BARRIE, ONT. -- Provincial police officers are on patrol at several snowmobile trails, many of which remain closed.
Police held 11 R.I.D.E. checks to stop any sledders trespassing, riding impaired, and took the opportunity to educate operators about the closed trails.
Southern Georgian Bay OPP Const. Aaron Coulter said officers were pleasantly surprised by the outcome between Dec. 26 and Jan. 4.
"At this point, no impaired driving charges and the charges have been simply motorized snow vehicle act charges and trespass to property act charges. That's encouraging," Coulter said.
There were 168 riders stopped at the checkpoints. Officers travelled 535 kilometres over the 10 days, logging 47 hours patrolling the trails.
Police said some riders might be tempted to head onto Midland Harbour because of the limited trails, but they warn that icebreaking operations are underway. The Coast Guard urges people to stay off the ice as it can remain unstable when the ships finish.
Coulter reiterated, "No ice is safe ice."
