Snowmobiling season off to slow start with poor trail conditions
The snowmobiling season is off to a slow start due to unseasonably warm weather, causing poor trail conditions and affecting local businesses.
Ethan Hagen, a 12-year-old new snowmobiler, has been eagerly waiting to hit the trails but has been disappointed by the lack of snow.
"I just got my snowmobile licence, a new snowmobile and new jacket, and I wasn't able to go," Hagen said.
Many of the trails in the region are currently closed, with only a few in Cochrane remaining open.
"We're probably at 80 per cent of what we had last year," said Dennis Higgins, owner of Cochrane Snowmobile Rentals.
However, even in areas with some snow, warm weather has kept tourists away, impacting local businesses like Factory Recreation in Midland.
"Where we're going start to feel the impact is if we don't get any snow here in next couple weeks, and it gets into that end of January time, we want to see some snow by then," noted Factory Recreation co-owner Doug Sagan.
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Peter Kimbell, the stretch of mild weather is unusual, but a cold front is expected to move in next week, potentially bringing more seasonable temperatures and snow.
Meanwhile, snowmobile associations remind residents and visitors to be patient and avoid using closed trails.
Police say riders who ignore closed trail signs or try to go around closed gates are putting themselves, club volunteers, and the local Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) at risk.
The authorities recommend ensuring trails are available and passable by checking the OFSC website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.