County Forest and Rail Trail By-law 2017-39, consolidated June 8, 2023
Dufferin County, Ontario
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot ccd29f667ec7 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Dufferin County Forest
County Forest and Rail Trail
By-Law 2017-39 Consolidated Version
(Including Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan)
Amended By:
By-law 2018-25 - June 14, 2018 (Amended to Include Thomson Tract)
By-law 2019-20 - April 11, 2019 (Amended Section 17, Schedule A & Schedule C)
By-law 2020-31 - March 12, 2020 (Amended Section 7, 17 & 20, Schedule A & C)
By-law 2021-28 - September 9, 2021 (Amended Appendix A of Schedule A)
By-law 2023-05 - January 12, 2023 (Amended to Include Dufferin Rail Trail and Replace Schedule A)
By-law 2023-31 - June 8, 2023 (Amend Sections 3, 14, 20, 21, 25, & 27, and Schedule A, Remove
Schedule B)
1| P a g e
CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN
BY-LAW NUMBER 2017-39
BEING A BY-LAW TO GOVERN THE LANDS
KNOWN AS THE DUFFERIN COUNTY FOREST
AND THE DUFFERIN RAIL TRAIL AND TO
REPEAL BY-LAW 2003-50.
WHEREAS by Section 8 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, the Council of the
Corporation of the County of Dufferin has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of
a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act;
AND WHEREAS by the Trespass to Property Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. T.21, as amended, the
Council of the Corporation of the County of Dufferin is authorized to prohibit entry to
land occupied by the Corporation of the County of Dufferin and the carrying on of
certain activities on such land and for these purposes give notice thereof;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the County of Dufferin on May 11,
2017 approved the Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan, which outlines the
County's policies with regard to the recreational use of the lands occupied by the
Corporation and generally known as the Dufferin County Forest and the Dufferin Rail
Trail. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023];
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION
OF THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
Definitions
1. For the purposes of this by-law:
"Chief Administrative Officer" means the Chief Administrative Officer of the
Corporation of the County of Dufferin;
"Council" means the Council of the Corporation of the County of Dufferin; "County"
means the Corporation of the County of Dufferin;
"Dufferin County Forest" and "Forest" means the forest lands owned by the
Corporation of the County of Dufferin consisting of about 1,066 hectares in fourteen
2| P a g e
tracts generally known as: Amaranth Tract, Gara-Gore Tract, Hockley Tract, Leening
Tract, Levitt Tract, Little Tract, Main Tract, Melancthon Tract, Mono Tract, Randwick
Tract, Riverview Tract, River Road Tract, Simmons Tract, and Thomson Tract and
further depicted in Schedule A (Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan)
[Amended by By-law 2018-25, June 14, 2018]
"Dufferin Rail Trial" and "Rail Trail" means the 38.1 km Dufferin portion of the former
rail corridor running from Orangeville, through Amaranth, Shelburne and
Melancthon, to Dundalk and further depicted in Schedule A (Dufferin County
Outdoor Recreation Plan) [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
"firearm" includes an air gun, pellet gun, bow or crossbow;
"hunting" includes, lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of, pursuing,
chasing or shooting at wildlife, whether or not the wildlife is killed, injured, captured
or harassed, or capturing or harassing wildlife, except that
"hunting" does not include, trapping, or lying in wait for, searching for, being on the
trail of or pursuing wildlife for a purpose other than attempting to kill, injure, capture
or harass it, unless the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed as a result, and
"hunt" and "hunter" have corresponding meanings;
"motorized snow vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed to be driven
primarily on snow;
"motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle within the meaning of the Highway Traffic
Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, as may be amended from time to time and;
"management" includes all activities deemed by the Corporation of the County of
Dufferin to be consistent with the goal and objectives set out in the document
approved by Council on March 10, 2016 entitled Our Forest, Our Future: Dufferin
County Forest Management Plan 2016- 2036 and amendments;
"property use agreement" means an agreement between the County and a person,
user group, or organization outlining all requirements for use of the Dufferin County
Forest;
"run at large" means being at any place other than the premises of the owner of the
dog and not under the control of the owner ("under the control of" means when a
dog is unleashed, that the dog is close to its owner, within sight and earshot of its
3| P a g e
owner, and it responds to voice commands and it is prevented from approaching
within one metre of any animal or person without such person's consent);
"unmanned air vehicle" means a power-driven aircraft, other than a model aircraft,
that is designed to fly without a human operator on board.
