Important Ontario Bill 100 Info

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

West Carleton trails

As advised by the OFSC, the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association has no intentions of pursuing easements.

Should any folks have concerns or questions, below is the link to the OFSC Website Statement regarding the current Land Use Agreements and Bill 100.

On a related note, as Bill 100 has now progressed to the consultation process, the OFSC is on record of supporting any revisions to the Bill which would address landowners concerns.

We continue to promote our message that the OFSC and our member organizations respect the rights of landowners and we do not have any intention of utilizing easements. The OFSC prefers to use the traditional time tested land use agreement process which has, and continues to serve landowners and clubs well.

Please refer to this link of more information on Bill 100 pertaining to Snowmobile Clubs.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/content/landowner-concerns-respect-access-snowmobile-trails

Thanks

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Trails are now closed – thank you!

On March 9, 2016   /   Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Spring thaw - Trails Closed

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations, and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter.

We are actively looking to fill a number of roles within the West Carleton club, as well as looking for individuals, groups or families to ‘adopt’ sections of trail and help with signing and maintenance of them. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

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2017 Sleds Manufacturers’ Sneek Peak – March 21-22

On February 22, 2016   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
2017 Sleds Manufacturers' Sneek Peak - March 21-22

 2017 Manufacturers' Snowmobile Sneak Peek

See Next Years’ Sleds Now

Be the first to see the 2017 snowmobiles from Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha March 21-22 in Kanata, or a location near you! Make plans now to attend the 2017 Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek and see next year’s sleds now… before anyone else! Free admission, being held at the Bell Sensplex, 1565 Maple Grove Road, Kanata.

Monday March 21, 4 pm- 9 pm

Tuesday March 22, 11 am- 9 pm

Show your buddies the taillight they’ll be chasing next season – only at the Sneak Peek. Don’t miss it!

http://snowsneakpeek.ca

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A Message from Eli El-Chantiry, Ward 5 Ottawa

On January 6, 2016   /   Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Torbolton Forest

Since the December 29 snowstorm, my office has heard some concerns from residents regarding the snowmobile trails in West Carleton.

The snowmobile trails are not open for the season yet. The West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association (WCSTA) is responsible for the trails and are currently working on ensuring conditions are appropriate for safe traveling before they are officially opened for the season.

Even though there is snow on the ground the WCSTA notes that the trails are still unsafe and riding on them constitutes trespassing on landowners’ private property. Snowmobilers out beforehand are violating the law and the police can be contacted. Snowmobilers must also obtain a permit to use the trails. Please visit www.wcstai.com for permit information.

The WCSTA notes that the ground needs to be cold enough to freeze the boggy and swampy areas in the region and hard enough to support to the weight of grooming machines. There are rocks and stumps that aren’t covered and there’s no base to protect the machine from those obstacles. The WCSTA hope the trails will to be safe by the middle of January and suggest checking trail status by using their online map (http://ofsc.mapbase.ca/viewer/).

I would also like to stress to everyone that the trails are meant for everyone’s use. Pedestrians and snowmobilers alike need to be respectful of each other. Snowmobilers should slow down when passing pedestrians. Pedestrians should move off to the side of the trail to allow snowmobiles to pass by safely. As well, dogs must be leashed at all times, no matter if they are on a snowmobile trail, in the forest or in a park (unless otherwise noted). Please review the City’s Animal Care & Control By-Law NO. 2003-77. (ottawa.ca/…/respecting-animal-care-and-control-law-no-2003-…).

We have beautiful trails and breathtaking forests that are usable by everyone. Please be respectful of each other, so we can all enjoy the beauty that is West Carleton!

Thank you to the WCSTA for their ongoing hard work, and to the generous landowners who allow their property to be used during snowmobiling season.

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OFSC Warns Snowmobilers To Keep Sleds Parked

On January 3, 2016   /   Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Keep sleds parked

(Barrie, ON – December 17, 2015) – With early snow forecast this weekend in some parts of Ontario, winter’s on the way and so is the 2016 snowmobiling season. But it’s not time to start sledding yet and for safety’s sake, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) cautions snowmobilers to keep their sleds parked and stay off OFSC trails for the time being.

