OFSC – Page 7 – West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

New WCSTA Wayfinding Billboards Start to Go Up

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

Since 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!

2015 Try Our Trails Free – Family Day Weekend

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

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!

WCSTA Gold Rush Tour – March 1 – 5

On October 8, 2014 / Feature, News and Events, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

The Club has received requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. Last year the club successfully planned the RAP tour, a 4-day ride around Algonquin Park.
As a result of the great success of the tour last year, we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride in Northern Ontario – The OFSC Gold Rush Tour. It is approximately 710 km tour, over 4 days.

Background

The tour will depart from New Liskeard Ontario and travel clockwise around the tour loop ending back in New Liskeard. It is approx. a 6-hour drive from West Carleton to the start point.

The tour will follow TOP trails and connectors. The area is well known for its deep snow, and wide low traffic trails.

History of Area

Despite it’s catchy easy to brand name, the Gold Rush Tour moniker was originally chosen because the area in which the route is situated has a rich (literally and figuratively) history in gold mining. Gold was first discovered in the area in 1911. Eight years later a large forest fire exposed much of the bedrock – a blessing to prospectors who discovered more sediment in the area. In 1933 an article in the New York Times (referring to the White Rock mine at Violet Lake and mines at Three Ducks Lake and Beaver Lake) claimed that this was the biggest gold rush since the 49ers of California and the Klondike rush of 1896.

The largest gold mine in the Shining Tree area, The Ronda Mine near Michiwakenda Lake, was opened in 1939 with $6,000,000 invested in it – a huge sum for that period of time. By that time, with the discovery of gold and several lumber camps operating nearby, the population of the Shining Tree area swelled to a population of 900.

Deposit

A $75 deposit non-refundable from each rider is required prior to the cut off date. Deposit are required by the planning meeting Oct 14,2015. Please provide to Scott Hamilton, Ted Kelly or Paul Asmis. (Note costs have increased over last year.)

Length: 710 km

4 days of riding with approx. 6-8 hours per day. The first and last day ride will be shorter, with the 2^nd and 3^rd day having extended riding distance

Dates: Mar 1-5 2015

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.

Planning Meeting

A planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Oct 14, 7 pm at “Luv the Barr” in Pakenham.

Reservations

Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information for each booking is provided. It is not too early to make bookings!!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings soon. 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 are and must be covered by the group on tour you will be required to pay when the group returns.

Note all bookings under group – West Carleton Snowmobile Club

Schedule and Options

Riders can trailer to the start point at the Holiday Inn Express in New Liskeard.

There is plenty of parking for trailers.

There are excellent trails around New Liskeard. Riders arriving early on the Sunday can take advantage of the loops around the town. Also riders can elect to stay an extra night at the end of the tour to explore the local loops.

Schedule

Sunday
Arrive- Holiday Inn Express, New Liskeard
Riders Briefing – 1900 hrs. In bar area.

Monday
Destination is Long Point Lodge, Gowganda, Ontario
Distance approx. 156 km
Fuel / Stops –Elk Lake

Tuesday
Destination is Timmins, Ontario, Microtel Inn and Suites
Distance approx. 250 km
Fuel – Mattagami NOTE REPORTED CASH ONLY
Stops – Post 392- CASH ONLY

Wednesday
Destination is Kirkland Lake, Comfort Inn
Distance -200km
Fuel
Stops

Thursday
Destination – New Liskeard – Holiday Inn Express
Distance 100 km
Fuel
Stops TBD

Accommodation Information

1^st Night Sunday Mar 1

Holiday Inn Express New Liskeard
998029 Ontario 11, New Liskeard, ON, P0J 1P0
705-647-8282

Cancelation – 6 weeks prior

Rates: $155

Parking: Truck and trailers included

Food: Husky Truck stop in Walking Distance/ breakfast included in room

Fuel: Close by

Stores: Wal-Mart within short distance

Pool and hot tub.

Meeting room booked for pre departure briefing

2^nd Night Monday Mar 2

Long Point Lodge
Box 207, Elk Lake, Ontario, P0J 1G0
705-624-2419
http://www.duenorth.net/longpointlodge/winter.html

Cancellation – 4 weeks prior

Rates: $80 per person per day includes room, breakfast, and pack lunch, dinner.

Food: Onsite – part of meal plan

Fuel: Onsite

Sauna

3^rd Night Tuesday Mar 3

Microtel Inn and Suites Timmins, Ont
1960 Riverside Drive, Timmins, Ont
P4R 0A2
705-264-1477

Cancelation: 24 hrs.

Rates: $130.00

Food: Order pizza in a meeting room. Meeting room part of group booking. Breakfast included

Fuel: Close by

Stores: Canadian tire and Wal-Mart close by

Pool and hot tub

4^th Night Wednesday Mar 4

Kirkland Lake Inn and Suites
50 Government Road East
Kirkland Lake, ON, P2N 1A5
1 800-461-4971

Cancellation – 24 hrs.

Rates: Group booking – $125 per night

Food: Restaurant in hotel open until 10 pm/ 6-10 am breakfast at hotel

Gas: on trail close by just down the street

Stores: Tim Horton’s next door, beer store, pharmacy, KFC across street

Meeting room booked for evening briefing

No hot tub or pool

Food

Dinner and breakfast is available at each accommodation stop (each rider responsible for food). 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 150km apart. Fuel is available prior to departure.