Exceptions
2. This by-law shall not apply to an employee of the Corporation of the County of
Dufferin while acting in the course of their employment in managing the Dufferin
County Forest or the Dufferin Rail Trail, or any part thereof, or any person authorized
by an employee of the Corporation of the County of Dufferin to carry out any duty
relating to the management of the Dufferin County Forest or the Dufferin Rail Trail,
or any part thereof. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023 and By-law
2023-31, June 8, 2023]
County Forest
Uses declared
3. The Council of the Corporation of the County of Dufferin hereby declares the use of
the lands known as the Dufferin County Forest to be for "forestry purposes", that is
to include the production of wood and wood products, provision of proper
environmental conditions for wildlife, protection against floods and erosion,
recreation, and protection and production of water supplies. Schedule A shows
permitted and restricted activities divided according to the land use classes in Our
Forest, Our Future: Dufferin County Forest Management Plan 2016-2036. Users of the
Dufferin County Forest shall abide by the Code of Conduct for County Forest Users
as outlined in the Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan. Users of the Dufferin
County Forest shall not engage in any activity within a tract of the Dufferin County
Forest other than those activities marked with a "y" for the tract in question on
Schedule A (Dufferin County Outdoor Recreational Plan - Appendix A);
Motor vehicles
4. No person shall enter the Dufferin County Forest or any part thereof for the purpose
of bringing into the Forest any motor vehicle for the purpose of operating said
motor vehicle in the Dufferin County Forest with the following exceptions:
a. Parking: any person who enters the Dufferin County Forest or any part thereof for
4| P a g e
the purpose of bringing into the Forest any vehicle which is drawn or propelled
by a motor or any means of power other than by muscular power, to park such
vehicle in any area marked or designated for parking or;
b. Motorized snow vehicles: any person who enters the Dufferin County Forest on a
motorized snow vehicle on a designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile
Clubs (O.F.S.C.) trail, remains on such designated trails while in the Forest, and is
in possession of a valid O.F.S.C. trail permit or;
c. Game Retrieval: any person who enters the Dufferin County Forest for the
purpose of retrieving game or;
d. Pedal-Assist Electric Bicycles: pedal-assist electric bicycles (Class 1) are permitted
where cycling is permitted.
[Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Campfires
5. No person shall have an open campfire at any time in the Dufferin County Forest or
any part thereof.
Curfew
6. No person shall remain in the Dufferin County Forest or any part thereof between
the hours of 12:00 a.m. (24:00 hours) and 5:00 a.m. (5:00 hours) local time for any
purpose, including camping, without prior written permission from the County Forest
Manager or their designate. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Garbage disposal
7. No person shall discard refuse, including yard or garden waste, in the Dufferin County
Forest, or any part thereof. [Amended by By-law 2020-31, March 12, 2020]
Animal Excrement
8. Any person who owns, harbours or possesses or is in control of any animal shall be
responsible for the removal and sanitary disposition of any excrement of the said
animal forthwith.
5| P a g e
Vandalism
9. No person shall remove, alter, damage or destroy any property of the County in the
Dufferin County Forest.
Construction
10. No person shall place signs, construct roads or trails, or construct obstacles such as
ramps and bridges on any roads or trails in the Dufferin County Forest without prior
written permission from the County Forest Manager or their designate. [Amended
by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Safety
11. All persons cycling, horseback riding, or snowmobiling in the Dufferin County Forest
must wear an appropriate helmet. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12,
2023]
12. No person in the Dufferin County Forest shall use an audio device that impairs their
awareness of other users.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
13. The use of unmanned air vehicles ("drones") is not permitted in the Dufferin County
Forest without prior written permission from the County Forest Manager or their
designate. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Dogs
14. No person shall permit a dog to run at large in the Dufferin County Forest.
[Amended by By-law 2023-31, June 8, 2023]
Foraging
15. No person shall disturb, cut, kill, remove or harm any plant, tree or natural object in
the Dufferin County Forest, including for the purposes of foraging.
Signs and Markers
16. No person shall disobey a posted sign or marker within a County Forest, including
6| P a g e
signs that restrict uses permitted on individual trails, as designated in Schedule C.
Designated Trails & Trail Additions
17. A group wishing to establish and maintain a trail or trail system in the Dufferin County
Forest is required to seek the approval of the County of Dufferin.
a. If the primary consideration is safety of users, re-routes of existing trails will be at
the discretion of the County Forest Manager in consultation with the Director of
Public Works/County Engineer.
b. If the primary consideration is not safety, trail changes will be brought to a meeting
of the Dufferin County Forest Advisory Team (DCFAT) for discussion and forwarded
to the County Infrastructure and Environment Committee for approval.
c. The above guidelines will apply to any trail changes to the map that forms Schedule
C of By-law 2017-39, whether they are completely new trails, or additions of
existing but unmaintained/unmapped trails. [Amended by By-law 2020-31,
March 12, 2020]
Events
18. No person or group shall have an organized event in the Dufferin County Forest
without obtaining a permit.
Hunting
19. There shall be no hunting in the Dufferin County Forest except in accordance with all
of the following:
a. as permitted under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 41,
and the associated regulations;
b. in a tract and during a time of year where hunting is listed as permitted in
Schedule A; and a permit issued under s. 20 of this By-law, including any terms or
conditions of such permit.
Permit Required
20. No person shall hunt in the Dufferin County Forest unless they are a member of a
7| P a g e
recognized organization that provides a minimum of $5 million liability insurance for
its members while they are engaged in hunting activities. No person shall hunt in the
Dufferin County Forest unless they obtain a Forest User Permit (Hunting) from the
County that will be valid from the date of issue or October 1, whichever is later, until
the following May 31. [Amended by By-law 2020-31, March 12, 2020, By-law
2023-05, January 12, 2023 and By-law 2023-31, June 8, 2023]
Tree Stands and Blinds
21. No person shall place a permanent tree stand or blind in the Dufferin County Forest
with the use of hardware. No person shall leave a temporary tree stand or blind in
the Dufferin County Forest from June 1 to September 30. [Amended by By-law
2023-05, January 12, 2023 and By-law 2023-31, June 8, 2023]
Discharge of Firearms
22. No person shall discharge a firearm at any time for any reason in the parts of the
Dufferin County Forest where hunting is not permitted according to Schedule A.
