The population of Merritt is a diverse one. There is a youthful portion of the population that enjoys recreational activities and more extreme sports like off-road riding and rally car racing.
There is also a more laid back portion of the population; some, but not all, are retirees who enjoy the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and parks that surround the city.
It’s a legitimate complaint that I have heard over and over again; there is not enough to do in this town, especially for young people.
While there may be some kids that would walk down the wrong path had they not had some activity in their life to occupy their time, it’s not always a valid argument. There are many other factors that determine whether a kid will turn to drugs, drinking, and crime; factors like support at home, relationships with parents, and wits, to name a few.
A ban on ATVs within the city would certainly make for less noise and would place an ease on city terrain. Merritt, which appears to be a growing retirement community, would definitely appreciate the peace and quiet.
A compromise would be nice to see in this situation and perhaps it might just take a little more effort on the part of all groups involved: the city, ATVers (and their parents), as well as residents seeking the serene Nicola Valley way of life.
It was good to see a lot of letters in our opinion section last week. From those, it seems people are willing to discuss and come up with a solution.
All sides have valid concerns and all should be weighed before a decision is made, but I have to take exception to the argument that kids are going to be peddling drugs downtown once they are forced off city property with their dirt bikes.
Let’s give them a little credit and let's give the town a little more credit; there are other things to do in town other than off-road riding.
How bad would it be if your child had to go a little further up the hill to enjoy a little sport?
A child can be supervised just as easily outside of city limits as within. If he/she is not being supervised within city limits, than what does it matter if he/she must ride outside of the limits?
If this is not feasible, then a designated area or track may be the solution. Only communication between all sides can determine if there is an area within the city that is far enough that it wouldn’t bother anyone.
Why not build a dirt bike track or something of the sorts? The Rotary skate park is great and I always see it being used by children and even some young adults.
Come out to the city council meeting on April 13, voice your opinion, and let’s see if we can resolve this thing to the point that the majority of Merritonians are satisfied.
— John O'Connor