Friday Night
100 MILE HOUSE SNOWMOBILE
CLUB CLUBHOUSE
BCSF
CELEBRATES
50 YEARS
6:30 pm
Opening Reception
Sponsored by Capri
Insurance
Saturday
100 MILE COMMUNITY HALL
9:00 am -BC Snowmobile
Federation Annual General
Meeting & Elections
10:30 am- Morning Coffee
Break Sponsored by
Sandman Hotels
11:00 am- Easter Seals
Snowarama presentation
11:30 am- Avalanche Canada
Mountain Information
Network (MIN) App
WHEN
March 20-22nd
WHERE
100 Mile House, BC
12:00 Lunch
1:00 pm John Hawkings –
Recreation Sites & Trails BC
1:30 – 3:00 pm -Open
Roundtable discussions
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm -David
Norona –Looking to the future
Saturday Evening
100 MILE COMMUNITY HALL
5:30 pm – Cocktails
WEB ADDRESS
www.bcsf.org/celebrate50
6:30 Dinner
We will be having a silent
auction fundraiser and DJ
Hosted Dance after dinner
Directions to the 100 Mile Snowmobile
Club Clubhouse
Head south from 100 Mile on Highway 97 and about 3km’s out you will see the blue directional signs for
the 99 Mile Cross Country Ski area.
Turn right at the 99 Mile Cross Country Ski Area Turn and travel approximately 4km keeping left at any
intersections. Signs will be up.
Directions to the 100 Mile House
Community Hall
240 3rd Street 100 Mile House, BC
British Columbia Snowmobile Federation
PO Box 277, Keremeos, BC V0X 1N0
P: 250.499.5117 | F: 250.499.2103 | TF: 877.537.8716 | E: [email protected]
www.bcsf.org | www.LetsRideBC.com
BC Snowmobile Federation
Annual General Meeting
March 21, 2015 9am
100 Mile House Community Hall
8:30 am
REGISTRATION FOR VOTING CARDS OPENS
9: 00am
PRESIDENT WILL TAKE THE CHAIR
Meeting Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
APPOINT THE RECORDING SECRETARY
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
ESTABLISH QUORUM
MAKE INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME GUESTS
CALL FOR RECORDING OF ATTENDEES
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL FALL GENERAL MEETING held on NOVEMBER 15, 2014
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT/REVIEW & APPROVAL
PRESIDENTS REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
ELECTION OF ZONE DIRECTORS
a. Zone 1 Director – Northeast
2 year term
b. Zone 2 Director – Northwest
2 year term
c. Zone 4 Director – Lower Mainland
2 year term
d. Zone 5 Director – Sea to Sky
2 Year Term
e. Zone 6 Director – North Okanagan
1 year term
f. Zone 7 Director – Rockies
2 year term
g. Zone 8 Director – South Okanagan
1 year term
13. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
a. V i c e - President
2 year term
b. Treasurer
2 year term
14. ADJOURNMENT
Committed to Safety, Snowmobilers and the Environment Forever
MISSION STATEMENT “The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation is dedicated to provide strong leadership and support to member
clubs to establish, maintain and protect quality opportunities for organized snowmobiling in British Columbia and to promote the safe and
environmentally responsible use of these opportunities.”
BC Snowmobile
Federation Annual Report
2014-15
BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
BC Snowmobile Federation Annual Report 2014-15
PRESIDENTS REPORT-ERIN HART (WHITEROCK)
As I scribble this final President’s message for the 2014-2015 season, day light savings has just passed us by
and we are on the eve of the BCSF 50th Anniversary celebrations in 100 Mile House.
Many of us have experienced one of the lowest snow years in decades and to be honest, I’m feeling pretty
cheated about the non-snow season that has passed us by. All we can do at this point is look forward to a
better sled season for 2015-2016 and anticipate a really fun filled Spring/Summer 2015.
