a full riding experience. Once we have a good network, Islanders can stay closer to home and more tourists will want to ride here.”

Trout River Environmental Committee, the PEI ATV Federation and the Province worked together to mitigate environmental impacts.  

“The clay road at new trail is in pretty bad shape and there are issues with runoff entering Granville Creek,” said Shayla Steinhoff, Trout River Environmental Committee executive director. “The trail will have new runoff prevention structures, and the trail will be diverted away from the lowest point. A part of the road will be blocked off so we can re-naturalize this area in the future." 

In 2020, the Province and the PEI ATV Federation began the pilot project to expand the private ATV trail network. The Province will only approve sections of roads that are safe for people and the environment, and structurally sound.

 “The ATV Federation appreciates the support and partnership of the provincial government, landowners and community organizations that collaborate with the clubs and members across the Island,” said Jody Jackson, president of the PEI ATV Federation. “The Mill Road pilot is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”

Off-highway motor vehicle drivers must be active club members in good standing, with a valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration, and have an ATV club-issued trail pass to access the pilot roads.

Media contact:
Stacey Miller
Transportation and Infrastructure
samiller@gov.pe.ca