Sudbury adding five warming huts to local snowmobile trails

Greater Sudbury is adding five warming huts to the local trail plan, giving riders a place to warm up as they travel along approved snowmachine trails.

The City of Greater Sudbury invested $125,000 in a trail enhancement project that has added five warming huts to the Sudbury Trail Plan network.

The $234,000 project included the construction of five new warming stations and the purchase of a new brusher head for trail maintenance. The warming huts have already been installed along the trails and are ready for snowmobiler use.

Lara Fielding from the city’s tourism department said the new infrastructure will significantly improve the trail experience for riders.

“We have over 79 kilometres of snowmobile trails and with these five huts, it creates a better experience for riders,” she said.

“They get to stay out on the trails longer. It’s safe for them. They’ll be equipped with a charging station warming. There will be open fire pits so that they can stay warm.”

Economic impact expected from increased tourism

The increased trail amenities are expected to attract more snowmobilers to the area, extending their stays and contributing to local businesses.

Richard Picard, chair of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, said the enhanced trail system is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region.

“We’re looking at about 1,500 or 2,000, you know, hotel room nights a year, which, you know, looking at about a $6 million spin off just from the trail system, which is fantastic for the region,” he said.

Safety the focus for riders

James Saville, president of the Sudbury Trail Plan, said the huts will serve multiple purposes beyond providing a place to warm up.

He told CTV News that the structures will increase the sense of community among riders while also offering critical shelter in emergency situations.

“If you do get stuck somewhere, to have somewhere to go … that’s sheltered, hopefully has some wood, maybe even a fire already going,” said Saville.

“It’s great for everybody to be able to do that and get to a place where they can potentially survive for days if need be.”

Students gained hands-on experience

When members of the trail plan created the proposal, they specifically requested that students from local high schools be involved in constructing the ice huts.

Saville emphasized the importance of involving young people in the project to help develop future skilled trades workers.

“We’re going to need these kids in the future,” he said.

“We’re going to need the carpenters, we’re going to need electricians, we’re going to need the plumbers. So any skilled trades that we can get them and start them somewhere. Nothing beats hands-on experience.”

Fielding described the construction process as a collaborative effort that provided valuable learning opportunities for students.

“It’s a real collaboration of the different steps that went into building; from the structure to installing the fireplaces… it was a real group effort and it really increased the skills for the students,” he said.