Weather Warning – Trails Closed

Tree branch with melting snow

Weather Warning!

We are closing all the West Carleton trails for Thursday and Friday this week because of warm weather and rain. We want to protect the base and will re open as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience. We have a good base that will give us all a good season. Colder weather will follow on the weekend.

Thank you,
Scott Hamilton
president
WCSTAI

Trails are not open yet! Please stay off of them.

Keep sleds parked

Groomers have started pre-season packing of West Carleton trails, and this cold weather is really helping to firm up our waterways and swamps. We need a little more snow, and things are starting to look good for a start to a great season very soon but TRAILS ARE STILL NOT OPEN.

There are various reasons, whether it be our landowners not able to open gates (yes livestock can still be out in the fields at this time of year). And there is still not enough dense snow in most areas which, as you may be hearing in the news is a serious safety issue. Club volunteers want the trails open as much as anyone, as we are all sledders too, but this takes a combination of the right snow/safety conditions and permission to open gates on our land owners properties. Trail patrol is now patrolling trails and with new legislation in place, trespassers can now be fined up to $10,000 for trespassing and riding on unopened trails. This is serious stuff.

Please, everyone remember that trying to get that jump on the season before trails are open risks it for all of us. We have lost some valuable links on local trails yet again this season and have had to significantly increase road running because of the few sledders who think that just one run on an opened trail does not matter. It does. Just one sled wandering where it shouldn’t be can result in a trail becoming a permanent dead end – and we can’t blame our landowners for trying to protect their crops, property and livelihood.

On a lighter note, West Carleton has some exciting new trails being opened this season, like rail bridges in Pakenham and Arnprior on the W311 and the A trail. It has taken thousands of hours and working with the goodwill of the public, towns and municipalities to get us, the sledders, access to these. These routes are being opened on a trial basis and access to these areas can still be revoked by riding on them now, before official opening.

It’s going to be a great year if people can please, PLEASE keep the sleds parked until they show “Available” on the Interactive Trail Guide. And if you know that person that still insists on trespassing on unopened trails – put some pressure on them – they are messing with all that money you have invested riding this year.

Pre-Nov. 1 Permit Deadline Extended to Nov. 8 at midnight!

Permit system now online for Pre-Nov. 1 Discount

Buy my permit button

The pre-Nov 1 discount deadline has been extended to Wed, Nov. 8th at midnight. Get 30% off your permit NOW!

Important Reminders
  • Your transaction may take up to 12 seconds to process, please DO NOT resubmit or hit the back button during this time.
  • You should receive an email confirming your transaction immediately after it’s completed.
  • If you time out during your transaction or do not receive a confirmation email, please email permits@ofsc.on.ca immediately with the exact time of your attempted transaction and email address.
  • Only Pre-Nov 1 permit transactions completed by 11:59 PM on Nov 8 will be accepted.
  • Pre-Dec 1 permit fees apply as of Nov 9 and 12:01 AM
  • The OFSC remains committed to addressing any transaction issues previously encountered by Pre-Nov 1 permit buyers and has starting to work on resolving them as soon as possible.

On behalf of the entire team at OFSC, thank you again for your continued patience and support.

Explore Winter Like Never Before!

Explore Winter Like Never Before!

An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

(Barrie, ON October 12, 2017) – Some people are sad to say goodbye to summer, but snowmobilers in Ontario are revving up for the 2018 snowmobiling season. WCSTA is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes. There’s lots of trail work that needs doing and new volunteers are always welcome. So it must also be permit buying time and here’s what riders need to know.

After four years at the same fee, all 2018 Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits (including Classic) have increased by only $10 according to news received on September 29. This follows the approval of a spring recommendation from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), which authorizes permit fees. Faced with rising operational expenses to deliver snowmobile trails and in support its of clubs and volunteers, the OFSC made a strong and urgent business case for the new fees, which barely cover the annual rate of inflation since 2013. The OFSC business plan also spoke to new fees being necessary to help cover the higher cost of continuing to purchase new groomers to improve trail quality and consistency. Since the 2015-16 season, the OFSC has invested $8.5 million to buy 35 new grooming units as part of its recently approved More On The Snow initiative.

Snowmobilers can take advantage of 30% savings on their 2018 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit. For the low fee of $190 they can enjoy a winter full of adventure on any of the available 30,000 km of trails connecting communities throughout the province. This early rate is only available for a limited time. The fees go up at midnight EST on November 1, 2017.

Once again, all permit sales will be online only. “Providing consumers with enhanced security, flexibility and convenience are just a few of the benefits of buying your permit online” says Remi Sauve, President of the OFSC. “Thank you for your support of organized snowmobiling in the province and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails this winter.”

Permit Pricing

For further information, please email marketing@ofsc.on.ca

Important Meeting! WCSTA AGM – Tuesday September 5th

Important Meeting! WCSTA AGM - Tuesday September 5th

WCSTA AGM 2015

Very important general meeting! We need a huge turnout.

This is a transition year for our club becoming part of District management under the MOTS (More On The Snow) program. And there is a potential for big changes to our club’s management with a very important election of officers. We need West Carleton Sledders to voice their opinions and concerns to make sure  the executive and volunteers can continue to make our club great. This year it is possible that major changes will occur to your Board of Directors and Officers.

We need your support at this one annual meeting.

Also, there will be an update on the great success we have had with securing the County Rail Line as a brand new trail. There has been a huge amount of work by several club executives (including all of you who voiced political support) to make this exciting project happen.

Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association Annual General Meeting – Tuesday September 5th, 7:00pm, at the Kinburn Community Centre.

Board of directors will be nominated and elected by our members at this meeting, and we encourage all current permit holders to join us and participate in continuing to set the course for snowmobiling in West Carleton, and representation of our club within the OFSC. Many great things have been happening for our club, and you can really help out by getting involved!

So, please come out to the AGM and see what is going on with your local club. We are continuing to try to plan more fun and exciting things this year, but we need your help to make them happen! Get to know our dynamic team of volunteers, fellow snowmobilers and hard-working directors. Here is a list of some things we are doing now, along with some new ideas brought forward by current volunteers and board members.

  • Poker run in support of the Snowsuit Fund
  • Landowners appreciation dinner
  • Braap ’n Bash event with live entertainment
  • Trail side BBQ
  • Fund raising (selling raffle tickets, trail map advertising)
  • Family free weekend
  • Day and night group rides

Immediately following the AGM the newly appointed Board will commence with the election of President, Vice President and other Officers for the 2017-2018 season.

We hope to see you there!

 

Mississippi Mills Council Meeting Tonight (April 18th)

Tonight a Mississippi Mills town council meeting is being held, and at it a motion to ban snowmobiles in the town of Almonte will most likely be tabled. Council is divided on this important decision. As before we need to see snowmobiler representation at the meeting to continue to show council that this is important and to make the right decisions.

Utilizing the rail trail in Almonte will cost taxpayers ZERO dollars, while helping the local economy and creating a tourism trail for the businesses from Snowmobilers in the winter months. We will fill the restaurants down town with business, groom a second trail for free in Almonte for non sledders. Put up signs, help pay decking of the bridges. Make slow zones in the town, this is who we are 🙂

Some of our club’s key campaigners unable to make it tonight. It would be great to have strong support from the sledding community once again. Who can make it to show sledder support? 

The A trail throught Almonte, Pakenham and Armprior is in jeopardy of being lost without this link. Urban sprawl is affecting our trails.

Thanks,
Your board of directors

When: Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: 3131 Old Perth Rd, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0, Canada

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK, THANK YOU

Snowmobile clubs’ rail line proposal to Mississippi Mills – Tues. April 4th

Your West Carleton Snowmobile Club and the B.E.A.S.T. Snowmobile club are doing a joint presentation to town council for use on the old rail line.

We need all your support. We have a great presentation to show that this will cost taxpayers ZERO dollars, while helping the local economy and creating a tourism trail for the businesses from Snowmobilers in the winter months. We will fill the restaurants down town with business, groom a second trail for free in Almonte for non sledders. Put up signs, help pay decking of the bridges. Make slow zones in the town, this is who we are 🙂

The hall holds 90 people in chambers and just outside in a seperate room with speakers.

We need to fill the parking lot with sledder on top of that. This is a chance to show our posotive support for sharing the trail. Snowmobilers are amazing stewarts of the trails for many many years.

The A trail throught Almonte, Pakenham and Armprior is in jepordy of being lost without this link. Urban sprawl is affecting our trails.

Who can make it out? Bring your family and friends!

Thanks,
Your board of directors

 

When: Tuesday, April 4 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: 3131 Old Perth Rd, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0, Canada

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK, THANK YOU

Bids for Sale of 2 Massey Ferguson Tractor Groomers

Bids for Sale of 2 Massey Ferguson Tractor Groomers

Massey Ferguson Tractor Groomers

 

Bids for Sale of 2 Massey Ferguson Tractor Groomers

The West Carleton club is currently looking for bids to sell 2 Massey Tractor Groomers.

General Details

  • Each Tractor groomer is sold without drag in As- Is, Where-Is Condition
  • Bids can be submitted for each unit separately.
  • If a bid is submitted for both units – please breakdown price per unit.
  • West Carleton Snowmobile Club reserves the right to select the bid that provides the most value to the club.
  • A $100 certified cheque or cash is to accompany each bid. This deposit will be returned if bid is unsuccessful. The successful bidder will have $100 taken off final bid price when payment is received.
  • Payment for the unit / units will be by certified cheque, money order, or cash within 48 hrs after successful bid.
  • Unit is to be transported and removed within 10 days of bid opening.
  • Units are located in Pakenham Ontario,
  • Bid opening will be Wed April 5th – 7:00pm at Kinburn Community Centre. Payment must be received by Friday April 7th

Unit Details

Massey 1

  • Model: Massey Ferguson 4270
  • Year: 1999
  • Serial Number: ACBE12AAAXAH39082
  • Hour Meter Reading: 2600 hrs
  • Marcel tractor conversion groomer.
  • Unit does operate but has crankcase oil leak.
  • Unit is currently de-tracked – tracks are included in the sale
  • Equipped with a 18 speed transmission, groomer blade, hydraulic system, emergency roof hatch

Massey 2

  • Model: Massey Ferguson 4270
  • Year: 1998
  • Serial Number: ACBE12AAXAG26249
  • Hour Meter Reading: 3212 hrs
  • Sister unit – Marcel tractor conversion groomer
  • Unit is in operational condition –with tracks installed, transmission rebuilt
  • Includes groomer blade, 9 speed transmission, beacon, hydraulic system, emergency roof hatch

Information

For detailed/technical information on each unit or viewing, please contact Ray Russell at 613-291-2438 rlrussell2@sympatico.ca

For information on bids please contact Paul Asmis at 613-297-9818 pasmis@wcstai.com

Mailing Address

West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association
P.O. Box 384
Dunrobin, Ontario
K0A 1T0 Canada

 

IMPORTANT message regarding riding on rail line from Carp to Craig Side Rd.

 

IMPORTANT message regarding riding on rail line from Carp to Craig Side Rd.

We have been informed that the people who keep the track clear for the trains are having trouble as some Snowmobilers are running down the section of track to connect with the trails. Please STOP doing this. Self explanatory. You are trespassing….

Here is a notice from the CN website:

ATV and Snowmobile Safety
Safety starts with you…

  • Riding a snowmobile or ATV can be an amazing outdoor experience. It can also be fatal — in the wrong hands. Here are some tips for riding safe.
  • Cross only at designated locations (it is illegal and dangerous to trespass on railway property).
  • Ride on approved trails only (look for signs about approaching a railway crossing).
  • Expect a train on any track, in either direction, at any time.
  • Be especially cautious at night or in snowy conditions (both make it difficult to see obstacles, passing trains or railway crossings).
  • Stop at railway crossings to ensure you don’t ride in front of or into the side of a passing train.
  • Contact the railway (using the emergency number prominently posted at crossings) or call 911 immediately if your ATV or snowmobile gets stuck on a track or railway line (a train can come at any time).
  • Keep in mind that helmets, engines, wind and weather may muffle the sound of an approaching train.
  • Do not ride next to the tracks (locomotives and railway cars are wider than the rails, leaving little or no room for you).