Concerns over liability and agreements have caused District councillors to worry about the future of snowmobile trail access in Muskoka.
During the latest District engineering and Public Works Committee meeting, councillors voted against two District staff recommendations concerning snowmobiling for the upcoming season.
A report recommended that District staff obtain legal and risk management advice regarding a new MOU with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and report back with recommendations. Staff also recommended prohibiting access for snowmobiles on Muskoka Road 118 from the east limit of Carr Road to the east limit of Brackenrig Road.
Phil Harding, who serves on the board of Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails snowmobiling club and was formerly the mayor of Muskoka Lakes Township, attended to speak out against the recommendations.
“The Insurers of the OFSC have stated unequivocally that without a signed MOU – the District will not only be on their own for any and all liability should a snowmobiler have an issue– but more importantly, that each local club will be forced to close any trail that crosses District Lands as the OFSC will make them,” said Harding. “In round numbers there are 50 plus parcels of District owned lands utilized by snowmobiles – in effect it will shut down all snowmobiling in Muskoka as keeping small portions of a trail network open without connecting trails would be ridiculous.”
Harding said keeping the trails open this winter is vital to the economic well-being of Muskoka during the off-season.
“According to best estimates snowmobiling in Muskoka represents over $125 million annually for the economy,” said Harding.
Harding also argued the staff’s recommendation to close a section of Highway 118 on Muskoka Lakes. He said the recommendation was a misinterpretation of the District bylaws.
The committee sided with Harding on both recommendations.
Current Muskoka Lakes Mayor Peter Kelley said the trail situation needs to be sorted out immediately to ensure the season goes ahead as planned.
“This is the backbone of 90% of our economy from Jan 1 to March 31,” he said.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: