Signfan

Yeah Ontario went through this a few years ago. Aging fleet and no plan to replace it with the majorityof the equipment being closer to 15 years old. They ended up overhauling the entire provinces funding model. Pooled all permit money, started paying clubs based on hours groomed (something like $75 an hour), a small amount per km of trail they had, some money for admin and then kept the balance to buy new equipment. Started buying groomers in bulk and distributing them across the province. They also fund major repairs to units that made sense from this fund. Big kicker in it was a reduction in the total number of units in operation to make the math work on replacement on an ongoing basis. It's worked, but I wouldn't say it's perfect. The fleet reduction is arguably not the best thing to occur, but was done in the name of utilization and efficiency. Will be interesting to see if Quebec goes down this road. For fleet procurement I can't see it not being beneficial to pool resources and buy in bulk. FCMQ is currently putting $14 a permit into a groomer replacement fund. This will be around $1,000,000 a season provincially. Probably 10% of what they actually need to be spending. The clubs will be funding the balance of the purchases under the current model. FCMQ is typically ahead of everyone else, but I think it could be argued that Ontario has jumped ahead on this issue. Interesting to see how much equipment the FCMQ has in operation.

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Looks like the re-route is up on the map.

Not that it matters, but what was the cost last season?

Any word on whether this will re-open? Was the club able to clear the landslide and re-establish a trail?

I think you have it right. Mask requirements are different province to province and are changing. In Quebec masks are still mandatory for indoor settings.

You will need to show proof of vaccination at restaurants and relays as well. That said I wouldn't hesitate. I'd be surprised to see it close again. Unless some new variant starts in the US that we don't have up here. Have seen lots of American travelers on the roads in the last 6 weeks or so since it opened.

Thanks for all the help. Decided to book another air bnb near Lac Taureau. Not worth the risk going elsewhere (short of mont valin which is too far of a car ride fir the kids). I know what the area offers and chances of snow are good. I've got free cancellation till x-mas which provides flexibility if needed.

Thanks for the feedback. That is what I needed to know.

The platform certainly discourages it, but the hosts do have final say on what occurs with their property. The host will get fined by the platform for canceling and it is noted in their reviews. In this instance the guy said he sold the place. Not the end of the world being months away. I think if it was right before the platform would have done what they could to re-book us somewhere else.

So our Air bnb cancelled on us which has me back at the drawing board. How are the trails towards Saint Donat and down near Saint-Come? Are they woods trails, or do they have good roads like up near Lac Taureau? Am I getting too far south out of the x-mas snow line this far south?

Very tragic and sad situation. Unfortunately this incident occured like most snowmobile incidents occur with the following factors present. - riding at night - riding off trail - riding on an unfamiliar body of water Only two missing that are also very common in sledding incidents are - speed - alcohol Recommendations to use more signage is not realistic. How can the FCMQ ever sign every piece of unsafe water in the province? Is it really desirable to create that expectation from riders that signs will save them? Educating riders (all riders, but especially guides and rental customers) about the five dangers listed above is what should (and probably will) occur. My condolences to all involved. This was a very sad day for our sport.

Yep it's worth it. Not fun, but you've suffered worse going to the dentist. Don't miss a sled trip over it.

Provided your vaccinated the border is open now.

The Garmin system BRP offers is the Cadillac for sure. You can buy the units abd mounts through other sources somewhat cheaper, but you still have over $500 into it. The way to cheap out that works is to get a waterproof case mount for your phone and run the association mapping apps. Case I bought is below. https://www.royaldistributing.com/sw-motech-navi-case-pro-66-1104.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwsNiIBhBdEiwAJK4khlIhibjMaKu5xyfbPztocjwsNXzV6cWIbiLzghO49cVubxA8yCoaOBoCq9EQAvD_BwE#291=18521 This works good, but I did find the phone would freeze and shut down on most days after a cpl hours. You get what you pay for.