County of St. Paul Designates Off-Highway Vehicle Trail at Lac Sante

The County of St. Paul council has approved the designation of a trail for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use between the Labreque Subdivision and the waters of Lac Sante, following a request submitted by 21 subdivision property owners.

The decision was made at the October 14 regular council meeting after a public consultation involving 54 property owners in the area. The County received 31 responses, with 24 in favour of the designation and seven opposed.

Council held an extensive discussion before approving the motion, addressing concerns around safety, steep terrain, and limited sightlines near the access point from Labreque Drive. Administration noted that the trail has been used informally for more than two decades without reported incidents but acknowledged potential safety risks.

An alternative route along a southern undeveloped road allowance was considered but found unsuitable due to an existing memorandum of agreement between the County and the Labreque Backlot Marina Association, which manages the area under specific conditions that prevent changes to its use.

Ultimately, council voted to designate the existing trail in Lac Sante Labreque (Lot 1ER Block 1 Plan 022 4389) for off-highway vehicle use, with the understanding that the County will not assume responsibility for maintenance of the trail.

The motion was carried following discussion on future expectations and potential implications for similar lake subdivision requests.