Showing posts with label Peterborough. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peterborough. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Ontario Trail News - answer our survey on the benefits of trails, and snowmobiling in Peterborough

Be sure to answer our survey on the Benefits of Trails

OPINION EDITORIAL

PoV: Snowmobiling plan worth consideration

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 11:05:09 EST AM
Observe safety guidelines and common sense when operating a snowmobile. Wear a helmet, warm clothes and don’t drive impaired. Snowmobiling is not allowed on public property in Camrose.
Observe safety guidelines and common sense when operating a snowmobile. Wear a helmet, warm clothes and don’t drive impaired. Snowmobiling is not allowed on public property in Camrose.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Snowmobile tourism is big business in many parts Ontario, but not so much in Peterborough. This area, a tourism jewel, attracts visitors galore over the three other seasons, but come winter, things slow down.

That's why opening some of the city's trails up to snowmobiles in winter makes sense - to a point.

Ontario boasts 30,000 kilometres of interconnected snowmobiling trails. Avid riders often take a week or two to journey around the province along these trails, spending on food and fuel and staying in lodges and inns that cater to the snowsuit crowd each winter.

There's very little sign of them in Peterborough, though.

Head out in to the county and further north, west and east and you find safe, mapped routes that offer snowmobilers a chance to explore a side of Ontario most of us don't see in winter; the Abitibi Canyon Loop, the Bon Echo run and the Goldrush Tour near Timmins are good examples. Communities in the north go to great lengths to accommodate their snowmobiling visitors, even constructing smaller secondary bridges to get them across rivers and ravines in some areas.

Nobody's proposing anything that major here. Not yet, at least. But there is a suggestion before council to allow snowmobiles on sections of the Trans-Canada Trail as it comes into the city, particularly a new section to be built this year south of Lansdowne St.

It's an interesting idea, one with some issues associated with it, but something worth considering.

The positives: The trails are barely used in winter. They're impassable on foot, and while they're well-suited for cross-country skiing, that sport is enjoyed by a fairly small group, and is definitely not a tourism draw.

Trail groups would maintain the routes in winter, so taxpayers are off the hook for that; cost wouldn't be a problem. Combined with the Pan Am Games paying for the trail revitalization and the city gains a tourism draw without going out of pocket.

There are negatives, some of them raised already by city staff, who recommend against the idea. Skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts are no doubt going to have concerns about snowmobilers on the trails. People living nearby will have something to say about the noise. Safety, of course, will always be an issue. These are valid concerns - but do they outweigh the benefits?

So, as city staff start work on a plan for the trail, it makes sense for council to try this out. Give it one year, one full winter. Weigh the pros, weigh the cons, and make the right decision. Going forward, there's potential for tourism growth here, and the city deserves to have that trail explored.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Ontario Trails News - hiking, waking, biking, camping - information from Ontario's 2600 trails!


We Welcome Returning Members!
Mississauga


Simcoe County Trails


Toronto Region Conservation Authority

 
Trails Education News


 Advertise with us!

OFAH Applauds Launch of National Conservation Plan
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/15/14 -- The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) applauds the launch of the ...
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CTV News
Great Lakes recreation route aims to boost tourism
The Great Lakes Coastal Trail Conference takes place Thursday and Friday in ... eight U.S. states and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
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TRAIL
 PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014

 Algonquin College On-Line Trails Education


ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS



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Monday, June 10, 2013

Trailhead Ontario - Last reminder!

trailhead ontario

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

trailhead ontario

Our Last Reminder for 2013!

Holiday Inn discounted rooms!

Join trail advocates, organizations, speakers, builders, use groups, volunteers, planners and regulators as we discuss, learn and improve Ontario's Trails!
 

Signage Information - We have three different signage companies presenting on the latest techniques and innovations they have brought to market for use in making trails safer, easier to use and that promote wayfinding for tourists!

McCarthy Signs
mccarthy signs

Fontasy Signs

fontasy signs


Tour-Mate
tour mate

Mapping Panel - the best way to assist trail users or trail tourists is through effective communication. One popular way is through maps. Maps assist in telling folks the length of a trip. They tell trail users about trail location, amenities such as accommodation, restaurants, fuel, supplies camping, etc. that are on or near the trail.
backroads mapbooks contest
Maps and map technologies are changing at lightening speed. Google maps, map integration, handheld maps, topographical maps, mash-ups, waterproof, gps - all these are new and innovative techniques that communicate the destination and the experience to the local user or the traveler.

trak maps

More and more municipalities are producing local maps by activity and trail to assist these out-bound adventurers. Our mapping panel has brought together some of Canada's and Ontario's finest map producers for a discussion on their product lines, their market segments and the new techniques they are bringing to market.

advermap

So whether you are a trail user or a trail manager producing maps - you'll want to attend this session!

modemaps

 

Special Presenter:
  • Tourism development includes trails. Trail packages, trail experiences, trail destinations. One such trip is hiking. Hear about "A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK"
    great lakes walk
    Please join Trailhead Ontario as we present Author Loreen Niewenhuis as she talks about her experience circumnavigating, on foot - the waterfront trails of the Great Lakes! In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked the perimeter of Lake Michigan and wrote the bestselling book, "A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH".

