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Snowmobile registration fees are rising to better support clubs facing higher operating expenses.
The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) collects the money from each registered snowmobile, then distributes 80 per cent of it to each club once a year. Previously, riders paid $110 per snowmobile; now they will pay $150.
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The executive director for SSA said costs have continued to rise since the last increase eight years ago.
“Even in 2017, it wasn’t enough to completely sustain the system and cover the costs associated,” said Leah Switzer.
“Costs have greatly increased for fuel and equipment and everything that goes into operating those trails and the clubs were just having to fund-raise more and more.”
Snowmobile clubs across the province use the funding to offset the cost of operating trail systems.
However, Kelly Schmidt, president of the Northern Lights Snowmobile Association in Meadow Lake said clubs aren’t only spending money on trial maintenance but the equipment as well.
“Every time we start the groomer and go out, it’s probably $500 for fuel. A windshield wiper motor was $1,000. There’s something wrong with our groomer right now. We have to adjust the steering and we’re probably looking at a $20,000 bill,” he said.
Fundraising will continue to be the primary income for clubs, but now they have the opportunity to use some of the money raised for updated equipment and extra supplies.
Some clubs in the province are especially grateful for the funding increase.
During the wildfires earlier this year, the Esker Bear Trails club in Smeaton lost three warm-up shelters and a large portion of trails.
A spokesperson for the club explained how volunteers will now be able to keep the trails cleared better with more funding, especially since there will be more work with fallen trees than ever before.
Twin Lakes Trailblazers in Nipawin also lost a warmup shelter this year due to wildfires. The president of the club said luckily the shelter was insured through the SSA.
“The replacement cost was definitely a little bit more than our insured value. We do have some savings that we were able to tap into to offset this, and sponsors have also been a big help,” said Adam FitzPatrick.
Due to the insurance coverage, the club will be able to use the extra funds to take pressure off of smaller fundraising initiatives.
Registration fees increased on Dec. 10, and some clubs worry it could deter riders who may not be on the trails frequently. However, the SAA has seen a positive reaction so far and continues to encourage people to register their snowmobiles.
The SSA website says anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 in Saskatchewan is required by law to complete a Snowmobile Safety Course. Without it, riders may be fined and insurance may be invalid.
Under Saskatchewan’s Snowmobile Act, riders must register sleds before riding on public roads (where allowed), ditches, other highway rights of way, provincial parks, Crown land, designated trails or on rivers and lakes.
— with files from CKOM News
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