Chase Vehicle

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 20ft 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 560, 144, and 11. This will allow for access to the chase vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown.

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 the 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 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, and prepared with proper equipment for the extreme winter weather conditions expected.

Emergency Numbers:

OPP emergency: 1-888-310-1122
Temiskaming Hospital 421 Shepherdson Road, New Liskeard, P0J 1P0, 1 -705-647-8121
Englehart and District Hospital 1-705-544-2301 – 61-5^th Street Englehart, ONT
Mattagami First Nation Medical 1-705-894-2072
Gogama Nursing Station 1-705-894-2005
Gogama Fire 1-88-571-3473
Gogama Ambulance 1-877-351-2345
Timmins Hospital 700 Ross Ave E, Timmins, Ont 1-705-2131
Timmins Ambulance Service – 911
Kirkland Lake Hospital 145 Govt Rd E, Kirkland Lake ON, P2N3R2, 705-567-4357

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.

Selection for Participation

The tour group is initially planned for 12 riders, plus chase truck driver. (Depending on demand numbers may be adjusted.) The tour will be limited to members of the West Carleton Snowmobile Club. As demand is expected to exceed capacity selection for participation will be based on order the deposits are received, club 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 Oct. 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. In addition each rider is responsible to carry all required insurance, registration, license, and valid OFSC permit.

Advertising

On club web page, and face book page

Registration

To register for the tour please complete the registration form and submit your deposit to one of the tour coordinators. Deposits may be made via mail, electronic transfer or in person.

A tour coordinator will confirm registration before Oct 14, 2015.

Please contact any of the coordinators for details.

Information

Ted Kelly
ted-kelly@sympatIco.ca
613-296-5294

Scott Hamilton
Shamilton@delta-gl.com
613-852-7271

Paul Asmis
pasmis@mac.com
Cell 613-297-9818

Gold Rush Tour registration

OFSC Trails Now Closed for the Season

On April 3, 2014 / Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, 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.

It has been a phenomenal season, 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 a 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. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

Test Drive OFSC Trails at no Cost!

On February 6, 2014 / News and Events, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Last winter, almost 11,000 Ontarians tested OFSC snowmobile trails with a no cost Try Our Trails Permit affixed to their sleds. The promotion was so successful that the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is inviting first timers, newbies and former snowmobilers to do it all over again in 2014. Regular permit buyers are also invited to bring their families and friends along for a ride at no charge.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the OFSC is celebrating Ontario’s only mid-winter statutory holiday long weekend with the return of the 2014 no cost “Try Our Trails” Permit to encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy winter by going snowmobiling on OFSC trails. This permit is available without payment from those who pre-register online and is valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 15 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 17, 2014. Permit registrations start online at 12:01 AM on Saturday, February 1.

The 2014 no cost Try Our Trails Permit is available only by pre-registering online at www.ofsc.on.ca and printing out a permit good for Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Long Weekend only. There is no charge for either the 2014 Try Our Trails Permit or the registration process, but to access OFSC trails, a printed permit must be affixed to the sled to which it is assigned in accordance with Ontario law. Any sled on OFSC trails without a permit on Ontario’s Snowmobiling Family Day Long Weekend is illegal and the operator can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000. 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.

Media Release; Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week – November 24 to 30

On November 27, 2013 / Media Release, News and Events, OFSC

(Barrie, ON. November 22, 2013) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are celebrating the coming sledding season during Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails. Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great 2014 snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already having experienced below zero temperatures and early snowfalls.

With tens of thousands of trail permits already sold, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week invites more Ontarians to discover the family fun of organized snowmobiling, plus its many social, health and recreational benefits. Get Ready Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making their Ontario ride plans and preparing their sleds and gear. As well, Get Ready Week marks the final days that Seasonal and Classic Snowmobile Trail Permits are available at pre-December 1st savings. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.

This season, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week also celebrates many OFSC initiatives to improve the rider experience that can be found online at www.ofsc.on.ca:

Tour Loops: The OFSC has launched a new winter product with eight exciting tour loops that make exploring Ontario easy and convenient. Each loop delivers a unique snowmobiling adventure on well established, marked and maintained trails with good access to services and amenities.
Interactive Trail Guide: The OFSC Interactive Trail Guide features the most accurate and up to date display of the entire OFSC trail network available anywhere. This online tool enables OFSC snowmobilers to plan their rides and view the latest
Colour-coded trail status updates: (Red = Trail Not Available; Yellow = Limited Availability; Green = Trail Available.)
Early Season Priority (ESP) Trails: Snowmobilers looking for their first ride of the season can find it on ESP Trails. These OFSC trails on old logging roads, abandoned rail lines, utility corridors and unassumed road allowances will signal their early limited availability by turning from red to yellow on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide.
New Website: The OFSC’s new public website is being revamped for this season with a new look, improved navigation and updated information. The new site will be launched in December.
Mobile Apps & Routable GPS: OFSC snowmobilers will soon be able to check trail status from their smart phones by downloading the latest version of the OFSC trail network with the OFSC’s faster new snowmobile apps. Routable versions of
The OFSC provincial trail system will also be available for download to popular GPS units. Coming in December!

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations. Our provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable and environmentally sustainable.

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