NLIS 1
December 24, 2004
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Trail use stickers to become mandatory for users of managed snowmobile trails

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley announced today that Bill 45 - An Amendment to the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles Act, has passed in the House of Assembly and that the regulations governing the requirements for mandatory stickers will be gazetted today. Effective immediately, the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and the Labrador Winter Trails Inc. will be empowered to impose mandatory trail user fees to those who use groomed trails.

"Both levels of government have invested over $21 million in the development of 5,500 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails in the province," said Minister Shelley. "Despite this significant investment in trail development, snowmobile organizations have expressed concern about the lack of sustaining revenue needed to maintain trail infrastructure, particularly in light of escalating costs for liability insurance.

"Under this new legislation, snowmobile associations will have the authority to implement mandatory trail use stickers on those who use groomed trails in the province. This will result in the generation of additional revenues to address issues such as rising insurance costs and ongoing trail maintenance."

In an effort to ensure accountability and to address concerns regarding the collection of fees by snowmobile associations, two accountability processes will be put in place. First of all, the snowmobile associations� proposed fee structure must be approved on an annual basis by the Minister of Government Services, in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. In addition, both snowmobile associations will be required to submit annual audited financial statements to government which will verify the amount of fees collected each year and to ensure that fees are used to support the operation and maintenance of groomed snowmobile trails.

The department will, in cooperation with the snowmobile associations, closely evaluate the implementation of mandatory trail use stickers over the coming months along with reviewing the possibility of potential exemptions for cabin access, commercial wood cutting areas and trappers, etc. Following this evaluation, the department will release details next spring following the conclusion of the snowmobiling season.

"This approach is consistent with most other provinces in Canada which have established a mandatory trail user fee system whereby those that use the trails pay for their maintenance," said Minister Shelley. "I am confident that this legislation will help to ensure the future viability of the snowmobiling industry in our province and will result in increased tourism potential during the winter season. Likewise, the sustainable management of these trails will ensure that this infrastructure will continue to be available for recreation snowmobilers for many years to come."

For further information, contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (1-877-635-4395 or www.nlsf.org) or Labrador Winter Trails Inc. (1-877-884-SNOW or www.labradorwintertrails.com).

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928 or (709) 685-1741.

 

BACKGROUNDER

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did government chose to amend legislation to enforce mandatory trail use stickers?

Both levels of government have invested approximately $21 million in the development of snowmobile trails in the province. Prior to mandatory legislation, less than 15 per cent of snowmobile users in the province purchased a voluntary trail use stickers. This new legislation will allow snowmobile associations to collect fees which will be used in the ongoing maintenance of existing trails and to support future infrastructure requirements.

According to the legislation, who is required to purchase a trail use sticker?

Users of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation and Labrador Winter Trails Inc. will be required to display a trail use sticker. One sticker must be purchased for each snowmobile accessing groomed trails. Those not accessing groomed trails in the province will not be required to purchase a trail use sticker.

How much will a trail use sticker cost?

The cost of the sticker will range depending which region of the province you reside. An annual pass for trails on the island will cost $80 (HST included). Three day passes and weekly passes will also be available for purchase at $20 and $40 (plus HST) respectively.

Trail passes in Labrador vary by snowmobile club and range from $80 (plus HST) in the Labrador Straits to $125 (plus HST) in Labrador West. The following passes may also be purchased: Day ($17.25), Weekend ($28.75) and Week ($86.25). These prices include HST.

Communities along the north and south coast of Labrador that currently receive a trail grooming subsidy from government will not have to purchase a trail sticker but they will be required to obtain a sticker free of charge and display it on their snowmobile. These communities use snowmobile trails as their primary mode of transportation in winter. To receive a sticker, these individuals can sign up at the local Labrador Winter Trails office and stickers will be provided to them.

If I want to cross over a groomed snowmobile strictly to get to the other side, am I still required to purchase and display a trail use sticker?

No. The Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Regulations provide for an exemption for individual snowmobilers who wish to undertake a perpendicular crossing of a trail to get to the other side of the trail. Trail stickers will not be required in this instance. However, a trail use sticker is required for any other travel on the trail.

Are there any other exemptions provided at this time?

Yes. Under the amended regulations, members of the Labrador Inuit Association within the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Settlement Area are exempt from having to buy trail use stickers. Likewise, a person operating their snowmobile on a groomed trail that happens to pass over their own property will not be required to purchase or display a sticker for that portion of the trail only. However, a trail use sticker will be required to travel on any other portion of the groomed trail network.

Where can I purchase a trail use sticker?

Trail use stickers can be purchased from the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (1-877-635-4395), Labrador Winter Trails Inc. (1-877-884-SNOW) or your local snowmobile associations.

How will the legislation be enforced?

All snowmobile users must display a trail use sticker while accessing managed (groomed) trails. Those users found without a sticker displayed will be subject to a penalty. Peace officers, which includes the RCMP, RNC and other provincial enforcement employees (conservation officers and wildlife managers) have been given authority for trail use sticker enforcement as a part of their normal day to day duties. Penalties will be up to a $200 fine for a first offence.

Where can I get further information or obtain a trial map?

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (1-877-635-4395) or the Labrador Winter Trails Inc. (1-877-884-SNOW).

2004 12 24                                               10:30 a.m.


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