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2 minutes ago, yamadan700 said:

Wow!! That's shocking in a bad way! 

We can't post "No ATVs" on Crown Land as we don't have control over it.  It appears that ATVs can run OFSC trails on Crown Land without permits and there is nothing we/you can do about it.   

 

So, one could technically take an off road mini excavator or a recreational bulldozer😉 out on the Crown Land trails in the summer and play around and there's not much you could do about it. 

 

Check out the Buckhorn club FB page as it is being discussed. I guess we were wrong.

 

It feels like such a waste of time and $$$ for the amount of volunteering we do, to have the base or groomed trails destroyed by ATVs. I may have to reconsider my involvement in the club.

 

Thank you Sean for the quick replies.

I understand the feeling. It's very frustrating. I have come across ATVs in the past deliberately chewing up the trails doing donuts etc.  I've charged them with mischief under the criminal code.  

1 minute ago, yamadan700 said:

Trail permit required

2.1 (1) No person shall drive a motorized snow vehicle upon a prescribed trail except under the authority of, and in accordance with, a trail permit for the motorized snow vehicle issued under subsection (2) or except on lands occupied by the owner of the motorized snow vehicle.  2000, c. 30, s. 3.

 

Can't this MSVA section be used against ATVs as they don't have a "trail permit" to be on the Prescribed Trail? 

I understand ATVs are not "snow vehicles". Figure there may be some wiggle room in there.

That's definitely a logical thought.  But (there's always a but) the courts don't see it that way. The prevailing view is that crown land is open to all Ontarians to use.  Trust me, we've looked at all angles we could think of, courts often disagree.  

2 minutes ago, yamadan700 said:

 

Morning Sean

 

Is there any update on ATVs riding on OFSC Prescribed Trails on Crown Land during snowmobile season?

Can they be charged with trespassing?

 

Thanks, Dan

 

Hey Dan

No real updates on this. I know the OFSC and various ATV clubs have had ongoing chats about this, but nothing solved.  In the end in depends on what the Land User Agreement dictates and who has "ownership" of the trail portion.  In an ideal world we'd like to see the ATVs stay away from groomed trails, but unless otherwise posted, there won't be any trespass charges.  I wish I had a more definitive answer for you.   

Sean

1 minute ago, revrnd said:

It's been like that since day one hasn't it? A rider in our group had them on the wrong side. He's blaming the dealer, but the newer valtag is on the wrong side, but an older 1 is on the correct side. The reason I noticed is that I was standing on the left side and the sticker was expired. 'Mike you know you still need to get a val tag?' 'Yeah, this year's is on the this side.' 

Me: ? 

'The dealer put this year's on it...'

I don't know how the dealer would be involved since he's had the sled for a couple of years. Does he need to put his birthday sticker on for him?

Yup, as far back as I can remember. I think he may be pawning off his mistake on the dealer!  

Regardless of the law, it makes interactions with us so much quicker.  You approach me, I see your pass, numbers and Val tag all visible from my point of view I generally hold you you less than a few seconds.  Makes both of our lives easier.  

Just now, JohnnyB said:

what side of the sled is the yearly val tag supposed to be affixed. left/right as you sit. Couple long time sledders having a disagreement.

Left side as you sit.  Did I win you a beer????

2 hours ago, revrnd said:

Thanks. I just about clipped a guy a year or so ago. It was getting near dusk & his left wheels were on the yellow line. I didn't realise he had a deck (no sleds loaded) on it since there was no clearance light @ the left front corner of it. I did shift over to the shoulder to avoid hitting my mirror. 

Wow, that could've ended badly. I agree should have that overhang marked. But there really is nothing that would cover that scenario for lighting. I'll keep digging tho. 

2 hours ago, revrnd said:

The decks on top of the box, that stick out past the sides of a typical pickup (wide enough to carry 2 sleds).

You are limited, both vehicle and load to a maximum of 2.6m or 8.5ft.  Length of veh can't exceed 12.5m or 41ft. 

Hope this answers your question

8 hours ago, revrnd said:

What are the regulations on vehicle widths/clearance lights in regards to sled decks? 

I want to make sure I understand correctly.  Are you talking about the vehicle/trailer or the sled?

2 hours ago, Blackstar said:

Hi Sean,

A topic which has been discussed many time something I’d like bit of clarification on.

It been common practise the last few years for people sell an unused permit or sell a snowmobile with a current permit attached.

I’ve have run into Police stops on many occasions and have never been asked for paperwork for my permit (though I do carry it), only for registration and insurance. I have always assumed that no one cares as long as a permit is on display.

