Police release Family Day weekend snowmobile safety enforcement results

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Marine, Dive and Trails Unit snowmobiles were out on local trails throughout the Family Day long weekend, doing routine stops and RIDE checkpoints.

From Friday to Monday, they conducted 265 stops, resulting in 22 charges, 28 warnings and 4 roadside demands. Most of the charges were under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act. One person was ticketed for trespassing.

“Given the number of people stopped, we saw that most snowmobilers are compliant,” said Acting Sergeant Walt Lushman of the Marine Dive and Trails Unit. “We want to remind snowmobilers to carry the proper documentation and stay on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trails.”

Ottawa Police continues to warn snowmobilers to be cautious driving on frozen bodies of water, where snow, currents and temperatures can affect ice thickness and safety.

“There’s still plenty of time in the snowmobiling season to have fun, but always make safety your priority,” added A/Sgt. Lushman.