TOP TRAIL NEWS
OTC PRESIDENT DAN ANDREWS - in the News! Thanks Dan.
Add your Voice Ontario!
Trans Canada Trail is supporting a national research study on the State of the Trail sector in Canada. The research is being conducted by UNITY Workforce Strategies, a women-led, Canadian research and consulting firm.The State of the Trail Sector study looks at how trails are used, supported, and experienced across the country, including both day-to-day use and the work involved in governance, stewardship, and funding.
The insights gathered through this study will help build a clearer picture of the trail sector across Canada, supporting stronger planning, coordination, and understanding of the conditions shaping trails in different communities and contexts. We hope the findings will be useful to organizations, communities, and partners working to sustain and strengthen trails over time.
As part of this, we’re inviting you to take part and to help circulate the survey within your networks.
The survey link below will guide respondents to the questions most relevant to them. Organizations can share perspectives on stewardship, funding, governance, and coordination, while individuals can share their experiences using and accessing trails. Some people may be relevant to both.
The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete and is anonymous.
Take the survey: https://www.research.net/r/TrailSectorv4
NEWS RELEASE Ontario Investing Over $22 Million to Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy
New investments come as Ontario celebrates 60 years of supporting Seniors Active Living Centres
May 29, 2026Ministry for Seniors and AccessibilityWINDSOR – The Ontario government is marking 60 years of supporting Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs with a new investment of $22.8 million to help seniors across the province stay active, healthy and socially connected. Announced at Life After Fifty in Windsor, one of the province’s first active living centres, this funding will support more than 400 SALC programs across Ontario, helping deliver the services and community connections seniors need to live healthier, more independent lives.
“I am so pleased to celebrate this at Life After Fifty in Windsor. In many ways, the concept of seniors active living centres all got started here,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud of our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres programs over the past six decades, which are expanding services, keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities.”
SALC programs deliver a range of initiatives designed to bring seniors together to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, offering ongoing recreational, social, and lifestyle activities. The province partners with a range of organizations to deliver SALC programs, including municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.
“Life After Fifty holds the distinction of being one of the first Seniors Active Living Centre programs funded by the Government of Ontario, supporting older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged in our community,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “I am proud to join Life After Fifty in celebrating 60 years of service and this significant milestone, while recognizing the contributions of Windsor’s seniors in building the strong community we enjoy today and promoting health, independence, and well-being.”
Today’s announcement comes as Ontario marks the beginning of
Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older adults across the province and highlight the programs and services available to support their needs.
“Congratulations to Life After Fifty on 60 fantastic years of keeping seniors connected, active, and healthy,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP – Essex, “I’m proud to be part of the movement with Seniors Active Living Centre programs in Essex County. Let’s keep the ball rolling, and continue living healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Today’s announcement builds on the province’s historic $17 million funding increase in 2024, which supported the opening of more than 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario, expanding access to programs and services that help seniors stay active, engaged and connected.
"For 60 years, Life After Fifty has been proud to partner with the Province of Ontario to support older adults in living active, connected, and independent lives,” said Tom Wilson, Executive Director, Life After Fifty in Windsor. “This anniversary is both a celebration of our shared history and a reminder of the importance of continued investment in programs that strengthen our communities. We are grateful for this enduring partnership and excited for the work that lies ahead!"
Media ContactsWallace PidgeonMinister’s Office
Wallace.Pidgeon@ontario.caMedia DeskCommunications Branch
Msaa.Media@ontario.caCity of Barrie celebrating Seniors Month with various eventsBarrie 360Parkview 55+ Giant
Outdoor (Trunk) Garage Sale. Stop ... Christine Nayler of Barrie,
Ontario, pictured in 2025, advocates for a federal apology ...
HCA is seeking public input for the Dundas Valley Study Area Plans (Phase 1).
We are updating Master Plans and Management Plans for several conservation areas in the Dundas Valley area as part of our Ten-Year Master Plan Update Strategy. These plans provide a long-term vision and help guide how conservation areas are managed, restored, improved, and developed over time.
Phase 1 areas include Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area, Meadowlands Conservation Area, Lower Spencer Creek Conservation Area, and Canal Park.
Public surveys are open until June 12, 2026.
Learn more and share your feedback:
https://lnkd.in/eHPSx8JY
Mayor's Walks - 2026
Many communities will hold walks on Provincial/International Trails Day.
We provide links to walks and trail celebrations that take place June 6, as well as throughout the year.
The Ontario Trails "Mayor's Walk" events are open to OTC member organizations to act as hosts for a walk in 2026.
Tell us when you are having an event in 2026
Event Notification Sheet.With trails in 100's of Ontario Communities this is a great way to showcase your local support while enabling all the Mayor's and their trail friends to get out for a celebration of trails.Send us details about your Trail Day Celebration!
Did you Know? Please search 'Trails Day' on Facebook, Ontario Trails provided 80% of Canadian messaging content about trails day.
Ask for the Mayor's Walk event planning tool, email us at
execdir@ontariotrails.ca
