Ontario Provincial Police investigate snowmobile crash that killed North York woman

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal snowmobile incident in the Georgian Bay Region on Sunday afternoon.

Officials responded to a call where a snowmobile with a lone operator had allegedly left a designated route near the intersection of an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail, located south of Hanson Road, just before 4:30 p.m.

“Emergency Services attended and assisted officers and other trail riders in triaging the 58-year-old female operator of North York who tragically passed away at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash” said the OPP, confirming she had crashed into trees.

According to the interactive trail guide map, many of the routes in the region were listed as closed over the weekend.

Fatal snowmobile crash in @gbtownship is currently being investigated by #SGBOPP. Sled left the trail near the intersection of the @GoSnowmobiling 11 A & C trail near 4:22 p.m. this afternoon killing the 58 yr old female operator. ^DH pic.twitter.com/daySxjTiA5

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 16, 2022

The Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment is investigating the cause of the single vehicle collision, alongside the OPP Central Region Traffic Unit, which specializes in serious crash investigations.

No other details have been made available at this time.

According to Go Snowmobiling Ontario’s website, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs offer access to a world-class snowmobile trail network that spans more than 30,000 km across the province.

Last week, the federation in partnership with the OPP, promoted snowmobile safety in advance of International Snowmobile Safety Week, reminding new and experienced riders of best practices, as well as smart choices, when operating.

“Smart choices start with always staying on available, designated OFSC trails,” they write in their latest press release, “Wandering off any trail surface into unbroken snow, unfamiliar terrain or farmers’ fields can not only be risky for the rider, but may also compromise the safety of landowners or their property.”

An early 2021 report from Statistics Canada suggests an average of 72 snowmobile deaths occur every year in the country. With roughly 80% involving single vehicles.

And while this is Ontario’s first snowmobile fatality, it shortly follows another fatal incident in the province involving a 14-year-old Alberta teen who was visiting family for the holidays.