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March 4, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


T'Railway Provincial Park Regulations to be discussed at meeting

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today her intention to meet with all interested parties before making a final decision on the use of motorized recreational vehicles (ATV's and snowmobiles) on the T'Railway provincial park. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in Paradise at an exact location to be named in the next few days.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with all stakeholders at that time, including the municipal governments of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South and Holyrood as well as the Grand Concourse Authority, the ATV Association and others. We need to find a consensus on this issue," Minister Kelly says.

Under provincial park regulations, automobiles or four-wheel drive vehicles are not permitted on any part of the park, unless specially authorized by the minister. Circumstances where permission is granted include the maintenance and repair of fibre optic cables, for example. However, all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) and snowmobiles can access the majority of the T'Railway, although their use may be prohibited in specified locations.

"Normally, provincial parks are found in fairly remote areas, away from any urbanization," the minister said "The T'Railway is unique in that it's a park which crosses the entire island, coming in contact with or running through many urban environments."

Minister Kelly says that the current regulations are being enforced by allowing the use of snowmobiles and ATV's on the T'Railway through Conception Bay South. These recreational vehicles are not permitted on the T'Railway in St. John's and Mount Pearl because of the trail infrastructure in this area, which is part of the Grand Concourse.

"The next step is to conduct a review of the situation and consult with the municipalities of the area," the Minister says. "It is my hope that an alternate route can be found for motorized recreational vehicles through or around CBS, and I await the results of the public meeting to be held in Paradise to determine the best options. We have to look at all the options."

The Newfoundland T'Railway Provincial Park consists of the main line of the railbed from St. John's to Port aux Basques. Branch lines are not part of the park, and therefore not subject to provincial park regulations. "The Newfoundland T'Railway Provincial Park is a wonderful addition to our parks system, and gives us easy access to our woods and wilderness areas," Kelly says. "The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in conjunction with the Newfoundland T'Railway Council and other partners in the endeavour, wants to ensure it is a park that will be enjoyed by many generations to come."

Contact: Doug Burgess, (709) 729-0928.

1998 03 04 4:25 p.m.

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