    In 2012, she took another long journey, covering 1000 miles of shoreline touching all five Great Lakes. The book about this latest adventure, "A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK",explores the entire Great Lakes system.

    In this presentation, she will take you along the shores of all five Great Lakes and many of the waterways connecting them. In words, photos, and video, you’ll explore the geology, hydrology, and natural history of the largest system of fresh water lakes in the world. She will also illuminate the threats to this massive ecosystem: invasive species, pollution, destruction of wetlands, and the gradual warming of the lakes.

    Niewenhuis speaks with the authority of an expert as she has a M.S. degree in the biological sciences. She raises important questions about preserving our wild places and protecting the fragile ecosystems on which we all depend.
  • International Trail development panel - hear trail association professionals from the states of Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and New York as we convene our internet panel on cross border trails tourism, promoting the Great Lakes Basin. Hear how trails are developed, managed and promoted by our counterparts just across the Ontario/USA Border.
  • michigan trails and greenways alliance
  • ohio department of natural resources
  • parks and trails of minnesota
  • parks and trails new york
  • Local Initiatives - Kawarthas Northumberland are promoting trails and trails activity in new and exciting ways. Working with trail groups is the cornerstone of the RTO8 trails development agenda. Come and hear how Kawarthas Northumberland is working with Trent University, Fleming and the Trans Canada Trail on the development of regional initiatives such as, heritage trails, provincial trails day (June 1st) and a variety of other seasonal marketing initiatives for trails and trail towns.
  • We would welcome your support, rates are reasonable and it would be great to have a few provincial trail organization booths at the conference.

Kawarthas Northumberland - Trail Events

trailhead ontario





































 

Program Snapshot

Trail Risk Management - June 11-12, 2013

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the elements associated with managing risks related to trail planning, development and management.

Topics will include: Idirect bearingntroduction and Overview, Developing a Risk Management Framework
  • The Canadian and Ontario Legal Systems Negligence and Liability
  • The Law and Trails, Insurance and the Transfer of Risk
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
  • HIRA Application on the Trail
  • On the Trail Again
  • Risk Assessment Assignment to work on at home with guidance from the instructor.This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the elements associated with managing risks related to trail planning, development and management.
Instructor: Matt Cruchet

Matt Cruchet founded Direct Bearing Incorporated as a vehicle to help organizations navigate risk. Matt’s strengths lie in operational assessment where he uses his experience in the not-for-profit, youth-service, adventure travel, natural resources and emergency planning industries to evaluate and manage risk. Matt is a recognized outdoor risk management expert, consultant, author and speaker.

Direct Bearing Incorporated has also worked with over 100 other organizations ranging from youth service groups, camps, natural resource companies, adventure tourism.
 

Time Limited? - Register Here
Ticket Type Price Fee
Conference and Education Package - Paypal CA$315.88* CA$9.12
Conference and Education Session Package - Pay by cheque CA$357.50* CA$9.95
Conference Registration - Paypal CA$169.63* CA$5.37
Training - Risk Management CA$203.76* CA$6.24
One Day Registration - Conference Only CA$96.51* CA$3.49
Display Booth  CA$257.86* CA$7.63
Display Booth - discount CA$171.58* CA$5.42
Display Booth - Non-Profit - Provincial CA$171.58* CA$5.42
Display Booth - Provincial Non-profit - discount CA$128.20* CA$4.30
Display Booth - Local, small non-profit CA$42.15* CA$2.10
Display table - literature only CA$20.59* CA$1.54
Ordered Ticket at door - Conference CA$169.63* CA$5.37
Ordered Ticket at Door - Education CA$194.01* CA$5.99
Ordered Ticket at Door - Conference and Education CA$365.55* CA$9.95
Ordered Ticket at Door - One Day Only - Conference Only CA$100.00 CA$3.49
Coffee Break Support CA$194.01* CA$5.99
On-Line Great Lakes Panel - Northern Residents Only - Webinar - Pay by Paypal CA$35.00 CA$1.87
On-Line - Adventure Tourism - Northern Residents Only - Pay by Paypal CA$35.00 CA$1.87

oasis insurance

Regional Trail Profile

victoria rail trail


So it looks like it's going to be an exciting time in Peterborough - join us - mark the date June 9-12, 2013 in your calendar NOW!
Hotel Reservations and Event Location

More information? Go to - Trailhead Ontario
Call Patrick at 1-877-668-7245 or
Vanessa Twiddy at 905-373-8752www.rto8.com

Ontario Trails appreciates the support of:
Regional Tourism Organization 8
Ontario Trillium Foundation

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Friday, May 31, 2013

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario, Membership and more!


