“The entire Québec snowmobile industry, or more specifically the structured snowmobiling run by the clubs and the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec, is based on three pillars,” explained Michel Garneau, the federation’s chief communications officer.
“The first is that of the user/payer. Snowmobilers pay to build and maintain trails. This is quite a unique group in the world of recreational tourism. The second pillar is the generosity of landowners. More than 50% of the hiking trails are on private property. Landowner participation is a crucial element for the industry. Finally, the third pillar is the contribution of volunteers. The true managers of the trail network are the volunteers. They negotiate rights of way, cut branches, renew bridge decks, install signs, take care of the maintenance of machines and paths. They are the key element because without them there would be no snowmobile industry in Quebec as we know it today. »
TRAILS USEFUL FOR MANY
Some people openly criticize people who drive snowmobiles. What they don’t know is that hiking trails are also used for other types of activities.
“The snowmobile community often acts as a project manager for infrastructure that is used for other recreational activities,” explains the expert. In 2010, the National Coalition on Trails, a pan-Canadian organization, conducted a study that concluded that 42.1% of all recreational trails in Quebec benefit from snowmobile community management. In Canada, that number rises to 66.4%. »
Photo provided by Dominique Gobeil
It is well known that trails and bridges that are used for snowmobiling in winter are also used for other activities in summer and fall such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and more.
“Often when you browse, you find that these projects were initiated or funded by the snowmobile community. We must therefore remember that while we are motorsport enthusiasts, we are trail developers first and foremost. We can be proud that we are creating pathways and that other groups are benefiting from our momentum and investments,” adds Mr. Garneau.
For this specialist, a simple check would prove what he says.
“If people went out and did a little inventory in their part of the country, they would quickly see many of the investments and projects being pushed by the snowmobile community. They could then understand that we contribute to their quality of life because they now have access to many outdoor activities through the hiking trails. »
FINANCING
When snowmobilers buy their license plates each season, a portion of the amount goes back to them to fund the activities.
“The government is raising funds from registration fees through the SAAQ. These amounts are reallocated to operational and infrastructure costs. There is $35 that goes to the association and is allocated to very specific programs for the clubs. There is an amount of $4 that is used to fund the infrastructure. »
Michel Garneau gives the example of the new pedestrian bridge over the Péribonka river in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
“Some of the funding is being provided by snowmobilers and quad bikers. Finally, $1 is used for investment projects related to fauna and flora, a program managed by the Fondation de la faune du Québec. So the whole $40 goes into government hands, but it comes from the snowmobilers. »
Another important source of funding for clubs is the sale of access rights.
“Some snowmobilers believe that what they pay goes back into the association’s pockets. I invite you to consult the Amount Distribution table where you will see that only $16 goes to the Federation as working capital. Most of the price paid for the right of access is reallocated to the development and maintenance of the trails. »
Before ending his interview, Mr. Garneau highlighted a fact that illustrates very well the commitment of volunteers, such as the Pionniers des Laurentides Club, which has just celebrated its 60th anniversary.
“It’s a great example of volunteer work. We’re talking about a volunteer-run NPO that has managed to survive through the centuries to continue to promote snowmobiling among its members and community today. It’s quite an achievement. »