Speaking of 2016, I have to hand it to Yamaha, Arctic Cat, BRP
and Polaris with the release of their new models. Even with the
disappointing season, the release of the new iron just gets the
sledding fraternity all a buzz in anticipation of the upcoming
season. I urge all sledders to support your local dealers if you are
in the market for a new/used machine and for all your aftermarket
needs. Your local dealer typically supports the initiatives of the
regional clubs with many fund raising requests and donations. So,
how about showing your appreciation with your patronage?
On the topic of donations, I have to express a hearty thank you to
the many volunteers and local sponsors that have made SNOWARAMA such a great success for this past season.
Also, a huge thanks to those of you that opened up your wallet and donated. At this point, I am unaware as to
how well we did Province wide but from the reports I have received, the BCSF anticipates a combined member
club donation of well over $40,000 to Easter Seals camps for Kids with Disabilities!! GREAT job everyone!!
The new ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) legislation continues to be a huge source of frustration for the BCSF. Donegal
and I have spent a considerable amount of time working through the issues that remain. Do deal with the metal
license plate issue, we have illustrated to Government and ICBC that simply affixing a decal to the hood is far
more palatable to the general sled community. We have provided examples from other Provinces and U.S.
States and actual photos of how this would work, yet seemingly we have been ignored up to this point. Donegal
continues to receive calls from members about ICBC offices not being able to create the $10 refund for
previously registered sleds. We are also working through parking lot issues and overzealous enforcement
officers demanding that mandatory insurance be placed on sleds due to the fact that they consider an unloading
area as part of the public roadway. To say that we are frustrated is definitely putting it mildly but we will
continue to lobby Government to find a proper resolution to these issues. However, might I ask a favour to all
of you that read this article? If you have run into issues and want to let Government know about your
displeasure, please email Vera Vukelich, Manager, Land Policy and Programs, Ministry of Forests, Lands and
Natural Resource Operations at [email protected] and cc myself ([email protected]) and/or
Donegal ([email protected]) with that email. It is my hope that with enough feedback that Vera will be able
to fully understand the issues we are having with the ORV framework.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
The BCSF’s 50th Anniversary is definitely a mile stone to be celebrated. Much thought
and effort have gone into this event and I want to personally thank Donegal Wilson
(BCSF Executive Director), MLA Donna Barnett (MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin) and
Les Austin of the Houston Snowmobile Club in helping plan and organize this event.
Also, a huge thanks to the 100 Mile Snowmobile Club and the District of 100 Mile
House for being such great hosts!! I also want to recognize the 4 gentlemen that had
the foresight to create the BC Snow Vehicle
Association back in 1965. Mr. Ronald Dent
(Barrister & Solicitor) of North Vancouver. Percy E. Steele (Businessman) of
Prince George. Jim Watters (Businessman) of 100 Mile House. G.J. Steele
(Businessman) of Prince George and Don D. Ellis (Businessman) of Kelowna.
We don’t have any pictures of these early pioneers of the BC Snowmobile
Federation but if any of you do have any history on these gentlemen, please
get a hold of us so that we can add to our historical perspective of the BCSF.
I am happy to report that the talks with ABCSnow and the BC Snowmobile
Federation have continued along quite nicely. I personally was hoping to have a grand announcement at the
50th Anniversary celebration but as volunteer President, other important matters like Family and the paying job
took precedent and I was unable to complete this task in the timeline I had self-imposed on myself. I am
confident that by the time the 2015-2016 season commences, we will have a full announcement to bring forth
to you the members.
