County Trails Preparing for the Snowmobile Season

Pembroke:  The County of Renfrew welcomes the beginning of the Winter season with preparations being made to the Algonquin and K&P Recreational Trails for snowmobile use in anticipation of the season.  Given that physical activity is an important part of staying healthy, Monday’s announcement by the Government of Ontario stated that “trails servicing snowmobiles will be allowed to remain open.” This means that OFSC trails can open this season in accordance with all public health guidelines.

 We remind users that ATV access ceased as of December 1st to protect the integrity of the trail surface for use by snowmobile and passive traffic. The County of Renfrew is asking all those looking to use the trail for snowmobiling visit the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at - the OFSC website for which trails are open and ready to use for sledding.

 In addition, trail users are reminded that the County of Renfrew is taking all necessary precautions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus to keep residents safe. Trail users are always required to maintain physical distancing of two meters, and they should not be in groups of more than ten people – stick to the Public Health Measures. Trail users should not touch anything found on trails and are expected to follow safety regulations, at all times.

 The following guidelines are in place for all recreational trail use across Renfrew County:

• Obey all posted speed limits and stop signs
• Ensure you are accessing open areas of the trail only
• Remain on the trail and stay off of private roads and lands
• Keep your social distance of 2 meters
• Avoid touching rails or surfaces on the trail

 OPP officers have already been on the trails this year issuing warnings to some users and charging others for trespassing and off-road vehicle offences.  The OPP will continue to patrol the trails throughout the winter season and all trail users are advised to follow the code of conduct for trail use.

 For more information: Phone or visit our website: Ottawa Valley Trail

 For Media Inquiries please call:

Jason Davis               Manager, Forestry and GIS, County of Renfrew                                613-735-3204
Michael Barber       Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew                    613-735-7288