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    • I was thinking that it was awfully late in the game as well.     .
    • it is equally clear that we must take a hard look at how the decisions of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs have contributed to the situation we now face     Read into that statement some.  What is also clear is the decisions of the Ontario government in the past have contributed to where we are.  Maybe some liability issues can get solved to save millions in insurance.  Maybe land use agreements and work permits with provincially controlled agencies like MTO and MNR can be fast tracked.  The list goes on.  Interesting that that statement was deliberately put out.  
    • From Graydon Smith - Parry Sound MPP   Big news for snowmobilers in Parry Sound-Muskoka and all of Ontario. Our government, and especially MPPs from sledding communities, heard loud and clear from local snowmobile clubs, small businesses, and Chambers of Commerce across the province about the impact of the OFSC’s decision to close 4,500 kilometres of trails this winter. We listened, and we took action. Today, I’m pleased to announce an additional $3.9 million to ensure these 4,500 kilometres of trails remain open. While today is rightly a day to celebrate our government taking decisive action to preserve snowmobiling in our great province, it is equally clear that we must take a hard look at how the decisions of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs have contributed to the situation we now face. The status quo, which is built on a decades-old system, has shown its limitations, and the events of this season have made that unmistakable. In the months ahead, there must be a genuine opportunity to examine that structure, identify what’s working and what isn’t, and chart a modern path forward that delivers stability for riders and certainty for communities across Ontario. Our local snowmobile clubs remain the heartbeat of this sport, powered by incredible volunteers and tireless workers who give their time to make this activity possible. Their passion and determination keep trails open and groomed, and they deserve our thanks and support as we work to ensure a sustainable future for the entire trail network. #parrysoundmuskoka #muskoka #parrysound #almaguinhighlands #georgianbay
    • Don't want to pollute the Ontario 2026 Season thread       Personally, I'm pissed.  It took me a long time to accept the OFSC's plan for this year but I did and now this.      I've already taken down over 2 milk crates worth of signage(still 2+ crates to go) and have changed signage on other trails(reroutes) to accommodate the trail reductions. Wasted volunteer hours and fuel in the truck and ATV. Am I going to install all those signs again this year? A snowball's chance in hell that's happening. I'm over $1000 in fuel already this year because of the March ice storm damage as we have been out at least once a week since May clearing trails.   The math still doesn’t make sense. The 7% permit increase PLUS trail reductions PLUS groomer reductions/sales was supposed to make the OFSC balance the books for this year's operation. I don't believe it pays off the $5M shortfall from last year.(Could be wrong) So we’re getting some cash, $3.9M, equal to +/-  the 7% increase that was denied by the MTO, but now we have to keep all the trails available and I assume all the groomers, so the OFSC will still be screwed this/next year. That $1M infrastructure money is there every year. What's going to happen next year? What a nightmare with the groomers, signage, landowner relations, many southern clubs forced to close/fold, etc..  Does Doug Ford and the OFSC expect the clubs to be all giddy now to try to magically renew MOUs and stake/sign trails in December to be available this year?  My crystal ball says "NO". We will have groomers that were supposed to be mothballed and now returned to duty with no/little preseason maintenance. Don't see a happy ending.     I'm sure Doug Ford got a lot of heat from many communities that rely on sledders for their economic survival. The $3.9M is probably a bargain compared to many businesses closing up shop when sledders stop coming. Hence the announcement.    I'm happy that the government is finally stepping up! (after screwing us, denying permit price increase).  However, it's too little, too late.       Rant over.(for now)
    • might be better answered by @Steve F6 being literally right in his backyard.   Still lots of trails missing around Mary Lake actually,
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