In summary, sure it was a disappointing snow year but from the BCSF side, we continue to forge forward to
represent organized snowmobiling in the Province. It is never without its challenges so I have to thank my Board
of Directors for all the volunteer time they have put forth this season. Without them, I dare say that this Provincial
organization would not be as effective as it is. I would be remiss in not recognizing the tremendous efforts put
forth by Donegal Wilson, the BCSF Executive Director. This lady goes above and beyond in her efforts to guide
the BCSF and anyone that deals with her knows how passionate she is about snowmobiling in BC. Thank you
Donegal!! And finally, I want to recognize the efforts of our out-going Treasurer, Mr. Vic Lockhart. Vic has
been a steady hand in helping with the re-structuring of the BCSF. Not only has he volunteered his time for his
home club (Kelowna Snowmobile Club) but was instrumental in working through the policy and by-law restructuring for the BCSF. His phrase ‘Principles before Personalities’ is a lesson all of us on the Board of Directors
of the BCSF remind ourselves of as we move forward. Thank you Vic for the steady voice and guiding hand. It
was much appreciated and you will be missed. However, in saying that…I know how to find you!!
VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT-RICHARD CRONIER (DAWSON CREEK)
Another year behind me as your Vice President and once again it was as
revealing and as eye opening as all the other years of my involvement in
the BCSF. That makes me sound like I have been here forever and I certainly
mean no disrespect for those people before me. I hold the highest esteem
for the many Board members who have sat at the table for many years
before me. As always I have to say it’s been a privilege to serve on a
provincial board with such great and interesting people. Sadly this year the
board will see good men step down from their positions out of a sheer need
to take a short break until they hopefully return again or …..Perhaps they
feel their time here has been served. From my fairly new eyes and
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
perspective, these people will truly be missed and we should all worry somewhat about our future and how we
will fill these seats with quality people.
Engagement, engagement and even more engagement is the haunting words that repeat themselves in my head.
As a Federation and after 50 years of representing snowmobilers in BC, how will we engage the clubs and
communities of BC and petition those people with the capabilities, strengths and time to move us forward through
our next ten years? How will we encourage those people to step forward, get involved and be a part of
something great? The BCSF and our Executive Director has spent many hours over the phone and sometimes
traveling to destinations to help clubs transition new people into place so that those clubs continue to thrive in
communities. That is the type of activities I feel that we must focus on in the next few years to build confidence
in people, to strengthen and solidify the presence of the BCSF and encourage our next leaders within their own
clubs. We are told often that we are the most organized, motorized recreation organization within the province.
If this is true, and I believe it is, how will we continue to lead this Province in a manner that represents our sport
in a positive light?
I have appreciated this experience more because of the new, exciting and passionate people that I have met.
People who love to tear up the mountains and trails, people who enjoy competition, people who collect and
restore and we so it all surrounding a snowmobile. This is the club experience that gets us involved to start and
keeps us involved for many years to come, but keeping the people and the experience positive within the small
club is a must to the survival of the BCSF.
We need recruitment, and that only comes from a Director and a board who wants to make a presence in the
communities where our clubs exist. Just like clubs need to engage all sorts of riders and their styles, the BCSF
must engage the cities and towns of our representing clubs and be a part of their community. It’s my opinion
that when the BCSF begins to engage these communities throughout BC, we will find those recruits and we will
train them to engage the Region.
Thanks to Erin Hart and his passion to have this AGM in 100 Mile House, home of the Gold Rush Snowmobile
Trail and the vision that started many years ago. This is the beginning of knocking on the door of a hometown
snowmobile club and meeting the people who are in fact, a part of the bigger club. That’s all we really are….
A big CLUB, and perhaps the engagement part will help others see that. Regions across a big province who
actually have a lot of the same concerns and needs, but we need to have a way to reach, compliment, help and
push each other through the tough political roads we may have ahead. This for sure is not the time to sit on our
hands and admire what we have accomplished in 50 years, because the fight to keep our riding areas open
will always exist, anti-motorized people do still exist, wildlife concerns still exist and we need a strong presence.
We were asked by Donegal to define what we saw as our biggest accomplishment in the last 50 years, and I
am not sure I have the history to define that. But I know that if we can bring snowmobilers in BC under one united
voice that would be the end of a bitter inner dispute, and the beginning of a joint effort with great people on
both sides, working together. I hope that in 2015, we will see ABC Snow and BCSF under one banner as it
should be, snowmobilers working together to protect the clubs we love and the riding areas we love to ride in.
