Collingwood trail builder and avid snowmobile rider and trail keeper George Christie and his family including Linda, Steve, Phil, Michael and Shawn have been recognized by their peers for more than five decades of volunteering to make snowmobiling better in the region and in the province.
The Christie family was named family of the year for the local district (number four) and also for Ontario at the recent Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs annual general meeting.
The family of the year is recognized for "exceptional achievement" in one or more of the areas of rider experience, volunteer culture, initiatives and or partnerships.
The Christie family was nominated by their home club, The Blue Mountain Snowdrifters as "integral" to the creation of most of the trails in the Collingwood area.
George Christie, who recently turned 90 years old, is known to many as "Mr. Trails" for his pioneering work in creating some of the earliest recreation trails in Collingwood, and who has since worked hard to make sure the trails connect throughout town.
"George is the reason we do have trails," states the nomination package.
Christie is one of several volunteers who build and maintain local trails, and work to find landowners willing to share their space with hikers, cyclists, and snowmobilers.
"George has been instrumental at ensuring that snowmobiles are permitted on town trails," states the nomination from the Snowdrifters.
"George always gets his kids involved so that they understand the amount of work required to enjoy the sport," states the nomination.
The Snowdrifters also noted more of the Christie family, including in-laws, has been helping with things like bridge repairs, brushing trails, and serving on the club's board of directors.
"Anytime there is work to be done, you can count on finding at least one Christie at the job site," states the nomination. "They make work a light day of fun!"
George and Phil Christie attended the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs AGM to receive the family of the year awards on Sept. 13 and 14, 2024.
