OFSC – Page 5 – West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

WCSTA Northern Corridor Adventure Tour: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3 2017

On September 13, 2016 / Feature, News and Events, OFSC, Tours, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

NORTHERN CORRIDOR ADVENTURE TOUR 2017

The Club has received requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. Over the last three years the club successfully planned the RAP tour, the Gold Rush Tour, and the North Shore Loop.

As a result of the tour last year’s successful tour we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride in Northern Ontario – The Northern Corridor Adventure Tour. It will be approximately a 1,116 km tour, over 4 days.

Background

The tour will depart from Cochrane Ontario in OFSC District 15 (Feb 26 – Mar 3 2017). The odyssey will cover 4 of Ontario’s Tour loops. It will explore eastern Ontario’s most northern trail system with the longest riding season.

It is approximately a 7.5-hour drive from West Carleton to the start point near Cochrane Ont. The tour will follow TOP trails, connectors, and local trails. The area is well known for its deep snow, flat land powder, and wide low traffic trails.

The Loops

Abitibi Canyon

The Abitibi Canyon Loop is one of the wildest, most remote and furthest north-reaching groomed snowmobile trails in all of Ontario, making it an incredible ride!

Every snowmobiler dreams of vast open expanses, endless snow that makes mirages out of the horizon, and trails so wide that they’re only comparable to a 400 series highway, without the traffic. This is exactly what this tour offers.

The landscape is quite different from the major populated centre’s of Ontario, offering endless hydro corridors that are uninterrupted by roads. Quite honestly, the odd stop sign is a relief and offers a moment for your riding buddies to catch up. At the top of the A103 lies Abitibi Canyon Dam, which was built in the 1930s. It offers a spectacular view of the massive Abitibi River that carves north to James Bay.

Lumberjack Loop

The Lumberjack loop takes riders through 4 communities of Moonbeam, Kapuskasing, Val Rita-Harty, and Opasatika. This loop will be ridden in two sections. One half on the trip to Hearst, and one half on the return to Cochrane. Lumberjacks are a strong symbol of the history of the area. Many worked hard in the bush to provide for their families. While traveling on this loop you may see modern logging activities of the today. This loop takes riders on various types of trails such as hydro corridors, old logging roads, tree lined trails, and provides the opportunity to see wildlife including lynx, moose, wolves, and foxes.

Missinaibi Expedition

The Historic Missinaibi River is a site that snowmobilers will not want to miss. This loop takes snowmobilers along the Missinaibi River and through the woodlands north of Mattice and Hearst Ont. The Missinaibi River was the main route from Lake Superior to the James Bay during the fur trade time. Riders are almost guaranteed to see Moose and wolf tracks in the area so keep the camera ready. Explore this historic route and ride some of the Provinces premier northern trails.

Gateway to the North

Cochrane and Smooth Rock Falls are your gateway communities to the Northern loops. This loop will be also ridden in two sections as part of the Abitibi Canyon loop, and on the return leg from Hearst. This tour will take you along breath taking hydro corridors and through scenic Greenwater Park, District 15’s newest hidden secret. Bring your camera, as you don’t want to miss the gorgeous snow covered trees on your journey.

Length

1,116 km

4 days of riding with approx. 8 hours per day. (The change for this year is the extra night stay on the Thursday in Cochrane due to a longer last day’s ride) with riders driving home on the Friday. The first day’s loop is approx 340 km. The second day will cover approx 277km, third day 165Km, and last day returning to the trucks approx 330km.

Dates – Feb 26 to March 3 2017

The trip has planned over the week to take advantage of lower hotel rates, the fact that all services are open (including repair gas etc.), and that there will less traffic on the trails.

Deposit

A $100 deposit non-refundable from each rider is required prior to the cutoff date. Deposits are required by the planning meeting Nov 19, 2016. Please provide via online transfer or cheque to Scott Hamilton, or Paul Asmis. The deposit will cover chase truck and fuel, satellite phone rental, and a custom dry fit tour T-shirt for each rider.

Planning Meeting

A planning / information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday Nov 23, 7 pm at Sammy’s Pizzeria in Dunrobin.

