Media Release – Page 2 – West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Explore Winter Like Never Before!

On October 13, 2017 / Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Permits, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON October 12, 2017) – Some people are sad to say goodbye to summer, but snowmobilers in Ontario are revving up for the 2018 snowmobiling season. WCSTA is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes. There’s lots of trail work that needs doing and new volunteers are always welcome. So it must also be permit buying time and here’s what riders need to know.

After four years at the same fee, all 2018 Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits (including Classic) have increased by only $10 according to news received on September 29. This follows the approval of a spring recommendation from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), which authorizes permit fees. Faced with rising operational expenses to deliver snowmobile trails and in support its of clubs and volunteers, the OFSC made a strong and urgent business case for the new fees, which barely cover the annual rate of inflation since 2013. The OFSC business plan also spoke to new fees being necessary to help cover the higher cost of continuing to purchase new groomers to improve trail quality and consistency. Since the 2015-16 season, the OFSC has invested $8.5 million to buy 35 new grooming units as part of its recently approved More On The Snow initiative.

Snowmobilers can take advantage of 30% savings on their 2018 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit. For the low fee of $190 they can enjoy a winter full of adventure on any of the available 30,000 km of trails connecting communities throughout the province. This early rate is only available for a limited time. The fees go up at midnight EST on November 1, 2017.

Once again, all permit sales will be online only. “Providing consumers with enhanced security, flexibility and convenience are just a few of the benefits of buying your permit online” says Remi Sauve, President of the OFSC. “Thank you for your support of organized snowmobiling in the province and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails this winter.”

Permit Pricing

For further information, please email marketing@ofsc.on.ca

Important Meeting! WCSTA AGM – Tuesday September 5th

On August 10, 2017 / AGM, Club meetings, Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Very important general meeting! We need a huge turnout.

This is a transition year for our club becoming part of District management under the MOTS (More On The Snow) program. And there is a potential for big changes to our club’s management with a very important election of officers. We need West Carleton Sledders to voice their opinions and concerns to make sure the executive and volunteers can continue to make our club great. This year it is possible that major changes will occur to your Board of Directors and Officers.

We need your support at this one annual meeting.

Also, there will be an update on the great success we have had with securing the County Rail Line as a brand new trail. There has been a huge amount of work by several club executives (including all of you who voiced political support) to make this exciting project happen.

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting – Tuesday September 5th, 7:00pm, at the Kinburn Community Centre.

Board of directors will be nominated and elected by our members at this meeting, and we encourage all current permit holders to join us and participate in continuing to set the course for snowmobiling in West Carleton, and representation of our club within the OFSC. Many great things have been happening for our club, and you can really help out by getting involved!

So, please come out to the AGM and see what is going on with your local club. We are continuing to try to plan more fun and exciting things this year, but we need your help to make them happen! Get to know our dynamic team of volunteers, fellow snowmobilers and hard-working directors. Here is a list of some things we are doing now, along with some new ideas brought forward by current volunteers and board members.

Poker run in support of the Snowsuit Fund
Landowners appreciation dinner
Braap ’n Bash event with live entertainment
Trail side BBQ
Fund raising (selling raffle tickets, trail map advertising)
Family free weekend
Day and night group rides

Immediately following the AGM the newly appointed Board will commence with the election of President, Vice President and other Officers for the 2017-2018 season.

We hope to see you there!

Wait for it… wait for it….

On December 12, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Another awesome dump of snow last night and today and in the distance I think I hear groomers starting to warm up for some pre-season packing. Hopefully a good cold snap will also help our waterways and swamps, which are still far from being safe. But things are looking great!

Please, everyone remember that trying to get that jump on the season before trails are open risks it for all of us. We have lost some valuable links on local trails this season and have been working hard to find suitable reroutes. One sled wandering where it shouldn’t be can result in a trail becoming a permanent dead end – and we can’t blame our landowners for trying to protect their crops, property and livelihood.

On a lighter note, West Carleton has some exciting new trails being opened this season, like the W311 – the rail bed linking us from Arnprior, through Pakenham, Almonte, Blakeney and continuing on in the BEAST as #311. Huge thanks to the families who went out and brushed and put up the signs!

It’s going to be a great year if people can please, PLEASE keep the sleds parked until they show “Available” on the Interactive Trail Guide. And if you know that person that still insists on trespassing on unopened trails – put some pressure on them – they are messing with all that money you have invested riding this year.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/content/ofsc-warns-snowmobilers-keep-sleds-parked-november-2017

Trail Status – Not Available

On November 24, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Signage, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

The snow is still falling out there – beautiful! It’s looking like a great season ahead! But remember that conditions are still very unsafe for riding and absolutely no trails in Ontario are open. Your volunteers have been and are currently working hard to get signage in and find reroutes for trails that have been closed off from last year. Traveling on unopened trails is trespassing on private property and trespass charges can be laid, trails can be closed, but most importantly it is unsafe! And we all want to see you out there once we are able to get them open.

If you’re itching to get out on the trails, why not contact us to see where you can help with getting them opened up! Thanks.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/content/ofsc-warns-snowmobilers-keep-sleds-parked-november-2017

St. Johns Emergency First Aid Course – Dec. 3

On November 7, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

St John Ambulance First Aid Course

Date: Dec 3 at Kinburn Community Centre 8:30 to 4:00 pm

WCSTA will offering a first aid course on Dec 3. Any of our groomer operators that are not already trained will be taking this course, and it is also a great idea for anyone who rides – especially in remote areas. This will be a one day St Johns Emergency First Aid course, geared toward snowmobilers and groomer operators.

