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An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
(Barrie, ON November 4, 2016) – Many riders took advantage of savings on their 2017 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit and it’s clear that snowmobilers in Ontario are getting revved up for the 2016-17 snowmobiling season. WCSTA is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes and by all predictions thus far, it looks like this winter will be bringing lots of cold and snow, exactly what snowmobilers everywhere have been asking for.
There is still an opportunity for savings and snowmobilers can take advantage of $50 savings on their 2017 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit and $30 savings on their 2017 Ontario Classic Snowmobile Permit for sled model years 1999 and older. The permit gives riders access to any of the available 30,000km of trail connecting communities throughout the province. There is no better way to enjoy a winter full of adventure! This special rate is only available for a limited time and prices go up at midnight EST on December 1, 2016.
This year, all permit sales will take place online. “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
An Update from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
(Barrie, ON October 20, 2016) – While there are some people who are sad to say goodbye to summer, snowmobilers in Ontario are getting revved up for the 2016-17 snowmobiling season. West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association is working hard to ensure trails are prepped for when the snow comes and by all predictions thus far, it looks like this winter will be bringing lots of cold and snow, exactly what snowmobilers everywhere have been asking for.
For the fourth year in a row, snowmobilers can take advantage of 30% savings on their 2017 Ontario Seasonal Snowmobile Permit. For the low price of $180 they can enjoy a winter full of adventure on any of the available 30,000km of trail connecting communities throughout the province. This early bird rate is only available for a limited time and prices go up at midnight EST on November 1, 2016. This year, all permit sales will take place online. “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
WCSTA 1st Annual Snowmobile Swap Meet
Saturday Oct. 15, 10am to 3pm
Kinburn Community Centre
Admission: $2
12 and under free
Wow. For our very first year, this is shaping up to be a big event!
The WCSTA Swap Meet is going to feature a HUGE Blow-Out Sale of Ski-Doo accessories with two tractor trailers full of new gear at blow out prices. Among local and not-so-local businesses participating will be George’s Marine and Sports, March Road Motorsports, Ottawa Argo (with the new WCSTA Argo Centaur groomer), Perth PowerSports and Urban Motorsports
Tickets will be on sale for the District 1 Raffle for 2 Yamahas and trailer, as well as WCSTA swag. And, of course indoor and outdoor swap tables, trailers full of parts, and the used sled corral!
There will be a barbecue going and we will have a big screen and a projector playing sledding videos inside the Beer Lounge!
The club is also looking for volunteers to help out at the show, so please email swapmeet@wcstai.com if you can lend a hand.
We hope to see everyone there – please spread the word. This is going to be a fantastic community event!
https://www.facebook.com/events/142517329497713/
Contact: swapmeet@wcstai.com
or:
Douglas VanderVelde
phone: 613-316-6199
Its OFFICIAL, the West Carleton Snowmobile Club will be using two sections of the old rail line between Arnprior and Blakeney this coming sledding season! The club has been in negotiations with Lanark County and they have been finalized for a trial basis this year.
We have been working hard to make sure that all the insurance and other details were in place prior to announcing this, and now trail work can begin. Volunteers will be needed to help prepare and sign these new sections of trail (as well as existing trails).
The Beast has also been granted use of the same rail line from Carleton Place to Smiths Falls.
Details will also be available at our swap meet in Kinburn (October 15). Stay tuned for more information in the near future. Please SHARE to all SNOWMOBILERS that you know.
Your board of directors, working for you!
Sledding is just around the corner and early indicators are pointing toward a great sledding season this year! In preparation for the installation of trail signage and markers, WCSTA will be holding its annual trail signage course on November 1, 2016, 6:00-7:00 PM in the Conference Room* at the Kinburn Community Centre. Correct signage is the cornerstone of the club’s risk management program and critical to safe sledding on our trails. The trails cannot be opened until this important work is completed.
If you are new to trail signage this season: a) THANKS for volunteering; and b) please plan to attend this course. Note that preparing the trails depends entirely on volunteers like you. If you just want to help out but aren’t sure where to start, feel free to come to the training and we will happily pair you up with an experienced installer.
If you cannot make this training, or have any questions contact the director responsible for risk management at safesledding@wcstai.com
*The conference room is located at the southwest end of the building (closest to the soccer fields). It is NOT the room near the bar nor the large hall.
NORTHERN CORRIDOR ADVENTURE TOUR 2017
The Club has received requests for coordinated rides, including longer tours. Over the last three years the club successfully planned the RAP tour, the Gold Rush Tour, and the North Shore Loop.
