Showing posts with label Hike Ontario. Show all posts

Friday, September 30, 2016

Ontario Trails News - we keep adding trails, Talbot Land Trust, Ontario Nature, BORCA Trails and more Ontario Trails activity and information!

Ontario Trails - We Keep Adding Trails!!
On a regular basis the trail community sends us more trails to add to our website! Add yours today.

Joany's Woods

The 367 acre property located in the Ausable River Valley (east side - just north of the bridge on County Rd #7) has a difficult 4.8 km and an easy 3.2 km trail loop through mixed Carolinian-Great Lakes Hardwood Swamp Forest, and a 2.2 km trail along the river -

The Thames Talbot Land Trust currently owns 14 properties and holds one conservation easement, protecting over 1000 acres.

Some of our properties are closed conservation areas; others have trail systems and interpretive signage to welcome the public.

In general, passive recreation such as hiking is encouraged, while motorized vehicles, mountain biking, off-leash dogs, horseback riding, camping, and the removal of vegetation are not allowed.

Each property is under the active care of TTLT volunteers, who visit regularly to look out for invasive species, maintain signage and fences, remove litter, maintain any trails, and remove hazards.

Visit www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/joanys-woods

Mesa Trail

The largest nature reserve in Ontario Nature’s reserve system, the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve encompasses 470 hectares of central Ontario woodland and wetland.

The reserve straddles the contact between the granitic rocks of the Canadian Shield and the limestone of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest. The Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve provides habitat for numerous species that depend on large tracts of contiguous natural cover.

Red-shouldered hawks are frequently seen and have been known to nest on the property. In the summer, the forest and forest edges reverberate with the songs of breeding birds such as the hermit thrush, veery, least flycatcher, ovenbird, and a wealth of other warblers: black-and-white, yellow-rumped, black-throated green, black-throated blue, and chestnut-sided warbler.

Golden-winged warblers, field sparrows and ruby-throated hummingbirds frequent more open habitats. Signs of deer, moose, beaver, and other mammals await the observant naturalist. Moccasin flower, showy lady's slipper, and northern beech fern are amongst the many interesting plants.

For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.ontarionature.org

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/mesa-trail

River Corridor Trails

BORCA builds and maintains trails in Ontario's Whitewater Region through partnerships with Renfrew County, local businesses and private landowners. Our network of double and single track trails are designed for cycling and other self-propelled recreational activities.

We ask horse and riders to stay on Green trails only.

River Corridor Trails exist along the Ottawa River.

Thanks to local land owners/rafting companies. County Forest Trails by BORCA exist through permission by Renfrew County. Many Thanks.

For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.borcatrails.com

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/river-corridor-trails

Save the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail

SIGN OUR PETITION TO SAVE THE TRAIL! COUNCIL MEETS IN OCTOBER SIGN SOON!

Save the Prescott Russell Trail. Many people use and love this trail.

The trail is 72 kilometers long and it runs through 8 townships and many towns in eastern Ontario.

The Prescott-Russell Rail Trail is the only outdoor recreational facility of its type in the area. The trail enables healthy hiking, active walking, dog walking, safe cycling off-road and winter snowmobiling.

Suddenly and without notice there is discussion of closing the trail. Many people love and rely on the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail. This trail is beautiful and a main corridor of travel and recreation for many people.

There have been no trespass complaints from landowners. Many local community members have fought for this trail and regularly work to maintain it.

The Ontario Trails Council asks you to sign this petition because we do not believe leaders fully understand the benefits of the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail to people's health, to tourism and to the environment.

Watch a video about this trail

Hike Ontario Annual Summit

"Hike Ontario Summit 2016" (Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2016)

The Hike Ontario Summit is THE EVENT to celebrate trails and hiking across the province of Ontario. Held in Perth this year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that scenic and historic town, we will also be celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Rideau Trail, one of Ontario’s oldest and most scenic trails.

Come to Canada’s oldest golf course Links O’Tay for a Friday Hiker’s Pub.