23. No person shall discharge a firearm in any part of the Dufferin County Forest for any
reason between June 1 and September 30.
24. No person shall discharge a firearm in any part of the Dufferin County Forest for the
purpose of patterning/sighting said firearm.
Rail Trail
[Section 25-32 inserted by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Motor Vehicles
25. No person shall enter the Dufferin Rail Trail or any part thereof for the purpose of
bringing onto the Rail Trail any motor vehicle for the purpose of operating said
motor vehicle on the Dufferin Rail Trail with the following exceptions:
a. Parking: any person who enters the Dufferin Rail Trail or any part thereof for the
purpose of bringing onto the Rail Trail any vehicle which is drawn or propelled by
a motor or any means of power other than by muscular power, to park such
vehicle in any area marked or designated for parking or;
b. Motorized snow vehicles: any person who enters the Dufferin Rail Trail on a
8| P a g e
motorized snow vehicle and is in possession of a valid Ontario Federation of
Snowmobile Clubs (O.F.S.C.) trail permit or;
c. All-terrain vehicles: any person who enters the Dufferin Rail Trail on an all-terrain
vehicle and who is in possession of a valid membership in the Dufferin Grey ATV
Club or;
d. Motorcycles: any person who enters the Dufferin Rail Trail on a motorcycle and
who is in possession of a valid membership in the Dufferin Rooftop Recreational
Riders or;
e. Pedal-Assist Electric Bicycles: pedal-assist electric bicycles (Class 1) are permitted.
[Amended by By-law 2023-31, June 8, 203]
Animal Excrement
26. Any person who owns, harbours or possesses or is in control of any animal shall be
responsible for the removal and sanitary disposition of any excrement of the said
animal forthwith.
Dogs
27. No person shall permit a dog to run at large on the Dufferin Rail Trail. [Amended by
By-law 2023-31, June 8, 2023]
Safety
28. All persons cycling, horseback riding, or using a motorized vehicle on the Dufferin
Rail Trail must wear an appropriate helmet.
29. No person on the Dufferin Rail Trail shall use an audio device that impairs their
awareness of other users.
Garbage disposal
30. No person shall discard refuse, including yard or garden waste, on the Dufferin Rail
Trail.
Vandalism
9| P a g e
31. No person shall remove, alter, damage or destroy any property or structures of the
County on the Dufferin Rail Trail.
Signs and Markers
32. No person shall disobey a posted sign or marker on the Rail Trail.
Offences & Enforcement
33. Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence
and upon conviction is liable to a fine or penalty as provided for in the Provincial
Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as may be amended from time to time.
34. Enforcement
a. Any police officer, provincial offences officer, or employee of the County
designated by the Chief Administrative Officer is authorized to inform any person
of the provisions of this by-law and to request compliance therewith.
b. In addition to any other authority they may have, any police officer, provincial
offences officer or municipal law enforcement officer, is authorized to order any
persons believed by such officer or employee to be contravening or who has
contravened any of this by-law,
i.
to desist from the activity constituting or contributing to such
contravention;
ii. to remove from the Dufferin County Forest or Dufferin Rail Trail anything
owned by or in the control of such person which the officer believes is or
was involved in such contravention, or
iii. to leave the Dufferin County Forest or Dufferin Rail Trail. [Amended by
By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
c. Any police officer, provincial offences officer or municipal law enforcement officer
may enforce the provisions of this by-law.
d. Where any person contravenes any of the provisions of this by-law, or fails to
comply with the order referred to in subsection (b) hereof, the permission and
licence of such person to remain in the Dufferin County Forest or Dufferin Rail Trail
is revoked. [Amended by By-law 2023-05, January 12, 2023]
Severability
10| P a g e
35. If a court of competent jurisdiction should declare any section or part of a section of
this by- law to be invalid, such section or part of section shall not be construed as
having persuaded or influenced Council to pass the remainder of the by-law and it is
hereby declared that the remainder of the by-law shall be valid and shall remain in
full force and effect.
36. By-law 2003-50 is hereby repealed.
37. Schedules A and C shall form part of this by-law. [Amended by By-law 2023-31,
June 8, 2023]
This by-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of passing.
READ a first, second and third time and finally passed this 14th day of September, 2017.
