We would like to show some of the new trail, and what our fundraisers, and the matching input from BRP’s SnowPass program, and the folks at AECON Construction Ontario East LTD have done for this new route across the 417.

This project allows us to restore one of the 2 links that allows snowmobilers from our club, and from further afield, to access the east side side of the 417, gateway to Kanata and Ottawa, and a 4 star hotel, the Brookstreet. It allows those from Quebec, that cross on our new bridge over the Ottawa River (the longest snowmobile bridge in the world) to explore the Ontario trail system. With this link, we can offer options for the new trail loop that the Upper Canada Snowmobile Region (the district of which we are members) is putting together for this season.

In planning this reroute, we wanted to minimize the amount of road riding. In doing so, we gained permission to cross some properties in key locations, but without a clear trail. We chose to open up a fairly large section going through the bush as part of making this trail happen. That’s where the BRP SnowPass Program and the people of AECON Construction Ontario East LTD. came in to make this possible.

As you can see, a formidable amount of brushing, if done by hand, was accomplished in a short time with the help of some heavy machinery provided by AECON’s Carp location.

Here are some before pictures give an idea of what we were up against, and the after pictures show the new W19 trail will now pass.

We also need to acknowledge the help of our local Ski Doo dealer, MotorSportsWorld, and Todd Williams, Project Manager at AECON Construction Ontario East LTD, Carp office. So here’s a huge thank you for making this happen. #SkiDooPASS#ThatSkiDooFeeling@SkiDoo

Each and every year, the snowmobile trails come together with the help of many volunteers. These volunteers give up their time, tools and labour in exchange for a trail system we all can enjoy. Most trail coordinators have a small crew of family or friends, sometimes both, that they count on to get the job done. This makes the act of volunteering much more enjoyable.

This past March, the Upper Canada Snowmobile Region (UCSR) contacted the club about a Volunteer rewards program. They donated some funding to reward those that assist in maintaining the trail system. It’s not the reason we volunteer, but sometimes a little recognition is appreciated.

We also received extra funding that allowed us to recognize even more of these volunteers. Thank you to Chris McCluskey and the team at The McCluskey Group (our local Tim Hortons) for reaching out to the WCSTA with a generous donation and helping us make this even better.

Trail coordinators submitted the list of their volunteers to be put in a draw for gift cards. The winners for the ’20-’21 season are:

   Thanks to all who volunteer. 

   Respectfully

   WCSTA 

October 13, 2021

Every year we have our AGM.  This year it is on Wednesday October 13 at 7:00pm.  It is being held at the Kinburn Community Centre.  This is your chance to let the Board of Directors and others know your thoughts on your Club, trails and operations. 

We will also be holding the election of the new Board of Directors and electing the Executive for the 2021-2022 season, so this is your time to become involved in the running of your Club.

This season we will have some exciting things for all of you that the Board and volunteers have accomplished.

• The W1 Trail and the bridge over the Ottawa River will be fully open.  This will provide an earlier opening of the crossing to Quebec as well a a safe non-ice crossing.  We welcome our Quebec neighbours to WCSTA.
• We are working on several trail re-routes that will make for better trails.  Come out and ride them.
• We are brushing and widening several trails to improve your ride.
• We will have the first OFSC Loop Trail in WCSTA that will include Kanata, Calabogie and Pembroke.  It will connect to the RAP and other trails.

In order to continue these improvements, and the everyday operation of the Club, we need new blood on the Board of Directors.

Need for New Directors

Some Directors have been on the Board and contributed to the Club for many years.  Some are moving on and need to be replaced at the AGM.  I encourage you to put your name forward to become active in the running of the Club.  It is a rewarding experience and 100s of our members have provided this service over the last 41 years.  You will be involved in Club management, project development and implementation, working with volunteers and event management and presentation.  We need a wide range of experience and commitment so do not be afraid to step up. 

If you would like to run for a Board position, please contact Kyle Fierens at kyle_1123@hotmail.com or Rick Craig at rcraig@cmelectric.com.   Alternatively, you can email president@wcstai.com.  In order to be successful, we need new people to replace those that have kept the Club going all these years.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual General Meeting.

Paul McDonald, President