Ontario invests millions to ensure snowmobile season gets back on track

Snowmobilers hit the trails in Ontario. (CTV News/File image)

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get the sled out of the garage, the province said it’s doing its part to make sure Ontario’s snowmobile season gets back on track.

The Ontario government said it’s investing an extra $3.9 million this season to help the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reopen 4,500 kilometres of trails. The funding was announced Thursday and, according to the province, brings total support to $4.9 million for 2025–26.

“We heard the concerns from riders and the OFSC, and we took action,” said Ric Bresee, parliamentary assistant to the transportation minister. “This investment will keep Ontario’s snowmobile trail system safe, reliable, and ready for the season, giving riders and communities the certainty they need to plan with confidence.”

“This investment reflects the importance of our system to communities, the economic impact of our trails, and the tremendous effort that has gone into ensuring snowmobiling remains a cornerstone of winter in this province,” the OFSC stated in a social media post about the funding.

The province said snowmobiling remains one of Ontario’s most popular winter pastimes, with more than 30,000 kilometres of trails drawing riders from across Canada and beyond.

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said in the release that snowmobiling is a major economic driver in his region. “It supports countless local jobs, from fuel stops and restaurants to resorts, lodges, and small businesses across our communities,” he said.

Smith added the extra funding will support volunteers and local clubs who maintain the network.

“Over the next few weeks, clubs will be hard at work doing trail prep, signage, pre-season maintenance on grooming equipment, and securing land use permissions,” OFSC added.

The province said Ontario’s snowmobile industry contributes up to $6 billion to the economy each year.

According to the province, the Ministry of Transportation has provided $4.5 million to the OFSC since 2020–21 through an existing Transfer Payment Agreement.

The OFSC oversees trail permits and works with volunteer clubs that maintain the network.