Darren White, Warden
Pam Hillock, Clerk
11| P a g e
Schedule A - New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan [Amended by By-Law 2023-05,
January 12, 2023]
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................... 3
Communications............................................................................ 5
Rail Trail.......................................................................................... 5
Infrastructure & Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 5
Signs.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Interpretive Features/Education ............................................................................................................. 5
Permitted/Prohibited Uses ....................................................................................................................... 6
County Forest................................................................................. 6
Infrastructure & Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 6
Signs.................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Interpretive Features/Education ............................................................................................................. 7
Permitted/Prohibited Uses ....................................................................................................................... 7
Appendix A: Main Permitted and Restricted Activities by
Dufferin County Forest Land Use Class..................................... 12
Appendix B: County Forest Event Permit Application ............ 14
Appendix C: Terms of Reference - Dufferin Outdoor
Recreation Advisory Team ......................................................... 19
-2-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Introduction
In 2022, in concert with a review of the recreational use policy for the Dufferin County Forest,
the County expanded the public input and review process and subsequent documents to
include the County-owned vacant rail corridor, the Dufferin Rail Trail. In addition, besides
addressing permitted and restricted uses, the outdoor recreation plan addresses other aspects
of public use, including infrastructure, signs, interpretive and educational features, and
communications. With regard to the County Forest, much of this information was brought in
from the recently completed five-year operating plan (2021-2026) and informed by the current
public input and review process. For the Rail Trail, these sections were informed by past
experience with the Rail Trail and the County Forest, as well as the current public input and
review process.
The Dufferin County Forest consists of fourteen tracts that together form a 1,066 hectare (2,636
acre) forested area owned and managed by the County of Dufferin (map on next page). The
Forest serves important functions in terms of erosion and water control, natural heritage
protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural
economy through timber production and employment opportunities. A Recreational Use
Policy/By-Law for the County Forest was passed in 2017. Several amendments have been made
to the policy/by-law since then, most of them minor in nature. This is the first full-scale public
review of the policy/by-law since its initial creation. The items other than permitted and
restricted uses are discussed in the Five-Year Operating Plan and the Twenty-Year Management
Plan for the Forest.
The Dufferin Rail Train is the 38.1 km Dufferin portion of the former rail corridor running form
Orangeville, through Amaranth, Shelburne and Melancthon, to Dundalk (map on next page).
Historically there have been agreements in place with the local ATV and snowmobile clubs for
the use of the trail. There are no other documents related to use or management of the Rail
Trail.
While considering the limits of available natural and human resources, and putting
environmental sustainability at the forefront, the County is committed to making both the Rail
Trail and the County Forest available to as diverse a group of users as possible. In consultation
with the County's Tourism Division, the promotion of the Rail Trail and the County Forest will be
focused on the residents of Dufferin County.
The implementation of this plan will require the participation and co-operation of residents of
Dufferin County, the users of the Rail Trail and County Forest, volunteer, and the following
County Divisions: Climate Change, Transportation - Operations, Tourism, Economic
Development, Museum of Dufferin, and Forestry.
A number of the actions outlined in this plan (in particular with regards to infrastructure and
signs) have cost impacts beyond current budgets. Without further budgetary commitments by
County Council they will not be implemented.
-3-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
-4-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Communications
Establish social media accounts for Rail Trail/County Forest.
Add Rail Trail information to the County website.
Distribute information about the Rail Trail/County Forest through related local
businesses.
Look into development of an app for the Rail Trail/County Forest and/or providing
content to existing trail-related apps.
Improve the Main Tract trail map to make it more user-friendly through graphic design
and information about trail distances, difficulty etc.
Improve printed information products through better graphic design.
Communicate key information through radio ads.
Continue to communicate key information through local newspapers.
Continue to communicate information through County website.
Launch information campaign such as "Slow and Say Hello" (www.safetrailsmarin.org) to
increase awareness amongst various users and user groups
Rail Trail
Infrastructure & Maintenance
The surface of the rail trail will be maintained in such a manner as to facilitate permitted
uses.
Consideration will be given to year-round parking areas at Orangeville and Shelburne.
Portable toilets will be placed at suitable locations in Orangeville and Shelburne.
Signs
Distance markers will be posted from both Orangeville (going north) and Dundalk (going
south).
Pictographic signs indicating permitted/prohibited trail uses.
Signs describing historical significance of particular areas/locations with a particular
focus on Indigenous history.
Signs acknowledging Indigenous history and current presence on the land ("land
acknowledgement").
Road name and road crossing signs will be posted at road crossings.
Speed limit signs for motorized users.
Signs will be maintained and replaced as needed.
Best efforts will be made to balance the need for signs without littering the environment
with them.
Interpretive Features/Education
Signs describing history and significance of the area, with a focus on Indigenous history.
Signs describing flora and fauna.
Guided interpretation walks.
-5-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Permitted/Prohibited Uses
1. Generally Accepted Uses
Unless otherwise restricted in this policy and associated by-law, generally accepted
outdoor recreational activities are permitted on the Dufferin Rail Trail.
Motor vehicle operators must be members of an appropriate Club that has entered
into a use agreement with the County. [Amended by By-law 2023-31, June 8,
2023]
2. Parking
Parking is permitted only in designated areas.
3. Dogs
Dogs must be under control or on-leash at all times while on the Rail Trail.
4. Safety
The use of audio devices that impair your awareness of other users is not permitted
on the Rail Trail.
Helmets are required for anyone cycling, horseback riding, or using a motorized
vehicle on the Rail Trail.