Even going for a short snowmobile ride can be very dangerous at this time of year with the existing poor conditions. The ground, waterways and swamps are not frozen yet, nor is there enough snow base to protect yourself or your sled from terrain irregularities or other obstacles. Grooming operations have not started yet, so no OFSC trails are available to ride and all access to trails on private property remain closed. Snowmobilers are also reminded to stay off public roads and avoid trespassing on farmers’ fields.

For updates on trail status across Ontario, the OFSC recommends that snowmobilers visit the Interactive Trail Guide atwww.ofsc.on.ca

OPP/OFSC Release – OPP OFSC Joint News Release Be Prepared 21DEC15

 

 

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West Carleton Trails Not Open Yet

On January 1, 2016   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

 

Argo Groomer

Snowmobile trails still dangerous

Jan. 1 – We would like to remind riders that West Carleton Trails are not yet open, which means they are unsafe, and riding on them constitutes trespassing on our landowners’ private property.

We are in agreement with The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs’ statement, urging snowmobilers to hold off on their first ride of the season until trail conditions improve.

“We’ve got a whack of snow, but the ground is still warm. There’s no base there,” said Craig Nicholson, a spokesperson for the organization. “If people were to try to go out, they’re taking some dangers in their hands because there’s a whole lot of irregularities on the bare ground.”

The ground needs to be cold enough to freeze the boggy and swampy areas in the region and hard enough to support to weight of five- to seven-tonne grooming machines. And there are rocks and stumps that aren’t covered and there’s no base to protect the machine from those obstacles.

Please trust that we, the West Carleton Club are as eager as anyone to get out and start grooming the trails and are also in the process of assessing signage that has blown down by high winds on Christmas eve. The Club will keep everyone posted. For now we all need to will the temperatures to help get all of those water crossings and swamps you don’t normally even know are there during the season to freeze up.

Time to prepare

Nicholson encourages snowmobilers to take this time to check on their machines to make sure they are running safely and to ensure they have a first aid kit, a survival kit and a tow cable.

“As much as everybody is eager now to get out, and I’m as eager as anyone else, you’ve got to be really careful where you go,” he said.

According to Nicholson, it might seem like this is a particularly late start to the season, but the past two winters have been much colder than usual.

He anticipates the trails will to be safe by the middle of January and suggests riders check on the status of trails in their area by using his organization’s online map before heading out.

Thanks, and we hope to see you on the trails soon!

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Our trails are now closed – Thank you!

On March 19, 2015   /   Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Spring thaw - Trails Closed

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations, and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter.

We are actively looking to fill a number of roles within the West Carleton club, as well as looking for individuals, groups or families to ‘adopt’ sections of trail and help with signing and maintenance of them. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

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New WCSTA Wayfinding Billboards Start to Go Up

On March 9, 2015   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

WCSTA Wayfinding BillboardsSince last summer WCSTA board members and volunteers have been working hard to develop a series of nine brand new way finding billboards to be placed in key locations around West Carleton. With the help of Ontario Ministry of Tourism, OFSC and our friends at District 1, we now have all nine of these, ready to be put in place on West Carleton trails. In addition, the District 1 Tourism Development Fund Committee allowed WCSTA and our graphic design partner, Pivot Point Solutions, to spearhead a pilot project with unique, club-branded billboard designs.

These are also designed to accept interchangeable map panels that can be updated when changes to our trail system need to occur. Three different images have been used on the billboards as well to keep them interesting from location to location. You won’t find ones that look like these anywhere else!

We still have a fair bit of work to do, to complete the building of structures and get the billboards into place on the trails, and we are looking for volunteers to spearhead small teams to get them installed, as well as folks with some basic woodworking skills to build the structures. If you are able to help, please contact us at volunteer@wcstai.com.

Special thanks to Mike Asquini, Ted Kelly, Ron Anderchek, John Boals, and Neil Murphy for their hard work and support of this project!

IMG_2877

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2015 Try Our Trails Free – Family Day Weekend

On February 10, 2015   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

OFSC Permits

Welcome to OFSC Trails and Enjoy Your Ride!

What Snowmobilers Need to Know About 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permits

In cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is celebrating Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Long Weekend with the third year of the No Cost Try Our Trails Permit, available online at no charge and valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 14 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 16, 2015.