Is their an actual legal requirement to have the permit on the sled registered to the owner?

 

In all honesty, the only time I want ti see the documentation for the trail pass is when the pass isn't affixed. I've found a percentage of riders travel with the pass in their pockets. Either because they share it with others or don't like the looks of it on the sled. In both cases we're making you put it on trsilside PLUS the ticket for failing to have it displayed. Although when dealing with a good attitude and hearing a legitimate reason I may be flexible.  Now as far as a legal requirement,  the OFSC stipulates you must have the the paperwork AND it must be for that sled and registered owner. There is no specific charge for that, but when you read the waivers and signage it says you must abide by all rules and regulations of the OFSC. Therefore, not having the paperwork means you are technically trespassing and can be fined and/or removed from the trails.  I hope that answers your question or wins you a beer fior the next debate!!  If I missed something or misread the question, let me know.  

Sean

On 9/9/2022 at 7:46 PM, 1trailmaker said:

They need reasons to pull you over and request proof of everything.

 

The mere fact you're operating a MSV on public property is reason enough to stop a sled and verify documents.  Similar to vehicles on a highway.  

Was there on ATV patrol Saturday (10SEP22)  Had some chicken fingers at Gas and Country  I saw several people refuel....Sooooo, I assume there is fuel available now.   Having said that, it is north of 7, so things could change any given day!!

For anyone following...  we've hit $2010 today!!!   Thanks for all the support!!!!!!!!

Despite Rupert passing in December.2019 we are still trying to give back!! 

Every year Rupert and I raise funds to give back to the organization that saved his life and enriched mine.  I know money is tight and I don't want anyone to feel any pressure to donate.  We are accepting positive thoughts and comments as well!!!  As many know, Rupert was hit by a car Christmas eve 2009.  I found him while on duty Christmas morning.  He was in the median of the 401 and had been there so long his body heat melted the ice and snow leaving him in a puddle of water.  Despite several broken bones in his left rear leg and a blown out right rear knee he did not whimper, bark or bite when I picked him up.  I could hear his bones grinding... but he was tough!!  and stubborn...soooo very stubborn.  A plea for his owner went out... he was only about a year old and obviously some ones pet.  Turned out he was owned by a violent drug dealer who used to beat on him (drug dealer burned to death in deal gone bad 6mnths later). The plea brought in enough donations to fix Rupert's injuries and with the donation of an amazing rehab vet, Dr Cherie White he learned to walk again!!  He can now chase down rabbits and squirrels!!!  Please add your own stories to this thread as well!!!  I've attached the donation site..  You guys have helped me raise the most money each year since I've started.   I can't thank you enough for that!!!!!

They've created an award for the top fundraiser and named it the Annual Rupert Award!!!  This has been such a humbling experience...ups and downs...  damn doggies!!!   I'm glad I've been able to drag you guys along kicking and screaming!!!!  I know 2020-22 has been a fkd up couple of years so I'm not expecting much.  Awareness and well wishes go a long way as well!!!!

Donate here ---> https://www.canadahelps.org/me/j2zVcZv

The story of Rupert

 

  

“Rupert was struck by a car early Christmas morning 2009 on a bleak stretch of the 401 highway just west of Kingston. The stalwart Lab was found in a ditch where he'd dragged himself after suffering severe injuries to both hind legs, including a shattered femur and badly torn ligaments. OPP officer, Sean McCaffrey was directed to the dog by a passerby.

"After being flagged down, I followed the small trail of blood to the dog who, having lain there long enough to melt the snow and ice beneath him, was shivering in a pool of frigid water," said McCaffrey. "Rupert did not whine or growl when I approached him. He shivered and wagged his tail and gobbled some food and allowed me to cover him with my coat and hold him to warm him." 

 Rupert was transported to the Kingston Regional Pet Hospital. The next morning, Boxing Day, brought a sad turn to the dog's story. It seemed that Rupert's injuries might be too severe to be successfully operable. The afternoon of the 26th saw an improved prognosis for Rupert, with recovery possible although amputation of one leg likely. Rupert's comfort was a priority throughout the evaluation period and he was kept pain-free and at ease.

Rupert's case was then brought to the attention of Dr. Parker and the Ottawa orthopedic surgeon agreed to assess Rupert at Alta Vista. Not only did Dr. Parker think he could help the dog, he believed that both legs could be saved. 

So the young dog made the trip from Kingston to Ottawa late on the 29th and spent the morning of the 30th being assessed. Following the exam, Dr. Parker began surgery to pin and plate the broken femur and repair the torn ligaments in the other leg.

"I spoke with Dr. Parker, a veterinarian orthopedic surgeon at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa. He has fully assessed Rupert and he feels the prognosis for Rupert is quite good," said Janice Saunders, president of the Kingston Humane Society, in a release dated December 30th. "The current plan is to repair Rupert's fractured left hip. Damage to the cruciate ligament in the right hind leg was also detected and Dr. Parker is repairing this injury during [the] surgery as well." 

The following morning Rupert underwent a final surgery to adjust the plate and pins and then spent the next five days resting and recovering from the successful but arduous surgery.

When Rupert was first brought to the emergency clinic in Kingston he was a stray with no identifiable owner. The Kingston Humane Society sent out a plea to locate Rupert's owner, unsure of the dog's future and seeking a reunion. The community responded immediately offering concern and financial support for the dog.”

2 hours ago, 1trailmaker said:

No Question here just awesome boat driving from OPP

 

https://fb.watch/d7kiVXCq8h/

 

Part of our initial 2wk marine training.  Then we have another 3wks for those of us driving our larger vessels.  

3 minutes ago, revrnd said:

Sean I saw the article before it was posted here & was thinking of the insecure helmet charges. I'm sure the rule has been discussed before, but how common is it. I know once I inadvertently hadn't done up mine up, but I would never ride w/ the straps just flapping on purpose. How often is this charge laid?

Sadly more common than you'd expect.  I'd say 2 or 3 occasions per shift. 

1 hour ago, yamadan700 said:

Our club did reach out to the local OPP and they were receptive to our suggestions. Maybe it made a difference, hence the following article. Have seen their truck and sled trailer at different parking areas more often in the last while, weekdays and weekends. Good to see!

 

That's fantastic!   I'm glad they listened to your club.  We don't want to lose trails any more than the average sledder!

2 hours ago, Renegade X said:

Hi Sean,

I'm having a big party in Ottawa this weekend.  Stop in if you like

Lol, thanks for still replying to this thread.  I almost forgot about it

Cheers!

Lmfao!!  Seems I may already have an invite I just can't refuse!!  And thank you. Hopefully it's a better season!!!

 🍻 

1 hour ago, yamadan700 said:

Hi Sean

Our clubs are having a problem with sleds running on closed trails. We are trying to pack and fill in areas(Canadian Shield), pack down the swamps, and they are just getting destroyed with the amount of traffic on them. Very frustrating. Regardless of our situation, the reason a trail is closed could also be due to landowner issue, unsafe bridge, fallen trees,  etc.

OPP were out in TMSC (Bobcaygeon) and BDSC (Buckhorn) yesterday(third party info but they had pics) and they were only giving out warnings. (again third party info). Not much of a deterrent.

Is there any benefit to club executives reaching out to their local OPP detachments to get them to enforce a zero tolerance policy on closed trails (as well as other infractions) and issue tickets instead of verbal warnings? If so, who should they talk to?

Thanks, Dan

Hey Dan,

This is an ongoing provincial problem. One we keep talking about within our team.  Off trail/trespassing, trail pass and cans are zero tolerance within our unit.  Reaching out to the local detachments is the best idea.  You can request to speak to the operators manager or the traffic/marine management officer.  Keep me posted. 

Sean

Great news!!  Once again, and with help from you guys.  We've once again surpassed our goal!!   Thank you!!!  

Thanks Tim G!!!  Year after year, very generous!

Sean

5 minutes ago, irv said:

Always glad to help out.

Good luck reaching your goal, Sean. 

Thanks Irv!  Dialed it back a bit this year.  You're always one the first!  Thanks for the generous donation!!

Sean

Despite Rupert passing in December.2019 we are still trying to give back!! 

Every year Rupert and I raise funds to give back to the organization that saved his life and enriched mine.  I know money is tight and I don't want anyone to feel any pressure to donate.  We are accepting positive thoughts and comments as well!!!  As many know, Rupert was hit by a car Christmas eve 2009.  I found him while on duty Christmas morning.  He was in the median of the 401 and had been there so long his body heat melted the ice and snow leaving him in a puddle of water.  Despite several broken bones in his left rear leg and a blown out right rear knee he did not whimper, bark or bite when I picked him up.  I could hear his bones grinding... but he was tough!!  and stubborn...soooo very stubborn.  A plea for his owner went out... he was only about a year old and obviously some ones pet.  Turned out he was owned by a violent drug dealer who used to beat on him (drug dealer burned to death in deal gone bad 6mnths later). The plea brought in enough donations to fix Rupert's injuries and with the donation of an amazing rehab vet, Dr Cherie White he learned to walk again!!  He can now chase down rabbits and squirrels!!!  Please add your own stories to this thread as well!!!  I've attached the donation site..  You guys have helped me raise the most money each year since I've started.   I can't thank you enough for that!!!!!

