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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.
See Next Years’ Sleds Now
Be the first to see the 2016 snowmobiles from Polaris, Yamaha and Ski-Doo. Make plans now to attend a 2016 Manufacturers’ Sneak Peek in Kanata 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 23, 4 pm- 9 pm
Tuesday March 24, 11 am- 9 pm
Featuring new 2016 snowmobiles from Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha (Arctic Cat not attending this year), and also new snowmobile accessories and factory experts with details on next year’s sleds. Show your buddies the taillight they’ll be chasing – only at the Sneak Peek. Don’t miss it!
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!
We have been receiving complaints from landowners of snowmobiles leaving the trails and traveling into fields and private property. This activity damages fragile crops under the snow cover, endangers family members, children and pets, as well as you and your sled. Trails are marked for a reason, and that is because it is the place where our generous landowners have given us permission to ride.
Leaving the trail to explore, go boondocking or shorten a corner is trespassing and will cause our permission to be revoked. Quite often a suitable reroute will not be available, resulting in trails closed altogether, or at best, more road running. Finally, every time the Club receives a complaint, it uses up valuable volunteer time as we work with landowners to try to make amends, increase signage and repair damage.
Please stay on the trails, and if you see other riders off trail help us to share this message!
Thank you.
A number of our board members will be away on The Gold Rush Tour the first Tuesday of March, when our monthly club meeting would normally be held, and will be busy with final preparations for this major club event the week leading up to it. As a result, have managed to book the meeting room in the Amateur Sports Club for Monday March 9th at 7:30pm (Tuesday evening was unavailable).
Please mark your calendars – all members are welcome!
The West Carleton snowmobile club holds monthly meetings at the Sports Bar in the W.E Johnson Arena in Carp.
DUE TO THE EXTREME COLD FRONT, WE WILL BE POSTPONING THE TRAILSIDE BBQ UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. On Sunday between 11 and 2 we will be hosting a trails side drop in. We will have a fire, hotdogs and hot chocolate. All sponsored by the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association.
Drop in for some trails talk, meet other sledders and families…..
On the W11 between Carp Rd and Dunrobin RD.
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’s February meeting will be happening tomorrow evening at the W. Erskine Johnston arena in Carp. We will be upstairs in the meeting room off the Amateur Sports Club and bar starting at 7:30. All are welcome!
Join the fun at the 2015 WCSTA Annual Poker Run, in support of The Snowsuit Fund. This year’s event is being held in partnership with Kinburn Community Association and Kinburn Winter Carnival activities, and we are pleased to have the generous support of our key sponsors this year – 105.3 KISS FM, The Greystone Grill , Pivot Point Solutions and Urban Sport!
Location
Kinburn Community Centre, 3045 Kinburn Side Rd., Kinburn, ON. (There will be plenty of parking on site for those who wish to trailer to and from the event). At the end of the Poker Run dinner will be served, and a cash bar is available.
Schedule
8 - 11am Breakfast, served by Kinburn Community Association.
$6 ($4 for 12 & under)
10 am Registration
11 am Sharp Departure
6 pm Dinner served (bar opens at 3pm)
All day Winter Carnival activities
Entry fee (per sled – includes dinner for one and one poker hand):
Pre-buy online – $25.00 plus $2.49 service fee
At the door: $35
Dinner only: $15.00 per person, $5.00 for children under 12
Additional poker hands: $5.00 each
Prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, oldest/youngest riders and more!
Proceeds will benefit The Snowsuit Fund. We’ll be collecting donations of new and gently used winter wear (snowsuits, hats, mitts, boots) of all sizes. Let’s help out a great cause and have fun on the trails!
Title Sponsors
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Please visit this site or our Facebook event, West Carleton Snowmobile Annual Charity Poker Run in Support of the Snowsuit Fund! for updates or cancellations
Have questions about Charity Snowmobile Poker Run, in support of the Snowsuit Fund? Contact Scott Hamilton
We are placing an order of WCSTA wear this Friday, and thought we’d extend the opportunity to our members to order some merchandise.
Jackets, hoodies, T Shirts, toques and ball caps are available. If you would like to order something, please email Scott Hamilton at WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com with your order. Full payment must be made via e-transfer before this coming Friday January 16, 2015. Thanks to Scott for coordinating this and making some pretty cool swag available to us!
*Please note: some of the links provided display pricing different from those listed. These are without logo printed or embroidery. Please refer to pricing in the table below.
| Item | Price Including HST | Embroidered or Transfer Print | Link* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash City 3-in-1 Jacket with Bonded Fleece Liner 88196 (Men) 78196 (Ladies) | $200 | Embroidered | 3-in-1 Mens | |
| Ash City Climate Core Lightweight Jacket 88185 (Men) 78185 (Ladies) | $100 | Embroidered | Climate Core | |
| Ash City Avalanche North End Insulated Jacket 88165 (Men) 78165 (Ladies) | $158 | Embroidered | Avalanche | |
| Ash City Performance Fleece Jacket 88174 (Men) 78174 (Ladies) | $76 | Embroidered | Performance | |
| Canada Sportswear Soft Shell Jacket L07200 (Men) L07201 (Ladies) | $75 | Embroidered | Canada Sportswear Soft Shell | |
| Coal Harbour City Fleece J7501 (Men) L7501 (Ladies) | $69 | Embroidered | Coal Harbour City Fleece J7501 | |
| ATC PTech Hooded Zipper Fleece Jacket F221 (Men) L221 (Ladies) | $69 | Embroidered or Transfer | Hooded Zipper Fleece | |
| ATC PTech Hooded Pullover F220 (Men) Y220 (Youth) | $54 | Embroidered or Transfer | Hooded Pullover | |
| ATC Pro Team T-shirts S350 (Men) L350 (Ladies) Y350 (Youth) | $17 | Transfer Print | T-Shirt | |
| ATC Pro Team Long Sleeve Shirts S350LS (Men) Y350LS (Youth) | $22 | Transfer Print | Long Sleeve Shirt | |
| Fruit of the Loom Heavy 70/30 Cotton/Poly Hoodie Adult Unisex (82130R) | $42 | Embroidered or Transfer | FTL Hoodie | |
| Gildan Mid-Weight 50/50 Cotton/Poly Hoodie Adult (1850) and Youth (185B) Unisex | $37 | Embroidered or Transfer | Gildan Hoodie | |
| Cuff Touque | $13 | Embroidered | Cuff Touque | |
| Beanie Touque | $13 | Embroidered | Beanie Touque | |
| Ball Caps | $17 | Embroidered | Ball Cap |