Gander council votes against ATV ban on town streets
Gander town council has voted against a proposal to ban all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles from being driven on town streets.
Four councillors voted Wednesday against the motion to ban the vehicles, which was first recommended by an ATV sub-committee formed by the town last year.
Councilor Brian Dove and Mayor Claude Elliott were absent from the meeting.
The issue came to council after a number of complaints from residents about noise issues and ATVs driving across properties.
"We have some people that are abusing the system," said Gerry Parrott, who voted in favor of the motion.
"I've received many conversations and [had] talks about it and they would like to see it rescinded."
Councilor Robert Anstey voted against the ban but said something needs to change to keep ATV users in line with the current by-laws.
"I really think there needs to be an update to the rules," said Anstey. "I think in order to make this town safe we can't just ban it."
"I don't think that does anything because you'd still have the problem. And I think keeping it like it is is not going to do anything."
ATV proponents had argued that the machines bring visitors and business into the community.
Gander's annual Quad-A-Palooza kicks off on Sept. 10, with hundreds of riders expected to take part.