I believe in the 2014-2015 if I wanted to report anything, it would be that the two organizations have struggled
hard to make a united single organization in BC. This has come with passion on both sides, great people, many
conference calls, and many emails. But it has consumed energy and time on both sides, energy that could be
better used on Safety programs for Youth, Club Engagement and programs to enhance the snowmobiling
experience in British Columbia.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
i am sorry I will be missing this 50 year party. I hope that everyone involved gets motivated and inspired to
engage their fellow snowmobilers either at the Club Level, the community level or perhaps even the Provincial
level.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT-DONEGAL WILSON (KEREMEOS)
It seems like blink and the season is over. I went from selling space in the Member
Benefit Booklets-to snow shows-to blink it is over. As those who know me can attest I
am passionate about snowmobiling and my job. I give it 110% every day and
sometimes night. My favorite part of this job is that no two days are ever the same.
One day you are writing articles for SnoRiders and the next you are riding a
snowmobile in Revelstoke. So some days I have to pinch myself that this is my job.
Then there are the other days where I wonder what was I thinking…you just worked
21 days straight with many of them over 12 hours.
But this time of year is always bitter sweet for me because the season is over and my
energy reserves are depleted. I have this optimism every season that my schedule can now return to the 35
hours a week I am paid and I can recoup some of my time from the winter. I retain this optimism but the reality
is that spring is when we wrap up the paperwork end of the season, start sales for the coming season, orientate
new Directors, book snow shows, complete our financial year end, attend government meetings, order supplies,
and follow up on all the projects that didn’t get done last summer.
Here is a quick recap of activities I completed this season:
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Booked, organized and attended the Edmonton and Vernon Snow Show
Attended meetings or visited with the following clubs: Revelstoke, Merritt, Cranbrook, Fernie, Christina
Lake, Williams Lake, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Valemount, and Clearwater.
Organized and chaired three Presidents calls. Region 1, Region 2 and Region 4
Attended Avalanche Awareness days in Revelstoke.
Attended meetings with the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) in Keystone,
Ottawa and Whitecourt.
Organized Fall General Meeting of the Clubs in Kamloops
Organized 50th Anniversary Celebration
Completed correspondence and reports for the possible ABC Merger
Attended Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail Meetings
Completed Expression of Interest on the websites (we didn’t change)
Exploration, customization, and trial of SilkStart Membership Software
Attended in person or by phone all Board Meetings of the BCSF
Attended by phone all Executive Meetings of the BCSF
Chaired the Environment Committee
Chaired the Safety Committee
Did all bookkeeping for the BCSF, the GRST and the BC Power Sports Coalition
Managed Social Media & websites for the BCSF, GRST, Lets Ride BC, and Snow Sneak Peak
Wrote content and assembled submissions for four issues of SnoRiders
All office work required including answering phones, mail, banking, correspondence, club updates, filing
Created proposal for the Youth School Outreach Program
BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
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Wrote proposal for Lets Ride BC, assisted with the program development and completed the final
season report.
Assisted Vernon Club with planning for a larger snow show in 2015 (put on your calendars now
November 13 + 14)
Attended in person or by call all ORV JAG meetings regarding the new ORV Registration
Completed meetings and research regarding the new Avalanche Safety Plans
Working member of Avalanche Canada’s Sled Comm Committee
Lobbied on behalf of North Rockies for AvCan to deliver a product in the North.
I am sure that there is much more. With no two days the same it is very hard to lay it all out and I am sure you
do not want to read it. I look forward to moving in to next season as the BCSF continues to grow. I feel that we
have made great strides in being recognized by the government both Provincially and Federally and will
continue to work on these relationships. Our affiliation with the CCSO provides me the opportunity to have
mentors that are the top of organized snowmobiling in our Country and North America. It was amazing to
attend MP meetings in Ottawa with the President & Executive Director of the CCSO. To see the relationships
and respect they have built in Ottawa is something we can all be thankful for. I would also like to thank Chris
Brookes, Executive Director, for the Alberta Snowmobile Association for being there when I have a question or
need to know how it is handled in other Provinces.