5. Respect for Property
Discarding of garbage, including yard or garden waste, on the Rail Trail is not
permitted.
Willful damage to any structures on the Rail Trail is not permitted.
County Forest
Infrastructure & Maintenance
The surfaces of the trails and roads will be maintained in such a manner as to facilitate
permitted uses.
Consideration will be given to a year-round parking area, information kiosk, and portable
toilets at the Mono Tract.
Portable toilets will be placed at the Main Tract.
The main parking area at the Main Tract will be maintained year-round.
Consideration will be given to establishing a source of non-potable water (primarily for
horses and dogs) at the Main Tract.
Consideration will be given to establishing a second information kiosk at the event field
at the Main Tract.
Signs
Red dots inside the perimeter of all of the forest properties as described in the Trespass
-6-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
to Property Act.
Signs at all County Forest entrances prominently displaying the County Forest website
address and/or a QR code to link to the website.
Pictographic signs indicating permitted/prohibited trail uses.
Signs describing historical significance of particular areas/locations with a particular
focus on Indigenous history.
Signs acknowledging Indigenous history and current presence on the land ("land
acknowledgement").
For the Main Tract, "you are here" style maps.
At the Mono Tract, increase signs to increase awareness amongst various users and user
groups.
Signs will be maintained and replaced as needed.
Best efforts will be made to balance the need for signs without littering the environment
with them.
Interpretive Features/Education
Signs describing history and significance of the area, with a focus on Indigenous history.
Guided interpretation walks.
Development of school programs related to forest history, local flora and fauna,
importance of the natural environment etc.
Development of wetland interpretive trail at Melancthon Tract and/or Thomson Tract.
Permitted/Prohibited Uses
1. Indigenous Peoples
This policy does not limit or supersede any recognized rights of Indigenous Peoples.
2. Generally Accepted Uses
Unless otherwise restricted in this policy and associated by-law, generally accepted
outdoor recreational activities are permitted in the Dufferin County Forest.
3. Main Permitted and Restricted Activities by Land Use Classes
Appendix A shows the main permitted and restricted activities divided according to
the land use classes in Our Forest, Our Future: Dufferin County Forest Operating Plan
2021-2026 (Table 8, pg. 27).
4. Trails
Users must stay on established trails at all times while in the Dufferin County Forest.
5. Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles, other than snowmobiles and vehicles used for game retrieval, are
not permitted in the Dufferin County Forest.
Pedal-assist electric bicycles (Class 1) are permitted where cycling is permitted.
Wheelchairs and medical scooters are designed for people who have limited mobility
because of a medical condition or injury. They are considered as pedestrians under
-7-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
the Highway Traffic Act, no matter their source of power. Therefore, there are no
restrictions on their use in the Dufferin County Forest.
6. Parking
Parking is permitted only in designated areas.
7. Hunting, Fishing, Trapping
In general, hunting is not permitted in all tracts of the Dufferin County Forest, please
refer to Appendix A for tracts where hunting is permitted.
There is no hunting or discharge of firearms allowed in any Dufferin County Forest
between June 1 and September 30.
Patterning/sighting of firearms is not permitted in the Dufferin County Forest.
Between October 1 and May 31, hunting and discharge of firearms are permitted
only on the tracts as listed in Appendix A and within the seasons and other
restrictions and requirements as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources and Forestry.
Only temporary portable tree stands are permitted. Tree stands may be in place in
the Forest only from October 1 of a given year until the following May 31.
Hunters are required to purchase a permit from the County for hunting in the
Dufferin County Forest. The permit will be valid from October 1 of a given year until
the following May 31. If deemed necessary, the County may restrict the number of
permits issued.
All hunters must be members in good standing of a recognized organization that
provides a minimum of $5 million liability insurance for its members while they are
engaged in hunting activities and are required to present proof of membership prior
to obtaining a permit to hunt in the Dufferin County Forest.
Fishing is permitted only within seasons and other restrictions and requirements as
determined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. However,
there are no significant fishing opportunities in the Dufferin County Forest.
Trapping is permitted only within the seasons and other restrictions and
requirements as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry and only at the following tracts: Melancthon, Riverview, and Amaranth
South. Trapping areas will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis, renewable
annually at the County's discretion. All trappers are required to present proof of
membership in the Ontario Fur Managers Federation prior to being granted
permission to trap.
8. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in the Dufferin County Forest is permitted on designated Ontario
Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails only. Snowmobilers must display a
current OFSC trail permit and follow all OFSC rules/regulations while using the
designated trails in the Dufferin County Forest.
-8-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
9. Foraging
In order to conserve the natural environment, users are not permitted to disturb, cut,
kill, remove or harm any plant, tree or natural object in the Dufferin County Forest,
including for the purposes of foraging.
10. Dogs
Dogs must be under control or on-leash at all times within the Dufferin County
Forest.
11. Safety
The use of audio devices that impair your awareness of other users is not permitted
in the Dufferin County Forest.
Helmets are required for anyone cycling, horseback riding, or snowmobiling in the
Dufferin County Forest.
12. Campfires/Cooking
Campfires are not permitted in the Dufferin County Forest. The use of portable
cooking stoves may be restricted due to weather conditions.