Trailhead Ontario - Updates

trailhead ontario

Time Limited? Select 1, 2, 3 or 4 Day Participation options


Canadian Canoe Museum Hosts Trailhead Ontario Wine and Cheese
The Canadian Canoe Museum is a unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada. Experience the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft and learn how the canoe has defined the Canadian character and spirit. Spanning the county from coast to coast to coast, the museum’s outstanding artefacts will let you see Canada by canoe.


kawartha's northumberland

More information? Go to - Trailhead Ontario  Call Patrick at 1-877-668-7245 or Vanessa Twiddy at 905-373-8752www.rto8.com

Trails Education - Select a Program!algonquin college trails education

We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.
  DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer Management View PDF
Business Planning and Budgetting View PDF
Regulation and Legislation View PDF
Ecosystem and Natural Heritage View PDF
Wilderness First Aid View PDF
Food and Nutrition View PDF
Marketing and Promotion View PDF
Health and Safety View PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1 View PDF
Trail Design (2 days) View PDF
Trail Risk Management View PDF
Trail Committee Development Manual
Trail Steward- On Line Learning Program
Trail Planning - On Line Program

Trails Insurance Program AvailableOnce again, members of the trails community find themselves seeking alternative trails insurance. The volatility and unpredictability of your insurance plan keeping you hopping? Wondering what you are getting, curious if your agent or the underwriter understands trails?
If you want:
  • cost stability
  • product assurance
  • insurance perseverance
  • a broker that understands trails
At OTC our mission is "trail preservation." See the note from Intercity Insurance, Mike King, below.

intercity insurance
Further to our recent discussions, I wanted to let you know that we have investigated various markets to get a sense of the appetite that insurers have for coverage associated with trails. Our findings suggest that coverage is available - but from a very limited number of carriers and that the cost of insurance in this class is not heading down anytime soon. The reality is that there have been losses associated with trails in general and that the frequency and severity of claims is on the rise.

On the positive side of the issue, we have had several specific discussions of late with our current carriers at Lloyd's of London and we are (collectively) very interested in ramping up our work with OTC to connect with your associates who manage trails. We and the insurers we represent are firm in our commitment to work collaboratively with the OTC trail community to develop a comprehensive risk management strategy that makes sense - and insurance is just one part of that strategy.

As for what trail insurance products we have "in the box” right now:

a)       Commercial General Liability coverage —premium costs start at $1,000.00 for $2,000,000 coverage.
b)      Directors and Officers liability coverage — premium costs start at $200.00 for $I,000,000 coverage. We find that even the smallest community group is seeing the importance of acquiring D and O coverage.
c)       Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage - premiums start at $250. 00 to cover the Officers, Directors, employees, members. The limit of coverage is $100,000.

In the near future OTC will be bundling these products as a part of membership services and products.

Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

ontario trails counts
Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!
  • Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
  • Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
  • Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
    • TBD
Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

Ontario Trails - Your Data Wanted

land information ontario
Since 2007 the Ontario Trails Council has collected trails data, and turned that data into our award winning website, as mandated by the desires of the trails community reflected in the Ontario Trails Strategy. Nearly 1,000,000 people a year turn to this information in order to find you and your trails.
The characteristics we are looking for are:

1.       Measurements
  1. Trailhead Longitude
  2. Trailhead Latitude
  3. Completion Time (hours)
  4. Elevation Change (m)
  5. Trailhead Elevation (m)
  6. Maximum Elevation (m)
  7. Cross Slope Average (%)
  8. Cross Slope Maximum (%)
  9. Minimum Trail Width (m)
  10. Average Trail Width (m)
  11. Maximum Grade (%)
  12. Average Grade (%)
  13. Trail Surface
  14. Trail Classification (Trail Group/Local Classification/Difficulty/ Rating eg: OFSC Trail Classes)
4.    Prohibited Trail Uses
5.    Trail Hazards (Poison Ivy, Steep Slopes)
6.    Trail Fees (Day Pass, Donation, Parking etc.)
7.    Seasons/Dates of Operation
8.    Trail Amenities (Visitor Centre, Beach, Boat Launch etc.)
9.    Trail Enforcement
10.  Trail Permits
11.  Trail Speed Limit
12.  Trail Signage
13.  Trail Environmental Concerns
14.  Trail Permitted Use (Dogs on Leash)
  1. Date of Collection
  2. Data Collector
  3. Trail sensitivity (high /low) 
So let us know if you are willing to support us by sharing data you already have. execdir@ontariotrails.ca Thanks
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