Ontario Trails - Trail Mapping, Infrastructure Dollars, Public School Safety and more activity on Ontario Trails

Newly Mapped Trails at Short Hills PP

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News Release More Support for Municipal Infrastructure December 17, 2012 Ontario Government Strengthening Communities, Creating Jobs Ontario is increasing support for critical road, bridge, water and wastewater projects under the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy. The McGuinty government is now investing nearly $90 million to help municipalities undertake critical infrastructure projects that strengthen local economies and create jobs, up from $51 million announced in August. The increase will help more municipalities maintain and repair their critical infrastructure. Municipalities can apply for funding online by Jan. 9, 2013. Applications must show how projects fit within a comprehensive asset management plan. Investing in infrastructure is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs for Ontarians and strengthen the economy.  A strong economy protects the services that mean the most to families - health care and education.

QUICK FACTS Project funding will cover 90 per cent of total project costs, or $2 million, whichever is lower. Ontario is also providing up to $9 million to small and northern municipalities to help prepare asset management plans, which help municipalities make smart, long-term planning decisions about building, operating, maintaining, renewing and replacing infrastructure. Since 2003, the McGuinty government has provided approximately $13 billion to help municipalities modernize and expand transit, repair and upgrade roads and bridges, improve water and wastewater treatment, and revitalize community infrastructure.

LEARN MORE Find out more about the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy, including asset management planning and capital investments. Explore Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan.

QUOTES

"Our government was determined to strengthen our support for municipalities to take care of their most critical infrastructure priorities. We know that every dollar invested in infrastructure is a dollar invested in quality of life and will boost local economies and create jobs. "
 — Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure

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 Summer Fun Guide would like to wish you and your families a great holiday season and a very happy New Year. And don’t forget...if you haven’t already completed a listing for the 2013 print edition, please contact us by phone or email so we can make sure you are included. You can also submit a listing online at http://www.summerfunguide.ca/get_listed-landing.php.

With 250,000 copies coming out May long weekend, you don’t want to miss out
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Bus Hike to The Bruce Trail at Scotsdale Farm - Toronto event ...
LENGTH OF HIKE PACE TERRAIN 12 km 4 km/hr Hilly, Challenging Dropout, Hiking boots, Ice footwear, Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Depart 9 am, Yo.
news.ca.msn.com/.../bus-hike-to-the-bruce-trail-at-scotsdale-fa...
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Statement

Statement by Minister Broten on School Safety

December 17, 2012

Today, Laurel Broten, Minister of Education, issued the following statement on school safety in Ontario:
"We know that Ontario schools are some of the safest in the world. But the recent horrific event in a Connecticut elementary school reminds all of us how important it is to do everything we can to keep our schools safe. No matter where events such as this may happen, it can shake our sense of security.Ontario families deserve and want to know about the measures in place to protect their children while at school. All students and staff have the right to be safe and feel safe at school. And we all must do our part. The vast majority of elementary schools have controlled access to school premises, including sign-in/sign-out and visitor badge policies for all visitors. I encourage parents to talk to their school principal, classroom teacher or school board to get more information on specific safety procedures in place at your child's school.
Our government has provided several safe school supports and resources, including the following:

• Safe Welcome Program -- our government provided funding through our Safe Welcome program to Ontario elementary schools who applied, to provide security devices to protect students from intruders.  Indeed, those Ontario elementary schools are kept locked during the school day to prevent entry from anyone who does not have authorization from walking through their doors.
•  Lockdown procedures -- while the Safe Welcome Program is unique to elementary schools, since 2011, every elementary and secondary school in Ontario is required to work with police to develop and maintain lockdown procedures and conduct two lockdown drills each school year. I have requested that the Deputy Minister ask every board to review their safety and emergency procedures, including lockdown drills.
• Professional development and training -- support has been provided for school and school board staff and local police services to implement the procedures at both the elementary and secondary levels.

At this time, students may need support from parents and educators to cope with their feelings about what happened. Kids Help Phone is a good resource for those who need support for grief or loss. In addition, boards and schools are providing information to parents about how to talk to their child.
I want to thank our teachers, support staff, and board administrators for their commitment to keep our children safe." _______________________________________________________________________________________

New ways to get information launched!

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Local residents to launch War of 1812 book
Paris Star
Martin Love and Casandra Bellefeuille are pleased to announce the launch of their first book: 1812 Pictorial Trails, 200th Anniversary.
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Building on the good work already done: cycling policy in Ontario | I ...
The province of Ontario has finally acknowledged that we could use some cycling love. However, the current proposal put forth by the Minister of Transportation ...
www.ibiketo.ca/.../building-good-work-already-done-cycling-...
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Seasons Greetings-Joyeuses Fetes from Equine Canada

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