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Shelburne votes to opt out of provincial e-scooter pilot program

September 17, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Town of Shelburne will not opt into Ontario’s electric kick-scooter pilot program, with council citing safety concerns and gaps in provincial legislation surrounding the increasingly popular devices.

Council received a report from the town’s director of legislative services/clerk during its Sept. 14 meeting, recommending Shelburne maintain its current approach and continue prohibiting e-scooters on public property.

Town staff said complaints have been consistently received from residents and council members regarding excessive speeds, riders using sidewalks and concerns for pedestrian safety.

Staff identified what they described as a fragmented provincial regulatory framework as a significant problem, creating confusion for residents and difficulties with enforcement. Council supported calling on the province to review the Highway Traffic Act and associated regulations and establish clearer, more consistent rules.

Shelburne Mayor Wade Mills noted that he and Orangeville Mayor Lisa Post recently raised concerns about gaps in the provincial framework with Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.

“One of the problems is, yes, it’s a pilot program, but it’s a fairly long pilot program, and waiting until the end of that program before any of those gaps are addressed, I don’t think is a realistic or reasonable or responsible approach for the province to take,” said Mayor Mills.

“So that was kind of the message that Lisa and I gave to our MPP and urged her strongly to take that up with the appropriate ministries to see if some of those gaps could be closed.”

Under Ontario’s e-scooter pilot program, municipalities must specifically opt in and pass a bylaw before the devices can legally be operated on municipal roads and other public spaces.

Shelburne has not done so, meaning e-scooters remain prohibited on public roads, sidewalks, trails and parks. Enforcement currently falls to the Ontario Provincial Police rather than municipal bylaw officers.

Shelburne has installed signage near trails and parks and has been working with the Upper Grand District School Board and OPP on public education.

Council ultimately supported the staff recommendation to remain outside the provincial pilot and continue prohibiting e-scooters on municipal public spaces.

         

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