Dear Andrea Khanjn, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil
I am writing to you as both a concerned citizen and a lifelong snowmobiler—having enjoyed this sport since I was five years old—and I am reaching out on behalf of many community members who share my passion. We urgently need your assistance in ensuring that municipalities across Ontario sign the land-use agreements that are critical for maintaining our province’s snowmobile trails.
As you may know, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization responsible for creating and administering snowmobile trails across the province. This year, due to insurance requirements, the OFSC has introduced new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for all landowners, including municipalities, whose properties these trails cross. Without these signed agreements, the trails will not appear on the OFSC’s snowmobile map. Unfortunately, several municipalities have been reluctant to sign, putting a cherished winter pastime—and the substantial economic benefits it brings—in jeopardy.
The lack of signed agreements will have severe consequences. For example, in Muskoka Lakes Township, around 50 municipal parcels of land are at risk due to reluctance in signing. A vote is scheduled for December 16th, and the early indications suggest they will not approve the land-use agreements. If these parcels do not receive approval, entire trail networks in that area will be severed.
This issue is not confined to Muskoka. In District 4 near Barrie, the Town of Orillia and the City of Barrie are also delaying the signing of agreements. Similarly, in the North Bay area, trail systems are at risk. With each day that passes, the cohesive network that draws visitors from across Ontario and beyond is unraveling.
The economic impact of snowmobiling in Ontario is significant and well-documented. Independent audits have shown that visitor spending, local employment, and tax revenues from snowmobiling are substantial. Consider just a few highlights:
• Muskoka Region (District 7):
o 2023 Visitor Spending: $126 million
o GDP Contribution: $63 million
o Employment: 529 jobs
o Taxes: $14 million (federal),
o $15 million (provincial),
o $2.5 million (municipal)
• Barrie/Orillia Area (District 4):
o 2023 Spending: $35 million
o 243 jobs supported
o Taxes: Nearly $15 million
• North Bay Region:
o Sales: $151 million
o GDP: $90.5 million
o Employment: 765 jobs
o Taxes: $51 million collected
• Provincial Totals 2023:
o Sales: $1,481,341,546.00
o GDP: $704,035,787.00
o Employment 6,100 jobs
o Taxes: $538,035,787.00 collected
These figures emphasize just how vital the snowmobiling industry is—both as a tourism driver and as a support to local economies and public revenues. Without signed land-use agreements, this entire economic ecosystem is threatened. Trail closures not only disappoint residents and visitors but also undermine regional businesses relying on tourism, from hotels and restaurants to equipment retailers and service providers.
We are asking for your help in addressing this challenge at the provincial level. Many of us believe that the use of government land for these trails should be facilitated through streamlined, province-wide policies rather than being left in the hands of individual municipalities, whose decisions could dismantle a long-standing, well-regulated, and economically significant recreational network.
I respectfully urge you to reach out to the municipalities involved and help find a solution. Your support can encourage them to sign these land-use agreements, preserve the continuity of Ontario’s snowmobile trails, and protect the winter tourism economy that benefits us all.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter, and for your continued commitment to the economic and recreational well-being of our communities. I remain hopeful that, with your intervention and leadership, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the trails that have been part of Ontario’s heritage for over half a century.
Sincerely,
Jim Ware, Barrie–Innisfil resident
Editor’s note: both the councils of the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Muskoka Lakes have instructed staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the snowmobile clubs.
The District Municipality of Muskoka is expected to discuss the issue when it meets tomorrow, December 16, 2024.
During its Nov. 18 District Engineering and Public Works meeting, staff noted that the District had received a request that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be entered into with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), permitting the use of trails on District properties and roads. Staff received initial advice from its insurance provider that has raised concerns regarding the liability that the District would assume as a result of this proposed MOU.
The committee directed staff to enter into discussions and negotiate an agreement with the OFSC and local snowmobile clubs and report back to Muskoka District Council at its December 16 meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. in Bracebridge.
Related
MPP Graydon Smith says he is hopeful District will support snowmobiling tradition | Letters
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Really? Like a snowmobile goes more or less where the driver wants. If they drive it wrong, they will get hurt. It is much like a car or plane or boat in this regard.
So what is the harm and potential for a law suite by letting a snowmobile cross a piece of property?
The government keeps coming to us looking for ways they can “improve our business outlook, improve our lives, gosh knows they want to improve everything they see, but then when something stupid like this happens the government is nowhere to be seen, hiding behind page 147 of their insurance policy.
I can’t help think that there has to be some way to let people drive over vacant ground for a few months, wearing all the mandated safety gear and with all the mandated permits without this bunch of foolishness.
Sadly, this whole thing is about insurance companies. I occasionally ponder what good activities we’ve lost because of our cultural need to carry liability insurance.
Fyi Robert, Huntsville had one of the best Winter Carnivals, Muskoka Loppet cross country ski events & Summer rodeo days but yes you are so correct. Now it is all about selling the same products at stands on the main street 9not saying they are not fun but repetitive) There are more things needed for young families that is affordable
Has Huntsville become a boring town or is it my imagination? To all you Toronto haters out there Google Toronto Winter Carnival. Would it hurt to do something like that here instead of the ghost town on Main St.now?