The province’s announcement to provide $4.9 million for the second phase of a snowmobile trail development and enhancement in Northern Ontario was met with open arms by Sunset Country Snowmobile president Ron Banks.
“The government is finally realizing the potential dollars that can be generated,” said Banks yesterday morning. “There is $1 billion of an economic impact [each year].”
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) president Bert Grant said that a “Winter Gold Study” indicated recreational snowmobiling generates $932.5 million of economic activity in Ontario.
Locally, thousands of dollars are spent here each year by snowmobilers paying for such things as gas, food, machines, and lodging.
“Our government is taking an active role in supporting northern Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Jerry Ouellette, Parliamentary Assistant to Northern Development and Mines Minister Tim Hudak.
“The increased tourism expected to result from this initiative will provide an economic boost to communities throughout the north,” he added.
The $4.9 million generated by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is the second phase of payment from the government. Last year, $4.98 million was provided. The payments will result in the construction of 700 kms of new trails, the upgrade of existing trails, and the construction of 35 storage and maintenance buildings.
The local snowmobile club, which currently sits at around 450 members, but has seen membership drop the past few years due, in part, to poor snow conditions, has been busy building a new storage building out on Eighth Street.
They have also held meetings during the course of the year in preparation, for what they hope, is a good year for snowmobiling.
The OFSC, a non-profit organization representing 280 snowmobile clubs and 200,000 snowmobilers across the province, is funding the second phase of the project.
“The Harris government recognizes that the snowmobiling industry is an increasingly important part of the north’s sector, creating jobs across the province,” said Hudak. “We are pleased to support the OFSC’s hard work in promoting Ontario as one of the premier snowmobiling destinations in the world.”
Meanwhile, the federal government announced they were putting forth a $445,000 investment to support the development of a regional network of snowmobilie associations.
Human Resources Development Canada is making this investment in partnership with OFSC and local community groups in order to help the tourism industry here in northern Ontario.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
