KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) will receive an additional $3.9 million this season, the Ontario government has announced. That brings total government support to $4.9 million in 2025–26.
Officials say this targeted funding will enable the full reopening of 4,500 kilometres of trails while we work 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 to travel, 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 according to the government.
“Our Provincial Government is providing the needed funds to address the concerns held by snow mobile associations both locally, and across Ontario,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This investment will ensure that Ontario’s snowmobile trails are safe and open for recreational use to support our local tourism and economy.”
Officials say Ontario’s snowmobile network contributes up to $6 billion of economic activity annually. The OFSC manages the province’s snowmobile trail permit system and coordinates trail operations across hundreds of local volunteer clubs that maintain Ontario’s network
“Looking beyond this season, this investment represents the first step in plans that will ensure the long-term sustainability of a trail network of this size in Ontario.” said OFSC. “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. The OFSC Interactive Trail Guide will update in real-time as land-use permissions are secured for entire trail segments!”