Reservations

Prior to making reservations please submit a tour registration form and deposit to a tour coordinator. Once the registration is accepted reservations can be made. Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information for each booking is provided. It is not too early to make bookings once a tour coordinator confirms your registration!!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings after your registration is accepted. The accommodations fill up very quickly for that time of the year. Cancellation dates are listed.

If you cancel your reservation you are responsible for all fees. If any fees are not paid and must be covered by the group on tour – you will be required to pay when the group returns.

Note all bookings under group reservation – West Carleton Snowmobile Club

Schedule and Options

This year’s schedule will be slightly different from the previous years. To take advantage of the tour loops, the group will spend two nights in Cochrane. Then snowmobile to Hearst and spend two nights in Hearst. On the final day riders will return to Cochrane driving home on the Friday.

Riders will trailer to the start point at the Northern Adventure Inn in Cochrane Ont. There is plenty of parking for trailers.

There are excellent trails around Cochrane. Riders arriving early on the Sunday can take advantage of the loops around the town.

Schedule

Sunday

Arrive – Northern Adventure Inn, Cochrane Ont.

Riders Briefing –1930 hrs. In restaurant area.

Monday

Ride the Abitibi Canyon Loop returning to the Northern Adventure Inn for a second night stay.

Distance approx. 340 km

Fuel / Stops – Extreme Tours Base Camp at Fraserdale (150km) and Smooth Rock Falls (250km)

Dinner- Northern Adventure Inn

Note that access to services and support truck is not possible for most of the loop – until riders reach Smooth Rock Falls.

Tuesday

Destination is Companion Hotel Hearst Ont

Distance approx. 277 km

Option – Scenic Greenwater Provincal Park – 18km one-way detour (36km total)

Fuel Smooth Rock Falls (70km), Moonbeam (115km), Kapuskasing (150km)

Lunch- Kapuskasing (143km)

Dinner- Companion Hotel

Wednesday

Ride the Missinaibi Loop

Distance -165 km

Fuel –Hearst Ont (No Fuel on loop)

Stops / Lunch – Snacks available at Mattice ON (130km)

Dinner- Companion Hotel

Thursday

Destination –Northern Adventure Inn, Cochrane Ont

Distance -329km

Fuel – Kapuskasing (133km), Smooth Rock Falls (220km)

Stops – Tim Horton’s Kapuskasing

Dinner-Northern Adventure Inn or in Cochrane

Accommodation Information

1^st and 2nd Night Sunday Feb 26 /Monday Feb 27

Northern Adventure Inn – 517 Hwy 11 W, Cochrane ON, P0L 1C0

http://www.northadventureinn.ca/index.html

Cancellation – 48hrs

$75 single room / $95 Standard room / $115 Loft room double occupancy extra persons $10 – under West Carleton – Indoor heated sled parking $10 per night paid at time of booking

Parking: Truck and trailers – included

Trail access: Beside Inn

Food: Restaurant /Dinner –Restaurant Inn open Sunday 7am-8pm / breakfast starts 0630 Monday / Tim Horton’s 5 min away

Fuel: Close by – 5 min by trail or drive

Stores: Canadian Tire within short distance

Attractions: Polar Bear Habitat & Heritage Museum / Snowmobile Museum 1 Dury Pk Rd, Cochrane ON, 1-800-354-9948 http://www.polarbearhabitat.ca/

Sled Dealers:

Paps Power Sports – Skidoo – 135 3^rd Ave, Cochrane ON -1-705-272-3254 http://papspowershop.com/

Bourque Automobile – Polaris / Yamaha- Hwy 11 W, Cochrane 1-705-272-8959

http://www.bourqueauto.com/

Pre Departure meeting in restaurant 1930hrs

2^nd and 3^rd Night Tuesday Feb28 / Wednesday Mar 1

Companion Hotel / Motel – 930 Front St Hearst Ont P0L 1N0

1-705-362-4304 / 1-888-468-9888 http://www.companion-hotel-motel.ca/

Cancellation – by 6:00pm – Reservation cut off Feb 07

Rates –$105 plus tax for double room – under West Carleton – Indoor heated sled parking $10 per night

Trail Access: Beside Hotel

Food: Restaurant in Hotel 6am – 10pm

Tim Horton’s/ MacDonald’s / Subway / Beer store / LCBO just down street

NOTE – make arrangements for pack lunch for trail for Day 3 if desired

Fuel: 2 min from hotel –Shell / Esso

Stores: Canadian Tire

Sled Dealers:

