With the City of Martensville’s ATV and Unlicensed Vehicle Public Consultation Campaign now complete, the results show that recreational vehicle use remains a valued part of the community’s small-town character, even as residents express concerns about safety, noise, and rider behavior.
According to the report presented at the October 14 Committee of the Whole meeting, approximately 81% of respondents oppose a complete ban on ATVs, dirt bikes, and other unlicensed vehicles within city limits. Instead, residents largely favour education, designated trails, and stronger enforcement to manage concerns.
The consultation, which ran from July to September, gathered more than 1,350 survey responses, along with feedback from in-person engagement sessions and discussions with local stakeholders, including North Ridge Developments and the Martensville RCMP. Nearly half (43%) of respondents said they currently ride ATVs, dirt bikes, or other unlicensed vehicles, and another 14% indicated they were considering becoming riders. Many respondents said the ability to ride close to home was part of what drew them to Martensville. “A very large reason I moved to Martensville was the small-town feel, such as kids/adults being allowed to drive their recreational toys from home out of town into riding areas. If this gets removed, myself along with many others I know will be considering leaving the community,” one respondent said.
While most residents reported no safety concerns; 974 respondents said they had not experienced any issues; 348 property owners and 30 riders said they had. The most common concerns cited were conflicts with other road users, safety risks to pedestrians, noise, and trespassing. One resident wrote, “They are noisy, driving on roads with no care, stunting. I have seen them riding on 3rd Street N, showing off to younger kids and have heard of a case where they surround a vehicle which scared the driver of the car. They need to be off our streets.” Others, however, urged balance, saying, “Just ticket people who aren’t following the rules or being unsafe. If everyone followed the current rules in place no one should be bothered or unsafe.”
Throughout the consultation, a strong theme of community identity emerged. “Martensville feels like a small town in the best way. It’s why we moved out here. Being able to ride quads from the house out of town is one of the big reasons for this. Please don’t take our small town feel away!” wrote one participant. Many echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that ATV and dirt bike use is a family activity and part of local life. “It’s a great way for kids to learn responsibility, safety, and how to respect the environment while having fun,” said another.
Stakeholder discussions added further context to the city’s findings. North Ridge Developments, which owns land in the popular “pits” area northeast of Martensville, acknowledged the recreational value of ATV use but expressed concern over safety and liability risks. Despite posting signage and closing one access point, the company noted that riders still frequent the area, and that it remains unmonitored. North Ridge representatives said they recognize the activity’s community importance but would prefer to see it managed elsewhere due to the risks associated with injuries and property use.
The local RCMP also provided input during the consultation process. Staff Sergeant Jason Teniuk and Sergeant Curtis Little attended the August 26th engagement forum and provided some insight on enforcement perspectives, as well as the challenges regarding this issue. They noted that police have observed an increase in traffic violations involving ATVs and similar vehicles during the summer months, including tickets issued for “wheelies, stunting, and other unsafe acts.” They emphasized that enforcement is guided by Saskatchewan’s All Terrain Vehicle Act, which permits ATV operation on the “untravelled portion” of the road (typically the ditch) unless a municipality restricts it. They added that many riders lack awareness of these provisions, particularly regarding helmet use, insurance requirements, and where ATVs can legally operate.
Education was repeatedly identified as a potential solution by both residents and enforcement. One resident said, “I will be very disappointed if there is a ban. If anything, more education for riders would solve any problems.” Another suggested, “My suggestion is the City of Martensville hosting a one day training each summer for kids to attend and teach them the proper etiquette of recreational vehicle operation.”
The City’s next step will be to review and amend the current bylaw to improve clarity, strengthen enforcement, and ensure it supports both recreation and public safety. As part of this process, the City will look at how other municipalities manage the use of unlicensed vehicles in a safe and controlled manner. The goal is to develop a clear, practical, and locally appropriate approach that aligns with the provincial All Terrain Vehicles Act while reflecting Martensville’s unique community values and conditions.
To view the full report, visit www.martensville.ca.
