Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) supports Improvements to Local Snowmobiling Trails

The GSDC celebrated the unveiling of several improvements made across the Sudbury District snowmobile trail network at an event hosted by the Sudbury Trail Plan in Garson this morning. Through its Tourism Development Fund, the GSDC provided a $125,000 donation to support these improvements, including five warming huts like the one featured at the unveiling.

The Tourism Development Fund provides an opportunity for reinvestment of proceeds from the Municipal Accommodation Tax in initiatives that build the tourism sector. By enhancing rider experience for local and visiting riders, these improvements are expected to attract more snowmobilers to Greater Sudbury, helping the community benefit from this significant source of tourism and economic activity.  Based on the latest Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) economic impact study from the 2022–23 season, snowmobile trail usage across the province generated nearly $1.5 billion in direct snowmobiler expenditures. 

In addition, the five new warming huts were designed and built by local secondary and post-secondary students, supporting hands-on experience in important skilled trades. The warming huts are already installed and can be seen along the trail system.

Quotes

"Snowmobiling continues to be a strong driver for winter tourism across Northern Ontario, and Greater Sudbury plays a pivotal role in that success. With Ontario’s snowmobile trails generating between $3 billion and $6 billion in annual economic impact, our region stands at the heart of a thriving winter economy. The dedication of volunteers who help maintain over the trails is invaluable, contributing more than $16.4 million in economic value each year. Snowmobiling remains  an impactful driver of winter visitation and regional prosperity."

-Richard Picard, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation