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Road Trails Designation By-law, No. 06-2026 - now in effect

Published: August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

The “Road Trails Designation By-law, By-law No. 06-2026” is now in effect, as of the date of this post.

Background

At a meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Oxford Town Council approved the second reading of the Road Trails Designation By-law, By-law No. 06-2026. This will allow off-highway vehicles (OHVs) that meet specific requirements to access all Town Streets for a trial period of one-year.

When the Road Trails Act was enacted in 2023, Oxford Town Council formed the Road Trails Act Review Committee to discover if Oxford could be “ATV Friendly” using the conditions of the Road Trails Act. Oxford becoming “ATV Friendly” has been a topic of Council for years before the Road Trails Act came into effect.Council regarded the Road Trails Designation Bylaw as providing benefits to the Town of Oxford by allowing connectivity for the OHVs to various services offered in Oxford and the potential to attract new businesses to Oxford.Access is only permitted to OHVs that meet specific requirements of the Road Trails Act.

It is the responsibility of riders to ensure they meet all requirements before accessing the designated streets.

Some of the key requirements include (but are not limited to):

Riders must have a valid driver’s license (not learners) and third-party liability insurance.

All riders must also have their OHV legally registered and inspected, where applicable.

Licence plates must be clearly visible, the same as on motor vehicles.Helmets and seatbelts* must be worn (*if OHV was equipped) and OHVs must have a headlight (on), red rear light, and left side mirror.

OHVs are not permitted to exceed 25 KPH while using the designated streets.

No operation 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.

No children under 9 years old are permitted as passengers while accessing the designated streets.

Police can stop an OHV or motor vehicle to check for valid registration, insurance, and driver’s licence. Motorists are asked to please take caution and be prepared to share the designated streets with OHVs. OHV riders, please ensure you meet all requirements before accessing the Town streets.

A copy of the  pdf bylaw(37 KB) can be found on the town website (oxfordns.ca) and a printed copy at the town office (105 Lower Main Street). Also a copy of General Information may also be found  pdf here(885 KB)

Please ride safely!