Ontario provides $3.9M to restore snowmobile trail network

The Ontario government is providing $3.9 million to restore 4,500 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails in the province.

The Ontario government is providing $3.9 million to restore 4,500 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the province.

The move comes after an announcement in October that the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) would be condensing its trails this season.

The funds mean that the trail network can be restored in full for the 2025-26 season. It includes more than 30,000 kilometres of trails across Ontario, pending land-use agreements.

“Our clubs are now working overtime to try to get these land-use agreements in place, but everyone’s energized by this news,” said Ryan Eickmeier, CEO of the OFSC.

“It really was a wonderful, early Christmas gift.”

Officials said the money reflects the importance of the trail system to communities, the economic impact of the trails, and the effort that has gone into ensuring snowmobiling remains a cornerstone of winter activity.

Provincial commitment

“We’re keenly interested in trying to find ways to be as efficient as possible with our grooming operations, while still maintaining safety and quality and the experience that, you know, upwards of 80,000 permit buyers look forward to each year,” Eickmeier said.

“What this funding does is it helps take away that challenge of the trail costs and the operating costs of having those trails. What I’m really excited about is the commitment, and the discussions about what this looks like long term.”

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said not only is this welcome news for riders, but also for businesses.

“It’s the people that count on it and depend on it,” Smith said.

“And in central Ontario and in my riding here in Muskoka, many, many do. You can drive by the parking lots of a huge number of restaurants and hotels in the wintertime, and they are loaded with machines and trailers and riders that are spending money in the area and helping our local economy.”

Eickmeier said trail permit sales have been declining in recent years, but have improved so far this year.

“It’s important to really bring forward that this sport is driven by volunteers, driven by our landowners,” he said.

“It’s financially fueled by permit revenue. And the more permits we buy, the more we can do and support our volunteers in their efforts.”

To learn more, click here.