As a result of the tour last year’s successful tour we are in the planning stages for a group-coordinated ride in Northern Ontario – The Northern Corridor Adventure Tour. It will be approximately a 1,116 km tour, over 4 days.
Background
The tour will depart from Cochrane Ontario in OFSC District 15 (Feb 26 – Mar 3 2017). The odyssey will cover 4 of Ontario’s Tour loops. It will explore eastern Ontario’s most northern trail system with the longest riding season.
It is approximately a 7.5-hour drive from West Carleton to the start point near Cochrane Ont. The tour will follow TOP trails, connectors, and local trails. The area is well known for its deep snow, flat land powder, and wide low traffic trails.
The Loops
Abitibi Canyon
The Abitibi Canyon Loop is one of the wildest, most remote and furthest north-reaching groomed snowmobile trails in all of Ontario, making it an incredible ride!
Every snowmobiler dreams of vast open expanses, endless snow that makes mirages out of the horizon, and trails so wide that they’re only comparable to a 400 series highway, without the traffic. This is exactly what this tour offers.
The landscape is quite different from the major populated centre’s of Ontario, offering endless hydro corridors that are uninterrupted by roads. Quite honestly, the odd stop sign is a relief and offers a moment for your riding buddies to catch up. At the top of the A103 lies Abitibi Canyon Dam, which was built in the 1930s. It offers a spectacular view of the massive Abitibi River that carves north to James Bay.
Lumberjack Loop
The Lumberjack loop takes riders through 4 communities of Moonbeam, Kapuskasing, Val Rita-Harty, and Opasatika. This loop will be ridden in two sections. One half on the trip to Hearst, and one half on the return to Cochrane. Lumberjacks are a strong symbol of the history of the area. Many worked hard in the bush to provide for their families. While traveling on this loop you may see modern logging activities of the today. This loop takes riders on various types of trails such as hydro corridors, old logging roads, tree lined trails, and provides the opportunity to see wildlife including lynx, moose, wolves, and foxes.
Missinaibi Expedition
The Historic Missinaibi River is a site that snowmobilers will not want to miss. This loop takes snowmobilers along the Missinaibi River and through the woodlands north of Mattice and Hearst Ont. The Missinaibi River was the main route from Lake Superior to the James Bay during the fur trade time. Riders are almost guaranteed to see Moose and wolf tracks in the area so keep the camera ready. Explore this historic route and ride some of the Provinces premier northern trails.
Gateway to the North
Cochrane and Smooth Rock Falls are your gateway communities to the Northern loops. This loop will be also ridden in two sections as part of the Abitibi Canyon loop, and on the return leg from Hearst. This tour will take you along breath taking hydro corridors and through scenic Greenwater Park, District 15’s newest hidden secret. Bring your camera, as you don’t want to miss the gorgeous snow covered trees on your journey.
Length
1,116 km
4 days of riding with approx. 8 hours per day. (The change for this year is the extra night stay on the Thursday in Cochrane due to a longer last day’s ride) with riders driving home on the Friday. The first day’s loop is approx 340 km. The second day will cover approx 277km, third day 165Km, and last day returning to the trucks approx 330km.
Dates – Feb 26 to March 3 2017
The trip has planned over the week to take advantage of lower hotel rates, the fact that all services are open (including repair gas etc.), and that there will less traffic on the trails.
Deposit
A $100 deposit non-refundable from each rider is required prior to the cutoff date. Deposits are required by the planning meeting Nov 19, 2016. Please provide via online transfer or cheque to Scott Hamilton, or Paul Asmis. The deposit will cover chase truck and fuel, satellite phone rental, and a custom dry fit tour T-shirt for each rider.
Planning Meeting
A planning / information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday Nov 23, 7 pm at Sammy’s Pizzeria in Dunrobin.
Reservations
Prior to making reservations please submit a tour registration form and deposit to a tour coordinator. Once the registration is accepted reservations can be made. Room reservations are the responsibility of each rider, and detailed information for each booking is provided. It is not too early to make bookings once a tour coordinator confirms your registration!!! If riders know they are interested please start making bookings after your registration is accepted. The accommodations fill up very quickly for that time of the year. Cancellation dates are listed.
If you cancel your reservation you are responsible for all fees. If any fees are not paid and must be covered by the group on tour – you will be required to pay when the group returns.
