Apparently, winter is here to stay. Great news for snowmobilers, however new regulations will require enthusiasts using area trails to ensure they purchase trail permits.
The recently passed legislation calls for several safety and enforcement regulations which local snowmobile clubs say will benefit local trails.
"It (legislation) will put a little more teeth into the snowmobile act to help police enforce the trails and keep them safe," Charlie Harper. President of the Port Perry Snowmobile Club said earlier this year. "It will keep the freeloader off"
According to Minister of Tourism Cam Jackson, the reason for the new regulations is to improve the enforcement of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Trespass to Property Act and promote a stronger user-pay approach.
The changes will specifically target Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club trails where any one wishing to use the trails must have an OFSC permit.
The OFSC currently charges a fee for use of its trails. The new law will require trail users to purchase a permit. This does not apply to non OFSC trails or to individuals using trails that are not part of the OFSC system. The sweeping bill also proposes changes to allow stepped up police enforcement; stronger measures to combat property trespass cases and force users to produce operator's permits and registration.
It also requires changes to regulations involving use of helmet, lights, reflective materials and groomer requirements and exemptions.
"The user-pay approach would ensure the people who benefit most directly from Ontario's snowmobile trail system will contribute to its upkeep;' Joe Spina, chairman of a government task force on snowmobiling, said.
Mr. Harper said the PPSC, a member of a five-club organization, Central Ontario Region Snowmobile Association since 1974, has long advocated this approach whereby users of the trails assist in the financial upkeep of the trails.
"There is a large amount of money associated keeping up these trails;' he said. “If everybody pays a little bit, it will get done”.
The PPSC in conjunction with several other clubs in the area groom and maintain over 2500 km of trails. The Port Perry club is responsible for several trails extending from Port Perry to Uxbridge and Little Britain. In the Sunderland area, the Heart of Ontario Snow mobile Club maintains trails from Fenelon Falls to Seagrave and Lake Simcoe. Fast of Port Perry, the Cartwright Dynos manage trails in the vicinity of Janetville to Hwy. 115 and the Long Sault Ridge Runners take care of trails east of Port Perry to Hwy. 115 as well.
The groups produce a trail map and have a clubhouse near Raglan that has become a popular destination for snowmobiles from the Greater Toronto area.
But Mr. Harper said the maintenance of these trails costs money and the enforcement of trail permits will not only assist the clubs and the OFSC in paying for these costs, it will also make the trails a safer place to ride.
"This is all about user pay. If you don't want to use it... you don't have to pay for it;' he said. "It will help us get rid of the freeloaders who don’t contribute."
The OFSC has agreed to maintain the same fee structure as in 1999 for the 2001 snowmobile sea son. Trail permits are obtained from the OFSC and/or clubs for both resident and non-resident snowmobilers at a cost of $30 for one day, $85 for seven days, $120 for a seasonal permit (if purchased before Dec. 1) and $150 (if purchased after Dec. 1).