Volunteer Provincial Police Constables from Tignish to Souris are joining health enthusiasts on the Confederation Trail. While visitors and Islanders hike, bike and cycle for health, the Constables will monitor activity, ensure proper use, and make general public safety their number one concern.
Jeffrey Lantz, Minister of Tourism and Attorney General, appointed the Police Constables, who received training through the Police Academy of Holland College. The constables will partner with RCMP detachments across Prince Edward Island. "We are proud of the quality of experience for users of the Confederation Trail," noted the Minister. "We are taking pro-active measures to ensure that misuse of the trail is curtailed. It is our intention to promote safety, enhance the natural beauty of the trail and reduce maintenance costs derived from improper use."
While random acts of vandalism create one type of damage to the trail, actions of a less criminal nature also cause 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. Where warranted, Constables will be enforcing sections 12 and 13 of the Trails Act, issuing tickets under the Summary Proceedings Act.
Minister Lantz added, "Our trail covers the Island from tip to tip and is the first provincial section of the Trans Canada Trail to be completed – something that we are very proud of. Last year we estimated that approximately 220,000 visitors joined Islanders in various activities on the trail." He added, "It offers an excellent recreational venue to explore Prince Edward Island and events such as "National Trail Week," being held June 2-8, highlights it's multiple attributes. This event is just one of many that are planned this year to bring new and existing trail users out to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery we have to offer. As a result, we expect that usage will increase as will our resolve to maintain the integrity of the Trail.