Signfan

Snow tires are only a requirement for vehicles registered in Quebec correct? Asking for a friend.
 

There's the issue. Makes these stretches tough. 263 km round trip. They should be running between 10 and 15 km/hr. So thats 20 - 25 hrs without a stop for food, a piss or to deal with any issues (trees, washouts, etc.). Add the run to Clova in the opposite direction and it becones tough. I'm sure it's a personnel issue. You need three operators min working full time to keep pace with that.

Yeah every two weeks isn't cutting it. That's the point. Even with a fresh groom the mogul memory will be there and it'll be rough by Friday if it isnt already.  I experienced the same thing when we were up there 3 weeks ago.  I found they weren't getting 83 back flat either.  Seems like they do 83 weekly and 345 down to Casey every other week.  I get these are long difficult groomer runs.  They're probably 20 hrs to leave Parent, go the Wemotaci, go to Casey and return to Parent.  Then something similar to go to Clova and back in the other direction.  It does come back to a management issue though I'm sure.  The unit will run 24 hrs if you can staff it.  Either that or the brand new groomer is causing them lots of headaches.  I'm not one to complain as it's a thankless job and I've done it.  But sure would be nice if they could get the grooming frequency on these sections up.  The clubs other groomer out of Fer a Cheval has no issues keeping up with traffic.

There's the issue. Makes these stretches tough. 263 km round trip. They should be running between 10 and 15 km/hr. So thats 20 - 25 hrs without a stop for food, a piss or to deal with any issues (trees, washouts, etc.). Add the run to Clova in the opposite direction and it becones tough. I'm sure it's a personnel issue. You need three operators min working full time to keep pace with that.

There's the issue. Makes these stretches tough. 263 km round trip. They should be running between 10 and 15 km/hr. So thats 20 - 25 hrs without a stop for food, a piss or to deal with any issues (trees, washouts, etc.). Add the run to Clova in the opposite direction and it becones tough. I'm sure it's a personnel issue. You need three operators min working full time to keep pace with that.

Yeah every two weeks isn't cutting it. That's the point. Even with a fresh groom the mogul memory will be there and it'll be rough by Friday if it isnt already.  I experienced the same thing when we were up there 3 weeks ago.  I found they weren't getting 83 back flat either.  Seems like they do 83 weekly and 345 down to Casey every other week.  I get these are long difficult groomer runs.  They're probably 20 hrs to leave Parent, go the Wemotaci, go to Casey and return to Parent.  Then something similar to go to Clova and back in the other direction.  It does come back to a management issue though I'm sure.  The unit will run 24 hrs if you can staff it.  Either that or the brand new groomer is causing them lots of headaches.  I'm not one to complain as it's a thankless job and I've done it.  But sure would be nice if they could get the grooming frequency on these sections up.  The clubs other groomer out of Fer a Cheval has no issues keeping up with traffic.

Is it that or is it just that the baby boomers are all retiring?  The employers that have got away with paying peanuts for years are just finding they can no longer get help.  Some call it a labour's shortage.  Others say it's a lack of employers willing to pay a decent wage.  I manage a team of trades people.  We have no issues getting help.  But we're paying union wages which attracts the best people.

Is it that or is it just that the baby boomers are all retiring?  The employers that have got away with paying peanuts for years are just finding they can no longer get help.  Some call it a labour's shortage.  Others say it's a lack of employers willing to pay a decent wage.  I manage a team of trades people.  We have no issues getting help.  But we're paying union wages which attracts the best people.

Is it that or is it just that the baby boomers are all retiring?  The employers that have got away with paying peanuts for years are just finding they can no longer get help.  Some call it a labour's shortage.  Others say it's a lack of employers willing to pay a decent wage.  I manage a team of trades people.  We have no issues getting help.  But we're paying union wages which attracts the best people.

Is it that or is it just that the baby boomers are all retiring?  The employers that have got away with paying peanuts for years are just finding they can no longer get help.  Some call it a labour's shortage.  Others say it's a lack of employers willing to pay a decent wage.  I manage a team of trades people.  We have no issues getting help.  But we're paying union wages which attracts the best people.

That is probably just paying for the two police officers.  Nice to see a solution.

Yes it's still crown land. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.
 
 
 

The below link will take you to a map that shows the locations of the ZEC's.  There is 63 in total of them in the province.  If you have snowmobiled in Quebec it's almost a certainty that you have ridden through at least one.  On a days ride in Saguenay you could conceivably ride through 3 in a couple hours time  (Zec Lac-de-la-Boiteuse, Zec Onatchiway, Zec Martin-Valin).
 
https://reseauzec.com/carte-interactive/

Response below from the Zec to my e-mail. I alluded that FCMQ permits were justified as they provide value. The FCMQ has an uphill battle to fight here based on her response. Everyone flood these guys with e-mails.  
info@zecmartinvalin.com
$12 isn't the point here. Look at how many Zecs you cross in a days ride. Then add it up over the course of the winter and you start to see the issue.
Hello, First of all the fees that you pay to the FCMQ, do not touch the zec, neither near nor far. We are two separate organizations. The FCMQ trails pass over our ZEC, so we are entitled to demand a right of circulation! the principle of user pays! It is very easy to do it online, if you have any difficulty, call us and we will be happy to help you. We are in the first year of operation of our ZEC in winter, and we have a lot of plans for the years to come 😊 We are sorry that this sum ($11.70) could make you change your mind about your destination… Have a great day ! Nancy
 

I agree.  I sent an e-mail asking that question and copied the fcmq.  Will be interesting to see if a response comes back.  
 
https://zecmartinvalin.com//

Anyone have a map of the zec? Just curious where the boundaries are.  If this continues could get pretty expensive on those bug saddlebag trips when you travel through 2 or 3 of these zec areas in a day.  Bad bad idea.
 
 
 

What was the fine worth out of curiosity?
 
 

You should write the FCMQ.  They have been helpful with issues like this in the past.  Ontario custom license numbers was an issue in Mont Laurier years ago with the local law enforcement that they addressed.

Alain said a few years ago this was a slippery slope they started down with the trail north of Saint Donat. I'll boycott the area if this is how it's gonna play out. Lots of other places to go ride. I can see the off trail crowd being a target. On trail group has already paid their dues imo.
 
  
 
 

Is this the private trail system east of Relais Onatchiway?  Or the actual FCMQ trails?
 
 
 
 

No sticker with day passes. You dont have to display, just have proof on you. You still get seasonal stickers. Just don't have your battery go dead if relying on your phone for day pass proof. You'll want to download it as well as chances are you wont have cell service when you hit a check stop.  Many hotels will print it off for you if you e-mail them a copy when you buy it the night before.

So happy to see this.  
 

So happy to see this.  
 

$2000 seems cheap for a week's trip. Its probably more. I'd reference the zecs fee. This isn't the fcmq or the tourism folks enforcing it. Completely agree with sending it though.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I suggest e-mailing the fcmq, the ministry of tourism and saguenay tourism. If we all do this it will gain some traction. We won't get anywhere with Nancy as is evident in her e-mails. This is crown land. It is sad for km 31 and La Chapelle. They will be the ones that suffer.