Ontario Get Ready for Snowmobiling Week runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 and is the last chance to buy a pre-season 2013 Snowmobile Trail Permit before the Dec. 1 fee increase deadline.
This year the buying decision is about much more than individual snowmobilers saving $50 by purchasing early.
On behalf of 217 not for profit, local snowmobile clubs and their volunteers, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reminds riders that purchasing by Dec. 1 is a fundamental building block for the community based clubs that deliver Ontario’s snowmobile trails.
Early permit revenue provides local clubs with the necessary funding to prepare and open area trails, including all of the other associated costs to get ready for winter like groomer payments, insurance and repairs.
“Early permit revenue is the lifeblood of OFSC trails,” said Paul Shaughnessy, OFSC executive director.
“Without it, clubs don’t have the ability to deliver the trails that snowmobilers want and expect or to fulfill their responsibilities for community based snowmobiling,” explains Shaughnessy.
“Without early permit revenue, clubs also can’t deliver the trails that generate considerable winter tourism revenues for many snowbelt communities.”
Community based snowmobiling can only be successful if there is a partnership between local clubs/volunteers, landowners, municipalities, business operators and snowmobilers that support the user pay system by buying a trail permit. If any one of these partners isn’t active with their support, not only will snowmobiling in that community be at risk, so will the area trail network.
Organized snowmobiling in Ontario is comprised of strong local clubs with good community support. These clubs are the ones that develop, build, operate and maintain snowmobile trails, not the OFSC. Their individual trail networks combine to make the 32,000 kilometre provincial snowmobile trail system. Meanwhile, the OFSC provides programs and services to these member clubs to assist them with the work that only they can do.
To buy a 2013 Snowmobile Trail Permit online, visit www.ofsc.on.ca. Each snowmobiler must select which club to buy from online, so the permit dollars are allocated to help where the buyer wants.
While the Province of Ontario continues to invest in the tourism development of snowmobiling, no government dollars go into trail operations, where permit revenue remains the primary funding source.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association with a provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connecting Ontario communities, providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable.
For more information visit www.ofsc.on.ca or contact Jean Noordhoff at 705-739-?7669, ext 234.
