News
Making sledding better
The SSA is off to a good start, with extra funds and wise words
Great news: Barry Bradshaw shares the good spirits of the SSA. —Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
On writing this, our increase has just gone through on plate registration from $40 to $70 after a long uphill battle. First of all, I want to thank all the snowmobile clubs in the province for their support in making it happen by unanimously passing the motion for the increase at our AGM this past June. Next, I want to thank the MLAs and other government folks who worked with the SSA to make it all come together.
The increase to $70 (which all comes back to the grooming clubs from our collector, SGI) will certainly help to keep Saskatchewan’s snowmobile trails in place. The increase really only amounts to $22 from last season, as the insurance portion came down $8 with the same coverage as last year.
With all this being said, we are still working with club volunteers to keep the trails we currently have. Sure, there is more funding, but the way it is right now the responsibility of the trail system is still on the backs of the clubs. We all know what volunteer burnout is. Maybe the extra funding will help to get some revitalization back at the club level—here’s hoping that’s what happens.
With the increase to $70, we know the average snowmobiler is going to demand better product for what he or she is paying for, meaning better quality of trails and signage. Seeing the added enthusiasm from the clubs at our AGM, I think the better trails and signage will happen. This also makes for safer snowmobiling in the province and that’s something everyone wants.
More to be excited about
The first week of November saw another successful SSA Snowmobile Trade Show at Evraz Place in Regina. We had a full house of exhibitors, with everything for the snowmobiler. All exhibitors were very happy with the outcome and I want to thank them all for being there. Close to 15,000 snowmobilers came through the door to look, buy and share stories.
The turnout was great considering a lot of faces were missing because many farmers were trying to get their harvest done. This was more important than coming to the show, not only for our economy but for our snowmobile trails, as lots of our trails would not have been put in place this season or might have been moved to other locations. It’s great to see they are getting harvest wrapped up.
I also want to thank the SSA office staff for all the hours put in to make it all come together. Oh yes, I must not forget the SSA board members who came out to help with security and to man our booth.
The code of ethics
I was going through some old SnoRiders publications and I came across an article from a few years ago by recently retired SSA board member Emily Grimes and I thought it was again time to bring this forward. It was called the Snowmobile Code of Ethics. Here it is, with one addition.
- I will be a good sportsman. I recognize that many people will judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other owners to promote sportsmanlike conduct.
- I will maintain clean trails; I will work to ensure clean and pure streams and lakes.
- I will safeguard living trees, shrubs and other natural features.
- I will respect other people’s property and rights.
- I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.
- I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.
- I will respect the rights of hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice fishermen and other winter sportsmen. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreational facilities.
- I will energetically strive to bring other winter recreation participants to recognize and respect my rights as a snowmobiler by explaining my needs, while at the same time listening to their needs.
- I will learn and obey all federal, provincial and local laws regulating the operation of my snowmobile. (I will not drink alcohol and operate my snowmobile).
- I will not harass wildlife and will always avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.
- I will use marked trails, areas and roads open to snowmobiles. I will not travel where prohibited. I am going to add one more that I feel very strongly about:
- I will not install loud after-market pipes or mufflers on my sled that harass wildlife and annoy people. Many riding areas and trails have been closed in the country to snowmobiling because of noisy exhaust systems—leave your sled stock.
Enjoy the winter and have a great snowmobiling season!
