(Madawaska, ON: January 27, 2023) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (O.F.S.C.) and the Opeongo Snowbirds Snowmobile Club were joined by Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke M.P.P. John Yakabuski to announce the completion of the Madawaska rail bridge refurbishment project.
“As we build Ontario, our government is making record investments in infrastructure, like the Madawaska rail bridge, to ensure snowmobilers can continue safely enjoying the province’s premier trails for generations to come,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Congratulations to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs on re-opening this critical link, which connects the communities of Whitney and Barry’s Bay.”
This infrastructure project is supported by a $208,919 investment from the Government of Ontario. Funding was announced by Minister Mulroney at the O.F.S.C. Annual General Meeting in September 2019.
The Madawaska rail bridge project is situated on the TOP B trail and sees heavy snowmobile use between the communities of Whitney and Barry’s Bay as part of the Round Algonquin Park (RAP) Tour. The bridge refurbishment included the removal and replacing of the existing decking and wood retaining walls at each approach.
“The partnership between the O.F.S.C. and the Government of Ontario continues to yield outcomes that benefit riders, communities, businesses province-wide,” said O.F.S.C. C.E.O. Ryan Eickmeier. “The completion of this infrastructure project ensures critical trail connectivity for years to come.”
With over 30,000 kilometres of groomed trail each winter, the O.F.S.C. and thousands of volunteers provide an idyllic riding experience through Ontario. It is estimated that snowmobiling in Ontario generates an economic impact of up to $3.3 billion every year and is crucial part of Ontario’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We thank the Ontario government and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for this investment,” said Opeongo Snowbirds Snowmobile Club President Lynn Northey. “It means a lot to the communities and club volunteers who work so hard to showcase our area.”
For more information on the O.F.S.C. or to purchase your seasonal or classic permit, please visit www.ofsc.on.ca.
