GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY – Snowmobiling will not be permitted on GRCA owned properties for the 2020-2021 season as they couldn’t reach a licence agreement with snowmobile clubs.
For a number of years local snowmobile clubs, including ones from Wellington County, have been allowed to use specific GRCA properties through a licence agreement that included a small fee.
This came to a halt last season as talks with local snowmobile clubs during agreement renewals fell through.
According to a GRCA press release they could not accept requested revisions to their licence and clubs did not renew the existing agreement.
Snowmobile trails were rerouted off GRCA property for the 2019-2020 season.
The GRCA continued to have conversations with the clubs to find a solution to permit use in the upcoming season but have still been unable to accept any of the requested revisions.
“In order to accept the revisions, the GRCA would need to develop an enhanced risk management program to mitigate the GRCA’s obligations, liability and risk,” the press release says. “This would require additional inspections, signage, equipment and staffing needs, resulting in increased costs to the GRCA.”
Another issue the press release highlights is these properties do not generate revenue nor are they staffed. Increased costs would need to be offset through an increased licence fee.
“The snowmobile clubs’ licence fees were minimal and reflective of the GRCA’s risk and obligations under the original agreements,” the press release says. “With increased risk, there is also potential for additional increased costs for insurance premiums in the event of a claim or if a claim exceeds coverage.”
The GRCA would consider permitting a reduced trail network if the clubs would modify their requested revisions, obtain additional insurance and after a review of licence fees.
