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All I hear so far is, lets close trails and hope for more permit sales to make up the revenue gap. I just cant make any sense of it.  Unfortunately, IMO, the government needs to step up. Saying that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  

This isn't a new crisis for sledding in Ontario, or elsewhere, we've been here several times before. Same fuel, low snow seasons, bad economy and huge insurance hits have crippled the sport. If memory serves me correct sledding in the mid to late 80s is seldom talked about, because it barely existed.  A few good snow seasons and upward positive trending economy and sledding was once again flourishing and on fire through to the late 90s early 00s, then we had the insurance crisis along with a economic crash and low snow seasons. It bounced back then too.  Here's to hoping it happens again, volunteers sure can be resilient, as shown in the past.    Funny when I think of the past good and bad runs sledding had, I can actually see it terms of manufactures leaning their model line ups lol   Heck in the late 70s early 80's we lost close to a 100 sled brands and at least 50 manufactures building those 100 brands. Can you imagine what riders were saying back then had they of had social media LOL    What this really should be is a wake up call for sledders to realize if they want it as good as it gets for a reasonable price, they will have to help out and volunteer.  

From everything I've read, I get all sides of this, and it SUCKS. There is no other way to put it.   We need more funding - bottom line - and that is only via permits and via Government subsidies. Unless the OFSC can come up with another source of revenue ( maybe investment incomes as I've suggested prior ), or other avenues, ( manufacturers ) in keeping with their requirements via law and tax laws, the system is going to shrink to almost nothing, very localized, and limited riding until its gone.   You aren't going to increase permit sales numbers by much - you might get lucky and somehow convince a few fence sitters to buy, but that will be a tough sell now given the less available trails - and in a lot of areas, a lack of accessibility without a lot of effort. That does not even take into consideration costs of sleds, trailers, gear, insurance, fuel etc.   New riders - you will be able to count them on your fingers and toes in a given year moving forward. There is no appetite or desire for it by the majority We are a DYING breed.   From the general comments I've seen out there via various social media platforms and talking to some I know who still ride, it's very mixed feelings. Some are done now, and some are going to forge ahead and buy a permit anyway and it is what it is.   Time will tell - but the writing is on the wall - it is simply not sustainable in its current format.            

Ya.  Swampers are closing the East West trail from just south of Monkton to the swamp.  And from Stratford through the swamp to Milverton trails.  We are closing our "south loop" from where we meet Swampers trails to Millbank, and a section from Smitties cabin heading East. S of line 72.  Can still head east on the trail n of line 72.