Beyond the Trail with Lee Onslow

When Thompson-Nicola Regional District Director Lee Onslow stood up to speak at the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Conference, she offered a powerful reminder of how organized snowmobiling connects people, communities, and rural British Columbia.

Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren't the ones planned in advance.

Following the BC Snowmobile Federation's presentation at this year's Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Conference, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Director Lee Onslow stood to share her own perspective on the role snowmobiling has played in her life and in the community she now calls home.

Her comments carried weight because they reflected experiences she has lived; from visiting rider, to volunteer, to resident, and now Regional District Director.

Her story began nearly two decades ago with what she describes as "a bit of a fateful snowmobile purchase."

After friend Albert Venor, who later became Club President, discovered the area, the Onslows began making regular trips from Calgary to visit him and his wife, staying at Glacier Mountain Lodge, renting sleds, chasing unforgettable snowboard lines, and spending evenings at the Legion or local community events. Without realizing it, those weekends were the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead them to call Blue River home.

"Looking back, it wasn't just the snowmobiling that made us want to stay—it was the combination of incredible outdoor access, the lifestyle, and most importantly, the people. It felt like a place where we truly belonged."

Eventually, after years of regular visits to Blue River, Lee and Tom packed up their lives in Alberta, loaded their two young boys, just six and four years old at the time, into the truck, and made the move permanent.

Lee is quick to point out that their experience isn't unique. Blue River has welcomed several families through what locals jokingly call "the Venor effect" - people who first discover the area through snowmobiling, fall in love with the lifestyle, and ultimately choose to make the community their home. Many go on to become volunteers, business owners, and active members of the community.

As the Onslow’s settled into community life, they found themselves volunteering through the snowmobile club, the fire department, the community association, the community garden, and the elementary school. Those shared experiences, and the friendships that grew from them, deepened their connection to Blue River and shaped Lee's understanding of the community she now represents.

"Every volunteer hour makes a visible and meaningful impact, and it's one of the fastest ways to become part of the fabric of the community."

As her role evolved, so did her perspective on organized snowmobiling.

"In the early days, as a visiting rider, I mostly saw the experience—the trails, the access, and the incredible riding. Now, I have a much deeper appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes to make that possible."

Today, Lee sees that work through the lens of both community and local government.

"Outdoor recreation is truly the lifeblood of communities like Blue River. The town fills up with snow seekers every winter. These visitors bring vital tourism dollars that directly support our local businesses and services."

She also understands the critical role organized snowmobile clubs play in making those visitor experiences possible.

"The volunteers who run these clubs are true community leaders and economic drivers. Their work supports tourism, sustains local businesses, and contributes to the long-term viability of small, rural communities like Blue River and Avola."

Lee's journey has given her a perspective few people possess. She has experienced organized snowmobiling as a visitor, a volunteer, a resident, a club leader, and now as an elected official responsible for helping shape the future of a rural community.

Her story is a reminder that organized snowmobiling is about far more than the ride itself. It introduces people to places they may never have discovered, creates opportunities to contribute, and builds lasting connections between people and the communities they come to love.

Sometimes, those connections grow into something much bigger than a weekend in the mountains.