Snow making one would be a huge logistical challenge. I know hailburton forest tried it and it turned out easier to go into bush and push it back onto trail to help build base when trails are thin, then to actually make it again.
What does OFSC get for giving up control of permits to MTO again? Some days you have to question if this decision should be looked at again. Yes it's a legal requirement, but with limited enforcement does it matter?
I question if OFSC should consider 3 or 4 areas to implement limited snow making. Like a 50 km loop in the ganaraska forest. Or a similar area close to Barrie, London, Kitchener or Ottawa. Give it daily grooming and operate it similar to a ski hill. It'd provide that value to the southern riders. Would be interesting to see if it would be feasible ran as a test pilot in one area. The issue isn't permit prices. Snowmobilers have the money and let's be honest the permit is chump change compared to the other costs of the sport. The issue is perceived value for the money spent. Like it or not there are folks that just won't drive to the snow 4 - 8 hrs away. But they would trailer in their local area to ride all winter long. I spent $1000 on night passes for skiing last winter. Had no issue with the cost as I knew the hill would be open for 8 plus weeks and we would use them.
Ya, but the OFSC should be able to support the need for an increase with data on the costs of keeping the doors open so to speak - should not be a hard argument to make.
The other major issue is that the OFSC does not control the permit cost. I believe the MTO still has the final say on what any increase will be. Don't ask me why!