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?
According to the legislation, who is required to purchase a trail use sticker?
How much will a trail use sticker cost?
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?
Are there any other exemptions provided at this time?
Where can I purchase a trail use sticker?
How will the legislation be enforced?
Where can I get further information or obtain a trial map?
2004 12 24 10:30 a.m. |
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