The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, November 21, 1994 --27 +a Snowmobiling means big business to Ontario . Do you know what is the fastest growing recreation sport in North America? v If you said wind-surfing, go to the back of the line. If you said snowmobiling take a bow 'cause you hit the nail on the head. Not only is snowmobiling the fastest growing recreation sport on the continent, here in Ontario .- it has come to mean business--- big business--generating about $1.2 billion each winter. And in some recreational areas of Ontario, the money generated in the Winter months from this afid other sports is greater than the economic activity in summer. So, why the boom in snowmobiling? Charlie Harper, presen of the Port Perry Sndwmobiling Club told the Citizen over the weekend there are several reasons. A major factor is the trail system that has been developed in Ontario over the past couple of decades; he said. In fact, in Ontario now there are more km. of désignated snowmobile trails (35,000) than there are provincial highways. Here in this part of Ontario, the Port Perry club maintains and grooms 200 km of trails and along with four other clubs, there are about 800 km of groomed trails for the enjoyment of snowmobilers of all ages. The local trails link up others, 80 a snowmobiler can leave the Port Perry Club house on the Shirley Road, travel north to Fenelon. Falls and the Haliburtons, east to Rice Lake or right through to the Quebec border, all on the trail system. Speaking at the Snowmobile Club's annual show and sale over the weekend, Mr. Harper said the sport's popularity is also due to the improvements in the machines and the accessories. "The machines ride so much smoother these days, and are much easier to handle," he said, adding improvements have been v Sled Smart Education. Perry S bile Club en Galang and Robin Royeton (left) with Port s Larry Davidson, Wayne Leach and president Charlie Harper at the Club's recent Snow Show. - made in the safety features and equipment as well as to the clothing to make sure enthusiasts stay warm on even the coldest of winter days. If anyone is using the designated trail system, a trail permit is mandatory, said Mr. Harper. The permits cost $80 per machine ($100 after December 1) and are available at retailers and from snowmobile clubs. The Port Perry Club issued about 1,000 such permits last season. A little more than half the funds are used by the clubs to groom and maintain their trails, the rest is used by Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for a variety of purposes. The Port Perry Club has about 200 family members who pay $15 each season to belong. The club house on the Shirley Road is open during the season Friday evenings, Saturday and Sundays, but one does not need to be a member to drop in to get warm or have a hot drink or lunch at the snack bar. Safety continues to be stressed by snowmobile clubs and over the weekend, Robin Royeton and Stephen Galang of the "Sled Smart Educational Team" were at the Snow Show at the Port . Perry Club. They travel the province talking safety to snowmobilers and in fact will be speaking at both local high schools December 8and9. Ms. Royeton said-about 80 per cent of all snowmobile accidents involve the use of alcohol, and most occur off designated trails. Most deaths are by drowning when a machine goes through thin ice or into open water and most injuries involve accidents on roads and highways, she said. An accident "profile" indicates those most likely to be involved in a snowmobile mishap is a male, aged 16-30 who is not a member of any club. The "Sled Smart Education Team" has been working for the last couple of seasons to reduce the number of accidents. With the sport now enjoying such a surge in popularity, many communities in Ontario and especially in Quebec recognize this economic importance and have ambitious projects to attract new business during the winter months. Mr. Harper said the local clubs have always' had a good relationship with the Scugog council and the Chamber of Commerce, but perhaps it is time to sit down and work out some strategies. "Snowmobiling and tourism really go hand in hand," he said. At the show over the weekend, more than 500 people showed up to take a look at the displays set up by dealers representing four sled manufacturers and over 20 bile related busi The PP Club has many different events lined up for the coming season including a December 4 Christmas Party for children, the popular Poker Run at the Snowflake Festival, ride- in breakfasts and scavenger hunts. Driver education courses for Turn to page 36 OPEN 24 HOURS [=7.Ve- Wn .\ 4 rao :\ 4] A WEEK FREE MOVIES ANYTIME WITH CLUB MEMBERSHIP - A Revolutionary Way to Rent Movies YOUR $10.00 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP includes : BW 24 Hour Access to the Best in New Releases & Adult Videos at Competitive Prices - $4.34 HW Selection of up to 300 Other First Run Movie Titles FREE HB Use of a fully automated, convenient modern movie rental system (ood 1 24 HOURS EACH DAY rai l:\ £] od Grand Opening Special Rent Your First New Release ($5. value) upon presentation of this coupon Free with the purchase of your © atVIDEO MATIC 1869 Scugog St., Port Perry 985-4127 One coupon per household. FULL 24 HOUR RENTAL OF MOVIES Membership restricted to 18 years of age or older. LL BAL LT WAY Gi rit The VideoMatic Video Vendors