A Cowichan Valley Regional District policy banning motorized off-road vehicles in parks to protect people, the environment and the "peaceful enjoyment of nature" is coming under review.

The elected director pushing for the review and the potential inclusion of motorized vehicles in regional parks is Ian Morrison, representing Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls. He said all user groups in the region should be considered as part of an ongoing update of the parks and trails master plan.

The board on May 13 passed Morrison’s motion requesting a staff report “regarding incorporating motorized vehicle groups into CVRD parks and trails programs, including potential costs, other examples, and possible implementation strategies.”

The motion was not on the agenda and was not referred to the parks and trails master plan advisory group.

Alternate director Barry Marcotte, North Oyster/Diamond, told the meeting: "I think we could possibly incorporate some sections of the parks for multiple uses."

That position goes directly against a new policy of the Trails Society of BC in April stating that motorized and non-motorized use of public trails are incompatible and must be separated.

The impacts of motorized vehicles "on nature, the noise, the pollution, and their passing speeds cause many non-motorised active travellers to abandon or abort their outdoor experience to go elsewhere, including out of province to enjoy naturalness and solitude," the organization warns.

"As demonstrated by best practices around the world, the answer will be separated trails for incompatible users."

Read the society's new policy: https://eadn-wc02-3375816.nxedge.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Trails-BC-MORV-position-statement.pdf

The Cowichan Valley ATV Club did not respond to a request for comment.

Director Mike Wilson, Cobble Hill, expressed concern at the idea of motorized vehicles in regional parks. “I can’t support this one…I do honestly believe our parks and trails are not the place” for motorized recreation.

But he eventually went along with the motion on the grounds a final decision would come at a later date.

Which regional parks — if any — might be considered suitable for motorized recreation is not yet clear. Currently, motorized recreation often takes place on logging roads.

CVRD chair Kate Segall said she doesn’t want to increase conflicts between user groups in regional parks but noted that “maybe there is a place that makes sense for motorized recreation….”

Only Karen Deck, representing Youbou/Meade Creek, opposed the emotion.

The CVRD states on-line: “Motorized vehicles —including ATVs, quads, motorbikes, and dirtbikes —are not permitted in any parks or on any trails.

“To protect the safety of all, the environment and the peaceful enjoyment of nature please refrain from operating any motorized vehicles in prohibited areas and report any offenders that are!”

(The CVRD considers e-bikes separate from motorized vehicles).

Chemainus River Provincial Park, which is co-managed with the CVRD, is one local site that has suffered from illegal motorized use over the years.