I am looking forward to the 50th Anniversary kickoff event in 100 Mile House this weekend and want to thank
my volunteers that helped make it happen: Erin Hart, Donna Barnett, Les Austin, Steve Law, Laurie Lautrup, the
100 Mile Snowmobile Club (hosts) , and the Mica Mountain Snowmobile Club (ride host for Sunday). We are
looking for people to help with events for the whole year so if you want to be part of it please give me a call
or send me an email [email protected]
ZONE 1-NORTHEAST REPORT (VACANT WRITTEN BY DONEGAL WILSON)
The Clubs in the Northeast continue to struggle with obtaining management agreements with the Province.
Without these agreements it is hard for them to obtain grants and complete the necessary trail work to keep
their trails open. The clubs are working hard on behalf of their members to get these agreements in place.
Clubs in this region are:
Rocky Mountain Riders (Mackenzie) Tumbler Ridge Ridge Riders – Working towards formal rec site designation on all their trails. They had a new
President this season who continues to follow through on the work from last season. BCSF has been helping with
their rec officer and we are optimistic that the designation will be in place for sections or their trails for next
season.
Pine Valley Trail Blazers (Chetwynd) – working to legally establish an emergency shelter. They have the shelter
and have been working with RSTBC to get a legal location for this.
Paradise Valley Snowmobile Association (Dawson Creek) – This clubs received the BCSF club of the year last
year. They continue to work hard to provide great events for their members and community. They hosted their
annual drag races and a vintage event this season which were both well attended. They continue to do trail
work on their trail system.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
Northland Trail Blazers (Fort St John)- received a NTC grant to complete trail work this season. There will be
brushing and resurfacing of a large portion of their trail system.
Fort Nelson Snowmobile Club – They continue to work with RSTBC to get their trails established and install a
new emergency shelter. The club struggles with a lot of disrespect on their trails from quads and trucks.
Especially the trails that are in or near town. The clubs is frequently repairing trails with the groomer.
This Zone remains without a director at the BCSF. The Executive Director held a conference call with the region
to keep communications open and to try to find someone to step up. The Presidents of these clubs are working
hard just to maintain enthusiasm and programs within their clubs. Which leaves little time to step up to the
Provincial seat. The BCSF will continue to host conference calls in the region with the hope that someone will
step up and bring a voice and vote to the Provincial table.
ZONE 2 – NORTHWEST REPORT (VACANT WRITTEN BY DONEGAL WILSON)
As it the case in Zone 1 this seat remains vacant. The clubs in the Region are working hard to maintain what
they have and do not identified a person with the time to bring a Provincial vote to the region. The BCSF held
a presidents call in this region as well to keep the communication open and also to try and find a Director.
Clubs in the Region are:
Kitimat Snowmobile & Hikers Club – this club installed a large new shelter last summer and had scheduled their
open house for this winter. Due to a lack of snow it had to be postponed. The region had an exceptionally low
snow year.
Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association – Club is working towards the placement of their new shelter. They are
looking for volunteers and continue to fundraise to make it happen. They also experienced a low snow year so
far.
Houston Snowmobile Club – was not on the call. Limited communication from the club this season.
Burns Lake Snowmobile Club – The club hosted another successful cold smoke drag racing event. Low snow has
impacted their membership but they still were able to do the event. They are also planning a Telkwa Pass ride
for the coming weekend.
ZONE 3 – CARIBOO/NORTH THOMPSON- RICHARD CHRISTENSON
(CLEARWATER)
-attended regular meeting every 2nd Thursday of each month with
Clearwater Sno-Drifters, my home club
-attended a meeting in 100 Mile, was not able to meet with
president as he was not able to attend because of business, met
with Jim Kirby.
