Moving recreational vehicles in Ontario from the showroom to their new homes just got easier.
It has been an issue for businesses who deliver snowmobiles, boats, and ATVs. Until now a dealer would be expected to buy a new trailer plate for each trailer hauling equipment to a customer. Going forward the dealer can use one service plate and transfer it to each trailer they are using to make a delivery.
It was a move initiated in part by Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller.
“This is great news for the many businesses in Parry Sound-Muskoka that sell or service boats, snowmobiles or ATVs,” said Miller. “This will reduce costs and paperwork for small business owners, allowing them to focus on building their businesses and creating jobs.”
Andy Blenkarn, the owner of Desmasdon’s Boat Works in Pointe au Baril brought the issue to Miller’s attention.
“I want to thank Norm Miller and Minister Yurek for listening. This simple change will make it much easier for us to do business in Ontario,” said Blenkarn. “Norm was critical to the process. He listened to our concern and acted. I love the ‘can do attitude’ of Norm and the government. It is so refreshing to have a government that listens.”
The boating industry is a $4 billion business that accounts for 30,000 jobs in Ontario.
It is a big issue for moving snowmobiles as well. Ryan Eickmeier, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs says the move will make life easier for those tasked with moving new equipment around.
“The expansion of how service plates can be used removes an unnecessary burden on snowmobiling businesses,” he says. “This is a measurable move that will open up new customer service opportunities, improve the ability to showcase and exhibit products, and will definitively help grow the $1.7B snowmobile industry in Ontario.”
The Ontario government has made the reduction of red tape a mandate since coming into office last June. Ontario’s Open for Business Action Plan has set a target to reduce regulatory red tape by 25 per cent by 2020.