Trailhead Ontario - great success

Thanks to Minister Margarett Best for setting the tone to our annual event Trailhead Ontario. Her opening remarks set the stage for a productive, cohesive, energetic and highly successful trails symposium. For this and many other reasons, we express our heartfelt thanks to the Minister and all the hard working staff at Ontario's Ministry of Health Promotion.

OPP investigate stolen ATV - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"Ontario Provincial Police is investigation the theft of an All-Terrain Vehicle taken sometime between June 4 and June 7 from a residence on Lily Street in Mattawa.
The ATV is described as a lime green 2006 Artic Cat, 500 cc. If you have any information, please contact the Mattawa OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or if you wish to remain anonymous, the Near North Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477."

CBC News - Ottawa - Ottawa sidewalk cyclists face fines

"Cyclists who zip down Ottawa sidewalks, dodging pedestrians, could face tickets and fines.

Ottawa police launched a two-day cycling blitz Thursday in the Uppertown neighbourhood aimed at teaching cyclists about the rules of the road and enforcing those rules — including a ban on sidewalk riding."

Hard work pays off in scenic walking trail - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

"It's taken years of planning and countless volunteer hours but the end result has been worth all of the effort.

The Waterford Heritage Trail stretches 6.2 kilometres from Concession 13, at the outskirts of Simcoe, to Thompson Road (Concession 9) in Waterford. This non-motorized, multipurpose nature trail is accessible for use year-round and provides bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers a beautiful and scenic corridor for their enjoyment."

Trailsnorth.info,the complete site in North Bay and surrounding Area

"North Bay Ontario, is situated 3 1/2 hours north of Toronto on Highway 11 North and 4 hrs. west of Ottawa on Highway 17. Sitting on the crossroads of the main Trans Canada Highways, our city is also known as the 'Gateway to the North.' We are the only 'dedicated' site to hiking trails in this city and surrounding area. We hope to provide accurate information on all the trails listed, with easy to follow directions, making it easy for newcomers and visitors to our area to find their way to the trail heads."

Horse-Canada.com | Your Horse Source | Archives � Toronto Saddles Up for 2nd Annual Horse Day

"Come out and celebrate the 2nd Annual Toronto Horse Day which is taking place on June 12, 2010 at the Horse Palace, Exhbition Place, Toronto, ON.

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), the Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies, Agribrands Purina, Equine Guelph/EquiMania and the Toronto Police Services Mounted Unit are hosting a FREE family horse camp at the Horse Palace, Exhibition Grounds from 11:00am to 4:00pm. People of all ages will have the opportunity to learn, hands on, the basics of horsemanship through a fun and interactive program and have the opportunity to meet some of the Toronto Police Mounted Unit horses and officers, plus much, much more!"

Shewfelt talks nutrient management at Great Lakes Summit - Goderich Signal-Star - Ontario, CA

"The Great Lakes require great cooperation and Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt is hoping to engage the Ontario's Great Lakes communities to promote and protect their waters. Shewfelt is recently returned from the Great Lakes Summit in Toronto, June 1.
'We want to look at the lake from Sarnia to Tobermory,' he said. 'Get everyone involved.'"

Green Volunteer Opportunities � Bike Buddies, volunteer, Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto ON

"Remember when you first learned to ride a bike? Bike Buddies will encourage and support young new cyclists at our Green City Adventure Day Camp as they explore Toronto's trails and streets on two wheels. During group rides, bike buddies will help to ensure that campers have a safe and successful cycling experience as they explore nature in the city."

Trail Systems

"Lennox & Addington has the ideal terrain for all types of activities, whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, ATVing, or motorcycling. There are many clubs and organizations in our County that partake in these great activities on a regular basis. See below for some great ways to get active in L&A."

Runners raise funds for trails - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA

"More than 300 runners hit the streets on Sunday in order to benefit trails.

The seventh-annual Trot to the Beach, organized by South Kent Trails, took place from Blenheim to Erieau, with participants racing either five kilometres or a half marathon.