13. Respect for Property
Discarding of garbage, including yard or garden waste, in the Dufferin County Forest
is not permitted.
Willful damage to any structures in the Dufferin County Forest is not permitted.
14. Drones
Use of drones in the Dufferin County Forest is not permitted without prior
authorization from the County Forest Manager or his/her designate.
15. Mansfield Outdoor Centre
The County of Dufferin has a long-standing exclusive land use agreement with the
Mansfield Outdoor Centre for lease of designated trails in the south part of the Main
Tract for cross-country skiing/fat biking between December 1 of a given year and
March 31 of the following year. The agreement will be renewed annually at the
County's discretion.
Organized recreational events taking place at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre that
wish to make use of trails in the Main Tract of the Dufferin County Forest will be
subject to the same requirements as any other organized recreational event.
16. Organized Recreational Events
Non-profit groups wishing to hold an event/tour for more than 30 people in the
Dufferin County Forest will be required to obtain a County Forest Event Permit. For
-9-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
profit/commercial groups of any size wishing to hold an event/tour in the Dufferin
County Forest will be required to obtain a County Forest Event Permit (Appendix B)
or have a use agreement in place with the County of Dufferin.
A single event can extend over only one Friday-Monday period. Consecutive events
by the same group will not be permitted.
Groups are advised to inquire as to date availability for events as soon as possible (at
least three months in advance of event date) to avoid disappointment. In order to
minimize conflicts, only one event per tract per day will be granted an event permit.
Groups participating in forest stewardship activities such as trail building, trail
maintenance, and garbage removal are not required to have an event permit for such
activities.
Access to the open area at the Main Tract for overnight stays/event staging will be
limited to groups holding organized recreational events having a valid County Forest
Event Permit.
There will be no camping permitted in the Dufferin County Forest other than as part
of an event for which there is a valid County Forest Event Permit.
Event dates for the following calendar year can be reserved starting on November 1
of the current year.
Virtual events will not be subject to the requirements of organized recreational
events.
17. Separation of Trail Uses
The County Forest Manager or his/her designate will work with stakeholders to
establish separate designated trails in the Main Tract for user groups. Trail maps will
be distributed to users through a variety of means and signs will indicate designated
trails in the Main Tract.
18. Fees
Fees for recreational use of the Dufferin County Forest will be established in the
County's fees by-law and will be available on the County website and by request.
19. Forest Management
Forest management activities will be conducted so as to minimize impacts on
designated recreational trails.
20. Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team
The County will establish an advisory team to provide a forum for discussion of issues
related to recreational use of County assets, provide community input and advice to
County staff regarding recreational use of the Dufferin County Forest and the
Dufferin Rail Trail and implementation of the Outdoor Recreation Plan, and to assist
County staff in communicating information about the Outdoor Recreation Plan and
related by-law (2017-39) and any revisions. The Terms of Reference for the Dufferin
-10-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team are in Appendix C. [Amended by Council
Resolution #13, April 13, 2023]
-11-
Appendix A: Main Permitted and Restricted Activities by Dufferin County Forest Land Use Class
Tract & Compartments
Land Use Class
Area (ha)
Hiking/Running/Nature Appreciation
Skiing/Snowshoeing
Fat (Winter) Mtn
Biking
Mtn Biking
Amaranth (42a), Laurel Wetland Complex
Amaranth (43b, 43c), Farmington Swamp
Amaranth (43a)
Gara-Gore (44a)
Hockley (49), Orangeville Wetland Complex
Leening (50)
Levitt (51)
Little (48)
Main (7-10, 12-19, 21a, 22, 23a, 23b, 24b, 24c, 25b, 25c)
natural
natural
managed
managed
natural
natural
natural
natural
managed
12
10
2
15
20
8
4
47
316
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
n
y
y
y
y
n
n
n
y
n
y
y
y
y
n
n
n
y
Main (11, 20a, 21b, 23c, 24a, 25a, 26-30, 31a, 31d), Oak Ridges
South Slope Forest
natural
266
y
y
y
y
Main (31b, 31c)
Melancthon (32a, 32b, 32c, 33a, 33b, 33d)
Melancthon (33a, 33c, 33d, 34a, 35a), Melancthon 1
Mono (39-40, 46)
Randwick (1-4c, 5-6)
Randwick (4d), Walker's Creek Wetland
River Road (45)
Riverview (36, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, 38a, 38b)
Riverview (37a, 38c, 38d), Melancthon 2
Simmons (47)
Thomson
natural
managed
natural
managed
managed
natural
managed
managed
natural
managed
managed
24
12
48
68
115
2
3
27
13
42
12
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
n
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
n
y
y
y
n
y
y
y
y
y
y
n
y
y
y
n
-12-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Tract & Compartments
Land Use Class
Area (ha)
Horseback Riding
Hunting
OFSC Trails
Other Motorized Vehicles
Amaranth (42a), Laurel Wetland Complex
natural
12
n
n
n
n
Amaranth (43b, 43c), Farmington Swamp
natural
10
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Amaranth (43a)
managed
2
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Gara-Gore (44a)
managed
15
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Hockley (49), Orangeville Wetland Complex
natural
20
n
n
n
n
Leening (50)
natural
8
n
n
n
n
Levitt (51)
natural
4
n
n
n
n
Little (48)
natural
47
n
n
n
n
Main (7-10, 12-19, 21a, 22, 23a, 23b, 24b, 24c, 25b, 25c)
managed
316
y
n
y
n
Main (11, 20a, 21b, 23c, 24a, 25a, 26-30, 31a, 31d), Oak Ridges
South Slope Forest
natural
266
y
n
n
n
Main (31b, 31c)
natural
24
y
n
n
n
Melancthon (32a, 32b, 32c, 33a, 33b, 33d)
managed
12
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Melancthon (33a, 33c, 33d, 34a, 35a), Melancthon 1
natural
48
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Mono (39-40, 46)
managed
68
y
n
y
n
Randwick (1-4c, 5-6)
managed
115
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
y
n
Randwick (4d), Walker's Creek Wetland
natural
2
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
River Road (45)
managed
3
n
n
n
n
Riverview (36, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, 38a, 38b)
managed
27
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
y
n
Riverview (37a, 38c, 38d), Melancthon 2
natural
13
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Simmons (47)
managed
42
y
y (except June 1-Sept 30)
n
n
Thomson
managed
12
n
n
n
n
-13-
Appendix B: County Forest Event Permit Application
Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event.
