New King Township bylaws govern loitering, smoking, ATV use on roads, parks

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 21, 2016
By Tim Kelly

If you're tired of people breaking bylaws a new set of local rules is on the way.

A set of draft bylaws covering regulations around loitering, smoking prohibitions at township buildings, and driving ATVs on township-owned lands, was presented to council at its Nov. 14 meeting.

And the updated bylaws are expected to pass at the Nov. 28 Township council meeting.

The bylaws, which are typically enforced by township bylaw officers on a complaint basis, come with fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.

Bylaws came into focus earlier this year when complaints about ATV use in Nobleton parks, on sidewalks and roads were raised by residents and Nobleton Councillor David Boyd and King Township manager of bylaw enforcement Nancy Cronsberry.

"Residents have complained ATV and dirt-bike drivers are using roadways and sidewalks to access open areas popular with riders," said Cronsberry.

Boyd added Nobleton residents have had enough of what he called "irresponsible" behaviour.

"It's a nuisance to people. Operators of ATVs are driving erratically. I've heard of them on skate parks. They're disrespecting the town, they're in our ball diamonds, they're in our parks, they're ripping up our parks," he said. He said bylaw officers would let drivers and their parents know how serious such offences were.