Snowmobile federation disputes Rick MacLeod's facts

SooToday.com received the following letter from Andy Chvedukas, provincial chair of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Chvedukas is responding to an earlier SooToday.com article in which Rick MacLeod, former local coordinator for the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol program, told us why area safety officers recently handed in their resignations.

***************************** Snowmobile safety officers resigning in droves

The following is in response to the above disturbing headline.

It would be fair to readers to know some more pertinent information.

Being the OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) provincial chair for the STOP (Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol) program, I must state that some of the information is misleading.

To make things clear, the STOP program is not only alive and well but is growing in the province.

Since September, numerous volunteers have approached area coordinators within the province and have started the process to join the program.

As for STOP officers "resigning in droves," nothing could be further from the truth.

In total, from all accounts 12 officers have resigned.

At present, the program still has approximately 90 fully sworn officers, 21 officers in various levels of training and 20 new volunteers just starting the process.

Within the last two years the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services reviewed the positions of all special constables throughout the province.

Certain changes were made to ensure the safety of volunteers conducting these tasks as special constables and in keeping with ministry guidelines.

When in direct supervision of a police officer, the STOP officer would conduct patrol and take direction from that police officer.

When two or more STOP officers are patrolling, they are restricted to within 30 meters of any prescribed OFSC trail, regardless of where the trail may be located.

STOP officers use their own snowmobiles and have the option of claiming reasonable expenses such as lunches and mileage.

The STOP officers did have their powers of arrest removed for failing to identify under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Since the inception of the STOP program not a single officer has ever used this power.

As a volunteer, why would any STOP officer want to be put into this dicey predicament?

They can still issue provincial offences notices (tickets) for any contravention of the act.

Badges were issued by the OFSC, not the OPP.

Badges were never taken away from any STOP officers.

They were restricted from carrying these badges.

These STOP officers, as many other provincial offences officers, carry identification cards which empower them to enforce the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act.

The badges were retained by all the STOP officers to be used for ceremonial purposes only.

The OPP have never used, nor do they intend on using these officers as a way to fill police patrols on snowmobile trails.

Police officers patrol trails whenever manpower permits.

The STOP program is a separate program of extremely dedicated volunteers who patrol trails anytime they have the time.

These volunteers want to make a difference for the good of snowmobiling throughout Ontario.

From the inception of the STOP program, the OFSC and the OPP have worked closely together and continue to do so to make snowmobiling as safe as possible for all riders.

The OPP command officers and officers throughout the entire Police Service, continue their paramount support for this valuable and visible program.

This strong partnership between our two organizations is an indication of a pro-active vision for safety on the trails within the province.

Rick MacLeod had a difference of opinion about the program as did some of the other officers, so they resigned.

Granted, that is their prerogative.

Their time in the program was appreciated.

I want to remind all snowmobilers that being a STOP officer is a dedication that very few people might try.

These officers do make a difference on the trails and are a true contribution to volunteerism within organized snowmobiling.

Please remember that all these officers, whether STOP or OPP, are out there on the trail for your safety and enjoyment.

Please offer them your gratitude and respect for their personal dedicated time.

Thank you

Andy Chvedukas OFSC STOP, provincial chair

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