bbakernbay

Who has some personal knowledge of an actual insurance claim against the OFSC/Club that actually had a bearing on what was posted on a Facebook page, club website or otherwise? I would be interested in hearing the details.

I understood from a previous post that the Quebec system shows when a particular trail was last groomed which is probably the best way to go.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Club updating what they are doing such as HCSA’s FB post this afternoon. Too many Clubs don’t keep their riders informed of what is happening out there.

Many Clubs have Facebook pages which usually provide the latest situation and of course read comments from users as to what they experienced as well.

I believe the OFSC asked the Clubs not to publish their SPOT links but I am not absolutely sure of that as I moved to Kitchener from North Bay. I started doing that many years ago when I was with NBSC and a few other clubs did as well. It has both advantages and disadvantages. I am quite sure the Clubs are not supposed to publish the OFSC Groomer Tracking links. I still think it useful to publish a screenshot of the SPOT tracks a day or two afterwards to show sledders what the Club's groomers have been doing but if all Clubs don't do it that can create issue to.

Absolutely the wrong direction and unfortunately the pandemic crisis will negate any government action for the for-seeable future as MSVA amendments are likely near the bottom of a big pile of legislative amendments. As an aside some pandemic emergency rules have fast tracked things not previously done so quickly. Condo rule changes allowed video AGMs. Our condo passed a significant No Smoking in the building or property with a simple majority vote effective in 30 days. I thought the OFSC had some lobbying power but it certainly appears not as virtually nothing has changed in last 10 years to assist this recreational and tourism sport/business. I sound negative but when the problems are staring you in the face for year after year and nothing is done then that is hugely disappointing failure on both parties involved. Oh I forgot we did get rid of the Family Day Free Ride which came from the voting membership at the AGM. Small win but only a blip of the real problem Some great examples above from Quebec as I pointed out an example of how Temiscaming QC Club operates in scheduling Trail Patrol enforcement. A crackdown is needed for a year or two to get freeloaders off the OFSC trails. I just cannot get over some people with $15-20,000 sleds, trailers, etc. refusing to buy a $300 permit.

Interesting question, look forward to seeing some informed replies. My background is lengthy conversation with Temiscaming QC Voyageurs President. They have a very strong Trail Patrol system with a schedule of day and night patrols. They have full authority to prepare info for ticket, including mechanical issues, etc. and they deliver the paperwork to QPP for processing. They can sell Permits in field at a substantial markup but fine is waived. Their fines are significant to deter freeloaders. QPP are very active on trail enforcement including no Permit. QC beats ON on all counts. Do they have a problem with Freeloaders compared to Ontario, hopefully someone with experience chimes in. Ontario needs to stop babying everyone!

Absolutely, this is what is needed. Firstly, substantial deterrent like Quebec requiring MSVA amendment. Secondly, another amendment to provide that the fine is enforced against the sled owner, just like ETR 407, thereby eliminating need to identify operator in court. Thirdly, empower properly trained Trail Patrol to be able to fill in the Infraction Notice and deliver to nearest OPP for verification and further processing just like they do in Quebec.

Cedar Gables Lodge on Highway 17 at Sec. Hwy. 531 near Bonfield is not operating any longer. Joanne & Darcy sold and new owners are not continuing the business.

Cedar Gables Lodge in Bonfield is not operating. Joanne & Darcy sold and new owners are not continuing business.

“A Bird in the Hand is Worth 2 in the Bush” Probably a very wise business decision Bill. Cash is King, more so in these times.

I had 3 SkiDoos blow up on me even though I had The Toy Doctor in Redbridge looking after them, although the Touring probably had 25,000 kms, the only thing that didn’t work was the odometer! I towed all 3 next door to Bent Toys on Highway 63 for some cash. Just sold my Collett Communicators yesterday on kijiji. I always get the bug when I head out to my son’s house in New Dundee and see the trail stakes. It must be very discouraging to be a Club Executive or Volunteer in this area with minimal snowfall and hundreds of Landowners to deal with let alone being a sledder with $20,000 tied up and nowhere to go.

Excellent news for sure and great to see the cooperative spirit of those involved. Surely this can be used by others as a template for their area including the Grand River Conservation Association. Always helps having assistance on the inside of the approving authorities such as the 2 Councillors for the Region of Ottawa.

Quebec Trail Permit Deadline as Noted

Good news. Will they do the same for no OFSC Trail Permit?

Who has successfully used this method to have the OPP lay charges? Has anyone had to go to Court to present the evidence to support charge?

I am guessing that in the vast majority of cases it is local people doing the trespassing very similar to those freeloaders that seem to come out at night when the trails are open. Unfortunately there seems to be very little that can be done to stop this carelessness/vandalism even if they were identified. I remember that our experienced OPP Officer said that to lay a charge we (Trail Patrol) needed to be able to identify the offender in court and that required them to remove their helmet which is not likely to happen. Old time Vigilante Justice certainly had merits.

Posted today by Bonfield SC Just received a message from a justifiably angry land owner. "Last night an individual took it upon themselves to trespass on my property using the trail and was way off the trail and in my yard disturbing my horses. This is how clubs loose there private land access. Both my neighbor and my self will not tolerate this if this happens again." Some sledders were trespassing on a trail that is un-available - CLOSED! . As well they were stupid enough to go in his yard and frighten his horses. This behavior is how we lose trails and everyone will be traveling on roads. Its embarrassing and disturbing to we volunteers. How do we fix stupid.

You see it on the highways every day! I’m driving 120 kmh on 400 or 401 and guys blow by you as if you were standing still and repeatedly changing lanes in a very dangerous manner. One small miscue by someone not seeing them and life’s can be lost over this selfish and crazy behaviour.

It seems no one is talking about planning their trip around Algonquin Park this year. Used to be a hot topic in previous years. I presume the issue is the trail issues in the Powassan - Astorville area.

In North Bay the new owners appear to have re-branded the Clarion Pinewood Park Resort to Ramada Pinewood Park Resort. mailto: stay@ramadapinewoodparkresort.ca