Trespassing with ATV’s, ORV’s and Snowmobile’s Persists

January 26, 2022 | by

Here are some guidelines that we ask that All-Terrain Vehicles, Off-Road Vehicles or Snowmobile owners and riders read before venturing out.

Private Property

  • Most property in the Town of LaSalle is privately owned. This includes farm fields.
  • If you do not have the consent of the property owner to be on their property or travel across their property then you are TRESPASSING.
  • If you trespass and cause damage to their property you may be held civilly and criminally responsible.

Town of LaSalle Property

  • The Town of LaSalle DOES NOT permit ATV’s, ORV’s or Snowmobiles to be operated on Town-owned lands, trails, sidewalks or roadways.
  • Where can ATV’s, ORV’s and Snowmobiles be legally operated in the Town of LaSalle?
  • The short answer is; on any property that you own or any property where you have permission to operate them.

Farm Fields

While an open field may seem like a great place to harmlessly operate an ATV, ORV or Snowmobile it is also a great place for our farmers to raise crops and support their families. Unfortunately, both cannot occur simultaneously in the same place.

  • Every farm field in the Town of LaSalle is privately owned.
  • The owners/farmers rely on the income from the yield of that crop.
  • Every plant that is destroyed by being run over or torn up by vehicles is money directly out of their pocket and causes an undue financial burden to the farmer.
  • Farmers often plant crops over the winter such as winter wheat that may not be visible under the snow. Driving over the plants crushes and kills the crops.
  • Farm lands are private property and unless you have permission to be on or travel across these properties you are TRESPASSING.
  • If you trespass and cause damage to their property or crops you may be held civilly and criminally responsible.

Essex Terminal Railway Tracks

While this location may seem like an innocuous location to operate ATV’s, ORV’s or Snowmobiles, there are many factors to consider which include;

  • The railroad tracks land adjacent to the railroad tracks are owned by Essex Terminal Railway and are therefore PRIVATE PROPERTY.
  • There are NO TRESPASSING signs posted intermittently along the ETR corridor.
  • If you are found on this property for ANY purpose and without the permission of ETR, then you are TRESPASSING.
  • Anyone caught trespassing may be charged and their information forwarded to the ETR who may send a registered letter of trespass to the individual.
  • Vehicles travelling along the ETR tracks disturb the aggregate under and around the wooden ties that hold the tracks in place which could result in a train derailment or disaster.
  • Placing any object on the tracks or deliberately disturbing, modifying or damaging the tracks or ETR property could result in a criminal charge.
  • Several homes abut this corridor that must endure the endless noise of off-road vehicles throughout the year.
  • These homeowners are being deprived of the rightful enjoyment of their property.
  • The ultimate message is to help prevent a disaster and respect the laws by staying off ETR property.

Potential Charges

  • Anyone operating their ATV, ORV or Snowmobile on private property may face charges under the trespass to property act, the Off-Road Vehicles Act or the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.
  • If any damage occurs to another person’s or business’s property, the person responsible may be held civilly liable and may be charged criminally with Mischief.
  • Anyone who does not stop for a police officer when directed to do so can expect to be charged with the criminal offence of Flight under Section 249.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
  • *It is not worth compounding what may be a warning or a ticket into a criminal offence.

 Before operating your ATV, ORV or Snowmobile in the Town of LaSalle you MUST ask yourself:

  • Am I complying with ALL pertinent legislation whether it be By-Laws, Provincial Law and Criminal Law?
  • Am I safely operating my ATV or ORV?
  • Am I creating a dangerous situation for myself or others?
  • Am I being considerate and neighbourly, taking into consideration how my actions may affect other residents?

Please respect all laws, regulations, and safety guidelines at all times when operating any off-road vehicles.

For more information or laws and requirements for these vehicles please visit:

Drive and ATV or Snowmobile – Ontario

Where you can Ride – Ontario

The Bottom Line:

  • DON’T TRESPASS.
  • If you see a no trespassing sign, don’t trespass. Certain areas do not require the posting of no trespassing signs and are automatically known in law as no trespassing such as farm fields.
  • It is your responsibility to operate your ATV, ORV or Snowmobile ONLY where you have permission or on lands that you own.
  • If you are confronted by a property owner and asked to leave then you must do so immediately.
  • Be considerate.
  • Follow the rules and guidelines.
  • And never operate an ATV, ORV or Snowmobile after consuming drugs or alcohol.

Stay Safe!