The North Bay Snowmobile Club is excited that the snowmobile trails they have been grooming for about a month are now open for the public.
That news came down last Friday after the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit shut down OFSC trails due to COVID-19 back on January 18.
However, Shawn Flindall, director of marketing and communications with the North Bay Snowmobile Club, realizes this weekend will be busy on the local trails.
"We want to get through this opening weekend without any incidents, issues or protocol concerns," said Flindall.
Flindall admits there was a lot of work put into getting the trails re-opened through numerous meetings with the Health Unit, the Province and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
He realizes this opening can become re-evaluated by the Health Unit.
Dr. Jim Chirico, Chief Medical Officer of Health with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, stated that bluntly in his address to the media on February 19.
"If I have evidence of people not following proper health measures I will re-evaluate the situation and potentially close these trails again," said Chirico in his online pre-taped media conference.
See related: Health Unit closes OFSC snowmobile trails
See related: OPINION: Snowmobile enthusiasts want discussion about reopening
See related: Shutdown continues but outdoor rinks and snowmobile trails to re-open
Flindall says the new rules including the trails can only be used by local sledders.
"Out of towners are not allowed to use our trails," said Flindall.
"We have to remain in our own Health Unit region when we ride but those are fine, that is what we have been asking for. We don't want people coming from other areas of southern Ontario to ride our trails so we are completely fine with the new requirements and we are happy, happy, happy.
"We are very appreciative of local ridership obeying the rules during the past month and staying off the trails especially with so much everyone has invested in snowmobiles, gear, trucks and trailers along with permits and insurance. We really need them to continue on with that."
Flindall notes that with the closure, a lot of newer snowmobilers will be venturing on the trails and experienced sledders need to be aware of that - especially this weekend.
"If we blow it, it will be our own fault so we don't want to see people gathering in large groups on the trails and not obeying social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. We need to still be smart about all this and follow public health guidelines," said Flindall.
"I truly hope we will."
