City seeks community input on new Osgoode recreational pathway - March 19, 2010

EMC News - Finding a common ground for a trail that is truly multiuse is going to be a major element for the City of Ottawa as plans move forward for the proposed recreational pathway that links the Ottawa Airport to the Village of Osgoode.

Osgoode Coun. Doug Thompson hosted public consultations in Osgoode on Feb. 25 and in Greely on March 4 to receive feedback from residents and other concerned parties about what they want the pathway to be.

The 21-kilometre Osgoode Link Multiuse Pathway runs from Buckles St. in Osgoode to Alert Road, following a city-owned disused railway line. The project will receive $1.4 million in stimulus funding from the federal government. The funding requirements stipulate that the project must be completed by March 2011.

Developers are only just beginning to put together a detailed design, said Ed Veldkamp, a consultant with MMM Group.

"Coun. Thompson asked us to come to you because it's where you live and where you play," Mr. Veldkamp said during the March 4 meeting.

Coun. Thompson said he also wanted to make it clear that no final decisions had been made on what and for whom the path would.

"If we'd already made a decision, we wouldn't be here for public consultation," he said.

At both of the well-attended meetings, there was some confusion over just what "multiuse" meant.

The city's definition of a multiuse pathway usually refers to a space that pedestrians and non-motorized cyclists share, said Robin Bennett, a city cycling facilities coordinator. However, that definition is for an urban area and does not take into consideration rural recreation.

The main point of contention for attendees was whether motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) would be allowed to continue to use the path once it has been converted.

At the meetings, numerous snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts stated that they would be willing to cooperate with anybody else to make sure the pathway is accessible to everybody, regardless of the type of recreation they are engaged in.

But some residents were skeptical as to whether allowing motorized vehicles was a good idea.

"Snowmobile use is the foot in the door to everybody else," said Greely resident Gil Toll, explaining that she believes the path should be for those who want to engage in physical exercise that does not pollute.

"Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers do not mix."

However, snowmobilers disagreed, saying they have never had a conflict with others on the trails.

"We all have a right to use it," said Mickey Roy, a member of the Osgoode Carleton Snowmobile Trail Club. "We're all taxpayers."

Mr. Roy also pointed out that snowmobile club members are currently taking on the responsibility of grooming the trails, which makes it safer for skiers and walkers.

For Karen Wallace-Graner and her husband, making the trail more accessible with an official path was only going to compound their headaches. The railway line lies about 100 feet from their Osgoode home.

Her suggestion was to end the path at Osgoode Main St. so that it did not continue into the residential area as they already experience the noise and loss of privacy brought about by motorized vehicles using the area.

"It's a bit of a 'not in my backyard' syndrome, but it does have a significant impact on our home and life," Ms. Wallace-Graner said.

Coun. Thompson proposed that before the end of the month, a committee be formed made up of representatives from the various recreational clubs, community associations and concerned residents.

"Whatever uses (the pathway) has, it's going to have to be the public working together," Coun. Thompson said.

ATV users urged to stay off trails - April 29, 2010
 

EMC News-A small group of ATV enthusiasts are disregarding the property rights of local landowners, much to the disgust of the local snowmobile club. Club members are worried that the reckless behaviour of a few could end up ruining things for everyone.

Landowners in the Metcalfe area, as well as Kenmore, Vernon and Osgoode, have seen their grounds destroyed by careless use of ATVs. Much of the territory is used in the winter by members of the Osgoode Carleton Snowmobile Trail Club (OCSTC). The club has obtained permission from the owners, mostly local farmers, for use during the snowmobile season and posts signs clearly delineating the paths to be used. It is concerned that permission may be revoked.

"If the landowners pull their permission back, we lose a large part of our trail," club social director Rick Grisel said.

Some owners have been threatening to ban all vehicles from their property unless something is done. To prevent that, the OCSTC is urging its members to be proactive.

"If you see ATVs on our trails please take down the license plate numbers, if possible, and contact one of the executive," the club wrote in an email to its membership, "or call our Snow Phone at 613-724-SNOW (7669) in order that we may report it to the police as these ATVs are trespassing on private property."

Mr. Grisel said he hopes that a concerted effort will bring an end to the destruction of the trails.

Snowmobile Tragedy in British Columbia

Monday March 15, 2010

To the Families, Friends and our Fellow Snowmobilers,

On behalf of the Osgoode-Carleton Snowmobile Trail Club, its executive committee, volunteers and its members in District 1 of the OFSC, we wish to send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and fellow snowmobilers regarding this past weekend’s tragedy in B.C.

