Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA) is a group of Whitehorse residents who have a common interest in protecting and promoting non-motorized (summer and winter) multi-use trail networks and associated green spaces in Whitehorse.
Our name was inspired by the City of Whitehorse’s Official Community Plan (OCP), in which Active Transportation is defined as “Any form of human powered transportation, such as walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating, or skateboarding”.
Non-motorized trails throughout neighbourhoods and adjacent greenspaces enhance residents’ quality of life, increase property values, encourage physical activity and green tourism, prevent environmental damage and stress to wildlife, and reduce fossil-fuel usage.
ATWA originally organized after the passage of the 2012 Snowmobile Bylaw, which to our surprise and disappointment allowed snowmobiles on non-motorized trails, with the exception of those listed under Schedule "E" and Schedule "C" in the Snowmobile Bylaw, despite the fact that the OCP and 2007 Trail Plan call for non-motorized trails to be separate from motorized trails, and that various survey results indicated strong public support for separate trails. We will be working on having this issue addressed.
The 2012 ATV Bylaw does not permit ATV operators to use their machines on non-motorized trails.
The new (2012) ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws allow off-road-vehicles (ORVs) to drive along streets outside the City core to access out-and-away trails. We support the designation of motorized out-and-away trails leading to suitable backcountry trails as a way of reducing conflicts among user groups.
If you would like to join us in our discussions and/or have specific concerns related to City trails and greenspaces, please contact us at the following: activetwa@gmail.com
Our name was inspired by the City of Whitehorse’s Official Community Plan (OCP), in which Active Transportation is defined as “Any form of human powered transportation, such as walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating, or skateboarding”.
Non-motorized trails throughout neighbourhoods and adjacent greenspaces enhance residents’ quality of life, increase property values, encourage physical activity and green tourism, prevent environmental damage and stress to wildlife, and reduce fossil-fuel usage.
ATWA originally organized after the passage of the 2012 Snowmobile Bylaw, which to our surprise and disappointment allowed snowmobiles on non-motorized trails, with the exception of those listed under Schedule "E" and Schedule "C" in the Snowmobile Bylaw, despite the fact that the OCP and 2007 Trail Plan call for non-motorized trails to be separate from motorized trails, and that various survey results indicated strong public support for separate trails. We will be working on having this issue addressed.
The 2012 ATV Bylaw does not permit ATV operators to use their machines on non-motorized trails.
The new (2012) ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws allow off-road-vehicles (ORVs) to drive along streets outside the City core to access out-and-away trails. We support the designation of motorized out-and-away trails leading to suitable backcountry trails as a way of reducing conflicts among user groups.
If you would like to join us in our discussions and/or have specific concerns related to City trails and greenspaces, please contact us at the following: activetwa@gmail.com
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Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA) - Mission Statement:
To protect and promote non-motorized multiple use trail networks and associated green spaces in Whitehorse.
Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA) - Mission Statement:
To protect and promote non-motorized multiple use trail networks and associated green spaces in Whitehorse.
- Support the designation, maintenance and protection of a quality non-motorized multiple use trail network, associated green spaces, and Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
- Promote environmental protection and enhanced health, wellness, and enjoyment for residents and visitors through a non-motorized multiple use trail network.
- Collaborate with organizations and residents in the community of Whitehorse to establish an equitable and sustainable trail network.
- Provide input into government processes and policies concerning trails and associated green spaces.