Muskoka’s snowmobiling club is making a positive economic impact on the winter economy.
In a report to the Engineering and Public Works Committee on January 17, a presentation was made on behalf of the Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association (MLSTA). The presentation detailed the economic impact of snowmobiling on winter tourism, the winter economy and what supports the MLSTA needs from the District.
The report was made by Steve Elliot, president of the MLSTA, wherein he stated that snowmobiling generated $1.6 billion in economic gains across Ontario and $126 million in Muskoka alone. This economic activity directly led to over 400 jobs within Muskoka related to snowmobiling.
Presently snowmobile riders pay a $200 yearly permit to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) which trickles down to local snowmobile clubs like the MLSTA. This money helps to pay for groomers, fuel and salaries. However, this money is insufficient to cover all costs and any remaining expenses are covered by the MLSTA.
To meet these costs, the MLSTA negotiates sponsorships and fundraisers with local businesses. For sponsorships, affiliated businesses give an annual $500 donation. In exchange the MLSTA advertises these businesses throughout their trail network. Fundraising examples include bottle drives, barbeques, etc.
According to Elliot, this advertising is effective in directing riders to these businesses.
“If you go by those places on a weekend they are packed with snowmobiles, packed with activity,” Elliot said.
Muskoka Lakes Mayor Peter Kelley seconded the positive economic impact that snowmobiling brings to local businesses.
“Sledding has a huge impact. Not just on economic activity. A lot of those restaurants and business locations that were on the list, I humbly submit wouldn’t be open but for the business that’s being driven throughout the winter. And by not open I mean, they would be open seasonally not open year-round,” Kelley said.
Kelley went on to say that he supported providing greater resources and support to the MLSTA.
“It gets people outside in all sorts of weather and so we fully support this at the Township and certainly I personally will make sure we get whatever we need in terms of resources available to make sure we can find a happy place to move forward with this group,” Kelley said.
Elliot was before the committee in the hopes of securing further cooperation between the MLSTA and the District and support in developing a permanent base of operations. Elliot stated that the MLSTA has applied for the Ontario Trillium Fund Capital Grant. If approved the club could receive $150,000. However, to qualify for the application a minimum five-year lease is required. Elliot said that in conversations with the Trillium Fund, a letter from the District stating that the club is in good standing may also help the MLSTA qualify. The deadline for the grant application is March 6.
District Chair Jeff Lehman spoke in support of assisting the MLSTA in its Trillium Fund application.
“My thought would be if there’s a funding application that can help an organization that brings a lot of tourism activity to Muskoka. We want to try and assist them to be able to apply for it,” Lehman said.
The committee was supportive of the requests from Elliot and staff will continue to discuss with Elliot how to assist with the Trillium Fund and ways to support the club’s activities.
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