Topics will explore: Lyme disease, Bill 100 and landowners, Hike Leadership, Young Hikers’ Program, Urban Poling, Mood Walks, Using Digital Media Technology, Starting an Emergency Fire, Historical Walks, Hiking Trail Associations: Successes and Challenges.

Dinner will celebrate the Rideau Trail, with its founder Doug Knapp presenting, Volunteer Awards will be presented. Breakfast on Sunday will be available as a chance to celebrate Ontario’s Trails and our successes.

Public Hikes will be offered on Sunday morning. Come and celebrate Ontario’s Trails with us!

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Cubs Annual Summit

We appreciate the ongoing support of OFSC, and welcome their recognition of our work in support of their trails on their website. Be sure to add a link to Ontario Trails on your site.Their summit was held September 15-17, 2016. For more information contact OFSC.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Hike Ontario published in Ontario Farmer, now we are all trying to reverse this damage in rural Ontario!

Hike Ontario comments appear in Ontario Farmer - thanks to Tom Friesen from HO for sending this over to OTC!

MISINFORMATION ABOUT TRAIL EASEMENTS

Erroneous information about two Bills that are before the Ontario Legislature has been recently circulated to various media (including the Ontario Farmer weekly newspaper) by the Ontario Landowners Association (OLA), a group committed to the cause of property rights in rural areas. This misinformation, if not corrected, stands as a threat to all types of trails on private land throughout Ontario.

In spring 2015, Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, put an Ontario Trails Act out for review. An internet search for “Bill 100 Ontario” will bring up the text of the proposed Act. Amongst the various provisions of the Act, Section 12 (Easements) gives a new ability to landowners and incorporated trail groups to mutually and voluntarily enter into easements to secure the route of the trail and to limit what kinds of use are permitted on it. Section 12(3) entitled “Granting of Easements” states “An owner of land may grant an easement….,” clearly indicating a voluntary choice on the part of the owner. The OLA’s deliberate misrepresentation says instead thatthe passage of the legislation would force easements onto all owners with existing footpaths and snowmobile trails. This misrepresentation has already resulted in the closure of 10 snowmobile trails in Muskoka and threats of closure to long standing portions of the Thames Valley Trail.

In response to this misinformation, and to concerns raised by the Ontario Trails Council (OTC), Minister Coteau issued a statement on Feb. 10 on the easements component of his legislation. His statement that makes it quite clear that easements are voluntary.

The OTC also issued a detailed press release which can be seen on their website, which also makes it plain that any easements under the legislation puts the power of decision into the hands of the landowner.
Secondarily, an Opposition MPP had introduced a private members’ Bill 118 that clarifies an existing right of the public to walk below the high water mark on most shores of the Great Lakes and their “connecting channels,” such as the Detroit and Niagara Rivers. On Jan. 1, the OLA’s website erred and misrepresented this term to mean that the Government would give the public the right to walk or ride inland along the bank of every single watercourse draining into the Great Lakes. (Incidentally, private members’ bills are rarely supported in the Legislature by the Government and instead “die on the order paper.”)

I have tremendous respect for the generosity of rural land owners who allow trails to cross their property. I can understand their mistrust of the provincial government when the farm subsidy on diesel fuel is removed, wind farms are erected over local objections, and some government policies seem to be directed to satisfy urban areas.

Trail associations (whose very existence is dependent on the generosity of farmers and other rural landowners), insure the trails to protect the owners, and inspect and maintain them for the best experience of the users and to deal with any safety issues. The truth about trails is that they actually enhance the property value of lands they cross, on resale. They also enhance the quality of life for all Ontarians who enjoy a walk in the woods or a snowmobile ride.

All trail organizations and local clubs need to clearly refute the misinformation, communicate clearly and often with landowners and stand beside them to advocate for their rights.

