Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw Update

The District of Elkford council is considering the adoption of a new Off-Road Vehicle Bylaw to update and replace Elkford’s existing Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Regulation Bylaw, originally adopted in 2006. Since that time, the Off-Road Vehicle Act has come into force, superseding the bylaw.

The drafted bylaw has been developed in consultation with the District's Bylaw Enforcement Officer, the RCMP, the Elk Valley ATV Club, and the Elkford Snowmobile Association. Council has completed third reading of the bylaw and will be considering adoption during the April 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.

Some of the main effects of the bylaw include:

• Removing the requirement for a District-issued vehicle plate. Instead this bylaw relies on the Provincial system for registering and identifying off-road vehicles.
• Changing the bylaw map to only identify trails on District land as those that are subject to the bylaw. ORV riding on provincial land is not intended to be regulated by this bylaw. Note that District staff are working on revisions to the current map to more accurately reflect existing trails.
• Creation of designated routes within the District that can receive RCMP approval, through a permit, to travel along a highway.

The draft bylaw and staff report are included on the documents tab of this page for more information.