As the snow starts to build up in Parry Sound, the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) shares tips with the public about snowmobile safety, licenses, COVID-19, and the new season.
In a Wednesday call with The Moose 103.3 FM’s reporter Mo Fahim, OPP Constable Joe Scali with the West Parry Sound Detachment answered some questions that may be on your mind.
“There are over 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trail network in Ontario and over 11,000 of those kilometres are in the Parry Sound Snowmobile District. The Ontario Provincial Police are committed to patrolling these areas in Parry Sound and the rules that are enforced fall into the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act”
Question; How is COVID-19 affecting snowmobiling this year?
“The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs with the OPP are asking snowmobilers to ride where their permit is purchased, so ride where you are located. Now unfortunately in Southern Ontario, there’s not that much snow to be able to ride so of course a lot of the snowmobilers come up north. We’re just asking you now to realize that transporting snowmobiles North, as well as yourself, comes with COVID consequences, so we’re asking you to stay home at this time. Unfortunately, that leaves out a huge economic impact to our community; we love to have snowmobilers in our area, but this is a unique year, and we want to make sure that all safety measures for COVID-19 are taking place.”
Question; How will the province’s restrictions taking effect look like in the Parry Sound area for snowmobilers?
“Well, there is a requirement where your bubble or your family together are the only people that you can be in contact with. So if you’re coming up to your cottage in the Parry Sound area we would just ask you again to keep your own bubble keep, your own family, don’t invite outsiders in, and like (only do) usual meetups with other riders at locations (you know), don’t stop on trails and congregate and/or openly converse with other snowmobilers right now, and making sure that you are just watching out for others as well.”
Question; What is new with the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment this year?
“The West Parry Sound OPP Detachment has a new Snowmobile Patrol Officer, Provincial Constable Kyle Arnold will be our local officer patrolling the snowmobile trails on a full-time basis.”
Question; What does the community need to know when it comes to snowmobiling in Parry Sound this year?
“At present, the OFC has not opened up the trails in the Parry Sound District so right now riding is confined to private property only. With the inclement weather here that we have according to snowmobilers ice is not formed properly, there’s not enough snow on the trails, and damages to your sled can occur when not riding up with enough snow. So make sure where you’re riding, even if it is on private property, that it is safe to do so.
- Make sure that riders that are taking part are dressed properly,
- The appropriate clothing including gloves, boots, and a helmet with a visor, it’s very important to have a visor on,
- Make sure that you again know your limits of your snowmobile and your own abilities,
- Make sure you’re following the rules of the province when riding a snowmobile,
- Make sure that when you’re crossing the roads you are crossing at a right angle to traffic,
- Make sure you stop your sled at a complete stop and look both ways before proceeding,
- Keep your machine in top shape and follow a pre-operational check before each ride is very important,
- Let your family and friends know your planned route, your destination, and the expected time of arrival.
And of course, you have to treat the outdoors with respect, don’t litter or damage trees or other vegetation, stay on the trails, respect other people’s property and rights, lend a hand when you see someone in need, make sure you do not snowmobile where it’s prohibited to do so, and always NEVER drink or consume drugs before snowmobile rides.”
Question; And what does the community need to know in terms of licenses, and where to ride?
“For anyone Under 12, you are only allowed to ride on private property. If you’re 12 to 15 and you have a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license from outside Ontario you’re allowed to ride on private property and the snowmobile trails. If you’re 16 and over and you have a G1 driver’s license or higher, you’re allowed to ride on private property that is your own private property I’d like to say, snowmobile trails and Crossroads and roadways were permitted. And if your driver’s license has been expired because of COVID-19 consequences where you cannot renew right now; we are allowing that to be grandfathered with a proper driver’s license
Just remember NO ICE IS SAFE, and that there are underlying water currents and air pockets that can create thin ice even in the coldest temperatures and that snowmobilers can’t see this until it’s too late.”