Though we understand the inherited risk of snowmobiling...either on sanctioned trails or in the back country these types of tragedies affects us as a community. We would also like to offer our support and thanks to the rescue crews who endanger themselves during these difficult situations.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering losses from this serious event.

Sincerely,

Mickey Roy

On behalf of the Executive Committee, Volunteers and Members of The OCSTC

Monday March 15, 2010

Osgoode Snowmobilers should be proud of this feedback

In light of the Citizen article about the conflict between snowmobilers and skiers, I wanted to share with your readers, my own experience when I used such a trail a few weekends past.

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, when a friend and I set out to enjoy a portion of the recreational trail that is used largely by snowmobilers in the Greely and Osgoode areas.

We aren't snowmobilers, nor skiers, nor snowshoers -- we are horseback riders. Though our horses are experienced trail horses, we take great care to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others' and ourselves when we are out on the trails or on the road.

That day, we had a wonderful ride. We kept an ear out for the snowmobilers. When they came in sight, we would move the horses in a single file on the side of the trail to let them go by. Our animals were treated with the utmost respect, with the snowmobilers slowing right down, moving over and waving to us.

As people can imagine, the loud roar and fast-moving nature of the snowmobile does make the horses nervous.

We found the snowmobilers to be intuitively understanding of that and give us enough space and slow down.

We never had anyone yell at us or get angry at us for riding our horses there. At the end of the day, we are all there for the same thing -- enjoy our beautiful country-side and have some fun.

Thank you to those snowmobilers for sharing the path and making that Saturday morning ride a wonderful one!

Melanie Clark,

Ottawa

OPP and OFSC say "Don't let snowmobile hauling spoil your day of fun on the trails

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) says it’s important to ensure your snowmobile trailer is in top notch shape and that you operate it safely so that your fun day on the trails doesn’t unexpectedly get cut short.

See pdf file attached at the bottom of this page for more…

Purchasing a Sled?

If you are looking to purchase a used sled here is a must read from Mickey Roy.

 http://users.metro2000.net/~rmmc/usedguide.html

Snowmobiler fights off 'crazy' coyote in Osgoode

OTTAWA — As he fought and killed a coyote who “attacked” his snowmobile, James McGee had one thought on his mind: “To save my life.” 

The 60-year-old retired contractor lives in Osgoode Township, where the animals are considered such a threat that the Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club is sponsoring a “Great Coyote Cull Contest.” 

The controversial contest encourages participants to bring in proof of coyote kills. For a $2 entry fee, a participant's name will be put into a draw for a Mossberg 535 AP shotgun, worth about $550. 

McGee was on a trail Sunday near the Winchester bog on his snowmobile when the coyote ran toward him. 

“This animal made for the machine,” he recalls. “It attacked the snowmobile. You know, like a dog chases a car, same idea, only a lot more vicious. It was in attack mode, not with its tail between its legs. You should see the teeth on this thing. 

“He tried to bite the ski. I swung towards it, nailed his front leg and broke his front legs and that’s why he couldn’t get away from me. I jumped off the machine and kicked him and destroyed him.” 

It was about 2.30 p.m. and McGee was en route to his grandson’s hockey game in Winchester. He says the coyote weighs about 40 or 50 pounds. 

“I didn’t know what was going to happen with this crazy animal. I was in full helmet, leather mitts and pants but the fear is still there. It’s almost like standing in front of someone pointing a gun at you and you don’t know if it’s got bullets in it. They’re a very scary animal. 

“In the last three or four years I’ve had many encounters where I almost hit one or did hit one but never thought it was actually attacking. This is the first time. They used to run away from the machines.” 

His daughter and 10-year-old grand-daughter were travelling behind him on a second snowmobile. 

“When they came around corner, they (saw) me kicking and striking this coyote. Now they’re scared to go snowmobiling alone.” 

After a struggle of about five minutes, he tied his scarf around the animal’s neck and towed it home. 

“These animals are very vicious and we need to control them.” 

“I have the most unique kill ... so far,” he says. “I have no gun, no knife.” 

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Freeloaders are Stealing Your Trails!

Permit revenues fund OFSC snowmobile trails. Every trail rider who does not buy a permit threatens your trail system. If enough freeloaders choose to ride without paying, here are five immediate consequences from lack of funding:

Clubs could not groom trails as often.

• Your riding season could be shortened as groomers ran out of fuel.

• You could have fewer loops and connecting trails to ride.

• Your trail access to services could be reduced or terminated.

• Many remote and wilderness trails could be closed.