Hike Ontario and its’ partners, the Ontario Trails Council and its members, have over many years lobbied the Ontario Government for a property tax credit to recognize all landowners who have for many years granted permission for what are really “health-building” footpaths to cross their land. The Province gives property tax breaks or subsidies for managed forests, conservation lands, farmland, and outlet and tile drains. Why not recognize our landowners for the health-building benefit that their footpaths are providing to our citizens? I believe that it only makes common sense for the Province to recognize landowners for the very large benefit that they are providing to reduce costs (and our taxes) to our health care system by allowing footpaths through their lands. And in so doing, and with other forms of landowner recognitions, the Province could remedy the damage recently done by OLA-generated misinformation and guard against the loss of access to private land for footpaths and other types of trails.

We, and the OTC, seek out a meeting with the OLA that would allow us to move forward with a shared agenda that reflects the real needs of rural Ontario, and that sorts out what are, and what are not, the needs and the useful initiatives from the Province on trails and footpaths.

Tom Friesen,
President, Hike Ontario

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Ontario Trails News - Ontario User Group Poster Series - get yours in today!

Find and use your favorite today!

Ontario Cycling Association, Hike Ontario, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs, Ontario Federation of Sled-Dog Sports, Ontario Trail Riders Association, Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Ontario Trails news - Hike Ontario Summit, Trailhead Ontario 2016

Find and use your favorite today!

Hike Ontario

Renfrew County and Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization agree to host Trailhead Ontario 2016

Planning has begun for Trailhead Ontario 2106. Our hosts are Renfrew County and Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization. Both are long time Ontario Trails Council supporters, and Jason Davies from Renfrew sits on the OTC Board of Directors. The OHTO has been a long time partner with trails running such campaigns as the:

‘Tourism Starts with You’ Campaign

People on bicycles looking at a trail map

Exploring County Trails

The ‘Tourism Starts with You’ campaign is designed to bring the local community together to identify why Ontario’s Highlands is one of the premiere travel destinations in the province.
The campaign will ask the question, “what are the best things to see and do in the area”, and tourism operators, residents, former visitors, and the like will be able to submit their ideas to the OHTO’s website, and social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter. This campaign will be promoted online and through local media, and a grand prize will be offered to encourage submissions.
This campaign will run into the summer, and may extend to the end of 2011 based on its popularity and success. When the campaign is completed, the OHTO will have an increased online audience, as well as heightened knowledge of what destinations are most valued by the local population. This can assist with future promotions.

A page capture from their website illustrates many of the outdoor and trail activities going on in the region

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Ontario Trail News - News and Information from all over Ontario's Trails!

Development NewsROMA/OGRA Show

On February 25th about 20 trail organizations attended a meet and greet "trails" function at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Conference.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport provided profile to the Ontario Trails Strategy and the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee and the various initiative the MTCS has promoted to improve trails since 2005. The MTCS Ontario Place Revitalization Team was also in attendance, which is a good thing as Ontario Place is supposed to be for ALL Ontario!

The Tudor room was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport the event saw over 150 representatives from rural municipalities take time out to meet the Ontario Trails Council, The Waterfront Trail, The Trans Canada Trail Ontario, The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, Hike Ontario, The Bruce Trail Conservancy, The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders, The Ontario Equestrian Federation, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs, the CycleON MTO office, the Share the Road Coalition, and The MNR Trails Data Office.

The OTC was able to meet partners from all over Ontario, but we had specific requests to assist in trail development from Prince Edward, Renfrew County, Township of Bayham, Brockville and the Thousand Islands, as well as all the member NGO's in the room.

Thanks to Chris White from OTC Member Guelph Eramosa, for bringing the event to the attention of the MTCS through the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee, and thanks to the lead Ministry for listening and responding with the opportunity to connect with our members.

National Trail Coalition funding in Budget

The National Trails Coalition (NTC) is the operating name for the Coalition of Canadian Trails Organizations, a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. The NTC was formed in 2007 to bring the broad spectrum of trail-based activities together in a collaborative manner to build, maintain and promote trails and trail use across Canada. One of the founding principles of the Coalition is building new partnerships between trail disciplines; fostering more multiple-use trail development; and providing a trail-based platform on which private enterprise and volunteer groups alike can generate economic activity.

