SUSTAINABLE FUNDING SYSTEM FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAIL NETWORK

Released on November 15, 2005

The Department of Rural Development and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) announced the implementation of a new funding system for the province's 10,000-kilometre snowmobile trail network today.

Effective November 15th, 2005, the annual snowmobile registration fee moves from a $9 pro-ratable fee, to a flat $40 fee. Snowmobile insurance premiums will still be pro-rated.

The money collected through the snowmobile registration fee - approximately $500,000 annually - will be transferred to the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Fund to support the trail network. Under the Snowmobile Act, those funds are administered by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association as Trail Manager.

Deputy Premier and Rural Development Minister Clay Serby said today's changes ensure that snowmobilers will continue to have a safe environment for snowmobile use this winter.

"Saskatchewan's snowmobile trails are vital to both provincial tourism and the business community over the winter months," Serby said. "The people travelling the trails buy fuel, parts, food and lodging. When the SSA advised us that the current trail funding system was failing, we worked with them to create a long-term solution."

SSA Chief Executive Officer Chris Brewer says the Association first began negotiations with the provincial government to set up new funding arrangements after it became obvious that a large number of the province's snowmobile clubs were in financial difficulty and that the safety offered by a groomed trail network was at risk.

"We have struggled for years to find a funding solution that would support the work of the volunteers who create and maintain our trails in Saskatchewan," Brewer said. "The old trail permit system gave those who purchased a permit the right to use the trails and gave local clubs some of the funding they needed to maintain and groom the trails. Unfortunately, local snowmobile clubs were in no position to enforce permit use, and people continually used the trails without buying a permit. Signed and maintained snowmobile trails are safer for riders than traveling off-trail."

Brewer said today's changes ensure that everyone in Saskatchewan with a registered snowmobile will be able to enjoy the trails for years to come. This winter, licence plates will replace permits as the means to access the province's trail network.

A recent survey of 1,243 snowmobilers by the SSA showed overwhelming support for the change. Ninety-four per cent of those surveyed said they would be in favour of seeing the snowmobile trail permit added to snowmobile registration and 97 per cent said they would be in favour of the change if it meant a reduction in the cost of an annual trail permit.

In 2004, an annual trail permit was valued at $90. The fee was reduced to $65 if purchased through the Snowmobile Association's "early-bird" purchase program.

Snowmobilers can get more information by contacting the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association at 1-800-499-SLED (7533), by e-mail at sasksnow@sasktel.net or by visiting www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca.

The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association advocates the recreational benefits of snowmobiling to all Saskatchewan residents on behalf of the more than 75 local snowmobile clubs that create, maintain and promote the province's 10,000-kilometre snowmobile trail network.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-5160

Chris Brewer Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association Regina Beach Phone: (306) 729-3500