Horseriders, Snowmobilers, ATVers all seeking share of Confederation Trail

About 250 people gathered at Glen Stewart Primary School in Stratford Monday night to share a slew of different thoughts on the future of the Confederation Trail. 

The province has been hosting workshops across P.E.I. to gain a deeper understanding of how people are currently using the trail and what can be done to improve it.

The questions seemed direct. For example, "What areas of the trail do you use?" or "What safety precautions should you take?" The answers, however, were not nearly as straightforward. 

Starting with ATVs. 

"Personally, I'd like to keep ATVs off it," said Sam Wandio who is on the trail several times a week running, walking or cycling. 

"I know ATVs are fun. I've been on them. I like them myself. But I think that they'll do damage to the trail." 

Cyclist Andrew Scott agrees. 

"I just don't think that the two can mix together," he said. "The speeds that they travel and the safety — it just doesn't work."

The ATV Federation of P.E.I. has been planning a tip to tip trail since 2018, and has been granted permission to cross the Confederation Trail at certain points. 

"What we want to do is utilize those areas that connect our existing clubs and that help us to branch out and expand in some areas we aren't now," said Jody Jackson, the federation president.

"We're willing to do whatever it takes, you know, speed limit wise, safety wise, whatever it takes to prove ourselves, that we do have a spot on the trail."

Wandio said he has no problem with ATVs crossing the trail. His concern, though, is people riding them along the trail — especially in busy areas. 

"There's room for compromise here. What I don't want to see is what's happened with snowmobiles, where snowmobiles are allowed free rein and other people aren't," he said.

The P.E.I. Snowmobile Association has been leasing most of the Confederation Trail during the winter since 1996. It maintains the trail for its riders, and that means walking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is not allowed.