The County of Brant in Ontario issued a safety reminder on January 27, 2026, for snowmobile riders as trail use reaches its peak this winter. Officials are asking people to stick to marked paths, check weather and ice conditions, and never drink and drive while operating their machines.
This warning comes as the Brant County OPP and OFSC District 5 report increasing issues with riders trespassing on private farms. When riders go off designated paths they can damage property and prompt landowners to close access to trails used by the wider community.
Police are taking a zero-tolerance approach to impaired operation this season, noting that the rules for snowmobiles mirror those for motor vehicles. Under provincial law, impaired operation of a snowmobile carries the same penalties as impaired driving on a highway — including immediate licence suspension and possible loss of driving privileges, as well as substantial fines.
To help stay safe, the county suggests using official digital trail maps (for example, the OFSC “Go Snowmobiling” app) to navigate rural areas and the Grand River corridor. Past accidents in the region, previously reported by the Brantford Expositor, illustrate the dangers of riding on unmarked land or over thin ice.
Residents with questions can call the county at 519-442-7268 or email info@brant.ca. To report unsafe riding or trespassing, contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
