Over half a million snowmobilers in Canada

BETTING À DAY

According to the latest figures compiled by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), more than 600,000 snowmobilers practice the activity in Canada.

The members of the organization met in Quebec recently to discuss the snowmobile file, everything that is happening in the area, and also to define the needs in order to ensure the future of the practice of this hobby throughout the country. Except for British Columbia, all the provinces were represented by delegates. For 48 hours, Quebec became the Canadian capital of the snowmobile world in Canada.

“We came to learn about the situation of each of the provincial federations and also to exchange ideas in order to solve many problems that we have in common,” explained the president of the CCOM, Brad Mann. We can take as an example the price of fuel, which has increased exponentially. For example, at my club in New Brunswick last year we spent $19,723 on trail maintenance. This season, we are reaching $32,000, and winter is not over. We do not have the necessary funds to ensure such an increase. This is just one example of our reality. We will ask Canadian government authorities to help us fund the activities. The entire file of the snowmobile rests on the shoulders of volunteers. The world of tourism reaps very large profits thanks to snowmobiling. 

INCOME

The same phenomenon exists everywhere in Canada, according to CCSO Executive Director, Dennis Burns.

“Across Canada, we are struggling to recruit volunteers, expenses keep increasing like the cost of groomers or the maintenance of the machinery and more. We have to find a solution. ”

For the Director General, there is no doubt that governments across Canada must be aware of the benefits of snowmobiling.

“We bring in over $1.4 billion in taxes to governments at all levels. The economic impact of snowmobiling is $9.3 billion in total. Snowmobiling also provides more than 41,000 jobs in the industry alone. To this must be added all the other indirect jobs that are ensured thanks to snowmobiling, to have the real portrait of the economic impact of the practice of snowmobiling. We are currently discussing with the Canadian government to find a form of partnership to ensure the sustainability of the practice of this unique hobby. »

When he goes on a ride, the snowmobiler does not bring his meals, gas and all other related services. He consumes them throughout his journey. Several communities live from the practice of snowmobiling in winter, both in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.

MESSAGE TO PASS ON

President Brad Mann has also wanted to convey this message to the volunteers.

“It is certain that Quebec and Ontario are dominant provinces in the field in Canada. In Quebec, there has been significant development around snowmobile tourism. He is an example for everyone. But, beyond all that we can hope for, think about, try to predict, ensure development and more, we must always remember that the basis of this whole machine are the volunteers. Without them, it would be impossible to sustain the practice of snowmobiling in Canada. I sincerely thank them for their involvement year after year. We must support them by creating a strong, financially sound structure that will meet their needs. ”

For his part, Dennis Burns declared: “The reality of clubs is not rosy in Canada, whether it is financially or for the renewal of volunteers. It is in this spirit that we want to create a partnership with the Canadian government because the reality is the same everywhere in the country. Snowmobiling is a very important economic engine in Canada. 

IN BRIEF

CHECK BEFORE YOU GO

With the ups and downs of Mother Nature, you must check what is happening on the trails in the area where you want to ride a snowmobile. On the interactive map, you can see paths in yellow and red appear in certain sectors. The mild weather means that several trails that cross waterways are now thawed, especially in southern Quebec. It therefore becomes very important to consult the map. In some regions, the season will stretch even further until the beginning of April.

THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD

If we add the number of kilometers of snowmobile trails in the country, we arrive at more than 122,000 km, which makes it the longest route in the world. This element is part of the strategic plan of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations. The whole structure of the snowmobile world in Canada makes us truly the number one destination in the world.