Submit to:
County of Dufferin
Corporate Services - Clerk's Office
55 Zina Street
Orangeville ON L9W1E5
Phone 519-941-2816
Fax 519-941-4565
[email protected]
Once submitted, you will receive confirmation of receipt. Applications will be reviewed by the
Clerk's Office and the County Forest Manager. You will be contacted regarding your permit
status within 30 days.
Once issued, the County Forest Event Permit must be available for viewing at all times during
the event.
Please note that acceptance of your application is in no way approval or confirmation of
your request.
The following documentation is required before the permit will be issued:
1. Completed and signed application
2. The signed Terms and Conditions page
3. The signed Hold and Save Harmless and Indemnity Agreement
4. Proof of Insurance in the minimum amount of $5 million dollars liability showing the
Corporation of the County of Dufferin as an additional insured and including a provision
for cross liability for insurance against all damages or claims for damages or liability
5. An event description
6. An event route map
NOTE: Your event description must be approved by the County prior to being used to promote
the event.
Fee Schedule (as per By-Law 2015-41):
Application Fee: $50 plus 13% HST
Per Person Event Fee: $2/Person Attending the Event plus 13% HST
Application fee is due upon permit approval. Permits will be issued following payment of fee.
Per Person Event fee is due following the event.
If several events are substantially the same, you may submit one application form listing all
event dates. However, separate application and per person event fees will still be required for
each event. An event can extend over only one Friday-Monday period. Consecutive events by
the same group will not be permitted.
-14-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
COUNTY FOREST EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION
Applicant Information
Applicant Name:
Organization/Group:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Event Information
Name of Event:
Date:
From:
Number of Participants:
Type of Event:
Intended Use:
(Check all that apply)
Forest Tract Requested:
Brief Description of Event:
To:
For Profit
Camping
Horseback Riding
Other:
Non Profit
Cross Country Skiing
Mountain Biking
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Description of Route Markings:
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
For Office Use Only
Received
By:
Reviewed By County Forest Manager:
Event Description Approved
# of Participants Confirmed
Proof of Insurance Received
Event Route Map Received
Date
Received:
Date Reviewed:
Special Permission Letter from Forest Manager
Application Fee Received
Indemnity Agreement Received
Terms & Conditions Signed
Permit Issued - Permit #:
-15-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
COUNTY FOREST EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION
Terms and Conditions
The user is responsible for complying with regulations set out in By-law 2017-39 and the
Dufferin County Forest Recreational Use Policy (Policy No. 4-6-1).
The user's event description must be approved by the County prior to being used to
promote the event.
A single event can extend over only one Friday-Monday period. Consecutive events by
one group will not be permitted.
The user is responsible for all costs relating to maintaining the property for use made of
it during the event. The County has no obligation to maintain or repair the trails and/or
bridges on the property for the benefit of the user. The user is responsible for ensuring
that the event route is passable prior to, and following, the event.
The user is prohibited from cutting any trees, branches or brush without prior written
approval from the County Forest Manager or designate.
The user agrees that any cutting or other damages, that in the opinion of the County
Forest Manager or designate, has been caused by the users shall be rectified at the
user's expense upon written notice by the County.
The route of the event must follow the route set out in the permit application.
No new trails may be created for the event without prior written approval from the
County Forest Manager or designate.
The user is responsible for posting signage on all trails and/or bridges or other signage
as requested by the County. Any signs for the event may be posted no sooner than two
weeks prior to the event date and must be removed no later than two weeks after the
event. If the user is holding multiple events in a calendar year that use the same route(s),
event signage may remain in place until two weeks after the final event of the calendar
year.
All trails and/or bridges on the property must remain open to the public for other
permitted uses and the public shall be allowed to use them without being charged a fee
by the user.