The umbrella organizations spearheading the coalition initiative are the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), and the Canadian Trails Federation (CTF). Through their affiliates across Canada, these parent bodies represent trail building, operating and maintenance organizations in every province and territory. Most importantly, they provide trail infrastructure and a tourism product that is used by millions of Canadians and visitors to Canada.

For the full press release see: http://goo.gl/5G9ELi

Legal Input Sought

Is there a law in Ontario you think needs to be changed? The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) reviews existing provincial laws to see whether they can be improved or repealed or whether circumstances require new laws. We also review government policy and practices.

The LCO welcomes law reform proposals from individuals and organizations, including academics, jurists, lawyers, community and advocacy groups, labour organizations, businesses and members of the public. We are accepting proposals until March 21, 2014. This is the second and final call for proposals for projects to begin later this year and to take us into what we hope will be our third mandate beginning in January 2017.

Please be aware that the LCO does not provide funding for others to undertake projects, but undertakes Board-approved projects in-house.

For more information about making a proposal, and to find out how the LCO selects projects, see our website. See the range of projects we have completed and are undertaking now. You can learn about our funders and supporters and more about the LCO at www.lco-cdo.org.

Education News

Our Sincere Condolences

Trails lost a great guy in Bob McFarland. He was a past employee of the City of Woodstock where he served as the
Director of Community Services and previously the same position in Waterloo and Oakville.
Bob was involved in many community groups, organizations and served on many Boards and Committees in
Woodstock, Waterloo and Oakville. It can be said that wherever he lived, he got involved in the community.
One of the groups he was involved with was the Oxford County Trail Committee and he was a member of the OTC Education Faculty.

On-Line started Feb 3rd!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Trail News from all over Ontario's trails!

New Member!Brantford Trails

Parks & Trails

The City of Brantford prides itself on the quality parks and trails it provides season after season for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some parks provide a peaceful, relaxing setting where you can enjoy passive recreational activities, while others are venues for sports and active pursuits. The City's gorgeous private and public gardens have been recognized with several titles in the Communities in Bloom competition.

The City offers nearly 70 kilometers of natural trails that are perfect for running, cycling or hiking. With constant upgrades and additions, there's always somewhere new to explore along the way.

We Thank Our Renewing Members!

Caledon Trails

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park at Cataract Falls.
Photo by Gary Hall

The Town of Caledon features over 65 parks and has access to 260 km of trails. In Caledon, there are playgrounds, picnic areas, splash pads, tennis courts, sports fields, a leash free park, a skateboard park, trails for cycling, walking and running as well as open spaces.

There are many options for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreation. Make the great outdoors a part of your active lifestyle.

Hike Ontario

2014: An Exciting Year in Hiking

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Hike Ontario. To celebrate we are returning to where it all began for our Annual Summit. From October 31st to November 2nd we will be in Guelph as guests of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club. This is very appropriate as Hike Ontario started as the Federation of Ontario Hiking Trail Associations at Henry Graupner`s home in Guelph.

Several changes of venue later, we are Hike Ontario and comprise 30 Trail Associations and Hiking Clubs with approximately 13000 members. We also advocate and supply information to the provinces walkers and hikers. As such we had a critical role in the drafting of the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy. Now almost 10 years later, this plan is being reviewed. This and the current political situation in Ontario provides us with a great opportunity to push the ministries involved and all Ontario political parties towards active plans and policies that support hiking, trail associations and landowners who are generous enough to allow the use of their property for people to hike without charge.

Please consider advocating on behalf of Hike Ontario and the hikers and walkers of Ontario by speaking to your member of the provincial parliament as well as any candidates from the other political parties about the need for support for sustainable volunteer managed trails.

