Fatal snowmobile collision on New Year's Day in northwestern Ontario prompts safety tips
CBC
A fatal snowmobile collision in Atikokan, Ont., on New Year’s Day has prompted reminders about the importance of staying safe on the trails this winter.
Members of the Atikokan Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Atikokan Fire and Rescue Service and Rainy River District Emergency Medical Services responded to a report of a single-vehicle snowmobile collision on the Saturn Avenue extension around 11 a.m. on Jan. 1.
A 22-year-old from Atikokan was transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead, the Atikokan OPP said in a news release issued Jan. 2.
The incident, which remains under investigation, marks the region's first fatal snowmobile collision this year.
The OPP North West Region provided CBC News with data on motorized snow vehicle collisions between 2020 and 2025, excluding December 2025, which is still being reviewed.
During this time period, three fatal collisions were reported in the northwest.
Adrian Tessier, president of the Thunder Bay Adventure Trail Snowmobile Club, said the news about the 22-year-old’s death is “devastating.”
“For the snowmobiling community, it certainly wakes us up,” he told CBC News in an interview on Tuesday.
Tessier has been busy preparing the trails for the coming season, with Sunday night’s snowfall creating more favourable conditions.
With the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs receiving an extra $3.9 million from the province this season, “we're thinking that we're going to have a premier trail system this year throughout the whole northwest — and in fact, the whole province of Ontario,” he said.
Still, safety is always top of mind.
“You're looking at the machines today that are running 150, pushing 200 horsepower and they have speeds capable of well over 100 miles an hour,” Tessier said. “People have to realize that. You are your own speed control.”
Even if people have newer machines, it’s important that they know their limits, he added, while also paying attention to their surroundings.
“Being aware of what possibly might be under that deep snow — there might be stumps or rocks they may not be aware of — and it could spoil your day,” said Tessier.
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