The course will cover Emergency Scene Management, Shock, all CPRs (adult, child, infant), automated external defibrillator (AED), Severe Bleeding, Wound Care, Burns and Medical Conditions. There will be additional discussion and practice on other topics that may be relevant to snowmobilers.

Cost of the training is $109, and the Club will provide a complimentary pizza lunch.

If you would like to attend, please email contact@wcstai.com

There’s Still Time For Savings, Your Winter Adventure Awaits!

On November 4, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, Permits, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON November 4, 2016) – Many riders took advantage of savings on their 2017 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit and it’s clear that snowmobilers in Ontario are getting revved up for the 2016-17 snowmobiling season. WCSTA is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes and by all predictions thus far, it looks like this winter will be bringing lots of cold and snow, exactly what snowmobilers everywhere have been asking for.

There is still an opportunity for savings and snowmobilers can take advantage of $50 savings on their 2017 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit and $30 savings on their 2017 Ontario Classic Snowmobile Permit for sled model years 1999 and older. The permit gives riders access to any of the available 30,000km of trail connecting communities throughout the province. There is no better way to enjoy a winter full of adventure! This special rate is only available for a limited time and prices go up at midnight EST on December 1, 2016.

This year, all permit sales will take place online. “Providing consumers with enhanced security, flexibility and convenience are just a few of the benefits of buying your permit online” says Remi Sauve, President of the OFSC. “Thank you for your support of organized snowmobiling in the province and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails this winter.”

Permit Pricing

Same Low Price, Unlimited Winter Fun!

On October 20, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Permits, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON October 20, 2016) – While there are some people who are sad to say goodbye to summer, snowmobilers in Ontario are getting revved up for the 2016-17 snowmobiling season. West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes and by all predictions thus far, it looks like this winter will be bringing lots of cold and snow, exactly what snowmobilers everywhere have been asking for.

For the fourth year in a row, snowmobilers can take advantage of 30% savings on their 2017 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit. For the low price of $180 they can enjoy a winter full of adventure on any of the available 30,000km of trail connecting communities throughout the province. This early bird rate is only available for a limited time and prices go up at midnight EST on November 1, 2016. This year, all permit sales will take place online. “Providing consumers with enhanced security, flexibility and convenience are just a few of the benefits of buying your permit online” says Remi Sauve, President of the OFSC. “Thank you for your support of organized snowmobiling in the province and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails this winter.”

Permit Pricing

Adding Rail Line to West Carleton Trails!

On October 9, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Its OFFICIAL, the West Carleton Snowmobile Club will be using two sections of the old rail line between Arnprior and Blakeney this coming sledding season! The club has been in negotiations with Lanark County and they have been finalized for a trial basis this year.

We have been working hard to make sure that all the insurance and other details were in place prior to announcing this, and now trail work can begin. Volunteers will be needed to help prepare and sign these new sections of trail (as well as existing trails).

The Beast has also been granted use of the same rail line from Carleton Place to Smiths Falls.

Details will also be available at our swap meet in Kinburn (October 15). Stay tuned for more information in the near future. Please SHARE to all SNOWMOBILERS that you know.

Your board of directors, working for you!

WCSTA AGM – Tuesday May 3, 2016

On April 20, 2016 / AGM, Club meetings, Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting – to be held on Tuesday May 3rd, 7:00pm, at the Kinburn Community Centre.

Board of directors will be nominated and elected by our members at this meeting, and we encourage all current permit holders to join us and participate in setting the course for snowmobiling in West Carleton, and representation of our club within the OFSC for next season.

Come out to see what is going on with your local club. We have a new clubhouse and will be doing many more fun and exciting things next year. Come out and join our dynamic team of fellow snowmobilers. Here is a list of some things we are doing now along with some new ideas brought forward by current volunteers and board members.

Poker run in support of the Snowsuit Fund
Landowners appreciation dinner
Trail side BBQ
Swap meet (new for 2016/17 season)
Fund raising (selling raffle tickets, trail map advertising)
Family free weekend
Day and night group rides

Immediately following the AGM the newly appointed Board will commence with the election of President, Vice President and other Officers for the 2016-2017 season.

We hope to see you there!

Landowner Appreciation Night – April 2nd

On March 17, 2016 / Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

To all WCSTA Landowners and Snowmobilers;

You are cordially invited to join us for a Landowners Appreciation Dinner on Saturday April 2, 2016 at 6:00pm in the Kinburn Community Centre. All West Carleton and Mississippi Mills Landowners who graciously allow us to use their land for our local trails are welcome. Without your generosity the West Carleton Snowmobile Club would not have trails.

RSVP to landowners@wcstai.com, or by phone (613) 852-7271

Food: Spaghetti dinner including dessert, served up by Sammy’s Pizzeria Restaurant of Dunrobin. All non alcholic drinks are included. Cash bar is available.
Please let us know if you have any food allergies.

This dinner is sponsered by the local WC Snowmobile Club and Eli El-Chantiry, Councillor for West Carleton-March.

All WC Snowmobilers are invited to come and enjoy dinner with our landowners. We will be charging snowmobilers a small fee for dinner to help offset the costs. Please come out and help show our gratitude!

Thank you to the Landowners of Mississippi Mills and West Carleton!

Archive for the Media Release Category

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Very important general meeting! We need a huge turnout.

St John Ambulance First Aid Course

Date: Dec 3 at Kinburn Community Centre 8:30 to 4:00 pm

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

To all WCSTA Landowners and Snowmobilers;