Trail Patrol Course – Wed. Jan. 10th

On January 5, 2018   /   Club meetings, Feature, News and Events, OFSC, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
Trail Patrol Course - Wed. Jan. 10th

OFSC Trail Patrol - there for you image

Trail Patrol Course – Wed. Jan. 10th

We are going to be training new Trail Patrol (trail wardens) on Wednesday January 10th from 7 to 9pm at Kinburn Community Centre.

Trail Patrol are on trail ambassadors for snowmobiling. We are there to promote a safe snowmobile experience for everyone, give valuable information to fellow sledders and promote our sport.

I should add this is also to get an update on your current training. We are moving to a district wide Trail Patrol not just by club. Come out to here about he changed as well. all good stuff.

Please email trailpatrol@wcstai.com to sign up or get more information.

The course is under two hours.

Thank you,
Scott Hamilton
President
WCSTAI

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Trails are not open yet! Please stay off of them.

On December 28, 2017   /   Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Keep sleds parked

Groomers have started pre-season packing of West Carleton trails, and this cold weather is really helping to firm up our waterways and swamps. We need a little more snow, and things are starting to look good for a start to a great season very soon but TRAILS ARE STILL NOT OPEN.

There are various reasons, whether it be our landowners not able to open gates (yes livestock can still be out in the fields at this time of year). And there is still not enough dense snow in most areas which, as you may be hearing in the news is a serious safety issue. Club volunteers want the trails open as much as anyone, as we are all sledders too, but this takes a combination of the right snow/safety conditions and permission to open gates on our land owners properties. Trail patrol is now patrolling trails and with new legislation in place, trespassers can now be fined up to $10,000 for trespassing and riding on unopened trails. This is serious stuff.

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 yet again this season and have had to significantly increase road running because of the few sledders who think that just one run on an opened trail does not matter. It does. Just 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 rail bridges in Pakenham and Arnprior on the W311 and the A trail. It has taken thousands of hours and working with the goodwill of the public, towns and municipalities to get us, the sledders, access to these. These routes are being opened on a trial basis and access to these areas can still be revoked by riding on them now, before official opening.

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.

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Pre-Nov. 1 Permit Deadline Extended to Nov. 8 at midnight!

On November 7, 2017   /   Feature, OFSC, Permits, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

Permit system now online for Pre-Nov. 1 Discount

Buy my permit button

The pre-Nov 1 discount deadline has been extended to Wed, Nov. 8th at midnight. Get 30% off your permit NOW!

Important Reminders
  • Your transaction may take up to 12 seconds to process, please DO NOT resubmit or hit the back button during this time.
  • You should receive an email confirming your transaction immediately after it’s completed.
  • If you time out during your transaction or do not receive a confirmation email, please email permits@ofsc.on.ca immediately with the exact time of your attempted transaction and email address.
  • Only Pre-Nov 1 permit transactions completed by 11:59 PM on Nov 8 will be accepted.
  • Pre-Dec 1 permit fees apply as of Nov 9 and 12:01 AM
  • The OFSC remains committed to addressing any transaction issues previously encountered by Pre-Nov 1 permit buyers and has starting to work on resolving them as soon as possible.

On behalf of the entire team at OFSC, thank you again for your continued patience and support.

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Pre-Nov. 1 Permit sales important update

On November 1, 2017   /   Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Permits  

Some riders have been having difficulty purchasing their permits online at pre-Nov. 1 pricing. OFSC has been working to correct this issue, but to help make sure everyone has an opportunity to take advantage of the 30% discount, MTO has approved extending the deadline by one day, and possibly more depending on when the system is back up and running. Please check back for further updates!

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Driver Training Course – Dec. 2nd

On October 30, 2017   /   Driver Training, Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
young-snowmobilers

WCSTA will hold a Driver Training Session on Saturday Dec 2nd, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinburn Community Centre for those who would like to obtain a snowmobile operators license. Please plan to arrive early as we need to verify proof of age, and obtain the permission signature from the parent/legal guardian.

A snowmobile operators license is required to ride the trails in Ontario if you do not possess a valid drivers license. To be eligible, students must be 12 years old on or before the course date. A test will be given at the end of the course, and successful applicants can receive their Ontario Motorized Snowmobile Vehicle Operators licence. Any student under 16 must have signed parental consent.

Proof of age is required (example, passport or birth certificate must be shown). Students over the age of 16, if seeking a Ontario Motorized Snowmobile Vehicle Operators licence, will submit a Driver Status Check with the MTO to show the student is “Unlicensed”. Those with valid drivers licences may also take the course, and receive an “Adult Card” confirming successful completion of the course.

Course cost is $40.00. Pizza lunch will be served.

To aid us with the registration process, please complete the pre-registration form below. Once this information is received you will receive a confirmation email within a day or two to verify that your application has been received. Please note that proof of age and parent signature will still be required when you arrive at the driver training.