-attended a weekend getaway at Likely Lodge, only attending
club ended up being Clearwater, no other club was able to make
it.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
-met with 100 Mile and Williams Lake presidents at BCSF fall meeting in Kamloops
-passed on info regarding licencing of ORV to all clubs of region 3
ZONE 4 – LOWER MAINLAND- GEORGE SCOTT (LANGLEY)
Burke Mountain Snowmobile Association
This Club was formed some time ago by cabin owners on Burke Mountain. As the
years went by the mountain became a Provincial Park and that now gives the Club
some challenges. They use the snowmobiles mainly to get to their cabins.
Chilliwack Snowmobile Club
The Club grooms and rides the Chipmunk Creek FSR. They are in the process of finalizing their Management
Agreement. This has been a long drawn out process. The Club President, Brian Romak is persistent and there
appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Due to lack of snow, they have brought their groomer off
the mountain and also the portable shelter. The only positive thing is the fuel bill is low.
Summit Seekers Snowmobile Club
This season the Club bought a larger groomer to do a more efficient job of grooming and it is working well.
There is still a fair amount of snow up high at Whipsaw and at Placer where the Club has emergency shelters.
As I have completed my maximum four year term as Region 4 Director this will be my last report. I have enjoyed
working with the BCSF Directors and Executive, sometimes not always in agreement but able to keep a positive
attitude. I have been involved as a Director at Large (a previous position to Region Zone Director) for many
years and experienced great growth along with the ups and downs. I wish the best to the future growth of the
BCSF.
ZONE 5-SEA TO SKY- ROB HANNA (NANAIMO)
Nothing Submitted
ZONE 6-NORTH OKANAGAN - CRAIG MOORE (VERNON)
Region 6 includes the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club, Lumby/Mable Lake Snowmobile Club, Monashee
Snowmobile Club, Salmon Arm Snow Blazers and Vernon Snowmobile Association. Since I have been involved,
I have spoken with each club 1-2 times a month either by phone or email. I have attended some meetings and
events and I asked clubs what they would like to see happen within the association and what their five year
plans are.
Review:
Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club - This year I didn’t get a chance to make it up to see their trails or any events. I
did, however hear that the couple events that had were successful such as the Dinner and Auction Ladies Ride
on February 14th 2015. The club is interested in participating in the Toronto Snow Show.
Lumby/Mable Lake Snowmobile Club- The club had issues with snowmobiles sneaking in or not paying trail
passes. The lack of snow affected them as well. The club had put on a toboggan party and a group ride. A
future goal for the club was to work on getting a new groomer as they had several problems this year.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
Monashee Snowmobile Club – Next year I would like to go and see their trails and spend some time at their
cabins. The biggest problem they are having is with all the logging in the area and them not being able to
access to the sledding areas.
Salmon Arm Snow Blazers - The club is up on members this year. They had several events which seemed to bring
the club together. Some great event ideas e.g. Moonlight rides, fundraisers and days rides. The club holds great
events and community stands behind them. They have been working on the five year plan and think its great
idea to help move forward for future goals.
Vernon Snowmobile Association - The club is up on memberships this year. They have some new board members.
The Snow show was successful and is booked for a two day show for 2015/2016. This year they held some
great events from snow show, family/demo days, wing and video snow bike show, and some fundraisers to
make the all the corporate sponsors happy. The club also currently working on a five plan to move forward in
the future.
I hope to have the chance to be re-elected so I can work with the clubs in the future to come.
ZONE 7- ROCKIES- RON LAROY (REVELSTOKE)
Another season already drawing to a close.
For many of us it has been the winter from
hell, no snow, very little snow and an early
melt. All indications at the beginning of the
season looked like a good season was ahead,
an early cold established trails and some of
the early snowfalls looked promising. That
was not to be.