-16-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Upon completion of the event, the user will restore the property to a state, which in the
opinion of the County Forest Manager or designate, is as good as or better than the
original condition prior to the event.
The County reserves the right to cancel an event permit in case of predicted severe
weather.
In order to reduce the chances of introduction of invasive species, no firewood is to be
brought in to the camping area from outside the Main Tract.
For events that include participants staying overnight/camping, at least one portable
toilet must be provided for the use of participants.
The user agrees to comply with all applicable municipal, provincial, federal and other
laws, statutes, ordinances and requirements.
The County may refuse to issue or revoke the permit if the user does not provide the
necessary supporting documentation or fails to comply with By-law 2017-39 and the
Dufferin County Forest Recreational Use Policy.
The County of Dufferin reserves the right to add any conditions as required. If
conditions are not being adhered to, the County of Dufferin may stop, suspend or
cancel the event.
As the organizer and person responsible for the event, I have read, understand and agree to
abide by the rules and the conditions set forth by these above terms and conditions.
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
-17-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
COUNTY FOREST EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION
Save and Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement
The User, ______________________, agrees to indemnify, save harmless, and waive all rights against
the County of Dufferin from and against all suits and claims for loss, damage, accident, death,
or injury of any nature or kind whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use and
maintenance of the property or any preparation or construction of or on the property by the
user, its members, employees, agents, or any other person using the property.
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
-18-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Appendix C: Terms of Reference - Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team
[Amended by Council Resolution #13, April 13, 2023]
Purpose
The purpose of the Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team (DORAT or DORA Team) is to:
provide a forum for discussion of issues related to recreational use of County assets
provide community input and advice to County staff regarding recreational use of the
Dufferin County Forest and the Dufferin Rail Trail and implementation of the Outdoor
Recreation Plan
assist County staff in communicating information about the Outdoor Recreation Plan
and related by-law (2017-39) and any revisions
The Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team is an advisory body and may make
recommendations to County staff and County Council (through staff), but in general will not be
making decisions regarding uses of County assets.
Member Expectations
Committee members are expected to adhere to the following conduct and practices:
That all committee members, in all forms of communication, when speaking about the
work of the committee, or members of the committee do so in a respectful manner
That committee members address differences of opinions or conflict with other
committee members in a respectful manner
That all committee members respect confidentiality and privacy
That all committee members are required to attend a minimum of 75% of committee
meetings
Assumptions:
outdoor recreational pursuits on County land are a privilege, not a right;
the Dufferin County Forest and the Dufferin Rail Trail are not parkland, preserve, or for
single-use, however, all areas may not be suitable for all activities and;
the Dufferin County Forest and the Dufferin Rail Trail are owned and managed by the
Corporation of the County of Dufferin, and are not Crown land.
Criteria for Analysis of Recreational Activities/Events:
activity must have minimal environmental impact;
activity must not have significant impact on other users;
activity must be compatible with County management activities;
activity must not pose significant liability concerns to the County and;
activity should not require significant County staff intervention for administration or
policing.
-19-
New Routes: Dufferin County Outdoor Recreation Plan
Composition
Role
Member
Committee Chair
To be filled by a member of the Committee
Group/Club Representation
One representative from each group/club
known to use the Dufferin County Forest
and/or Rail Trail
Community Members
2 members appointed from the community
Support Staff
County Forest Manager or designate and
other staff as required
Groups will be asked to keep diversity, equity and inclusion principles in mind when choosing
representatives. Group representatives will be added at the discretion of the County with input
from Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team members. The County may request an
alternate representative if an individual is not adhering to the Terms of Reference of the Team.
Representatives should have:
commitment to advancing the purpose of the Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory
Team;
respect for their fellow recreational users;
respect for the procedures agreed to by the members; and
willingness to serve as volunteers on the Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team.
Members will act as a liaison between their organization or stakeholder group and the County.
The Dufferin Outdoor Recreation Advisory Team may choose to obtain feedback from
recreational users and the broader public and may establish sub-groups if desired.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be provided in accordance with Policy 1-2-2 - Committee Structure and
Mandates.
Term of Office
The Committee members shall be appointed for the term of Council (4 years).
Meetings
The Committee will meet at least once, and up to four times, annually.
-20-
Schedule B [Removed by By-law 2023-31,
June 8, 2023]
The Forest Use Permit (Hunting) will take the form
of a card with the following information:
The permittee named on the reverse must be in
possession of this use permit at all times while
using the Dufferin County Forest and must
present the use permit on request to authorized
personnel. This use permit is not transferable.
Date of Issue
Authorized
Signature
Number: DCF-W
Forest Use Permit (Hunting)
Dufferin County Forest
This permit entitles
to hunt in the Dufferin County Forest provided that
he/she is in compliance with the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Act and its associated regulations, and
County of Dufferin By-law 2017-38. This forest use
permit is valid from the date of issue or October 1,
whichever is later, until the following May 31.
Schedu
le C o
f By-L
aw 201
7-39 m
ap sho
wing t
r
a
i
l
s
i
n
Ma
in
T
ra
ct
o
f
Du
ff
er
in
C
ou
nt
y
Fo
re
st