NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Snowmobile patrol officers from the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were out on patrol along area Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails and open spaces during the March 3-6, 2021 period checking riders for impairment, equipment, speed and trail passes/licencing.
Officers logged 808 kms on their snowmobiles during their 72 hours of patrol time checking 42 riders and their machines at fourteen separate trail side locations including the Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park and numerous locations along the OFSC "C", "303", "305" trails.
Officers had a chance to speak with numerous operators along their patrol routes included the OFSC trails within the Townships of Tay including the Victoria Harbour boat launch and Hogg's Bay/Port McNicoll slip areas, Tiny including Awenda Provincial Park, the Towns of Penetanguishene, Midland and ice trails along the Georgian Bay Township shoreline including Six Mile Lake Dam, Beausoleil Island along with Treasure Bay, Present Island and channels around the Honey Harbour area.
As the weather conditions become more spring like, so do the ice and trail conditions and riders need to operate their snowmobiles within their abilities, adapt to changing trail conditions and adhere to all of the "rules of the road" so as to ensure a higher level of trail safety for all users.
The Canadian Coast Guard ship Griffon will be starting ice breaking operations into Midland Harbour on the morning of March 9, 2021 and ice surface users should stay well away from the ships area of operation.
Also, be aware that the ice conditions on Georgian Bay are becoming very unstable in places and in some locations the ice has simply melted away or has been blown out into the open waters of the Bay. (see attached photograph of the south tip of Beausoleil Island (March 7, 2021)courtesy of Canadian Coast Guard)
Snowmobile operators are advised to check on trail conditions prior to heading out on the following websites: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Mid Ontario Snowmobile Clubs.
If you have to travel out onto an ice surface always remember that "No Ice Is Safe Ice" and with spring fast approaching ice conditions can change quickly! You need to be aware of current, past weather (storms) conditions and of any recent/current commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents/riders who have "local knowledge of ice conditions". The following websites are a must see for those who travel on ice surfaces: Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641 or https://www.ofah.org/
Simple rule is - If you don't know - Don't go! Is it really worth the risk to yourself and emergency services?
All riders are reminded that unlawfully removing trail signs can create some very dangerous situations, if you have knowledge of anyone removing OFSC trail signs please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can submit your information online at www.p3tips.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous.
Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices - #Never Drive Impaired - https://youtu.be/gSX_LGoNiHw and enfrancais https://youtu.be/0x8yi_98u8s
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