Manitou Sno-Drifters AGM Summary
MANITOU SNO-DRIFTERS AGM Summary
by Ron Jung
All member clubs of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are Not for Profit Corporations, funded with revenue from trail permit sales that is administered by the Ministry of Transportation, therefore they are accountable to the public. The Annual General Meeting is a legal requirement not only as a corporation but as a member of the OFSC to be sure that the public has access to the information about club affairs. Since they are corporations they operate like a business. This meeting is an opportunity to have questions answered or to initiate change by becoming actively involved.There were over 100 individual invitations sent out either by mail or electronically for this meeting as well as billboard, media and radio advertizing. The invitations went to past permit holders, volunteers, businesses that are impacted by snowmobiling, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Manitouwadge Business Association (MBA) and the Manitouwadge Outdoor Enthusiasts (MOE) to name a few. This generated a turnout of 15 people that were interested in the future of snowmobiling in the Manitouwadge area. The attendees were people representing most of the groups mentioned that will be able to take the information back to their respective members.
The evening started out with a recap of the successes of the last few years for those that were not familiar with the activities of the Sno Drifters. The most recent successes include the acquisition of the new grooming tractor and the installation of the Nama Creek bridge. There was some discussion of the effects of the economy and the changing weather on the sport of snowmobiling. The membership in most snowmobile clubs has declined by 20% over the last few years which has financial implications to the organizations.
The agenda then moved to the discussion of the future of organized snowmobiling in the Manitouwadge area as well as North of Superior Snowmobile Association (NOSSA District 16) and its member clubs. Guest speaker Mr. Fred Boimistruck from Hornepayne was present along with long time supporter Mr.Walter Arenovich. Mr. Gordon Linfield from Marathon also attended. Mr. Boimistruck is the newly elected Governor of District 16. He is the voice of the District when he attends Ontario Federation of Snowmobiles Club meetings as well as their voice when he communicates to our clubs. Mr. Linfield is the District Operations Coordinator for NOSSA along with several other duties including Trail Patrol Coordinator. These gentlemen presented information on the present state of snowmobiling in the District and some of the changes that are being requested by the OFSC. There was good discussion on the importance of community and business support of the clubs efforts to have good trails for winter tourism. Other discussions surrounded clubs being self sustaining through fundraising efforts and increased permit sales.
The trails in the District cover some of the greatest distances over the roughest terrain in the province, which is also an area with a low and decreasing population density. The maintenance and even the continued existence of some of the groomed trails has come into question given the reduced revenue from the declining membership. The issue is acerbated by increasing expenses.
The OFSC has issued a challenge to NOSSA to develop a plan that will address the low permit revenue per kilometre of trail in our area. The solution is not an easy one as there limited ways to achieve this while providing a quality trail system for the residents of each community.
The evening ended with a formal election process for an Executive and a request for volunteers. There is a new Executive for the upcoming season. Mr. Phil Leduc was elected as the President, Mr. Peter Lacey was elected the Vice President, Mr. Ron Jung was elected as Treasurer and Mrs. Chris Leduc was elected as the Secretary. There are still many non-executive volunteer positions that need to be filled to keep the club viable and to remain in good standing with the OFSC. These positions include Publicity, Groomer Coordinator, Signage Coordinator, Trail Patrol Coordinator, and By-Laws.
The first task for the new Executive is to contribute to developing a proposal that will be satisfactory to the OFSC and member clubs of NOSSA to address the significant challenge outlined above. The snowmobile season is not far off and there are short deadlines to meet. The Sno Drifters are looking forward to working with our neighbouring clubs and the other clubs in the district to find a solutions. Snowmobilers or other interested people that have questions or input are requested to contact one of the executive members as we strive to make this the snowmobile destination of choice.