Organizer John Tesligte said some runners were likely discouraged by the threatening skies that never materialized.


'We got a real break on the weather,' he said. 'We were thinking we'd get pretty wet."

Gone Outside- The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network

"The reins are held firmly in the grasp of your hands as your feet follow the movement of your body. A trail exiting the forest into a pasture leads your eyes to the new direction of where to guide your traveling companion. Each guided footstep lets you admire the colourful background which surrounds you."

Algonquin Outfitters web log: Rich Swift on Breakfast Television

"We had better be careful or they might make him the host! Our fearless leader, Rich Swift, made another appearance on CityTV's Breakfast Television last Friday. He was helping our friends at Ontario Parks with the festivities in Toronto's Dundas Square, celebrating the start of Tourism Week in Ontario."

Ontario Is A Fishing Paradise | Outdoor Adventure Space

"Those who select to fish Ontario do so for a large accumulation of fish they can encounter. Although not all class have been found in each place during sure times of a year, here have been a tiny ubiquitous manners of ride for where to find what kinds of fish:"

Mid Week Bike Ride along theNokiidaa Trail Aurora - Mid Week Bike Ride along theNokiidaa Trail at Aurora, Ontario, Canada | Eventful

"This weather is amazing!!! We had a great bike ride last night along the trails in both Aurora and Newmarket. Thanks for coming out Franka, Lori and Avi. I had so much fun, I would..."

Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario, Canada - Kincardine Trails Association

"Meets 1st Tuesday of each monthThe Trails Committee vision is to 'promote trial development and use in the Kincardine area for a variety of uses and through all seasons'"

Tapley's Nature Trails - Home

"Nature Trails is a year round, soft wilderness nature adventure program, designed to introduce small groups of novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts to the natural beauty and wildlife of Muskoka, Algonquin Park and Georgian Bay regions. On the frontier of nature programming, we continue to develop leading edge wilderness adventure experiences. Our naturalist staff strive to unfold the diverse and fragile complexity of the natural world by providing participants with unique, one-of-a-kind programs.�"

Wearing a bike helmet can be life-and-death decision - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

"For the Glover boys, Saturday's Aaron Melko Bicycle Safety Rodeo was like an annual checkup for their wheels.

Tristan, 13, and Rory, 11, brought their Diamondback BMX bikes to the St. Catharines event for a little TLC from an expert.

Besides getting properly inflated tires and new bells, the north St. Catharines residents picked up useful tips.


For one, a helmet is only good for five years after the date it's made. That's because the foam and plastic break down.
They also learned that by law, bikes require a sounding device, like a bell or horn."

Martin Goodman Trail: Attractions in Toronto

"The city of Toronto has made jogging, biking, and rollerblading trails a priority for its citizens. The city has over 175km of biking trails, the best of which is the 22-km path along the waterfront known as the Martin Goodman. The wide path more than adequately accommodates the many joggers, bikers, and bladers that share the space. It's the perfect place to get some exercise while away from home. If you have no usual routine, just find a cozy spot in the grass and watch the world go by."

Ontario News North�|�Tag Archive�|�northern ontario trail northwestern ontario trails

recognizing International Trail Day, Algoma-Manitoulin MP Mike Brown Encourages Constituents to Enjoy Riding Trails Today Today (June 5th) Is International Trails Day, in recognition of this annual celebration encouraging people in communities worldwide to get outdoors, be active and enjoy their natural environment"

Millions Spent in N.Y. for Multi-Use Trails | Story ID: 14467 | Construction Equipment Guide Story

"While the big news in New York State is that there is no money for anything, there are flickers of light in all that darkness. For more than 20 years, the city of Rochester and Monroe County have built a network of trails that place the Genesee River and Lake Ontario as water-centric centerpieces with public access in mind.
An extraordinary amount of attention and roughly $8 million have been spent in the area creating nearly 10 brand new miles of pathways for all citizens of every athletic ability to obtain healthier and more enjoyable lives. In some cases linking to existing trails, these new miles add to an ever-increasing universe for safe exercise out of doors."

