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Province invests $3.9 million to restore 4,500 kilometres of snowmobile trails

January 9, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By BRIAN LOCKHART

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Alliston Hornets continue to remain in firWhile snowmobilers are among the few groups hoping for a lot of snow this winter, they still need proper trails to safely take part in their activity.

The Province of Ontario is providing the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs with an additional $3.9 million this season, bringing the total to $4.9 million for 2025-26.

This targeted funding will enable the full reopening of 4,500 kilometres of trails while the province works with the OFSC on a long-term trail strategy.

“We heard the concerns from riders and the OFSC, and we took action,” said Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation. “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.”

Snowmobiling continues to be one of the province’s most popular winter activities.

With over 30,000 kilometres of trails, Ontario has a world-class snowmobile network that attracts visitors from around the world. Reopening these trails is essential to supporting local businesses, protecting tourism revenue, and ensuring riders can safely access Ontario’s trail system.

“For residents of Simcoe-Grey, snowmobile trails are more than recreation. They are an important part of our winter economy and a source of local pride,” said Brian Saunderson, Simcoe-Grey MPP. “This funding means trails across our region can open fully, supporting small businesses, seasonal jobs, and the many families who rely on a strong winter tourism season.”

Ontario’s snowmobile network contributes up to $6 billion of economic activity annually.

Since 2020-21, the Ministry of Transportation has provided $4.5 million in funding to the OFSC through an existing Transfer Payment Agreement.

The OFSC manages the province’s snowmobile trail permit system and coordinates trail operations across hundreds of local volunteer clubs that maintain the trail network. 

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