Hudson Bay RCMP – With the arrival of snowy weather, many Saskatchewan residents start thinking about groomed trails, powder filled glades, and the ever present smell of two stroke exhaust. Not to mention a few fire grilled hot dogs and a mug of hot cocoa in one of the well-kept warm-up shacks throughout our province.
The Hudson Bay RCMP would like to remind you of a few items before you head out on the trails this season:
· Section 3 of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Act states that, no person is permitted to operate a snowmobile on public property without a certificate of registration issued by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Further to this, the license plate must be displayed on the snowmobile and the registration permit carried by the rider. A significant portion of your registration goes towards a trail pass which assists local clubs in maintaining and grooming Saskatchewan’s trail system.
· Section 15, states that any person who operates a snowmobile on public property must possess a valid driver’s license to do so. As well, any person born after January 1, 1989 is required to complete an approved safety course in order to operate a snowmobile on public property.
· Section 25, refers to trespassing on private land. The act states that an owner must erect signs at the corner of their property and at intervals not exceeding 800 metres stating no snowmobiling or trespassing.
We would also like to remind the public that the same rules for alcohol and cannabis possession and consumption apply to snowmobiles, in the exact same fashion as a motor vehicle. Snowmobile trails and warm-up shacks are considered a public place and as such, cannabis and alcohol cannot be legally possessed or consumed.
A few safety rules to follow include:
· Ensuring you are prepared for your ride by wearing warm clothing and an approved helmet.
· Ride with a partner and advise someone where you are going and when you will return.
· Pack a small survival kit which could include food, water, matches, first aid items and tools. We also suggest a GPS device which can send a distress signal.
RCMP members conduct snowmobile patrols throughout the winter to help keep our trails safe. Please be a safe and informed rider this winter and we will see you out there!
