Loading...
The Rural Voice, 2001-12, Page 25change. But from the Tong -term perspective, once everything is in place I believe this is going to be better for everyone." Nicholson also stresses that government involvement extends only as far as the legislation. "Government is not connected in any way to agreements with, landowners, with setting up trails or on how the clubs operate." Explaining that the process for Bill 101 has taken two years, Nicholson notes that at no time during that time has government even hinted it was the least bit interested in taking over snowmobiling. "No matter what you think of Mike Harris, I think you'd agree (the government's) thinking has been if private people can do a job and do it well, let them. This Bill is their way of recognizing that OFSC is doing the job." Stressing that it was the Federation which approached the government, not the other way around, Nicholson said the province listened and took the suggestions made. "They were careful to ensure there was no OFSC approached government, not the other way around wording involved in the Bill that in any way changed the land equation. The relationship between clubs and landowners is a grassroots deal and that's the way it will stay." Another concern Nicholson has heard is that the Bill will open up the trail system for other recreation purposes. However, he says, the snowmobile trail does not set a precedent for land use because of the way the agreements are done. The second part of Bill 101 addresses a serious component, but it has received much less fanfare. Safety has become a big concern and many of the problems occurring on trails have been because there have been no clear rules. Nicholson says that over the years, the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act has never been brought totally into line with the Highway Traffic Act. "What was happening was that police in certain circumstances were trying to enforce the Highway Traffic R.R. 112� Er4Cili ES' Hensall, Ont. ryt�ps NOM 1X0 (519263-6142 SALES & SERVICE Authorized Dealer For: BOMBARDIER JL MILOill DOB RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS $kms doo SNOWMOBILES o o "Your Arctic Cat Sledquarters" ARCTIC 1,,i�it ",uu'n,obilru' , All .-Ah, Arctic Cat Snowmobile & ATV Sales & Service Service to most makes of small engines Automotive farm and tire service Jim Bauer Mike Kells 519-345-2248 i � res7-4114—fki. TENT skid00. Hagt7au• mmovana a�rrtJ' Kollman's Sales and Service Shakespeare. Ontario, NOB 2P0 519-625-8228 • Snowmobiles r''''"- & ATVs �aa''" • Clothes & `� �t Accessories ,._. Pj POLARIS The Way Out. 'W�r.���/ SALES & SERVICE Area's largest selection of clothing and accessories SEAFORTH 527-0120 Armstrong MotorsMCKENZIE ARCTIC car What Snommobiltug"A11 About. TM • Sales and Service • Factory Trained Technicians • Arctic Wear ApparelAccessories & Accessories R.R. #1, St. Marys, Ont. N4X 1C4 519-229-6233 L. I M I r F. I) -- skidoo ' .... Sales, Service ; .. ' Parts, Clothing, BOMBARDIER ,moi RECREATIONAL PR0004"f RR 3. WIARTON (OLIPHANT) 519-534-1017 www.poweron.org 111,.,m g '� BRUCE SERVICE & SALES • ATVs & snowmobile parts & service • Construction rentals Travelodge® OWEN SOUND 880 10th St. E Owen Sound N4K 1T-1 (519) 371-9297 1-800-578-7878 Restaurant located at the Hotel SPECIAL SALE PRICES DURING DECEMBER .,,...- elitiatm.aa _ rte- _,` gitta 4111. "''' • Helmets • Boots • Gloves • Accessories E POLARIS' The Way Out. GEORGIAN POWER SPORTS INC. • Sales • Service • Factory Parts Hwy. 6 S., Durham 519-369-3594 FREE T -Shirt with a minimum purchase of $100.00 90 Queen St., Chesley 519-363-3811 DECEMBER 2001 21