Ontario Invests $3.9 Million to Restore 4,500 Kilometres of Snowmobile Trails
December 18, 2025
This investment restores 762 km of snowmobile trails across the district
December 18th, 2025
THUNDER BAY – To protect Ontario’s snowmobile network and the communities that rely on it, our government is providing the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) with an additional $3.9 million this season, bringing total support to $4.9 million in 2025–26. 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.
“This investment gives clubs across our district the support they need to bring neglected trails back into shape,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay Atikokan. “This is great news for our region. Restoring over 762 kilometres of local trails will strengthen tourism, help small businesses, and support the dedicated volunteers who keep our snowmobile system running.”
Ontario’s snowmobile network contributes up to $6 billion of economic activity annually. This funding is one more way our government is protecting Ontario by strengthening tourism, creating jobs and supporting local economies across the province.
“Our volunteers are our greatest asset. Every one of them takes great personal pride in the snowmobile trails they build and maintain. When the OFSC announced a cost saving strategy that would reduce almost 5,000 kilometres of trails across the province, many of our volunteers felt let down, confused, and frustrated. With this Ontario government grant of $3.9 million in new funding, they feel relieved and optimistic about the future of the trails they have worked so hard on,” said Adrian Tessier, Governor of District 17 and President of the Thunder Bay Adventure Trails Snowmobile Club. “On behalf of all our volunteers across Ontario, and especially here in District 17, thank you. We would not be able to provide this maintenance without your support. We will continue to deliver the pristine trails our permit holders expect and enjoy.”
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2020–21, the Ministry of Transportation has provided $4.5 million in funding to the OFSC through an existing Transfer Payment Agreement.
- 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.