Hydro Corridor Cash Grab Threatens Community Access to Snowmobile Trails : NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha says an Ontario Hydro plan to force snowmobile clubs to pay for access to hydro corridors is a cash grab that threatens the existence of community not-for-profit clubs across the province.

“Ontario Hydro has announced that it will cut off snowmobilers from using trails in hydro corridors unless they pay half of the property taxes on that land,” explained Mantha during question period this morning. “Needless to say, snowmobile clubs do not have the funds to cover property taxes for hydro corridors, and there is now talk that the province wants the cash-strapped municipalities to cover the cost in an effort to download.” Mantha says this latest move is one of a series of actions by the Liberal government that threaten access to trails and parks across Ontario. “This government has shut down trails and parks across Ontario, shut down tourist information stations and restricted access to crown land, and now wants to restrict winter recreational activities for Ontarians,” said Mantha. “This just isn’t right.” Mantha called on Premier Wynne to prevent the new fees from being implemented. “When will this government stop passing the buck and come up with a real solution so that snowmobilers can use trails uninterrupted this winter season?” asked Mantha. “Will the Premier intervene and allow trails to stay open for snowmobilers in Ontario?”