There is an aluminum 12' (with a salt shield) being sold within the classified forum here on S&M. It's going for $2000. Seems cheap considering the age.
If it takes diesel, then you can use heating oil (same as diesel). Heating Oil can be purchased at reduced tax rates if it's being used for home/personal heating. I've been using it for years now. I'm not sure, but a similar deal may even exist for commercial heating. Anyway, talk to Greg at...
Same thing in Strathcona county for sanctioned events. The county issues a permit to 'allow' the events. Otherwise, it is most definitely illegal to sled in the ditches. If not, there are a whole lot of people receiving tickets for something that is legal.
I ride and live in the same area. Strathcona county has too much money (and not enough serious issues) if they feel it important enough to hire enforcement officers to catch sledders in the ditch. What a waste! The county then sends out brochures deflecting blame back on the province stating...
Mine is sitting at the bottom too. I've run a search to see if anyone smarter than me has figured out a way to make theirs float. No luck so far. I might be forced to buy a new one or just use the 'stick-your-head-in-the-cap' method.
To be honest, I couldn't care less if a trail was groomed. From my experience, a groomed trail is good for the ride in only. By the end of the day, it's hard to tell that a trail was even groomed the night before.
Go check out Mountain Equipmen Co-op. I just bought some waterproof gloves there that feel really good. I can't say that I've tried them yet, but they seem like good quality gear at less than half the price of my Klim gloves. Even if they last half as long as my Klim gloves, I'm still further ahead.