They've created an award for the top fundraiser and named it the Annual Rupert Award!!!  This has been such a humbling experience...ups and downs...  damn doggies!!!   I'm glad I've been able to drag you guys along kicking and screaming!!!!  I know 2020-21 has been a fkd up couple of years so I'm not expecting much.  Awareness and well wishes go a long way as well!!!!

Donate here ---> https://www.canadahelps.org/me/jjb4WgK

The story of Rupert

 

  

“Rupert was struck by a car early Christmas morning 2009 on a bleak stretch of the 401 highway just west of Kingston. The stalwart Lab was found in a ditch where he'd dragged himself after suffering severe injuries to both hind legs, including a shattered femur and badly torn ligaments. OPP officer, Sean McCaffrey was directed to the dog by a passerby.

"After being flagged down, I followed the small trail of blood to the dog who, having lain there long enough to melt the snow and ice beneath him, was shivering in a pool of frigid water," said McCaffrey. "Rupert did not whine or growl when I approached him. He shivered and wagged his tail and gobbled some food and allowed me to cover him with my coat and hold him to warm him." 

 Rupert was transported to the Kingston Regional Pet Hospital. The next morning, Boxing Day, brought a sad turn to the dog's story. It seemed that Rupert's injuries might be too severe to be successfully operable. The afternoon of the 26th saw an improved prognosis for Rupert, with recovery possible although amputation of one leg likely. Rupert's comfort was a priority throughout the evaluation period and he was kept pain-free and at ease.

Rupert's case was then brought to the attention of Dr. Parker and the Ottawa orthopedic surgeon agreed to assess Rupert at Alta Vista. Not only did Dr. Parker think he could help the dog, he believed that both legs could be saved. 

So the young dog made the trip from Kingston to Ottawa late on the 29th and spent the morning of the 30th being assessed. Following the exam, Dr. Parker began surgery to pin and plate the broken femur and repair the torn ligaments in the other leg.

"I spoke with Dr. Parker, a veterinarian orthopedic surgeon at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa. He has fully assessed Rupert and he feels the prognosis for Rupert is quite good," said Janice Saunders, president of the Kingston Humane Society, in a release dated December 30th. "The current plan is to repair Rupert's fractured left hip. Damage to the cruciate ligament in the right hind leg was also detected and Dr. Parker is repairing this injury during [the] surgery as well." 

The following morning Rupert underwent a final surgery to adjust the plate and pins and then spent the next five days resting and recovering from the successful but arduous surgery.

When Rupert was first brought to the emergency clinic in Kingston he was a stray with no identifiable owner. The Kingston Humane Society sent out a plea to locate Rupert's owner, unsure of the dog's future and seeking a reunion. The community responded immediately offering concern and financial support for the dog.”

49 minutes ago, gtserider said:

Just wondering what reasons they could have for making this so quite. Disposal of public asserts without accountability is also a concern.SIU has been no where to be seen.Correct me if I`m wrong but any Police action that causes injury to a civilian is under there mandate.

I have no idea what happened so can't really offer any insight. If I knew, and it was allowed to be public I'd share.  SIU gets activated if the injuries are serious in nature...broken bones etc. 

12 minutes ago, Renegade X said:

Thanks for the reply man.  My copper buddies were the ones saying its unconstitutional but they are not OPP.   I'm not sure if it would be considered bad things that we are going to do, just a birthday party LOL!!  Oh well, what ever happens, happens.

Thanks again! 

 

Enjoy the party!!   And if it's yours.... happy freakin birthday!!

For what it's worth.  We are not actively looking for these events.. it's nosey neighbours calling it in.... last thing we want to do.  Ugh. 

1 hour ago, Renegade X said:

Hey Sean,

I'm hearing these tickets that are getting handed out for people gathering and not wearing masks are getting thrown out of court due to it being against our constitutional rights.  Do you know if that's true? Just wondering if I will be going to jail this weekend or getting a big fine ahhahahaha

Honestly,  in my region we've only laid a few.  And they were laid on out of area people...that were...ummm.... not doing good things...   I wouldn't be surprised at them being withdrawn/dismissed just based on the climate.  I can't see a valid constitutional argument though, given it's an extreme public health concern..