BARRIE, ON — It will cost a little more to ride on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail system this winter.
The OFSC has announced a fee increase of five dollars for 2023 seasonal and classic trail permits.
The increase does not apply to multi-day or special event permits.
Seasonal permits purchased before Nov. 2, 2022 will cost $200.
Permits bought between Nov. 2 and Dec.1 will cost $230, and those purchased on Dec. 2 or later will cost $280.
The OFSC says the fee increase is well below Canada's current inflation rate of 7.0 per cent.
In a news release, it said "This modest permit fee increase ensures that trail riding will remain as affordable as possible for Ontario snowmobilers this season. At the same time, it also enables the federation to keep pace with rising operational costs and allows us to make considerable investments in the groomers, trails and infrastructure required to deliver Ontario's premier winter tourism activity."
OFSC CEO Ryan Eickmeier added that he's confident that this is a fair and balanced approach, with the additional revenue being invested "directly on the snow."
2023 fees are as follows:
Seasonal Permit
- purchased before Nov. 2, 2022 - $200
- purchased between Nov. 2 and Dec. 1 - $230
- purchased after Dec. 1 - $280
Classic Permit
- purchased before Nov. 2, 202 - $160
- purchased between Nov. 2 and Dec. 1 - $160
- purchased after Dec. 1 - $190
Special Event Permits
- $45
Sales of permits and permit gift cards have commenced online.
The fee increase was endorsed by the OFSC membership and based on an approved business case submitted to the Ministry of Transportation.
Ontario law requires a snowmobile entering an OFSC trail for recreational purposes to display a valid Ontario Snowmobile Trail permit.
