I found the ‘big picture’ story with Dr. Chirico to be very disappointing.
See: Dr. Chirico says it's all about the big picture
While it did try to pull at our heartstrings it did not actually show us any more of the big picture.
Dr. Chirico has made a controversial decision to close the snowmobile trails, with controversial being the word he has chosen to describe his decision. Controversial seems to be a fitting descriptor as no other medical director has found any reason to close their trails. Dr. Chirico has access to all kinds of information and if it was shared would help us to see the big picture and possibly understand his decision.
Of the complaints that lead to the closure, there has been no information shared as to what, if any follow up was done with the complaints, if any warnings or fines were handed out, or if any COVID infections occurred here or anywhere else as a result of the actions of snowmobilers.
If the concern is to keep people from travelling here, there are many different ideas and alternative solutions that could possibly deal with that concern and still allow for the trails to be open in a safe manner.
Another thing to consider is that there are many snowmobile trails that are open south of this area, so people really do not need to travel here to go for a ride. If you check out the online OFSC trail guide you will see there is a very large area with many yellow and green (open) trails south of the red (closed) trails in this area.
I would think someone like Dr. Chirico would have had to demonstrate some great communication skills and an ability to work with others to be the medical director here.
It would seem that other medical directors have found some time to have some discussion and were able to find ways to open up other activities that have been previously closed.
What harm is there in opening the lines of communication with the stakeholders of snowmobiling and trying to have some constructive discussion?
Sincerely
Dale Vining
Callander
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