As most riders may have heard, for the 2025/26 riding season, the OFSC has capped the Ontario trail network at a total of 25,500 km across the province.

This cap has led to trail reductions for all clubs under the OFSC umbrella. The purpose of this cap is to allow the OFSC to maintain trail permit prices for 2025/26 at the same level as 2024/25; to execute a more focused approach to trail management that concentrates on quality of trail vs. quantity; and better apply efficiencies across the province by ensuring trails are groomed based on conditions and demand.

Although disappointed with this news, STR understands the premise behind this approach and the anticipated savings it will realize. That being said, STR is blessed to have an extremely dedicated executive and core of volunteers, who work tirelessly managing our existing 637 km of trails.

In addition, recent years has seen STR partner with Fednor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario), NOHFC (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation), and enjoy continued growth in our partnership with the City of Kenora Tourism, allowing STR to make direct investments in trail grooming equipment, shelter upgrades, and communication strategies.

We feel that with our STR team and partners, we have the structure and resources in place to ensure those trails originally designated for closure, remain open under the direct management of STR. As a result, STR is pleased to announce that for the 2025/26 riding season, the entire 637 km network of STR trails will remain open for the upcoming season.

We believe strongly that our trail network, nestled in Kenora and surrounding areas of Lake of The Woods, provides one of the premier riding destinations in the country. As with all volunteer organizations however, we are only as strong as our members who sacrifice their time to manage our network, and for those who reside in Kenora, have lake homes in Kenora, or visit our region as a snowmobile destination, to buy permits and support the club.

The entire STR team looks forward to seeing you on the trails this upcoming season, and welcome those who would like to volunteer with our club to ensure our trails are the best managed in all of Ontario.

See you on the trail!!