It's a winter activity that has many fans and it's also a local tourism generator that brings dollars and people to the area.
On Monday the local Sno-Rider organization, along with the City of Yorkton, were recognized for outstanding promotion and development by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. The award acknowledged support of the sport and for its role in passing a bylaw to allow snowmobile trails into the city so snowmobilers can access food, fuel and lodging.
"In the late 19990's the Yorkton Sno-Riders worked strategically with the City of Yorkton to allow for two trails that come directly into the east and west area of the city, linking local and visiting snowmobilers to food, gas and lodging," said Jason Popowich, President of the Sno-Riders to council Monday. "This partnership was the first of its kind in the province and continues today to bring increased tourist traffic into the city." Both trails are groomed and well signed.
"With the help of local members of the Yorkton Sno-Riders and members of Tourism Yorkton, city council has recognized the need to attract additional tourism dollars into the city during normally quiet months in the cold winter. Year after year sleds can be seen parked outside of local restaurants and hotels as more and more snowmobilers are travelling via sled across Saskatchewan - filling up with fuel... enjoying a good meal at one of our local restaurants or staying overnight in one of our fine hotels."
In addition to praising the city on it's efforts to accommodate snowmobilers thus far, Popowich also attended council to seek additional support in the form of signage and possibly more trails. The request means the city is now examining current snowmobile bylaws and considering changes.
"The Snowmobile Bylaw for the City of Yorkton was originally passed on September 18, 1995 with some amendments to the schedule over the years. Due to increased development with the City of Yorkton, it is necessary to revisit the Bylaw and map that provides snowmobilers with the approved trails..." says City Clerk Bonnie Schenher adding, administration meets on a regular basis with the Sno-Rider club to discuss trails and options. Taking into consideration Sno-Riders requests, safety concerns and public feedback council gave first reading to a proposed bylaw and will continue to look into the matter.
