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2008-09 Season
Archive: 2008-09 Season |
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Snowmobiling Booms in Busted Economy
Posted: July 08, 2009
Year two of the Go Snowmobiling Campaign yielded very
positive returns for most of Ontario’s snowmobiling
community this past winter. The economic impact of
snowmobiling more than held its own as the snow started
early in most areas and lasted into early April
inNorthern Ontario. This success has also been good
for the OFSC and its clubs... 
Despite all the doom and gloom from many other sectors of the economy, Ontario snowmobiling is well positioned heading into the 2009/10 season. Permit Sales Up The first and most tangible measure of Go Snowmobiling’s success is that Full Season Snowmobile Trail Permit sales increased for the second consecutive season to over 90,000, up from 84,600 the previous year and 82,000 in 2007. That’s a 10% increase since the Go Snowmobiling Campaign began…and that means that revenues throughout our federation have increased accordingly. Final permit numbers listed below indicate that we are succeeding in converting more and more snowmobilers to make the commitment to support clubs by purchasing a full season permit.
• Full Season: 90,418
(+6,369/6.87%) Finances Positive
The OFSC has once again delivered strong annual
financial results, including a modest surplus. Not only
is the 2008/09 budget on track and under control, OFSC
investment (as yet unexpendedOFSC permit revenues at
work for you) earnings are also doing well - over
$300,000 for the past year, despite the global economic
downturn. Many New Participants
This growth reflects the renewed interest created by Go
Snowmobiling, which has attracted many first timers,
brought former riders back, expanded participation
within families and encouraged more people to ride in
Ontario. Building the Next Generation
OFSC Driver Training has graduated 14,500 new, young
snowmobilers in the past three seasons, including a 15%
increase in its annual tally for this past winter alone,
to 5,300. This continuing influx of youth augurs well
for building a new generation of snowmobilers and
securing the future of Go Snowmobiling. Positive Sled Sales
The growing interest from Go Snowmobiling also
translated into positive sled sales in many parts of the
province last winter. Snowmobile dealers reported good
to exceptional results for moving new sleds, while
steady activity throughout the used market made good
pre-owned sleds very hard to come by. Strong Spring for the Northeast
As the focus of snowmobiling shifted north in March and
early April, snowmobile-friendly businesses benefited as
thousands of Ontarians trailered there to ride, packing
lodgings and spending countless dollars in restaurants,
gas stations, sled dealers and other local operations.
Go Snowmobiling Reaches Millions
Almost 100 OFSC media partners delivered the Go
Snowmobiling message across Ontario during 2008/09,
resulting in contributed value returned to the OFSC of
almost $1 Million from hundreds of thousands exposures
and impressions that reached millions of Ontarians,
snowmobilers and nonsnowmobilers alike. $3 Million Improvements
Thanks to the support of the McGuinty Government, OFSC
clubs invested $3 million to reduce barriers to
snowmobile tourism last season, thereby improving the
overall riding experience and encouraging more
participation in snowmobile touring. Our track record
for delivering as promised will help us maintain our
ongoing funding partnership with the province for the
upcoming season. Recession Proof? An analysis of OFSC permit results back to the 1980’s indicates that sales typically hold their own or increase in tough economic times as people look for more escape, stress relief and exciting leisure activities to share with their families and fill their leisure time without traveling too far away from home.
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Quick Links:
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Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 130, Apsley, Ontario K0L 1A0 |
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© Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, 2008-09 |