There are increasing concerns about the future of Muskoka’s snowmobiling trails, as District council meets tomorrow to consider a motion over property rights.
During the Nov. 18 District Engineering and Public Works meeting, committee directed staff to enter into discussions and negotiate an agreement with the Local Snowmobile Clubs (LCS) and the Ontario
Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and report back to Muskoka District Council at its December meeting, scheduled for tomorrow in Bracebridge.
The District had received a request that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be entered
with LSCs throughout the District, permitting use of trails on District properties and roads. Staff received initial advice from its insurance provider that has raised concerns regarding the liability that the District would assume as a result of this proposed MOU.
Phil Harding, who serves on the board of Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails snowmobiling club and was formerly the mayor of Muskoka Lakes Township, attended the Nov. 18 meeting to speak out in favour of negotiating with the clubs.
“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.”
Since then there has been an increasing public outcry over the potential loss of snowmobiling across the region.
One such concerned Muskoka property owner is Jim Ware, who penned the following letter to Barrie–Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjn (where Ware resides).
“Dear Andrea Khanjn, MPP,
I am writing to you as both a concerned citizen and a lifelong snowmobiler—having enjoyed this sport since I was five years old—and I am reaching out on behalf of many community members who share my passion. We urgently need your assistance in ensuring that municipalities across Ontario sign the land-use agreements that are critical for maintaining our province’s snowmobile trails.
As you may know, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization responsible for creating and administering snowmobile trails across the province. This year, due to insurance requirements, the OFSC has introduced new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for all landowners, including municipalities, whose properties these trails cross. Without these signed agreements, the trails will not appear on the OFSC’s snowmobile map. Unfortunately, several municipalities have been reluctant to sign, putting a cherished winter pastime—and the substantial economic benefits it brings—in jeopardy.
The lack of signed agreements will have severe consequences. For example, in Muskoka Lakes Township, around 50 municipal parcels of land are at risk due to reluctance in signing. A vote is scheduled for December 16th, and the early indications suggest they will not approve the land-use agreements. If these parcels do not receive approval, entire trail networks in that area will be severed.
This issue is not confined to Muskoka. In District 4 near Barrie, the Town of Orillia and the City of Barrie are also delaying the signing of agreements. Similarly, in the North Bay area, trail systems are at risk. With each day that passes, the cohesive network that draws visitors from across Ontario and beyond is unraveling.
The economic impact of snowmobiling in Ontario is significant and well-documented. Independent audits have shown that visitor spending, local employment, and tax revenues from snowmobiling are substantial. Consider just a few highlights:
• Muskoka Region (District 7):
o 2023 Visitor Spending: $126 million
o GDP Contribution: $63 million
o Employment: 529 jobs
o Taxes: $14 million (federal),
o $15 million (provincial),
o $2.5 million (municipal)
• Barrie/Orillia Area (District 4):
o 2023 Spending: $35 million
o 243 jobs supported
o Taxes: Nearly $15 million
• North Bay Region:
o Sales: $151 million
o GDP: $90.5 million
o Employment: 765 jobs
o Taxes: $51 million collected
• Provincial Totals 2023:
o Sales: $1,481,341,546.00
o GDP: $704,035,787.00
o Employment 6,100 jobs
o Taxes: $538,035,787.00 collected
These figures emphasize just how vital the snowmobiling industry is—both as a tourism driver and as a support to local economies and public revenues. Without signed land-use agreements, this entire economic ecosystem is threatened. Trail closures not only disappoint residents and visitors but also undermine regional businesses relying on tourism, from hotels and restaurants to equipment retailers and service providers.
We are asking for your help in addressing this challenge at the provincial level. Many of us believe that the use of government land for these trails should be facilitated through streamlined, province-wide policies rather than being left in the hands of individual municipalities, whose decisions could dismantle a long-standing, well-regulated, and economically significant recreational network.
I respectfully urge you to reach out to the municipalities involved and help find a solution. Your support can encourage them to sign these land-use agreements, preserve the continuity of Ontario’s snowmobile trails, and protect the winter tourism economy that benefits us all.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter, and for your continued commitment to the economic and recreational well-being of our communities. I remain hopeful that, with your intervention and leadership, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the trails that have been part of Ontario’s heritage for over half a century.
Sincerely,
Jim Ware”
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I have been a life-long snowmobiler, my father took me to get a snowmobile license before I was driving. Part of that fun was always the excitement of a Muskoka trail ride several times each year. It was part of my decision to move north. I live in Severn, boardering beautiful Muskoka.
Snowmobiling has several challenges such as prohibitive costs of sled purchase, insurance and the associated costs. I am a single female, it’s difficult to move it. All that to say that the joyous feeling of snowmobiling is unmatched, I would be devastated to be unable to enjoy beautiful Muskoka by sled trails. It is the heart of winter in Muskoka and will negatively affect restaurants and lodgings businesses.
Thank you to all who will fight to keep snowmobile trails open for all to enjoy.
Michelle Sykes
We had a main trail cross our property and after 25 plus years of them using our property we asked if they could do some remedial work for us. That involves removing huge rocks from the trail they groomed all winter. Frost heaves. When they said no we cut them off the use of it. They are not friends with the land owners!