(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – With portions of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system now open, members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Traffic Management Unit (TMU) have increased patrols and issued several charges as a result.
On January 2, 2026, at approximately 2:15 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP TMU were conducting trail permit compliance checks on an OFSC trail within Minto Township.
As a result of the investigation, a 27-year-old from Moorefield, is charged under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act with:
- Drive – no insurance
- Drive motorized snow vehicle, trail permit not issued
- Fail to produce license
- Fail to notify change of ownership
- Fail to display evidence of permit
On January 2, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP TMU were conducting trail permit compliance checks on a OFSC Trail within Minto Township.
As a result of the investigation, a 21-year-old from Listowel, is charged under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act with:
- Drive motorized snow vehicle while license suspended
- Drive – no insurance
- Fail to notify change of ownership
- Drive motorized snow vehicle, trail permit not issued
- Fail to display evidence of permit
On January 2, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County OPP TMU were conducting trail permit compliance checks on an OFSC trail within Minto Township.
As a result of their investigation, a 52-year-old from Arkona, a 52-year-old from Watford, a 46-year-old from Strathroy and a 45-year-old from Strathroy are all charged under the Liquor License and Control Act with:
- Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place
The charge of “Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place” is accompanied by a $125 fine.
On January 2, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Wellington OPP TMU conducted the stop of a snowmobile operator on Highway 6 within Centre Wellington Township.
As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old from Moffat, is charged under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act with:
- Fail to stop – flashing red and blue lights
The Wellington County OPP would like to remind riders of the following requirements for operating a snowmobile in Ontario:
- Riders must have and carry a valid driver’s licence, motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL) or a snowmobile driver’s licence from your home province, state or country.
- Riders must carry proof of snowmobile ownership and proof of insurance.
- Riders must have a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit affixed to your sled when on trials.
- Riders must stop for approaching police operated snowmobiles with flashing red and blue lights.
For more information about snowmobiling, visit: Snowmobile safety | ontario.ca.
To check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) before you ride, visit: www.ofsc.on.ca.
If you have an urgent complaint or if you suspect someone is operating a snowmobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.
Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