You may also contact Eric Mesdag at drivertraining@wcstai.com, or phone 613 314 3933 for more info.

    Eyeglasses needed*

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    Explore Winter Like Never Before!

    On October 13, 2017   /   Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Permits, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
    Explore Winter Like Never Before!

    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

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    Landowner Appreciation Night and Season Kick-off Bash – Oct. 14

    On September 22, 2017   /   Feature, Landowners, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

    Saturday October 14 is a big night for WCSTA. We are combining 2 events – a dinner in appreciation of all the wonderful landowners who make our trails possible, followed by the season kick-off “Bash ‘n Brapp”, featuring Ottawa Valley’s own Rainwater Whiskey, rising stars on the music scene!

    Land owner dinner

    The evening starts at 5:00 pm with a roast beef dinner, catered by Valley Roots – complimentary to WCSTA land owners. Sledders are encouraged to join us, meet your land owners, and show them your appreciation. There will be a cash bar and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

    RSVP for dinner – email landowners@wcstai.com, or call 613.263.7907 (please include number of tickets requested on RSVP)

    Bash ‘n Brapp

    Then, at 9:00pm, part two of the evening starts. “Bash ‘n Brapp” is going to be our most ambitious event yet, featuring entertainment by Rainwater Whiskey. Rainwater Whiskey is a hard hitting country band from the Ottawa Valley and have opened for Bill Durst, Brea Lawrenson, Jordan McIntosh, Rory Gardiner, the Roadhammers, Kira Isabella, Aaron Pritchett, The River Town Saints and Brett Kissel, as well as headlining the Metcalfe Fair!

    This is going to be a can’t-miss party with over the top entertainment! There will be a cash bar, raffle, door prize and 50/50 draw.

    As an additional thank you, tickets for our land owners are available for a deeply discounted price of $10!

    It’s important that you RSVP right away though so plans for dinner can be finalized. If you are a landowner, or know a landowner who has not been contacted yet, please spread the word or contact us at landowners@wcstai.com.

    Prices

    Land owner dinner

    Land owners plus guest – free

    Sledders – $25pp (per person)

    Dinner plus Bash ‘n Brapp

    Land owners and their guest – $10pp

    Sledders – $40pp

    Bash ‘n Brapp only (for sledders)

    Early bird special – $15 (limited quantity)

    Order online – $20pp

    At the door – $30pp

     

    Ordering tickets

    Advance Bash ‘n Brapp tickets may be ordered online through Eventbrite (small service charge applies)

    or by email money transfer (pick up ticket night of event). Please contact bashnbrapp@gmail.com to arrange transfer

     

     

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    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  
    Important Meeting! WCSTA AGM - Tuesday September 5th

    WCSTA AGM 2015

    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!

     

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    Snowmobile clubs’ rail line proposal to Mississippi Mills – Tues. April 4th

    On March 28, 2017   /   Club meetings, Feature, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  

    Your West Carleton Snowmobile Club and the B.E.A.S.T. Snowmobile club are doing a joint presentation to town council for use on the old rail line.

    We need all your support. We have a great presentation to show that this will cost taxpayers ZERO dollars, while helping the local economy and creating a tourism trail for the businesses from Snowmobilers in the winter months. We will fill the restaurants down town with business, groom a second trail for free in Almonte for non sledders. Put up signs, help pay decking of the bridges. Make slow zones in the town, this is who we are 🙂

    The hall holds 90 people in chambers and just outside in a seperate room with speakers.

    We need to fill the parking lot with sledder on top of that. This is a chance to show our posotive support for sharing the trail. Snowmobilers are amazing stewarts of the trails for many many years.

    The A trail throught Almonte, Pakenham and Armprior is in jepordy of being lost without this link. Urban sprawl is affecting our trails.

    Who can make it out? Bring your family and friends!

    Thanks,
    Your board of directors

     

    When: Tuesday, April 4 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    Where: 3131 Old Perth Rd, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0, Canada

    PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK, THANK YOU

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    2018 Sleds Manufacturers’ Sneek Peak – March 20-21

    On March 6, 2017   /   Feature, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association  
    2018 Sleds Manufacturers' Sneek Peak - March 20-21

    Sneek Peek 2018 Kanata,, March 20 - 21SEE THE NEW 2018 SNOWMOBILES LIVE

    Make plans now to attend a Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek near you and see next year’s sleds now…before anyone else. Featuring new 2018 snowmobiles from Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha, most shows are free and also feature new snowmobile accessories and a chance to talk direct to factory experts to get all the details on next year’s sleds.

    Kanata, ON – March 20-21, 2017
    Bell Sensplex
    1565 Maple Grove Road
    Kanata ON
    K2V 1A3
    (613) 599-0363

    Hours

    Monday March 20, 2017  |   4 pm – 9 pm
    Tuesday March 21, 2017  |  11am – 9 pm

    http://www.snowsneakpeek.ca

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