Motorized Vehicles/ATV
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a popular type of Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) and it is important to check with the appropriate Township or Town when planning your route. Each municipality in Ontario regulates the ATV/ORV use on their roads and within their municipally owned property.
Tay Township conducted a Municipal ATV Road Access Survey in the summer of 2025. The results of the survey were presented in Staff Report OS-2025-017, included in the October 8, 2025 Committee of the Whole agenda. Council received the report and approved a one-year pilot project to allow ATV use on municipal roads from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
Questions and Answers
Yes. Council has approved a one-year pilot project from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, allowing ATVs and ORVs on Municipal Highways. As per By-law 2025-40, extreme terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles remain prohibited on all Municipal Highways in Tay Township.
No. In 2019 Council passed By-law 2019-50 which prohibits the use of any motorized vehicle within a park, municipal parkland, including the Tay Shore Trail or First Avenue Trail.
The set fine for operating an ATV or other motorized machine contrary to this by-law is $250.00. For more serious motorized vehicles offences, the fine imposed can be up to $5000.00.
The Ontario Provincial Police have jurisdiction regarding ATV's and other motorized machines operating on the roads, and therefore they should be contacted to report violations at 1-888-310-1122.
The Municipal Law Enforcement Department should be contacted when ATV's, or other motorized vehicles are operating on the Tay Shore Trail, municipal parks or beaches. To report violations please call (705) 534-7248 and press option “2”. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers have the authority to lay charges if a motorized vehicle is operating contrary to the Township's By-laws.
Tay Township
450 Park Street, PO Box 100
Victoria Harbour
ON L0K 2A0
Phone: 705-534-7248
Fax: 705-534-4493
Send an Email
Municipal Law Enforcement
General Inquiries
705-534-7248 option 2
mleo@tay.ca