bbakernbay

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

Been to both places. Wouldn’t want to be in hospitality business these days, especially older places that are in long term decline. Fortunately TripAdvisor, Google and similar sites give the potential customer a much better insight as what to expect and govern themselves accordingly. Surely not a great first day on a RAP Tour, especially when the wife is with you. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall that night!

Definitely Bad News on Conditions at Caswell Resort in Sundridge. Nothing noted in Sledders Database.

How do I delete this post, no longer relevant as issue seems resolved. Permission given to Site Admin to delete.

Seems fine this morning.

Has anyone else received this message today advising OC Website may not be safe?

Zoso gets the W, although D12 - D13 boundary is not clear but looks to be west of Massey according to ITG.

Terribly discouraging for absolutely everyone. I really don’t know how much longer snowmobiling can survive south of Parry Sound - Huntsville - Petawawa.

Why the OFSC considers information such as this is a liability is beyond me. Golden Corridor Snowdrifters should be an example to other clubs IMHO and they even have a daily sponsor so that is a 10++ in my books. In my experience, most sledders don’t bitch when you tell them what is going on, what the issues the club is having with breakdowns, etc. and the fact that you are trying to inform them of the Club’s activities, etc. On a regular basis.

There are many Clubs still using Facebook to let people know what is going on, e.g. Golden Corridor Snowdrifters, HCSA, Bonfield SC, Luc The Groomer Guy

Won’t be frozen today at +6C!

Why some Clubs don’t use Facebook to quickly update riders as to what is happening on the trails is surprising given that some Clubs are so effectively using FB to communicate. My old Club now gets almost 4,000 views on most of their posts. I do realize that some users don’t like Facebook but you don’t need an account to view. In this day and age there is no excuse to not informing your paying customers of what is going on.

Glad to read that you followed up directly with the Club in question. well done and hopefully help others. The signing needs to be completely understandable for riders that are new to an area. My pet beef is not adding the correct numerals of the distance to the point in question.