The Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association (MLSTA) wants to have more “robust” conversations with the District of Muskoka and the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Steve Elliot, president of the MLSTA, spoke to the district’s Engineering and Public Works Committee on Jan. 17. He said that of the estimated 85,000 households in Ontario that have a snowmobile, around 7,000 are in Muskoka.
He explained how there are 17 snowmobile districts in the province, which are watched over by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. District 7, which Muskoka is part of, generated over $126 million for the region in 2023.
He said that number makes Muskoka, along with nearby Haliburton and Parry Sound, one of the most popular places to sled in Ontario.
On top of the financial impact, Elliot told committee that 397 jobs were created that can be directly linked to sledding.
He brought forward those statistics to highlight the importance sledding has to the region in hopes it convinces the district to streamline communication between MLSTA, the Township of Muskoka Lakes, and the district.
“We want to make sure the ridership is safe on the roads,” he said.
With some roads being overseen by the township and others by the district, Elliot saidit can make rerouting trails difficult. He pointed out how many of the MLSTA’s trails run on private property. If the owner were to revoke access, it would force them to reroute the trail which, oftentimes, sees them use roads to get around the now-closed trail.
“We’re just asking for support to have some more robust conversations about how we can partner together,” said Elliot.
Elliot noted in his presentation some of the businesses that rely on support from sledders to get by in the winter.
Mayor of Muskoka Lakes Peter Kelley pointed out that one, Bass Lake Roadhouse in MacTier, sometimes has close to 400 snow machines parked nearby.
“We fully support this at the township,” he said, adding his commitment to be part of future meetings between the MLSTA, district, and township.
District Chair Jeff Lehman made a similar commitment, suggesting the district can support MLSTA when it applies for funding.
Heidi Lorenz, who chaired the meeting, said the idea will be sent to district staff who will work on a report on the best steps forward. She said they will likely discuss the issue again at their next meeting on March 20.
