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May 26, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

The T'Railway Provincial Park has become one of our province's most popular outdoor recreational venues, and today I am announcing conditional approval for the T'Railway to remain a multi-use recreational park between Octagon Pond and Holyrood.

Provincial legislation covering the park allows the use of ATVs and snowmobiles in this area beyond Octagon Pond, through the rest of the T'Railway right across the province.

Given some local concerns about the use of ATVs on the portion of the T'Railway which runs from Octagon Pond to Holyrood, a review was undertaken to determine whether or not ATVs should continue operating in the area.

Following consultations with users, various associations and area municipalities, the decision has been taken to permit the continued operation of such motorized recreational vehicles between Octagon Pond and Holyrood.

The T'Railway is a 900km linear Provincial Park which has been positioned as a cross-island recreational tourism opportunity, and significant support for continued multi-use in the Paradise-CBS area has come from the town of Paradise, area ATV associations, and others.

ATV users and other groups have expressed interest in helping the Newfoundland T'Railway Council and the department oversee the Octagon Pond to Holyrood section of the T'Railway, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the park.

Government does not have the necessary resources to completely upgrade signage, install barriers and other infrastructure on the T'Railway at this time. This remains a long-term objective of my department and the T'Railway Council.

Therefore, ATV and snowmobile users, indeed all users, are responsible for safe and cautious behaviour throughout the entire T'Railway, as government, under its legislation, does not assume liability for its use by any group or individual.

This policy will be regularly reviewed and the approval to operate ATVs or snowmobiles in the Paradise-CBS areas of the

T'Railway will be revoked if major concerns arise. In future years, the T'Railway may incorporate alternate trails or loops through busy or built up areas, but for now the onus is on the users of the T'Railway to exercise caution to ensure a safe recreational experience.

There is no question the appeal of the T'Railway continues to grow, right across the Island.

In the meantime, I look forward to working with local groups and the Newfoundland T'Railway Council, to ensure the T'Railway remains a safe and popular recreational venue for outdoor enthusiasts.

1998 05 26 4:10 p.m.


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