For those towns and clubs where tourism plays
a big part in the economy of both, it left a lot
to be desired. After the initial snowfall and
the freeze we looked forward to a busy season and for the most part it was, but as in most places it ended
early or didn’t even get started. For us the freeze early in the season helped to save our trails and although
we had little snow to work with, the groomer operators did a fantastic job in farming snow and slowly building
up the bases of the trails. Then of course logging on one of our prime snowmobile areas, Frisby Ridge,
presented us with a whole new slate of problems and the work to find solutions which enabled us to keep the
mountain open but only by using certain trails and restricting the use of others. Through a heavy P.R. program
on our web site and our FB page we got the word out that certain trails were off limits while at the same time
trying to build a snow road right on the logging road which would enable our sledders to access the trails still
open. A lot of signage, information at the toll booths at the trail heads and some enforcement by C&E (Ministry
of Forests), cooperation between the company, the contractor and the club soon got the word out and for the
better part of the six weeks of logging, the program went along quite well with few violations and still better,
no confrontations with loaded logging trucks or other equipment. The down side of course was that our main
trail, Frisby Main, being the main haul road, when logging was finished, this trail/road had been plowed and
was now a dirt road. What remains of the snow road built on it is fast disappearing with the rain and mild
weather which will mean trucking up the mountain and trying to find parking and turn around places, all of this
about four weeks sooner than it usually happens. But we will carry on and overall have been able to offer
access onto the mountain with very little interruption, some good snow and some good sledding (better if we
had more fresh snow). Of course here as in most places with the lack of fresh snow it has been reflected in the
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
slowdown of sledders coming to town, the loss of that revenue at our trail heads and the loss of revenue to the
many businesses in town that relay on that winter tourism to carry them through until the summer season starts.
A cut back on staff hours and grooming hours and an early closure of the West Trail has been one way that we
could save a bit of money.
The club has representation on the Rearing in the Wild program where mountain caribou have been captured,
penned and the young raised for a number of weeks before being released with their mothers. The program
has proven to be quite successful with a very small number falling prey to predators and the program is
scheduled to continue next year.
Besides the business part of the club, we have had a busy social season as well. The Ride For Dad was not
successful as this type of ride is just not the type of money making event that is successful for the type of riders
and riding we have here. The Team Thunderstruck Premiere was again very successful this year, raising a
substantial amount of money for Avalanche Canada and the Revelstoke Food Bank. Avalanche Awareness days
is always a good day, showing people how to use their gear, what gear to carry and encouraging them to
take avy courses. At this event a cheque for $10,000 was presented to Avalanche Canada. An unplanned
day, a day for youth avalanche awareness was quickly put together and proved very successful with a day
devoted to making young riders avy conscious, letting them know what type of gear to have, the rules of the
road as far as snowmobiling is concerned, some mock searches and just an overall very fun day. RCMP,
Snowmobile Patrol, Search and Rescue were all in attendance making it that much more interesting for everyone.
The Snowarama/Drag Races was once again a very popular event, the Vintage Ride held the day before saw
close to 50 vintage sleds making their way up the mountain for the Show & Shine and we look forward to the
Ladies Ride and Yamafest at the end of the month.
Plans continue for the Greeting Center at the Boulder Parking lot. Power has now been put in at the parking
lot and the club is getting excited about the building which hopefully will be in place for next season.
A combined effort of club members who took on the job of managing the outside staff and the groomer
operators this season; the volunteers who planned and put on successful events, the concern that the club head
in the right direction and the efforts by the board of directors that it does, have all combined to make this a
quite successful year, all things considered as far as weather and snow are concerned.