Tom Friesen
President, Hike Ontario
president@hikeontario.com

Port Hope Trails

Lace up your hiking boots and start doing your stretching exercises. The Municipality of Port Hope offers diverse and interesting walking and hiking trails that can provide either a leisurely afternoon stroll or a scenic nature hike.

Contact our local hiking club at:
http://pineridgehikingclub.ca/

Willow Beach Field Naturalists is a local charitable organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the natural heritage of Northumberland County. WBFN provides opportunities for it's members and others in the community to engage in projects in our area, which in turn, increases awareness of our vital natural heritage. Contact WBFN at:
http://willowbeachfieldnaturalists.org

Local trails include:

The Ganaraska Forest – a 4000 hectare, multi-use area with year-round recreational opportunities. It has over 300 kms of trails passing through sandy, rolling terrain typical of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

The Ganaraska Hiking Trail – a 500 km route that starts in Port Hope and joins with the Bruce trail near Glen Huron. The southern end of the trail begins at the large boulder on the lawn of the Port Hope Town Hall on the west bank of the Ganaraska.

The Ganaraska Millennium Trail – a relatively level 2.4 km looped trail along the Ganaraska River. The trail begins at the Ganaraska Conservation Authority office on the northwest corner of Hwy 28401 and County Rd. 28.

The Spartan Ravine Walkway – begins on Jocelyn Street west of Crossley Drive (look for the trailhead on the south side) and connects with the Ganaraska Trail.

The Waterfront Trail – has beautiful unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. This trail follows along the lakeshore from the Port Hope Marina, east to Gages Creek, where special wetlands offer an abundance of wetland wildlife.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Ontario Trails Council - Daily Trails News from all over Ontairo Trails!

Active Transportation Trails

ATV Trails

Cycling Trails

Hiking Trails

natures rewards hamilton conservation authority

Horse Trails

Snow Trails

stay off snowmobile trails in off season

Ontario Trails MembershipOn behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits.

This past week we received renewals from Elk Lake Eco-Lodge, Hike Ontario, and Oil Springs. Thank you very much for your support!

THANKS! MERCI!

Local Trails News

Algonquin College:

Mapping:

Niagara Trails Committee:

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Ontario Trails - make a trail your outdoor friend (2600) this weekend on Ontario Trails

Rockwood Conservation Area - Ontario Conservation Areas
Towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, including one of the world's largest, are a few of the natural wonders at the Rockwood Conservation Area.
www.ontarioconservationareas.ca/.../rockwood-conservation-a...

Minister praises outdoor education
Owen Sound Sun Times
Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten admires the school signpost during a tour of the BluewaterOutdoor Education Centre located near Oliphant Friday as Bluewater Education Foundation directors Ann McKay and Ron Mottram look on.
See all stories on this topic »

Streetcar tracks behind a third of Toronto bicycle crashes: Study
MetroNews Canada
Streetcar tracks may be a factor in almost a third of all bicycle crashes in Toronto, new research suggests. Of 276 Toronto cyclists interviewed, 90 reported that streetcar tracks were directly involved in their crashes, says Kay Teschke, a professor ...
See all stories on this topic »

Ontario Hiking Trails

ONTARIO HIKING WEEK: Frequently Asked Questions -Hike Ontario
Ontario Hiking Week is a Hike Ontario initiative to encourage Ontarians to get out ... This year, Ontario Hiking Week is being held from October 1 to October 7.
www.hikeontario.com/Ontario%20Hiking%20Week%20FAQ....

Chair Fundraising Committee (Hike Ontario)
(Hike Ontario). [ Suggest an Update | Print Version (New ...
peel.cioc.ca/volunteer/details.asp?OPID=975

Ontario Trails Mobile App

Trail Education

Our event calendar shows weekly adjustments to our course offerings. It also provides links to course information, in PDF flyer format, registration, and location of course through a google map or other means.

Be sure to use our array of press or other flyers to circulate to your local papers or possible attendees. All available for use - call - 877-668-7245 or 519-941-8911, or 1-866-560-7783

Website

Supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation

Weekly Newsletter Here!