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Trail Building, Our Number One Initiative
The Haldimand and Area ATV Club, (HAAC) was started in April 2006, to meet the growing demand of ATV recreation in the area. ATV use has grown rapidly in recent and unfortunately regulations, safety instruction and legal areas to ride have not matched this growth. Our purpose is to build legal and safe trails in Haldimand. We are partnered with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV) an umbrella group made up of similar clubs throughout Ontario. As a confederation we provide a safe and legal trail system for the enjoyment of our members. We work both with landowners, the local community, law enforcement and the government to help regulate grow and ensure safe riding for the sport.
As a not for profit organization, we count on numerous fund-raising events, membership fees, corporate sponsors, and the generosity of land owners and other individuals. Along with building trails and promoting the sport, we at HAAC take pride in being involved in the community, through fund-raisers, charitable work donations etc.
Our current membership is growing and is made up a diverse group. We have local business owners, schoolteachers, landowners, farmers and members from all areas of Haldimand and from other surrounding communities. Our club is open to everyone, whether you own an ATV or not.
Being a member of the OFATV allows us to draw on years of trail building experience. One of the greatest advantages of the OFATV is the trail insurance package. This is purchased by clubs through membership fees, and is offered to the landowner. The OFATV has also developed standard trail wardening policies, trail etiquette, environmental and trail appearance guidelines which we utilize and follow extensively.
The OFATV also acts as a voice for all ATV riders in Ontario and has a positive working relationship with the Ontario federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Provincial government, Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministries of Transportation and Natural Resources. We believe that a trail system will in fact protect the environment by providing riders with an insured and designated place to ride. We acknowledge that our riding opportunities are in large measured by our actions and our club is grateful to all of the individuals who allow use of their land.
We currently have 40+ kilometers of trails on private land, which has received significant work to ensure safe continual use, minimize environmental impact and meet and often exceed our land owner’s expectations. In 2010 we spent over $60,000.00 dollars on trail improvements and development alone. This was funded through membership monies, fund-raising and government grants.
We are always looking to expand our trail system, assist landowners in the determent of illegal land use, and ensure we have a safe legal place to ride.
If you have interest in talking to us further about your current land use, or would like to see if we can place trails on your properties, please feel free to contact any executive member or attend one of our meetings.
Also please find further information on this site, land owner agreements, proof of insurance etc.
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