Hike Ontario - Gone Outside- The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network

"Hike Ontario seeks to maintain and develop its unique position as the number one source of province-wide information and resources about hiking, walking and pedestrian based trail development and management in Ontario."

Hiking at the Royal Botanical Gardens and other Hamilton, Canada Things to Do Tips - VirtualTourist.com

"The Royal Botanical Gardens are a true hidden gem. While the gardens themselves are impressive, what I really enjoyed most was the hiking trails. We were in town (Hamilton) for the weekend and spent most of the time hiking the area. The Grindstone Marsh was my favourite – beautiful scenery, tons of wildlife and boardwalks that take you right out in the water. I would check out the Cootes Paradise area as well – great views and lots of different trails to keep you busy. Also, they have a really neat website to virtually explore the trails (www.rbg.geotrail.ca)."

Earthroots - Collaborative Greenbelt Wetlands Assessment Project

"Some of Canada’s fastest growing urban areas are in and around Ontario’s Greenbelt. The 2007 Report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) stated that this “unprecedented growth” is putting “great pressure” on natural features such as wetlands. “The province,” the report continued, “has invested significant energy in the development of legislation, plans, policies and guidelines aimed at striking a balance between the rapid growth of human communities and the need to protect important natural resources and features.” The report concluded that it is necessary now “to take a step back and evaluate whether these efforts will achieve the intended goals of ecosystem protection and the creation of truly sustainable urban communities in Southern Ontario.”"

Journey of the Voyageur: 3-Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - Ontario Parks Sites

"The journey moves through the northwest of Algonquin Provincial Park and is ideal for those looking for wildlife, stunning lakes and tasty meals cooked over an open fire. The pace is relaxed which makes this canoe trip suitable for all abilities and experience levels. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a large moose or hear a pack of wolves."

City of Toronto: Our Toronto publication

"The City of Toronto’s parks system has 1,505 named parks, 8,045 hectares of green space and more than 200 kilometres of off-road recreational trails. They are yours to enjoy. Each year, the City of Toronto issues more than 280,000 permits for use of our parks and recreation facilities to more than 20,000 groups and individuals."

Duncan's City Ride � Blog Archive � Touring Toronto’s Cupcake Scene by Bicycle

"Hyedie Hashimoto’s idea of a sweet ride is hopping on her black road bike and zipping across Toronto from bakery to bakery, sampling cupcakes.

Call it a kind of culinary biking tour. There are definitely enough cupcake shops across town to support one.

“I just have a sweet tooth,” says Hashimoto, a 32-year-old graphic designer. “Tying in cupcakes was tying something fun into biking.”"

Featured Ontario Cycling, Spring 2010

"Welcome to the new Welcome Cyclists Network, connecting cyclists to cycle friendly accommodations,
places to eat, attractions and businesses in Ontario."

Top 10 Reasons Why the Humber Trail is the Best Cycling Route in Toronto - greenbelt's posterous

"Metro Morning on CBC Radio ran a promo this week on what’s the best bicycle route in the city. And while I didn’t get a chance to submit my suggestions, having it taken just this past May long weekend, my suggestion is the Humber Trail. Running north from Lake Ontario, the Humber Trail is an under-appreciated treasure in Toronto."

Dundas walks: Open every day.

"Well, this should be an easy one to Celebrate in Dundas - some of the most scenic sections of the Bruce Trail are found here in Dundas Valley and the Spencer Gorge; The Royal Botanical gardens footpaths through Cootes and Hendrie Valley, the nearby Waterfront Trail along the Hamilton Bay and Lake Ontario, and of course, the Trans Canada trail sections that are entwined along these routes. It's hard to be but a few minutes travel to a great trail in this area, and most of them will pay dividends by taking you to or past glorious waterfalls."

Woman hurt in ATV crash - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA

"OPP and emergency crews are currently on scene of an ATV crash on the trails south of Crystal Lake.
The crash occurred at around 1:50 p.m., police said, and emergency workers had to search to find the victim.