Note all bookings under group reservation – West Carleton Snowmobile Club
Schedule and Options
This year’s schedule will be slightly different from the previous years. To take advantage of the tour loops, the group will spend two nights in Cochrane. Then snowmobile to Hearst and spend two nights in Hearst. On the final day riders will return to Cochrane driving home on the Friday.
Riders will trailer to the start point at the Northern Adventure Inn in Cochrane Ont. There is plenty of parking for trailers.
There are excellent trails around Cochrane. Riders arriving early on the Sunday can take advantage of the loops around the town.
Schedule
Sunday
Arrive – Northern Adventure Inn, Cochrane Ont.
Riders Briefing –1930 hrs. In restaurant area.
Monday
Ride the Abitibi Canyon Loop returning to the Northern Adventure Inn for a second night stay.
Distance approx. 340 km
Fuel / Stops – Extreme Tours Base Camp at Fraserdale (150km) and Smooth Rock Falls (250km)
Dinner- Northern Adventure Inn
Note that access to services and support truck is not possible for most of the loop – until riders reach Smooth Rock Falls.
Tuesday
Destination is Companion Hotel Hearst Ont
Distance approx. 277 km
Option – Scenic Greenwater Provincal Park – 18km one-way detour (36km total)
Fuel Smooth Rock Falls (70km), Moonbeam (115km), Kapuskasing (150km)
Lunch- Kapuskasing (143km)
Dinner- Companion Hotel
Wednesday
Ride the Missinaibi Loop
Distance -165 km
Fuel –Hearst Ont (No Fuel on loop)
Stops / Lunch – Snacks available at Mattice ON (130km)
Dinner- Companion Hotel
Thursday
Destination –Northern Adventure Inn, Cochrane Ont
Distance -329km
Fuel – Kapuskasing (133km), Smooth Rock Falls (220km)
Stops – Tim Horton’s Kapuskasing
Dinner-Northern Adventure Inn or in Cochrane
Accommodation Information
1st and 2nd Night Sunday Feb 26 /Monday Feb 27
Northern Adventure Inn – 517 Hwy 11 W, Cochrane ON, P0L 1C0
http://www.northadventureinn.ca/index.html
Cancellation – 48hrs
$75 single room / $95 Standard room / $115 Loft room double occupancy extra persons $10 – under West Carleton – Indoor heated sled parking $10 per night paid at time of booking
Parking: Truck and trailers – included
Trail access: Beside Inn
Food: Restaurant /Dinner –Restaurant Inn open Sunday 7am-8pm / breakfast starts 0630 Monday / Tim Horton’s 5 min away
Fuel: Close by – 5 min by trail or drive
Stores: Canadian Tire within short distance
Attractions: Polar Bear Habitat & Heritage Museum / Snowmobile Museum 1 Dury Pk Rd, Cochrane ON, 1-800-354-9948 http://www.polarbearhabitat.ca/
Sled Dealers:
Paps Power Sports – Skidoo – 135 3rd Ave, Cochrane ON -1-705-272-3254 http://papspowershop.com/
Bourque Automobile – Polaris / Yamaha- Hwy 11 W, Cochrane 1-705-272-8959
Pre Departure meeting in restaurant 1930hrs
2nd and 3rd Night Tuesday Feb28 / Wednesday Mar 1
Companion Hotel / Motel – 930 Front St Hearst Ont P0L 1N0
1-705-362-4304 / 1-888-468-9888 http://www.companion-hotel-motel.ca/
Cancellation – by 6:00pm – Reservation cut off Feb 07
Rates –$105 plus tax for double room – under West Carleton – Indoor heated sled parking $10 per night
Trail Access: Beside Hotel
Food: Restaurant in Hotel 6am – 10pm
Tim Horton’s/ MacDonald’s / Subway / Beer store / LCBO just down street
NOTE – make arrangements for pack lunch for trail for Day 3 if desired
Fuel: 2 min from hotel –Shell / Esso
Stores: Canadian Tire
Sled Dealers:
B&B Auto sports Skidoo 807 Front St, Hearst ON 1-705-362-4400 http://www.bbauto.ca/
P &L Polaris/Yamaha 208 Hwy 11E Hearst ON 1-705-362-4287 http://www.plsales.com/index.htm
Lebel Chainsaws Arctic Cat 9 Fontaine Dr Hearst 1-705-362-4858 / 340 Government Rd Kapuskasing 1-705-335-6858 http://www.lebelchainsaw.ca/
4th Night Thursday Mar 2
Northern Adventure Inn – (Same as above)
Food
Dinner and breakfast is available at each accommodation stop (each rider responsible for food). The group will stop on the trail for lunch. See details above
Fuel
The group will stop for fuel approximately halfway through each day. In some areas of the tour fuel stops are limited and are approximately 180km apart. Fuel is available prior to departure.
