NIPIGON — Nipigon Mayor Suzanne Kukko has released a statement on behalf of the council in response to rumours circulating in the community about the future of ATV family fun rides.
The rumours claim that council is planning to cancel or ban the popular volunteer-run events, something that Kukko’s statement said is entirely false.
“Following the May 27th ATV event, I reached out to the organizer on behalf of council to discuss some concerns,” the statement reads. “At no time did we request that the events be banned or cancelled.”
Kukko said in her statement that the towns responsibilities in respect to organized and promoted events within its boundaries is two-fold — to protect the health and safety of citizens and visitors, and to protect the corporation of the township and its taxpayers from potential lawsuits should participants suffer life-changing injuries, or worse.
Kukko closed her statement by saying that council appreciates the work of the volunteers of the ATV family fun rides.
“We acknowledge the success of the ATV events, the economic benefits they bring to Nipigon, and the joy they bring to participants,” she said.
“We look forward to potentially working together with the volunteers in the future to ensure that the ATV rides continue in a safe and responsible manner."