Chestermere Peace Officers and RCMP members reprimanded an impaired driver of an off-highway vehicle (OHV) operating on Chestermere Lake in the early morning hours of Dec. 31 – just a few weeks after the municipality introduced a pilot program allowing for off-highway vehicle use on the frozen lake surface.
According to a City of Chestermere news release, residents are happy thus far with the OHV pilot project announced in December 2022 and so far, most people have followed the laws and safe practices.
“However, the City has zero tolerance for illegal use and enforcement action will be taken if required,” read the release.
Chestermere Municipal Enforcement advised on Dec. 31, at approximately 1:40 a.m., both Chestermere Peace Officers and RCMP officers responded to multiple residential noise complaints regarding several OHVs being operated on the lake surface.
The City of Chestermere Municipal Bylaw prohibits OHV operation in the City outside of the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. At approximately 1:45 a.m., authorities observed several OHVs operating on the frozen lake surface.
“Officers patrolled the lake surface and attempted to stop multiple off-highway vehicles to provide education and request that all operators go home for the night,” the release stated.
“Two off-highway vehicles stopped and when officers attempted to speak with the drivers, one OHV proceed to flee the scene.”
According to the report, police followed the driver back to a nearby residence, where a male from Chestermere was subsequently arrested and now faces several charges, including numerous Traffic Safety Act violations, Impaired Driving (provincial sanctions), and criminal flight from police.
The driver’s license is also facing suspension and the OHV was seized for 30 days.
“This event had the potential to result in significant and unintended consequences, and demonstrates that the operation of any motorized vehicle, even an OHV, under the influence of alcohol, is still ‘impaired driving,’” the release continued.
Currently, the OHV pilot program operates three access points along Chestermere Lake, including the John Peake Boat Launch, Sunset Beach, and Anniversary Park. The OHV pilot program will end when it is determined the ice surface is no longer safe and the access points are closed.
“This incident highlights Chestermere’s Peace Officers and RCMP’s commitment to the public, and their continual vigilance to ensure Chestermere remains a safe and desirable city to live, work in, and raise a family,” the statement concluded.
The City also issued a reminder on social media for residents and visitors to the municipality that the only vehicles permitted on Chestermere Lake are off-highway vehicles. Drivers of regular motor vehicles on the lake, such as trucks and cars, will be fined.
An OHV is one that is intended for use on steep or uneven ground and includes those used for recreational purposes. Through the pilot program, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway
“Thank you for your cooperation and your commitment to safety,” said the City social media post.