Chase Vehicle
A chase vehicle is being organized and a non-refundable deposit will cover the cost of the chase vehicle for each rider. The chase vehicle, which will be a pick up truck with a 20 ft trailer, will follow the group. It will proceed to the next nights stop, and can be contacted in case of break down. It will also be able to carry spare fuel, oil, parts, and limited amount of luggage. The fuel for the chase vehicle will be paid for from the non-refundable deposit.
As far North as this tour is, the loop parallels / follows Highway 11, this will allow for access to the chase vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown. The exceptions are day one on the Abitibi Loop when access to the chase vehicle is not possible for large portions. On the third day the Missinaibi Loop is in a remote area as well with very limited access for the chase vehicle.
Safety and Group Riding
Depending on the numbers providing the deposit, riders will be put into groups of 4-6 riders. Groups will be assigned on the Sunday evening meeting based on desired speed of travel – each group will stay together. The larger tour group will meet at lunch and at the accommodations at the end of the day.
A safety contact list will be provided to each rider in the group.
Each rider is responsible for riding safely under control, and within his or her limits. Note each riding group will wait at all critical trail junctions.
Risk
Each rider assumes responsibility for and understands the risks inherent in snowmobiling in a remote wilderness setting such as is involved in this trip. Each rider must understand that regardless of the chase vehicle, the tour will be in remote locations and emergency assistance will be a significant distance away. Each rider must be fit, capable of riding long distances, and prepared with the proper equipment for the extreme winter weather conditions expected.
Emergency Numbers
In most areas 911 via cell or hard line phone will suffice. However in the un-incorporated areas 911 services are not always available. In addition 911 services are not available via the satellite phones. The direct dial emergency numbers will work on the satellite phones if required during emergency situations.
- OPP 911
- OPP emergency: 1-888-310-1122
- OPP North Bay Communications Emergency Direct Dial 1-705-495-7000
- Cochrane and Hearst EMS Dispatch Direct Dial 1-705-264-1251
- Joint Rescue Coordination Centre 8 Wing Trenton 24 hrs – 1-800-267-7270 / 613-965-3870
- Cochrane Fire and EMS Emergency-911
- Cochrane Fire 1-705-272-6758
- Lady Minto Hospital Cochrane On, 241 8th Street 1-705-272-7200 http://www.micsgroup.com/site_published/micsgroup/minto_about.aspx
- Hospital Notre-Dame Hearst – 1405 Edward St 1-705-373-2923 http://www.ndh.on.ca/home-e.htm
- Hearst Fire 1-705-373-2822 / 911
Communications
Each rider will be asked to provide a cell number. A tour text group will be created so riders can text messages, and communicate with chase vehicle.
Cell phone coverage is centered in the towns, and along the Hwy 11 corridor. Once the trail leaves those areas there will be no coverage. The hotels all have cell phone coverage and Internet access.
A satellite phone will be carried on the chase truck and in the group of riders. The satellite phone will be for emergency use only. The cost of the satellite phone is covered in the deposit amount.
T-Shirts
This year as part of the registration package each rider will be provided with a customized dry fit T-shirt with logo, tour name, and year. Please specify size to tour coordinator Scott Hamilton via email.
Selection for Participation
The tour group is initially planned for 12 -16 riders, plus chase truck driver. (Depending on demand numbers may be adjusted.) As demand is expected to exceed capacity selection for participation will be based on order the deposits are received, club participation, previous tour participation, and volunteer participation. The tour organizers reserve the right to select riders based on the requirements of the tour. If a deposit is not received by the planning meeting in November the participants name will be removed from the confirmed group.
Sled maintenance and Insurance
The group will assist each other but everyone is expected to have the basic maintenance completed on their machines, prior to departing on the tour. The machines must be in good mechanical condition capable of riding extended distance in remote areas. In addition each rider is responsible to carry all required insurance, registration, license, and valid OFSC permit.
Advertising
On the club’s web page, and Face Book page. To register for the tour please complete the registration form and submit with your deposit to either Scott Hamilton or Paul Asmis (see below). A tour coordinator will confirm registration. Please contact either of the coordinators for details.
