The local Ontario Provincial Police detachments are reminding area snowmobilers to be mindful of their responsibilities while enjoying winter excursions by respecting
private property.
A number of complaints have been received at the detachment level regarding snowmobilers who venture off of OFSC trails and onto private property.
This behavior is unwelcome and is in contravention of the Trespass to Property Act. Those found contravening this stature or identified as someone who wilfully chose to
enter onto private property will likely be charged and face substancial fines or, in some cases, a court appearance.
The OFSC trail system is a partnership between your local snowmobile club and local property owners who grant access to their lands on the premise that only the trail itself will be used by snowmobilers.
Property owners are well within their rights to withdraw their permission if irresponsible snowmobilers persist in venturing onto areas not designated for snowmobile use.
The majority of snowmobilers in the area are responsible operators who respect private property.
Those snowmobilers who choose to disregard the rights of individual property owners risk being charged and, in certain cases, civil exposure.