B&B Auto sports Skidoo 807 Front St, Hearst ON 1-705-362-4400 http://www.bbauto.ca/

P &L Polaris/Yamaha 208 Hwy 11E Hearst ON 1-705-362-4287 http://www.plsales.com/index.htm

Lebel Chainsaws Arctic Cat 9 Fontaine Dr Hearst 1-705-362-4858 / 340 Government Rd Kapuskasing 1-705-335-6858 http://www.lebelchainsaw.ca/

4^th Night Thursday Mar 2

Northern Adventure Inn – (Same as above)

Food

Dinner and breakfast is available at each accommodation stop (each rider responsible for food). The group will stop on the trail for lunch. See details above

Fuel

The group will stop for fuel approximately halfway through each day. In some areas of the tour fuel stops are limited and are approximately 180km apart. Fuel is available prior to departure.

Chase Vehicle

A chase vehicle is being organized and a non-refundable deposit will cover the cost of the chase vehicle for each rider. The chase vehicle, which will be a pick up truck with a 20 ft trailer, will follow the group. It will proceed to the next nights stop, and can be contacted in case of break down. It will also be able to carry spare fuel, oil, parts, and limited amount of luggage. The fuel for the chase vehicle will be paid for from the non-refundable deposit.

As far North as this tour is, the loop parallels / follows Highway 11, this will allow for access to the chase vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown. The exceptions are day one on the Abitibi Loop when access to the chase vehicle is not possible for large portions. On the third day the Missinaibi Loop is in a remote area as well with very limited access for the chase vehicle.

Safety and Group Riding

Depending on the numbers providing the deposit, riders will be put into groups of 4-6 riders. Groups will be assigned on the Sunday evening meeting based on desired speed of travel – each group will stay together. The larger tour group will meet at lunch and at the accommodations at the end of the day.

A safety contact list will be provided to each rider in the group.

Each rider is responsible for riding safely under control, and within his or her limits. Note each riding group will wait at all critical trail junctions.

Risk

Each rider assumes responsibility for and understands the risks inherent in snowmobiling in a remote wilderness setting such as is involved in this trip. Each rider must understand that regardless of the chase vehicle, the tour will be in remote locations and emergency assistance will be a significant distance away. Each rider must be fit, capable of riding long distances, and prepared with the proper equipment for the extreme winter weather conditions expected.

Emergency Numbers

In most areas 911 via cell or hard line phone will suffice. However in the un-incorporated areas 911 services are not always available. In addition 911 services are not available via the satellite phones. The direct dial emergency numbers will work on the satellite phones if required during emergency situations.

OPP 911
OPP emergency: 1-888-310-1122
OPP North Bay Communications Emergency Direct Dial 1-705-495-7000
Cochrane and Hearst EMS Dispatch Direct Dial 1-705-264-1251
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre 8 Wing Trenton 24 hrs – 1-800-267-7270 / 613-965-3870
Cochrane Fire and EMS Emergency-911
Cochrane Fire 1-705-272-6758
Lady Minto Hospital Cochrane On, 241 8^th Street 1-705-272-7200 http://www.micsgroup.com/site_published/micsgroup/minto_about.aspx
Hospital Notre-Dame Hearst – 1405 Edward St 1-705-373-2923 http://www.ndh.on.ca/home-e.htm
Hearst Fire 1-705-373-2822 / 911

Communications

Each rider will be asked to provide a cell number. A tour text group will be created so riders can text messages, and communicate with chase vehicle.

Cell phone coverage is centered in the towns, and along the Hwy 11 corridor. Once the trail leaves those areas there will be no coverage. The hotels all have cell phone coverage and Internet access.

A satellite phone will be carried on the chase truck and in the group of riders. The satellite phone will be for emergency use only. The cost of the satellite phone is covered in the deposit amount.

T-Shirts

This year as part of the registration package each rider will be provided with a customized dry fit T-shirt with logo, tour name, and year. Please specify size to tour coordinator Scott Hamilton via email.

Selection for Participation

The tour group is initially planned for 12 -16 riders, plus chase truck driver. (Depending on demand numbers may be adjusted.) As demand is expected to exceed capacity selection for participation will be based on order the deposits are received, club participation, previous tour participation, and volunteer participation. The tour organizers reserve the right to select riders based on the requirements of the tour. If a deposit is not received by the planning meeting in November the participants name will be removed from the confirmed group.

