IMBA Canada Monitoring Bicycle Access in Ontario Parks and Reserves

For Immediate Release
06-13-06
Contact: Lora Woolner, IMBA Canada coordinator

705-441-6901

The Ontario government has been fast tracking Bill 11 through Committee and is prepared to proceed to third reading and a final vote this week. The legislation affects recreational uses on millions of acres of wilderness parks and over 300 conservation reserves, including trails used by Ontario mountain bikers. Several special interest groups proposed amendment word changes to status quo provisions that have been adopted and which would only permit travel in wilderness class parks by non-mechanized means - effectively prohibiting mountain bikes, wheelchairs and canoe portage carts. Bill 11's rapid progress created a critical situation and a significant precedent in Canada for mountain bike access to public lands.

Thanks to a timely and collaborative effort between the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Shimano Canada Ltd. and the Shimano law firm of Lang Michener, additional last-minute changes were made to the Bill which authorize the Minister to make exceptions with respect to travel by a mechanized means and allow existing uses to continue. While not perfect, these changes allow low-impact recreational uses - including mountain biking - to continue in Ontario Provincial Parks, at the discretion of the Minister.

IMBA Canada is involved in monitoring the progress of Bill 11 and will continue to work with groups that seek to preserve access to Ontario's Parks and Conservation Reserves, and to work actively with the government to ensure that mountain biking continues as a sustainable use of public lands.

IMBA Canada wants to record your comments on bicycle access in Ontario. Please send your comments to with the subject heading ONTARIO BICYCLE ACCESS.

Shimano Canada's Letter to the Members of the Standing Committee

Lang Michener Legal Opinion Letter