Twenty new volunteer Provincial Police Constables from Tignish to Souris are now monitoring activity on the Confederation Trail in an effort to maximize safety and proper use of the trail.
"The Confederation Trail is a wonderful asset that runs across the Island," noted Jeff Lantz, Minister of Tourism, "but misuse of the trail costs all Islanders money and diminishes enjoyment of the trail. We have implemented this new enforcement to ensure that those using the trail are travelling on foot, bicycle or wheelchair. It is our intention to promote safety, enhance the natural beauty of the trail and reduce maintenance costs derived from improper use."
The twenty constables will be enforcing sections 12 and 13 of the Trails Act and issuing tickets under Summary Proceedings Act. The constables, co-ordinated by Island Trails Trail Watch Program, will be working in support of the five RCMP Detachments. Corporal Richard Thibault of the RCMP remarked, "We have always had a presence on the trail and have relied on the diligence of trail watchers to report problems which we followed-up on as soon as we could. This new arrangement means that we are on-site and able to monitor activity and act on any problems in a more timely fashion."
While random acts of vandalism create one type of damage to the trail, actions of a less criminal nature also reap havoc for those responsible for maintenance. All-terrain vehicles (ATV's), dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles which are prohibited ignore signage and wander onto the trails. These vehicles damage the trail surface and pose a liability risk to anyone walking or cycling. Similarly, standardbred horses and sulkies are very hard on the trail surface and can pose a risk to trail users as well.
The constables were appointed by the Attorney General August 1, 2002 under Section 7 of the Police Act and provide a positive step forward in the life of the trail. "We are pleased to be a part of the continuing sustainability of the trail system and the added security will minimize abuse of the trail," noted Minister Lantz.
The Confederation Trail covers the Island from tip to tip and is the first provincial section of the Trans Canada Trail to be completed. It offers an excellent recreational venue for Islanders and visitors to explore Prince Edward Island.