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Snowmobiling is not permitted on GRCA lands.
Background Information
Although it is commonly thought that land owned by the GRCA is public land, the GRCA is actually a private landowner and subject to the same obligations as a private landowner. Most of the property owned by the GRCA is taken up by conservation areas, rail trails, as well as other natural areas. The GRCA recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation to human health and well-being. We know that residents in the Grand River watershed enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to stay healthy and well connected to nature. In order to facilitate outdoor recreation, the GRCA operates a number of conservation areas. The GRCA also enters into agreements with partners: for example, service clubs, in order to allow for recreational use of its land.
Snowmobiling on GRCA lands
For many years, snowmobiling has been a recreational activity that people have been able to enjoy on specific GRCA lands, through longstanding licence agreements that have been in place with the following Snowmobile Clubs: District 9 (Conestogo, Arthur Snowblazers and the Fergus, Elora, Belwood snowmobile clubs); District 5 (Elmira Snowmobile Club); and District 4 (Orangeville & District Snowmobile Association and the Hillsburgh Snow Roamers).
These licence agreements have outlined the provisions for use of GRCA land and established a small fee. Through the agreements, these Snowmobile Clubs have provided an outdoor recreation experience on GRCA lands, together with their dedicated volunteers.
In September 2019, the GRCA received a request from the District 9 Snowmobile Clubs to amend some of the clauses in these agreements, which were due for renewal. The Clubs’ requested changes to the agreements would substantially increase the GRCA’s obligations, liability and risk as a private landowner. Accordingly, the GRCA advised the District 9 Snowmobile Clubs at that time that it was unable to accept the amendments. Renewed agreements were sent to all of the local snowmobile clubs, without revisions.
In November 2019, GRCA staff were contacted by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) to consider the amendments to all of the agreements, which included changes to the insurance and indemnification clauses. Subsequently, the GRCA advised the Clubs of its process to consider increased corporate risk. The process would involve a report to senior management and/or the GRCA board, which may or may not result in approval. In addition, the Clubs were advised that in order to consider the changes to the agreements, the GRCA would need to develop a program to manage the increased risk and obligations. Currently, the GRCA does not have the framework, resources or capacity to implement such a program for snowmobile use. The Clubs were also advised that typically, this increased risk would be compensated through a licence fee. The current fees are minimal and are reflective of the GRCA’s current risk/obligations, and therefore would need to be reviewed. Unfortunately, this process could not be completed in time for the beginning of the snowmobiling season (winter 2019/2020).
The GRCA has offered and continues to offer to renew the current agreements for one year, to allow for further discussion with the Snowmobile Clubs with the hope that we can reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This would also allow the time for the Clubs to reroute their trails for the 2020/2021 snowmobiling season, if necessary.
Given there are currently no agreements in place, snowmobiling is not permitted on GRCA lands at this time. This page was updated on December 18, 2019.
