The city will be calling on the Yukon government to make some major changes in the regulation of off-road vehicles this evening when it meets with the legislature's Select Committee on the Safe Operation and Use of Off-road Vehicles (ORVs).

Under the proposal, the city would have the power to seize ORVs. As well, riders would be subject to more stringent rules throughout the territory.

The select committee is overseeing the public consultation underway over territorial legislation governing the use of ATVs, dirt bikes and the like. The process began earlier this year when concerns arose over the machines' safety and environmental impact.

The city has its own bylaws on the use of both snowmachines and ATVs or dirt bikes.

However, as bylaw manager Dave Pruden explained to council members at a mid-day Wednesday meeting, city staff are hoping any change to territorial legislation would make for better enforcement in municipal boundaries.

"In line with the Yukon government's review of ORV legislation, the city has several requests for amendments that would enable city officials to identify offenders and adequately enforce bylaw provisions,” it was stated in a report on the potential changes the city will seek.

Under the city's proposed changes, territorial legislation would:

• require all ORVs to be registered with the territorial motor vehicles branch when they are sold;

• require all ORV drivers to have a valid driver's licence;

• require all ORVs to be insured for public damage and personal liability;

• require all ATV and snow machine bylaw fines to be paid before an owner could get or renew their registration or driver's licence;

• give municipalities the authority to seize ORVs;

• allow municipalities the ability to set standards for signs related to ORVs; and

• require all riders to wear a helmet when driving the vehicles.

Though it wasn't on the list, deputy Mayor Ranj Pillai also suggested drivers be required to take a course, a proposal that will come forward tonight as well.

"I think that's important,” Coun. Dave Stockdale agreed when Pillai put his idea forward.

Staff will also ask that any legislation include provisions about operating without headlights, as it becomes difficult for pedestrians to see ORVs that lack lights.

It will also make a request that the access to information agreement between the city and Yukon government be updated so information on licence plates could be accessed for offences committed under bylaws in order for the city to find the offenders.

"Currently, the agreement allows the city to access motor vehicle registration information for the purposes of enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act, and the traffic bylaw for limited situations as it relates to the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw,” reads the document presented by Pruden.

Most important though, he emphasized, is the proposal to register ORVs with the motor vehicles branch.

"Having vehicles registered with (the branch) and required to contain a plate would allow city bylaw officers or citizens who witness an offence to record the licence plate, which allows for future follow-up,” Pruden explained.

The suggestion that a driver's licence be required, meanwhile, comes in response to the many complaints the city has received over the number of minors driving ORVs.

"A valid driver's licence would help ensure driver education was obtained and help prevent minors from riding ORVs,” Pruden said.

The insurance requirement comes out of the fact many ORVs aren't insured. That means in cases where there are collisions resulting in damage, the only recourse for compensation is through the courts.

The proposal that fines must be paid off before an ORV can be registered would be an extension of a 1995 regulation that those with outstanding vehicle fines – including for traffic bylaw offences – can't register vehicles until the fines are paid off.

Pruden noted vehicle seizures would be for cases where bylaw has "reasonable or probable grounds” to believe there could be a threat to public safety or where it's believed an offence may continue to be committed.

"It would also provide more incentive for operators to ensure their vehicles are in good working order, are properly operated and insured,” Pruden stated in his report. Standards for signs would provide a good way to inform the public about regulations, he added.

Finally, the requirement to wear helmets throughout the territory would mirror the city's own bylaws, which make helmets mandatory for ATV and snow machine operators.

"Having territorial legislation would help bolster this safety effort and provide a united message to the public on the importance of ORV safety,” Pruden said.

He and city manager Dennis Shewfelt stressed the city's suggested amendments are being made in an effort to improve safety.

Shewfelt added he hopes the proposal isn't perceived as an opportunity for a huge enforcement campaign to begin if the city has its way.

"Education remains the priority,” he said, adding the ability to enforce should be there when it's needed.

And it appears in some cases it is needed.

Pruden cited a mounting number of complaints over ORV use in the city, especially around ATVs in more urban areas.

There have been recent cases of a pedestrian being hit, a dirt bike colliding with a barrier and another ATV driver coming close to hitting a pedestrian but running into a tree instead, he said.

"Things are escalating out there,” he said.

It's anticipated next spring would be the earliest any legislation out of the consultation would be passed.

The city is set to meet with the legislative committee at 6:00 this evening.