Sled maintenance and Insurance

The group will assist each other but everyone is expected to have the basic maintenance completed on their machines, prior to departing on the tour. The machines must be in good mechanical condition capable of riding extended distance in remote areas. In addition each rider is responsible to carry all required insurance, registration, license, and valid OFSC permit.

Advertising

On the club’s web page, and Face Book page. To register for the tour please complete the registration form and submit with your deposit to either Scott Hamilton or Paul Asmis (see below). A tour coordinator will confirm registration. Please contact either of the coordinators for details.

Information

Scott Hamilton

WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com

Paul Asmis

pasmis@wcstai.com

Registration Form:

northern-corridor-tour-registration-1

More on the Snow – Important Changes Coming

On September 1, 2016 / Club meetings, Feature, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Members should attend the WCSTA club meeting on Tuesday September 6th to learn about important changes coming to snowmobiling in Ontario. At this year’s OFSC AGM in September, our club has 2 votes, either in favour of or against these changes. Your understanding of these changes is very important to us and at our next WCSTA meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 we will be discussing how we want our delegates to vote. If you can, please make a special effort to come to our meeting to learn more about MOTS.

Overview:

The future of our club and snowmobiling is at stake.

Our sport, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), OFSC District One, and WCSTAI are all under serious financial pressure to maintain trail operations while trying to life cycle the aging provincial groomer fleet. To address these issues, and others, the OFSC has developed More on the Snow (MOTS) – a 5 year strategic initiative.

To summarize, the objectives of the MOTS plan are:

Increased Participation. By increasing overall participation (through attraction and retention of riders) by 6% to 100,000 permits.
Improved Organization Effectiveness. By developing a new organizational structure, reducing the number of organizational layers from three (OFSC, District, Club) to two (OFSC and District) with local clubs becoming chapters of the District.
Developing a groomer fleet asset management program and a groomer fleet operational management program.
Become Valued Stewards and Partners. By continuing to pursue long term government support programs.

Key points of the plan to highlight:

The current groomer fleet is too large to financially sustain.
70% of the fleet is over 10 years old with more than 5000 hours.
Groomer Asset Management would allow the OFSC to take a provincial approach to life cycle management (vs the current approach of clubs managing this).
Grooming Operational Management would be shifted more so to the District to manage (vs the current approach of clubs managing this).
Reduce # of back-up groomers.
Remove artificial grooming boundaries between clubs.
OFSC bought 16 new groomers to kick start the program at a cost of $4M.
Estimate average cost of a purpose built groomer is now $300K.
High workload on a small group of volunteers is concerning.
Impending new not-for-profit legislation is concerning.
Local and provincial grants and other funding opportunities are not being utilized.
Reducing in administration costs thru Framework for change was not realized.
Standardize the size and operations between districts.
Current organizational structure causes barriers.
Need to reduce groomer fleet from 360 to 246 by purchasing 101 new groomers and removing 215. Need $4M to $6M annually to achieve plan.
Hiring of 6 regional positions to support clubs and Districts
Reduce the number of Districts from 16 to 12. This change will allow all districts to have on average 2700 Km’s of trail with 15+ clubs participating.
Districts manage all funds. Clubs only coordinate payment of minor expenses.
New District structure would see District 1 reorganized to Ottawa Region with 17 clubs (including WCSTAI) with a total of 3062 kms of trails (down from ~4000 kms)
Standardized District bylaws and operating procedures.
District 1 is targeted to go from 50 groomers to 29.

First Meeting of the Season

On August 31, 2016 / Club meetings, Feature, News and Events, OFSC, Signage, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association September club meeting – to be held on Tuesday September 6th, 7:00pm, in the board room at the Kinburn Community Centre (doors to the left of the main entrance).

Important changes are coming to snowmobiling in Ontario to ensure its sustainability. The first phase of this was the Framework for Change, which has been implemented over the last few years. The next phase, “More on the Snow (MOTS)” is being voted on at the OFSC AGM in September. Your understanding of these changes is very important to us and at our next WCSTA meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 we will be discussing how we want our delegates to vote. If you can, please make a special effort to come to our meeting to learn more about MOTS.

