Showing posts with label Computer security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computer security. Show all posts

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Ontario Trail News - boost for Brockville Trails

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Boost for Brock Trail ask 10

Ronald Zajac, The Recorder and Times
By Ronald Zajac, Recorder and Times
Alan Medcalf rides across a bridge on the Brock Trail over Buell's Creek at Beecher Street in this file photo. (DARCY CHEEK/The Recorder and Times)
Alan Medcalf rides across a bridge on the Brock Trail over Buell's Creek at Beecher Street in this file photo. (DARCY CHEEK/The Recorder and Times)

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It has a spending commitment from the city; now the Brock Trail committee is setting out to get the rest.
City council is backing an application from the Brockville Kinsmen Club to the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the trail group, seeking $150,000 in funding for work on three components of the Brock Trail expansion project.
The project's total cost is estimated at up to $490,000.
“Certainly there was the feeling that a letter of endorsement from the City of Brockville would strengthen the (application),” said Councillor Jane Fullarton, council's representative on the citizen-run Brock Trail Committee.
The Kinsmen Club is submitting the grant application as part of a four-party effort including the trail committee, the city and the Cycling Advisory Committee.
In September, councillors decided funding for the Brock Trail will be included in the city's capital budget for the next 10 years.
The move was also aimed to boost the project's credibility as it approaches outside groups such as Trillium.
The reconstruction and extension of the Brock Trail, a walkable and cyclable green space linking larger green spaces across Brockville, ranks among the “strategic” priorities on the city's 10-year capital plan.
The city has now committed to adding $136,000 to the 2015 capital budget for the Brock Trail, as well as $15,000 for cycling infrastructure. From 2015 through 2024, the city plans to spend a total of $683,000 for the Brock Trail and $150,000 for cycling.
The total project costs for the two combined amount to $2,421,000 over that same period, with the rest of the funds coming from grants and in-kind donations.
Since most of the current council members who made that commitment were re-elected Monday, it seems unlikely to change as members get back to budget business.
The 2015 funding includes three key projects: connecting St. Lawrence Park to Cedar Street; widening a stretch of the trail and replacing a bridge between Perth and William streets; and reopening the trail segment between St. Paul Street and Henry Street, crossing Butler Creek and the Wayfare property.
In a related decision, councillors have also backed the cycling committee's attempts to secure eventual provincial funding for the design of a Brockville-wide cycling network.
The Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program plans to distribute $10 million over three years to help municipalities build cycling infrastructure.
The program would require the city to match any provincial spending.
Rather than asking for a specific amount, the city motion asks that the program's criteria include a “cycling network technical audit” as an eligible expense.
Cycling advisory committee chairman Alan Medcalf said the group is now designing that cycling network. Members are not sure if they will need an external audit to vet the design they submit.
“If we want to do that, then we will be able to apply for matching funds from the province,” said Medcalf.
The cycling group hopes to have the “first chunk of implementation” of the cycling network ready by next summer, added Medcalf.
“We'd like to get the first pieces ready to go as quickly as possible,” he said.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Canadian Ambassador Support Peace Hike - Torontonians involved, Go Snowmobiling Week Announced

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Ambassador Bercovici Joins Fellow Canadians in Hike Across Israel to Support Israeli Victims of Terror

The 8th annual On eFamily Cross Israel Hike is a 5-day sea-to-sea trek which raises money and awareness for victims of terror

Published: November 4th, 2014 in News » Israel

Ambassador Bercovici Joins Fellow Canadians in Hike Across Israel to Support Israeli Victims of Terror
Last weekend, 47 Canadians and over 100 Israeli victims of terror gathered for the eighth annual OneFamily Cross Israel Hike, a challenging 5-day Sea-to-Sea trek organized to raise money and awareness for Israeli victims of terror.
One Family, Israel's leading national organization rebuilding, rehabilitating, and reintegrating Israel’s injured and bereaved victims of terror and war, established the event to present Canadian supporters with a truly unique opportunity to empower and connect with victims of terror. This year's theme was "Hiking for Israel IN Israel" and took on an added level of importance and meaning given the events of this past summer.
"Hiking is a perfect way to show our solidarity. By supporting victims of terror, we help them heal one step at a time, one family at a time," explained Julie Schwartz, a native of Toronto and an eight-time event participant.
“Hiking is also a beautiful metaphor. Those who deal with a loss must keep moving forward regardless of the terrain. As survivors, they choose life, and keep putting one foot in front of the other,” continued Schwartz, who had lost her own son many years ago in Canada.
The five-day hike through Northern Israel’s Upper Galilee started at the white chalk hills of Rosh Hanikra by the Mediterranean Sea, followed by Nachal Kziv in the Western Galilee through the Summit Trail of Mount Meron to the Amud River. The "Sea to Sea" journey ended with a victorious splash in the Sea of Galilee.
“For me, the hike is about connections – connecting with the families who need help, connecting with the land and the people of Israel, and reaching a deeper level of understanding within ourselves,” said Pam Albert, Former Executive Director OneFamily Canada.
“For the many victims of terror who walked with us, it meant simply moving beyond the trauma, surviving another day and reclaiming their lives."
The most high-profile member of the OneFamily group was Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, Vivian Bercovici. Ms. Bercovici joined the hikers when they arrived at the retreat where bereaved parents were attending an outdoor therapy session.
Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, Vivian Bercovici (third from right) was inspired by OneFamily's work on behalf of victims of terror and their families.
The Ambassador was quite emotional when she addressed the group, applauding OneFamily in Israel for their "important and life-altering" work. Additionally, she shared that she was truly inspired by the courage and strength of the victims and was honored to recognize them by joining in the hike.
"It's no wonder that the Ambassador was so moved by the experience," explained Gary Tile, Executive Director of OneFamily Canada, "the physical and emotional beauty of this event as well as the bonds forged with the victims compel the participants to return year after year, bringing friends and family with them.
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From the Manitoulin Expositor


BARRIE—Following Ontario’s best snowmobiling winter in years in 2013, the not-for-profit Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are officially launching the 2014-15 snowmobiling season with Get Ready To Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The new season celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails to welcome snowmobilers back.
Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already experiencing below zero temperatures and early snowfalls. With the cooperation of Mother Nature, some OFSC trails could be available for limited riding around Christmas so snowmobilers are advised to check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for the latest updates at www.ofsc.on.ca.
With 2015 permits already setting new sales records, Get Ready To Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week invites more Ontarians to discover the family fun of organized snowmobiling, plus its many social, health and recreational benefits. Get Ready Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making their Ontario ride plans and preparing their sleds and gear. As well, this special week marks the final days that Seasonal and Classic Snowmobile Trail Permits are available at pre-December 1 savings. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.