Gravenhurst council has approved entering into a new snowmobile trail license agreement with the Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club, ensuring continued access to municipal lands and road allowances for snowmobile use in the coming seasons.
Council received the Snowmobile Trail License Agreement report for information at its January meeting and directed staff to formalize a new agreement with the club. Director of Infrastructure Andrew Stacey was authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the town.
The license agreement will be in place for five years, with an option to extend it for an additional five-year term.
According to a report from Parks and Trails Technician Kyla Bruce, the Snowcrest Riders have operated and maintained snowmobile trails in Gravenhurst for several decades under a mix of formal and informal agreements with the municipality. However, changes in requirements from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) prompted the need for an updated agreement.
Before the start of the 2024–25 snowmobile season, the OFSC required all member clubs to obtain signed memoranda of understanding or formal land-use agreements from landowners before opening trails. While the town’s existing arrangements with Snowcrest Riders were initially accepted, the club has since advised that the OFSC will no longer recognize the current agreements and now requires a more formal license agreement for the 2025–26 season.
Town staff recommended adopting a comprehensive license agreement rather than a simpler memorandum of understanding, aligning Gravenhurst with the approach recently taken by the District of Muskoka with OFSC District 7.
The agreement includes additional terms specific to Gravenhurst, particularly related to two bridge structures over Beaver Creek and Highway 11. These provisions outline ownership responsibilities, signage requirements, inspection protocols, and maintenance expectations.
The agreement also provides for $15 million in comprehensive liability insurance coverage through a policy held by the OFSC and its member organizations, with the Town of Gravenhurst named as an additional insured.
Town officials say the agreement will help ensure the safe operation of snowmobile trails while protecting municipal interests and maintaining a long-standing partnership with the Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club.
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