The club is currently looking for volunteer coordinators, people to help with events, brushing, signage and other volunteer positions. Have any special skills that you might be willing to share to help make our club, our trails and our events even better? Please contact us.

Signage and pre-season trail work will also be key topics at this meeting. If you are one of the many people who adopted a section of trail last season, or if you would like to find out how you can help get our trails ready for the upcoming season we encourage you to join us. We hope to see you there!

Shuttle to Toronto International Snowmobile Show announced

On July 6, 2016 / Feature, News and Events, OFSC, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Need a lift to the Show?

TISAPS Bus Shuttle Service to The 29^th Annual

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show

October 21, 22, 23, 2016 – International Centre

Reserve Your Spot Here

Toronto, Ontario (July 7, 2016): We are pleased to announce our new TISAPS Bus Shuttle Service to the 29^th Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show (TISAPS), taking place October 21-23, 2016 at the International Centre.

Presented by OSM and ATV WORLD Magazine’s, the 29^th Annual TISAPS will hit the International Centre, October 21-23, 2016. TISAPS Shuttle buses have been arranged to pick up show attendees from the Carleton Place, North Bay, Sudbury, Kingston, London, Owen Sound, and Parry Sound regions. This service will pick up the pre-registered individuals and drive them to and from the TISAPS on Saturday October 22, 2016.

“We’re excited to offer this amazing service that will save traveling show attendees the hassle of setting up carpools, parking, they’ll save on gas and have a stress free shuttle to the show, where they’ll receive VIP access to the show with no line-ups. And shuttle riders will receive a swag bag full of magazines and coupons.” Commented, Mike Blakoe, Show Manager.

All inclusive TISAPS Shuttle prices will vary depending on location. Price includes; Shuttle ride aboard a Coach Bus with reclining seats, a washroom, and TV, to and from the 29^th Annual TISAPS. One Adult TISAPS admission ticket, and a TISAPS Swag Bag.

For further questions, to learn more, or should you have another pick up location request, contact Logan Gamble, Show Coordinator, logan@osmmag.com or (905) 722-6766. Click this link to find pricing, pick up locations, and pick up/drop off times.

Visit our website to pre-register, space is filled on a first come first serve basis and space is limited, register now.

Don’t miss The WORLDS Largest Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show… Mark your calendars now!

Advanced Tickets are ON SALE NOW… Save $3.00.

www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

The 29^th Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show is one of the most interactive and family friendly Shows, with more things to see and do, with all aspects of Snowmobiling and ATV’ing at one place, and at one time, only at the International Centre where parking is free! Halls 1 and 2 are sold out, Hall 3 is 80% sold out.

October 21, 22, 23, 2016 – For more information, to purchase advanced tickets, or to be an exhibitor at the show, please call 1-888-661-SHOW (7469) or visit us online at www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com.

LARGEST SNOWMOBILE AND ATV SHOW…ANYWHERE!

EVERYTHING IN SNOWMOBILING, EVERYTHING IN ATVING

OCTOBER 21, 22, 23, 2016

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

Contact:

Mike Blakoe, Show Manager, Marketer Shows Inc.

27083 Kennedy Rd. Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0

Tel. (905) 722-6766 Toll Free. (888) 661-SHOW (7469)

Email: mblakoe@torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show | 905-722-6766 | logan@osmmag.com |

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!

WCSTA Awards Nominations

On March 25, 2016 / Feature, News and Events, OFSC, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

WCSTA volunteers opening new trail Hello everyone,

WCSTA will be taking nominations for the following end of year awards. If you have someone you would like to nominate, please email contact@wcstai.com with a description of the wonderful things they did to help the club

Your board of directors will be voting on this in one weeks time, so get them in please. There will be some prizes awarded……

1. WC Volunteer of the Year

2. WC Family of the Year

3. WC Safe Snowmobiling Ambassador

4. WC Outstanding Snowmobile Promotion

5. WC Rookie Volunteer of the Year

6. WC Trail Patroller of the Year

Thanks and Happy Easter Weekend!

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

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

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.

A Message from Eli El-Chantiry, Ward 5 Ottawa

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

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.

OFSC Warns Snowmobilers To Keep Sleds Parked

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

(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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