Coronavirus closes local snowmobile trails, and those provincewide by Saturday

The pandemic Coronavirus has caused another disruption, this time to the snowmobile tourism industry.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) says it is taking proactive measures to support efforts to reduce the spread of the pandemic.

"These are unprecedented times and like many other responsible businesses we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of you, your families, our communities and businesses across the province," says a news release.

Yesterday, the OFSC Board of Governors made a decision to cease trail operations and grooming effective immediately on any trails which are still available to the public.  

"All North Bay/Bonfield trails closed this morning," Jessica Reynolds, OFSC District 11 Coordinator told BayToday. "Mattawa is the only club still hanging on with limited availability trails in the district. They will be forced to officially close for the season by Saturday at midnight."

Effective midnight, Saturday, March 21 all OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails in Ontario will be closed and anyone accessing such trails from that date forward will be trespassing. This advance notification will provide all remaining touring snowmobilers ample time to get home.

"We’d like to thank all our loyal permit buyers, landowners, club volunteers and partners for their support this season and encourage everyone to do their part and stay healthy and safe as we all work together in overcoming this pandemic. We want to stress that this decision is not based on an economic basis. Although grooming operations are reduced at this time of the season, we still spend substantial monies on our open trails. We want to ensure permit buyers that any savings from funds not spent this permit year will be invested in the next season."