And of course the club took delivery of a new 2014 Prinoth 350 groomer. The donation of $100,000 by the
City helped us obtain this equipment. The groomer was ‘wrapped’ by BRP and is a rolling billboard. We are
hoping that the other manufacturers will consider doing the same for the three other groomers that make up our
fleet. We held a ‘Groomer Day’ at the Boulder cabin where all four of our groomers and the grooming drags
and equipment were displayed. This was a proud day for club members to see what we have achieved and
at the same time having the opportunity to show those who buy the memberships and trail passes where their
money is going. A lot of positive feedback from sledders, some of who did not realize the extent of our
grooming program. Looking at the cabin, the four groomers, the club sled and the other attachments displayed
that day, we realize there was over a million dollars’ worth of equipment and investment sitting in that field
The club attended three snow shows this past season, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vernon. These shows and our
being at them is the commitment we have made to our many corporate sponsors to represent them at shows that
cater to the snowmobiling public. We feel that we have fulfilled this obligation successfully. Plans for next
season include the same shows with the addition of Toronto and possibly Hay Days in the U.S. Plans are now
being finalized with the City as to funding and reserving spaces at these shows.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
As for my part as a director for Zone 7, I feel that I have not fulfilled that obligation to the best of my ability.
I have not been very successful in meeting with my clubs in Golden, Parson or Nakusp. A lack of communication
between me and the clubs has contributed to this and I think that fault lies with both the clubs and myself. My
plans for next season! I have made it known that I will not be letting my name stand as director unless there
are no other names submitted from these clubs. If I do remain the director for Zone 7 I am hoping that more
communication can take place between myself and these clubs.
I have enjoyed being a part of the board of the Federation, unfortunately due to my many club commitments
this winter I was not able to give my full attention to the job and for that reason as well I feel it necessary to
step down. My apologies to the clubs in my zone.
ZONE 8 – SOUTH OKANAGAN -TRACY SENIO (MERRITT)
Nothing Submitted
ZONE 9 – KOOTENAYS - DOUG DEAN (ELKFORD)
Cranbrook Snowmobile Club on October 1, 2014. Good turnout and
discussion centered around three issues; the parking lot plowing, trail pass
collections, and a caribou proposal from the government. It was resolved
that plowing of the parking lot would be sub-contracted, the trail pass
vendor would be paid, and the president would follow up with the newly
received caribou information. We also had discussion about the
WorkSafeBC's plan to implement ASP's and the newly legislated ORV Act.
Information would be forth coming as it became available.
Moyie Lake ATV and Snowmobile Club on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Great meeting for this small but very
functional club. Discussion revolved around a Safety package being installed at the staging area or up top on
the mountain. Also, the aspect of grooming and searching for a groomer that wouldn't totally break the bank.
New sleds were on display, refreshments were available, and the atmosphere was very positive for an exciting
new season.
Windermere Snowmobile Club, on November 4, 2014. The weather was not conducive to travelling as there
was heavy rain in the area. A good turnout and in fact much better than normal for a 'first meeting" of the year.
I made a presentation on the ongoing happenings with the BCSF, as I did with the other visitations. There were
no issues or pertinent concerns and Barry was to get in touch if I could help him with anything.
Sparwood Snowmobile Club on February 12, 2015 and it was the last meeting prior to their Snowarama. A
good turnout. My presentation got the dander up with regards to the ORV Act and the paying of taxes. Being
very close to the AB border it is a touchy subject. No issues or concerns were brought forward and discussion
revolved around the set up for Snowarama. It was generally thought, the lower trail would not have enough
snow on it for sleds but one person was adamant that there was enough to get to elevation. All plans were to
hold the event regardless of weather.
Corbin Country Club has not had a meeting with year. I have had correspondence with the president regarding
ASP's and since it is a registered BC trail, I gave the president the information for Trails and Recreation to see
if funding would be available.
That is it for this year with one more visit scheduled for Fernie, my home club. Discussion has been ongoing at
meetings regarding ASP's but nothing has been implemented.
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BC Snowmobile Federation - Annual Report 2014-15
It has been a different year in the Kootenay's with very sporadic snow and lots of rain. Membership is down,
grooming is down, income is down, and everyone has been doing the Snow Dance. The 60 cm dump on the 15th
of March was a blessing.
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