The 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit is available only by registering online at www.ofsc.on.ca, completing the Try Our Trails Permit application form and printing out a permit good for Family Day Long Weekend only. There is no charge for either the 2015Try Our Trails Permit or the registration process, but to access OFSC trails, the printed permit must be affixed to the sled to which it is assigned in accordance with Ontario law.

Any sled on OFSC trails for recreational purposes without a permit on Family Day Weekend is illegal and can incur a fine of up to $1,000. Riders must also carry a valid driver’s licence or Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence, sled registration, proof of insurance, and follow all the rules and assumptions for safe OFSC trail riding.

  

Try Our Trails Q&A

What is it?

“Try Our Trails” is the name of the 2015 permit approved by MTO as a result of a recommendation passed by OFSC clubs at their AGM asking for a no cost permit for Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Weekend.

What is the purpose of the 2015 Try Our Trails Permit?

One purpose of the 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit is to invite new participants, former riders and out-of-province visitors to try OFSC trails at no cost. We also want to encourage all regular permit buyers to invite their families and friends to register for a 2015 Try Our Trails Permit, so they can Take a Friend Snowmobiling.

When Can I get a 2015 Try Our Trails Permit?

2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permits are available from Monday, February 2 for Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Weekend only – and are valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 14 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 16, 2015 inclusive.

Where can I get a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit?

The 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit are only available from the OFSC Online Permits website any time from 12:01 AM on February 2 to 11:59 PM on Monday, February 16, 2015 by completing the registration form and printing out a permit from the follow up email you will receive immediately.

Why do I have to get a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit online?

Besides being the simplest, quickest and most convenient way for anyone to obtain the 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit for immediate use, there is one other very important reason that the 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit must be obtained online:

Permit Required – Even though there is no cost for this new permit, Ontario law still requires that a sled entering OFSC trails for recreational snowmobiling must display a valid permit or be subject to a penalty. So anyone who wants to try OFSC trails on Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Weekend requires a trail permit on their sled, regardless that it may be obtained at no cost.

What is the process for obtaining a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit?

The process for obtaining a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit is exactly the same as if a snowmobiler were going online to buy a permit, except that no payment is required and the permit is obtained immediately. The reason for using the same method is that this is the process that complies with MTO requirements for the OFSC to distribute their trail permits, and it has worked very well for the past two seasons.

How does someone obtain a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit?

The 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit can be obtained at the OFSC Online Permits website. Please review the following instructions on how to obtain the Try Our Trails Permit online:

  • To register for a No Cost Try Our Trails Permit please create a new account (or login with your existing account if you are a current online permit purchaser).
  • Select the district and club where you plan on snowmobiling.
  • Confirm your personal information, enter your sled information and select the Try Our Trails Permit from the drop down menu provided.
  • Be sure to read all terms and conditions and check the appropriate boxes to continue through the form.
  • When you have successfully completed the form, click the “Proceed to Payment Gateway”.  Since there is no fee for the Try Our Trails Permit, you will not be asked for credit card information (if your order only consists of the Try Our Trails Permit).
  • You will be given the option to print a receipt showing that no fee was paid.
  • Your Try Our Trails Permit confirmation will be sent to you by email immediately. Please review the instructions and then print your permit (either in colour or black & white) and affix it to your sled.

If you require assistance please contact us at:  contactus@ofsc.on.ca

How do you affix a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit to your sled?

After you print out the permit in either colour or black & white, you must affix it to the sled to which it was assigned. The permit must also be and remain clear and legible in case you get checked on the trail. Because the permit is printed on paper with no adhesive backer, we are suggesting these jerry-rigged methods for affixing to your sled:

  • Put it in a clear plastic packing slip envelope from an office supply store. These have adhesive backs.
  • Laminate it and tape to sled.
  • Affix to sled with clear packing tape that will allow it to be seen and also protect it from the elements.
  • Place it in a ziplock baggie and tape to sled or attach to top inside of windshield with alligator clip.

As backup, we also recommend that you print out a duplicate copy to carry in your pocket along with the required permit registration paperwork.

In addition to a 2015 No Cost Try Our Trails Permit, what else do you need to legally ride OFSC trails?

Riders must also carry a valid driver’s licence or Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence, sled registration, proof of insurance, and follow all the rules and assumptions for safe OFSC trail riding.

 

Happy Ontario Sledding!

 

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