A 34-year-old female is being treated on the scene with an air ambulance standing by."

Over 3,400 acres conserved in southern Ontario's Carolinian Ecosystem - thegreenpages - Ontario

"Since the early 1980s, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has donated more than $100 million to conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada to conserve more than 100,000 acres of significant natural habitats across Canada. 'Canada is blessed with a rich and diverse natural legacy. Through careful science and advanced stewardship techniques and the co-ordinated efforts of private individuals, family foundations, non-governmental organizations, and others, we can protect that legacy for generations to come,' said Geordie Dalglish, Chair of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation."

TRCA: News Story

"Claireville Conservation Area boasts outstanding opportunities for bird watching, fishing, leashed dog walking and hiking where visitors will encounter dozens of plants and animals, including deer, ducks and song birds, while hiking through a variety of natural landscapes from meadows to forests. Visitors will also encounter the Wiley Concrete Bowstring Bridge (c. 1924) that is listed as a heritage structure under the Ontario Heritage Act."

Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge construction on track | Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation

"AECOM, a global engineering firm, has been hired by the City to manage the design and construction of the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycling bridge across the Hamilton and Georgetown rail corridors east of Strachan Avenue. A picturesque S-shaped structure will link the Garrison Common west of Fort York with Stanley Park on the south side of Wellington Street. Currently the project is in the design phase, with Montgomery Sisam Architects of Toronto having been retained by AECOM for some of this work. Construction tenders will be called in October, 2010, and a contract awarded before the end of the year. Building the bridge will begin early in 2011 and is expected to be completed in May, 2012.'"

A chef, a canoe and a campfire - The Globe and Mail

"Although I had for years fantasized about taking a canoe and my kids on a trip through Algonquin Park, Ont., once I had finally committed, I tried to back out several times before we actually left on a cool morning, threatening rain, last August."

Plan to connect all of Toronto’s bike paths

"By JENNY YUEN, Toronto Sun, link to original post Toronto cyclists will soon be able to take their bikes all over the city in one fluid system. The city kicked off Bike Month Monday at Nathan Phillips Square with a new Changing Gears report that illustrated connecting existing 160 km of off-road bikeway trails, completing the downtown bikeways, creating more education programs and providing secure bike lockers at TTC stations. “People have always been obsessed with 1,000 kilometres of bike lanes – I think we’re more obsessed with quality over quantity,” Cycling Committee chairman Adrian Heaps said at the event."

Minister acknowledges OTC, International Trails Day.

Our sincere Thanks to Minister Margarett Best for the mention in this government release -please take time to get out, and get active.

Helmets not top of mind: Poll

"In 2007 more than 1,000 children younger than 15 were injured while riding a bike, and 80 of those cases were head injuries, according to Transport Canada.

'Four out of five of those could have been prevented if the kids had been wearing helmets,' said Pamela Fuselli, of Safe Kids Canada.

Fuselli recommended that all provinces enact bicycle helmet legislation. So far, B.C., Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick have legislation making bike helmets mandatory for children under 18. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have both enacted all-age helmet legislation. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Territories have no helmet legislation."

Huron-Kinloss recreation embarking on new trail project - The Kincardine News - Ontario, CA

"Huron-Kinloss Twp. Facilities and Recreation Department is embarking upon a project to create a Parks and Trails Master Plan.

A public open house was held on May 27 at the township council chambers in Ripley to allow municipal residents to comment on the plan. The focus of the plan is to link existing trail systems with the municipal park systems.


Township Facilities and Recreation Department Director Mike Fair said last month the municipality sent out 2,300 questionnaires regarding trails in the municipality and less than 80 were returned."

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

"It’s only the beginning of June, but people are already wondering where the rain went.

But officials with Lower Trent Conservation (LTC) and Environment Canada say don’t hit the panic button just yet.

Spokeswoman Marilyn Bucholtz said while water levels throughout the watershed are low, it hasn’t reached the point where the LTC is considering enacting the low water response program.

