The Ontario Government will invest $3.9 million to reopen more than 4,500 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the province.
According to officials, the money being provided to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) will increase their total infrastructure funding for the season to $4.9 million.
“Snowmobiling is a major part of winter life in Parry Sound–Muskoka, and it supports countless local jobs, from fuel stops and restaurants to resorts, lodges, and small businesses across our communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka.
Smith said the additional funding will help give riders more certainty as the season gets underway and support the volunteers and local clubs who keep Ontario’s trail network “safe and ready to ride.”
Locally, the funding will allow snowmobile clubs in District 7 to reopen over 134 km worth of trails in the region, including more than 15 km in both Huntsville and Gravenhurst, nine km in Muskoka Lakes, five km in Bracebridge, eight km in Dorset, and nearly two km in Baysville.
The six snowmobile clubs in District 10 will use the funding to reinstate over 141 km worth of trails in the region, including more than 14 km in Carling, 32 km in South Seguin, 13 km in Magnetawan and over 40 km in North East Georgian Bay. Local officials say, however, that many trails in and around Parry Sound won’t be able to reopen until permission is obtained from landowners.
Due to a lack of agreements with landowners in the Parry Sound region, snowmobile enthusiasts and local club members gathered with OFSC and provincial officials on Nov. 17 to discuss the future of snowmobiling in the region. Conversations focused on solutions, collaboration, and next steps to protect trail access, support local businesses, and advocate for the changes needed.
Smith elevated local concerns, and the province responded.
“We heard the concerns from riders and the OFSC, and we took action,” said Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation. “This investment will keep Ontario’s snowmobile trail system safe, reliable, and ready for the season, giving riders and communities the certainty they need to plan with confidence.”
According to provincial officials, snowmobiling contributes up to $6 billion of economic activity annually, thanks to Ontario’s world-class network of over 30,000 km of trails that attract visitors from around the world.