Information
Scott Hamilton
WestCarletonPokerRun@gmail.com
Paul Asmis
Registration Form:
Members should attend the WCSTA club meeting on Tuesday September 6th to learn about important changes coming to snowmobiling in Ontario. At this year’s OFSC AGM in September, our club has 2 votes, either in favour of or against these changes. Your understanding of these changes is very important to us and at our next WCSTA meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 we will be discussing how we want our delegates to vote. If you can, please make a special effort to come to our meeting to learn more about MOTS.
Overview:
The future of our club and snowmobiling is at stake.
Our sport, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), OFSC District One, and WCSTAI are all under serious financial pressure to maintain trail operations while trying to life cycle the aging provincial groomer fleet. To address these issues, and others, the OFSC has developed More on the Snow (MOTS) – a 5 year strategic initiative.
To summarize, the objectives of the MOTS plan are:
- Increased Participation. By increasing overall participation (through attraction and retention of riders) by 6% to 100,000 permits.
- Improved Organization Effectiveness. By developing a new organizational structure, reducing the number of organizational layers from three (OFSC, District, Club) to two (OFSC and District) with local clubs becoming chapters of the District.
- Developing a groomer fleet asset management program and a groomer fleet operational management program.
- Become Valued Stewards and Partners. By continuing to pursue long term government support programs.
Key points of the plan to highlight:
- The current groomer fleet is too large to financially sustain.
- 70% of the fleet is over 10 years old with more than 5000 hours.
- Groomer Asset Management would allow the OFSC to take a provincial approach to life cycle management (vs the current approach of clubs managing this).
- Grooming Operational Management would be shifted more so to the District to manage (vs the current approach of clubs managing this).
- Reduce # of back-up groomers.
- Remove artificial grooming boundaries between clubs.
- OFSC bought 16 new groomers to kick start the program at a cost of $4M.
- Estimate average cost of a purpose built groomer is now $300K.
- High workload on a small group of volunteers is concerning.
- Impending new not-for-profit legislation is concerning.
- Local and provincial grants and other funding opportunities are not being utilized.
- Reducing in administration costs thru Framework for change was not realized.
- Standardize the size and operations between districts.
- Current organizational structure causes barriers.
- Need to reduce groomer fleet from 360 to 246 by purchasing 101 new groomers and removing 215. Need $4M to $6M annually to achieve plan.
- Hiring of 6 regional positions to support clubs and Districts
- Reduce the number of Districts from 16 to 12. This change will allow all districts to have on average 2700 Km’s of trail with 15+ clubs participating.
- Districts manage all funds. Clubs only coordinate payment of minor expenses.
- New District structure would see District 1 reorganized to Ottawa Region with 17 clubs (including WCSTAI) with a total of 3062 kms of trails (down from ~4000 kms)
- Standardized District bylaws and operating procedures.
- District 1 is targeted to go from 50 groomers to 29.
Please join us at the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association September club meeting – to be held on Tuesday September 6th, 7:00pm, in the board room at the Kinburn Community Centre (doors to the left of the main entrance).
Important changes are coming to snowmobiling in Ontario to ensure its sustainability. The first phase of this was the Framework for Change, which has been implemented over the last few years. The next phase, “More on the Snow (MOTS)” is being voted on at the OFSC AGM in September. Your understanding of these changes is very important to us and at our next WCSTA meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 we will be discussing how we want our delegates to vote. If you can, please make a special effort to come to our meeting to learn more about MOTS.
The club is currently looking for volunteer coordinators, people to help with events, brushing, signage and other volunteer positions. Have any special skills that you might be willing to share to help make our club, our trails and our events even better? Please contact us.
Signage and pre-season trail work will also be key topics at this meeting. If you are one of the many people who adopted a section of trail last season, or if you would like to find out how you can help get our trails ready for the upcoming season we encourage you to join us. We hope to see you there!
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Snowmobile Swap Meet in West Carleton!
Mark your calendars! We have just confirmed:
October 15, 2016 @ The Kinburn Community Centre
1st Annual Snowmobile Swap Meet
Admission: $2
12 and younger free
We are in the planning stages. Any Input, suggestions, questions are appreciated.
Indoor Tables. Used Sled Parts. Sled Gear. Trailers. Used Sled Corral. Beer and Bar. BBQ Food. Some Quads? Antique Sleds? Dealer Exhibits. District Sled Raffle. Club Consignment Table.
Clean out your closet and garage! Come out and see our brand new Argo Groomer. Have a Beer and Burger! Meet your buds and your hard working executive/volunteers for West Carleton. Get your season started!
Contact: swapmeet@wcstai.com
or:
Douglas VanderVelde
phone: 613-316-6199