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By: Robert Janis
Alberta Off-Highway
Vehicle Association Serves as Conduit between
Off-Road Enthusiasts and Their Government
Education and communications are the way that
the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association
(AOHVA) influences policy that impact on
off-road enthusiasts in the Province of Alberta,
Canada. For example, it surveyed Alberta, Canada
politicians concerning issues of concern to
off-road recreationists and printed their
comments in the organization’s newsletter, The
Trail Talk, prior to elections in 2008.
Founded in 1981, the mission of the group is to
provide safe individual and family motorized
recreational opportunities in an environmentally
responsible manner, explained Robert Smith,
president of AOHVA. It has an average of 2,500
to 3,000 members.
Although the group does not officially lobby the
government, it does work with it on all off-road
issues. “We consult on all topics and sit on as
many committees as we can that have an influence
upon the OHV riders of Alberta,” said Smith. “We
are in constant contact with ministers, the
Premier (of the province), and the various
department leaders.”
Members of the organization are encouraged to
get involved in all facets including education,
training, trail maintenance, trail development,
fund raising, and more, explained Smith.
AOHVA has a classroom education program
available to any school in Alberta. The program
offers elementary school age kids the basics of
safe riding and trail etiquette. Moreover, in
cooperation with the National Off-Highway
Conservation Council and COHV, AOHVA also offers
an Adventure Trail CD and activity books that
include hints on riding off-road as well as
suggest fun activities. “The association travels
to all corners of the province with safety
displays and lots of information including maps
and safe riding brochures, CDs and more,” said
Smith.
Local clubs are the backbone of the
organization. The AOHVA is also involved
in creating clubs in Alberta. “We will attend
organizational meetings and have a pretty
comprehensive “how to start a club” document
available,” said Smith. “We also provide
personal advice and help.”
Smith pointed out that the local clubs are most
important in the process of influencing local
governments about the issues of concern to
off-road recreationists. “Local clubs are more
aware of local issues than anyone, and we try
and work those issues with the clubs,” said
Smith. “We can bring in expertise and additional
information to help them work with their local
government.”
In addition, local clubs associated with AOHVA
build trails, host rallies, train riders, and
hold activities for all members of the family.
The AOHVA also works with national ATV
associations. In fact, the group was a founding
member of the ATV Quad Council of Canada (AQCC)
and the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
(MCC) and has been involved in bringing all
Canadian riders together for many years, noted
Smith. The AOHVA is also a member of the
Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and
the Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors
Council (CATV). It also works with such groups
as the BlueRibbon Coalition, and it is very
involved in bringing the Canadian OHV
associations into the NOHVCC network. The
organization has also had contact with other
U.S. groups from time-to-time, especially when
dealing with cross border issues.
Moreover, the group is a member of the board of
directors of the TrailNet Alberta. TrailNet
Alberta is part of the Trans Canada Trail
Program. It consists of all types of trail users
including hikers, bicyclists, snowmobilers,
equestrian users and more. “By working with all
other user groups, AOHVA hopes to create
sustainable multi-use trails throughout
Alberta,” said Smith. He pointed to the Iron
Horse Trail in Northeast Alberta as a successful
example of what can be done.
According to Smith, the most urgent issue facing
off-road riders in Alberta is land access and
enforcement. As a result, the AOHVA is involved
with the new Land Management Framework, parks
planning and is also in constant communication
with government officials regarding trail issues
and enforcement.
Anyone, club, or corporation can become a member
of AOHVA. Benefits to members include
representation with the government, special
insurance and travel programs and more.
The organization has a website
(www.aohva.com) but it is currently going
through an upgrade. “As with most non-profits,
the website is difficult to keep current with
volunteer help,” said Smith. “But we are about
to make a change to that strategy, and you will
see the results in the very near future.” The
website has been used to communicate current
issues, offer maps of approved areas for riding,
serves as a contact to clubs and provides links
to interesting information of concern to
off-road riders.
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