The LTC, said Bucholtz, has not received any reports or calls from residents of private wells drying up.
“But that doesn’t mean there aren’t wells that may be at critical levels,” she said.

Still, statistics gathered by the LTC show that, over the last three months, the watershed received only 41 per cent of average rainfall."

C.U.R.B. Clean Up Rural Beaches Program Pamphlet

"Clean rural beaches play an important role in healthy and thriving communities across Ontario. They offer recreational and leisure opportunities to residents of Ontario and out of province visitors. Use of Ontario's bathing beaches contribute an estimated $800 million annually to the provincial economy."

Greenbelt grievances

"Behind one of the barns on Eliane Michele Crematy’s farm on Ramsayville Road is the rusted carcass of a Ford truck.

The windows are smashed, the vinyl seats are slashed and the white paint has turned grey with time. A Manitoba maple tree and other weeds threaten to swallow the truck whole with their foliage.

This isn’t Crematy’s truck, but it’s been there since the day she moved onto the farm almost two years ago.

She has asked the National Capital Commission — her landlord — to remove the truck, yet here it remains."

thegreenjournal.ca | Ontario Nature’s First Annual Youth Summit for Biodiversity with Guest Speaker Dr. Roberta Bondar June 4-6, 2010

"Ontario Nature’s First Annual Youth Summit for Biodiversity with Guest Speaker Dr. Roberta Bondar June 4-6, 2010: "Ontario Nature's First Annual Youth Summit for Biodiversity with Guest Speaker Dr. Roberta Bondar June 4-6, 2010 Schomberg, Ontario - Celebrate the rich diversity of all the life forms on our planet at Ontario Nature's first annual Youth Summit for Biodiversity - a unique 3-day event taking place at Camp Cedar Glen."

Provincial Parks & Conservation - Gone Outside- The Canadian Outdoor Tourism Network

"Provincial Parks and Conservation Areas in Ontario offer many kinds of outdoor activities, wilderness and nature viewing opportunities to enjoy all year long.

There may be various types of accommodation choices depending on the Provincial Park. Some accommodation experiences may include tent camping, cabin stays or yurt camping throughout the changing seasons in the year. Campsites may have electrical access or non-electric availabliity."

Fire Crews Continue To Battle Wawa Fire 18 - Photos and Video

"Wawa fire #18 is located approximately 30 km east of the town of Hawk Junction and 8 km east of the Potholes Conservation Reserve. The fire was reported Thursday, May 27, and has grown to an estimated 2300 hectares approximately 40 kilometres east of Wawa near the junction of Highway 101 and 651"

Sunnyside Beach to Ontario Place & back - CANOES - Toronto Kayak & Canoe Rentals & Guided Tours (Toronto, ON) - Meetup.com

"Join us to paddle from Sunnyside Beach into Ontario Place and back.

This rsvp is for the use of a canoe, if you wish to rent a Kayak then go to the canoe booking under the same date on the calendar.

RSVP now before all the boats are taken"

Smoke - Air Quality Warning in Effect - News - Seaway News

"It's not just any regular smog you see and smell outside today. It is smoke coming from massive forest fires in central and northern Quebec and the wind is blowing it in our direction. CTV Montreal confirmed the thick haze of smoke hanging over numerous Quebec cities and Cornwall has lead Canadian health and environment officials to declare a smog warning."

Journey of the Voyageur: 3-Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip � Parks Blog

"The journey moves through the northwest of Algonquin Provincial Park and is ideal for those looking for wildlife, stunning lakes and tasty meals cooked over an open fire. The pace is relaxed which makes this canoe trip suitable for all abilities and experience levels. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a large moose or hear a pack of wolves."

Toronto’s Bike Plan Switches Gears | Biking Toronto

"It's about the new emphasis from Toronto cycling staff on quality rather than quantity. 2010 is seeing an emphasis on improving downtown bicycle infrastructure – partly due to that’s where most cyclists are"

Cycle Toronto: Toronto Bike Month! (and more)

"True, biking is great all year round, but it is nice to have a month to promote cycling in the city."