Snowmobiling in Ontario becoming riskier due to climate change: OPP
Police in Ontario are warning that climate change is shortening the snowmobiling season and making a growing number of trails dangerous for riders across the province.
Ontario Provincial Police say 13 snowmobilers have died so far this season -- which runs from November to April -- with many falling through ice. A total of 13 people died last snowmobiling season but police note that this season isn't over yet.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Paul Beaton, OPP's motorized snow vehicle co-ordinator, said milder winters have shortened the snowmobiling season and that's concerning.
"Maybe that does represent an increase because we're having the same number of deaths over a shorter period of time," Beaton said in a phone interview.
"We do have a very narrow season and we're seeing it reduce year after year."
The number of trails in Ontario not safe for snowmobiling has increased as the season shortens, he said
"This may tie into global warming," Beaton said.
Milder winters have altered snowmobiling routes that might once have been considered safe, he said.
"We're not getting the good snowpack and the consistent cold weather riders need to have solid trails, frozen waterways. The next thing you know, all that ice that may have been safe to travel on changes drastically," he said.
"It's not able to support the weight of you or your snowmobile so people have gone through the water and have perished."
Some riders have been venturing out to remote areas that don't have designated trails as they search for thicker snow and ice, Beaton said, making the sport more dangerous.
Provincial police said 46 per cent of this season's fatal snowmobiling cases occurred in Ontario's northeast and almost all of those who died were men between the ages of 25 and 34 because they may be more likely to take on the hobby.
"People being aware of how the weather can impact riding safely is incredibly important," Beaton said.
Pierre Challier, the owner of a Quebec company that takes people on snowmobiling expeditions in several regions, said his operation has had to transform the way it works as weather patterns change.
"Sometimes it's difficult to organize an expedition because, in some regions, we don't have ice or there is less snow," said Challier, who owns Nord Expe Inc.
Trail guides with Nord Expe prepare well in advance for expeditions, he said, recommending that all snowmobilers do the same.
"We need to have knowledge of all the weather during the winter such as when the ice is built, is it built with or without wind, snow falls, rain falls," he said. "If there is any doubt, guides make holes everywhere ... to see if there is cracks, slush, the thickness of the ice."
Beaton, of the OPP, said snowmobiling can still offer an exhilarating sense of freedom but it needs to be done with more caution.
"We hope that they have fun," he said. "We hope that they're able to come back and tell stories about the happy times and not share stories of loss and grief."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.