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Ontario Trails Council concerned about Land Acquisition
Throughout
the consultation process regarding Bill 100, the OTC became very
concerned about the lack of awareness many landowners have regarding the
process of allowing trail users on their land, and the lack of trust
that exists in the minds of many landowners that "trail groups just want
my land so they can give it to the province."To this end, the OTC will be writing a "Landowner Bill of Rights" so that private landowners will be made clearly aware of what they should expect from transparent, professional and principled trail organizations when they work with landowners that so generously give access to their land for trail use.
In the interim, if you are seeking land for trails - where can you turn for funds to make these acquisitions? The OTC usually deals with programs and projects with a current land owner facilitating trail development on lands already owned or managed by them. The "We Conserve" website lists the following as options for groups working to secure land for trails in Ontario – we share this information with our members.
Environment Canada (Ontario Region) publishes The Green Source, an excellent list of funding sources on its Funding Programs site. It's about 100 pages, with a page on each separate funding source, and can be downloaded in PDF format. Some may offer $ for land securement.
The Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN) has links to all its member websites. It also has a searchable database of all grants given across Canada. An excellent starting point.
Charity Village's Sources of Funding page will send you to lists of foundations and other useful sources of information. (You'll still need to do some digging!) Includes Adirondack to Algonquin Trail Organization – a presenter at Trailhead Ontario 2016
Eco-Action is the current environmental project fund managed by Environment Canada. Priority for funding is given to projects that will achieve results in the following areas: clean air & climate change, clean water and nature. Funding can range from $500 to a maximum of $100,000; however, the average amount is about $25,000. Remember that for every dollar you receive from the federal government (including Eco-Action 2000), you must have at least the same amount from non-federal government sponsors. This can include cash contributions and in-kind support. OVER 7700 grants where returned when the term “trails” was applied. (21 years)
Green Investment Fund - Learn more about the Green Investment Fund, a down payment on Ontario’s pending Cap and Trade program, aimed at fighting climate change, boosting the economy and creating jobs. 0 trail grants
Great Lakes Renewal Foundation/Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant - closed
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation funds local environmental projects across Canada. Whether you’re looking to get involved, donate, or fund a project take a look at some of the great projects in your community. Funds applied to trails, trail activity and equipment, trail development, just announced one in Marathon for $52,000.
Mountain Equipment Co-op has set aside 0.4% of its gross revenues each year for an environment fund that will give from $2,00 to $10,000 to projects such as land acquisition, and advocacy and education. Continuous intake
Community Foundations
Community foundations exist in major cities and towns across Canada to support community development projects, arts, culture, and the environment. For more information on the more than 30 community foundations in Ontario, visit Community Foundations of Canada, or see their list of Ontario foundations.
“Friends of” Foundations - Friends of Ontario Parks are independent, not-for-profit charitable organizations. Each Friends group is dedicated to supplementing and enhancing the unique educational, recreational, research and resource protection mandates of the parks they are affiliated with.
Conservation Foundations –i.e. The Credit Valley Conservation Foundation’s mission is to raise funds and awareness in support of the conservation projects carried out by CVC that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. (Includes land)
Friends of Trails Organizations – i.e. the charity and the trail is one in the same – such as FORT, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, The Bruce Trail, The Waterfront Trail, the Trans Canada Trail, Lambton Shores Nature Trails, Kincardine Trails Association. Continual in-out effort
Friends of Glengarry Trails Association. Continual in-out effort – “These all season trails were originally constructed with the assistance of Federal and Municipal funding. The trails are now financed through the generosity of trail users, the memberships paid to the FGTA and fundraising events.
Private landowners have generously allowed the trails to be built on their property. The FGTA is aware of its responsibility to both the landowners and those using the trails. Many hours of volunteer work ensure that the trails are safe and passable. In winter many of the trails are groomed for cross country skiing. Walking and snowshoeing are also popular activities. It is important for your safety and the wellbeing of the land owners that you stay on the trails.”
Regional Trail Committees – these organizations fund to secure trails and land for many different trails and uses.
There are 53 in Ontario. 12 represent trails and active transportation, the others represent mixed use trail collaborative. These committees are inclusive and develop project pathways that vary across all types, i.e.
Hamilton Burlington TC Niagara Trails Committee Oxford County Trails Council
Ontario Trails Council - Regional Trail Development Guide: developed in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, this guide helps communities develop trail stakeholder committees. Once formed these committees help to:
- Mitigate Trail Use Conflict
- Seek Funds
- Encourage Use
- Work to reduce Trespass
Ontario Trails Council requests information updates!
During the past two weeks, through the generous financial support of the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization, the OTC was able to secure the support services of Brooke Jones, a Queen's University Student. Brooke got to work right away updating our OTC contacts database.
You
may have received an e-mail from her requesting information so that we
can stay connected. The OTC will not re-distribute or use the
information in any way other than to connect with you in order to
provide you with information updates about programs and services we
provide. Including Trailhead Ontario information.Sorry for any confusion we have since given Brooke her own gmail account - OTCProgamsAsst@gmail.com
She will follow up with you from this address in future. Many thanks for your continued support of our work.
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