Thanks to permit buyers for your continuing support in 2010, but freeloaders are cheating you and stealing your smooth trails. Please say “NO!” to riding with anyone who does not have a 2010 permit!

Snowmobiles turning Greely park into speedway

When covered in snow, the vast expanse of Andy Shields Park in Greely can be serene and picturesque, punctuated with people enjoying a skate on the rink or a romp through the snow.

Unfortunately, it is also a popular venue for snowmobile racing, which is not only dangerous to other park patrons, but illegal as well.

Greely residents who have been frustrated with the use of motorized bikes in the summer also have to find ways to put a stop to the trend during the winter.

To make matters worse, poles and fences that were previously erected by the city at entry points in an effort to block the sleds are slowly being pulled out and destroyed.

Not only does the city have to spend more money to replace them, but also since the broken pieces are tossed into the nearby creek they are a potential hazard to the local watershed.

Members of the Greely Community Association (GCA) and residents whose homes border the park met with city representatives Dec. 21 to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

Although the barriers that remain intact have cut down on the amount of joy riders, the park is still being used as a significant shortcut from residences to snowmobile trails, said Steve O'Halloran, who has been documenting the park violations.

Creating an entry or a jump off for snowmobilers to access the trails beyond Old Prescott Rd. should not be an option, Mr. O'Halloran said.

"I don't see this being a compromise issue," he stated. "They have the tools necessary to take their snowmobiles to the trails."

The City of Ottawa parks and facilities bylaw states "No person shall drive, park or stop a motorized snow vehicle in a park except in areas and during the hours designated by the Director for that purpose." There are also signs at park entrances indicating that use of motorized vehicles is not allowed.

"The hard part is catching them," said Kevin Wherry, senior planner for parks and recreation development at the city. "For a fine to stick, it has to be witnessed."

He said that the city could order more signs for the park, but that not seeing a sign is not a valid reason for continuing an illegal activity. "Ignorance of the law is not an excuse."

GCA parks and recreation chair Barry Duchesne said he has spoken to the local snowmobile club about possible solutions to the problem.

However, the culprits may not even be members, but a small number of riders who do not have trail permits and are disregarding park rules.

"The snowmobile club is great to work with," noted Osgoode Coun. Doug Thompson.

"They police their members really well."

Although more permanent posts that can't be easily removed will not be able go into the ground until the spring, Mr. Wherry, said he could request more temporary blockades in the meantime.
 

Groomer Operation Guide

Here is the link to the guide that was recommended by our member Mickey Roy.  It is a must read for any groomer operators. It would also be of interest to all snowmobilers, so they understand the importance of how a groomer operator makes great trails. 

Here is a great snowmobile documentary

Here is a great video clip submitted by one of the regular contributors to the Osgoode Carleton Discussion Forum. "A great CBC clip from 1970. It is 20 min. long so grab a pint and enjoy. Snowmobile Clubs have the same issues now that they had 40 years ago." http://archives.cbc.ca/lifestyle/pastimes/to...

Safety Equipment for Snowmobiling

If you can only remember one thing, then a helmet is the thing to remember! A properly fitted helmet is essential.  The helmet protects your skull, your brain, your face and your eyes.  Remember that helmets have a limited life and should be replaced every five years or whenever you take a hard hit.  Helmets come in various styles. A full face model offers the most protection.  Make sure your helmet is equipped with a proper fog-free or heated visor, or a set of quality goggles if you prefer an open face model.  Be sure it is at least DOT approved. If possible, choose a helmet with the SNELL safety rating, as this indicates it is designed to a higher standard which will provide maximum safety. Ask your dealer about the safety standards on the model of helmet you are considering to make sure they meet your requirements.

Landowners and Snowmobile Clubs

Ontario's landowners and snowmobile clubs have been partners and allies for more than 40 years. Landowners volunteer the winter use of small portions of their land for the placement of snowmobile trails, while club volunteers build and maintain them for snowmobile use only. The land upon which these trails are built remains totally under the ownership, control and authority of the landowner.

As a property owner, having a snowmobile trail on your land means that snowmobilers have a defined corridor to ride. Many landowners have found that allowing one dedicated, clearly marked route across their land ensures the legal and orderly passage of snowmobiles.

The unique, long term relationship between landowners and clubs strongly reflects the rural values and recreational heritage of small town Ontario. It's based on the long-standing tradition of people helping people, and people contributing to the overall well being of their home communities.

Club Documents

File	Description	File size
OPP OFSC Trailer Safety Release.pdf		179 Kb