Ontario Trail News - walking, cycling, biking, equestrian, mountain biking - news from all over Ontario's trails

Ontario Trails fully involved in Trail Projects

From the North Shore of Lake Superior to the rolling hills of Haliburton to the St. Lawrence Seaway, through the nation's biggest cities over 430 communities in Ontario have trails that are Yours to Explore.

This article is going to tell you about a few of the projects that we have underway in several parts of Ontario. When communities turned to the OTC they ask us to help them manage, develop, properly use, and conserve their trails

Georgian Bay Coast Trail – Central Ontario

People like to walk, it also like to hike. Many of Ontario's trails are along rivers or along waterfronts. The Georgian Bay coast trail is being planned as rugged natural experience trail alongside the East Coast of Georgian Bay.

This trail is going to stretch from Bayfield Inlet to Point Grondine. In this case this trail is not a rail trail the rugged beauty of Georgian Bay will be your guide. Rocks, pine forests, and wilderness await on this trail trek.

Trails are about communities in this project brings many unique communities together through the trail. This is why the Ontario trails Council is pleased to be devoting time and resources to working with first Nations peoples, the board of the Georgian Bay coast trail and other regional partners in bringing this trail to this region.

Heritage is the key word on this trail. First Nations peoples appreciated the healing powers of native plants and respected the beauty of the land. Today through this partnership we are working to ensure that aboriginal heritage and natural appreciation is preserved for the wilderness hiker.

There are many places to stay in the area, the hearty fare will energize you for your next 30K, and whether in Britt, or Parry Sound, to Magnetawan, as this trail opens over the next year the local people are ready to welcome you to their unique part of Ontario.

SC Johnson Working with Nature Conservancy of Canada, Demonstrating Commitment to People ... DigitalJournal.com SC Johnson is working with the NCC to help protect Ontario's natural ... environment for generations to come through essential conservation efforts. Flag as irrelevant

A few bad cyclists shouldn't stop us from building bike lanes Toronto Star Ontario's Chief Coroner has called all pedestrian deaths preventable. The undue attention to cyclingconduct diverts attention from the far greater ... Flag as irrelevant

TRAIL PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014

ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/mobile

Ontario Trails News - news and activity, hiking, waking, biking, camping - information from all over Ontario's 2600 trails!

Ontario Trails fully involved in Trail Projects

From the North Shore of Lake Superior to the rolling hills of Haliburton to the St. Lawrence Seaway, through the nation's biggest cities over 430 communities in Ontario have trails that are Yours to Explore.

This article is going to tell you about a few of the projects that we have underway in several parts of Ontario. When communities turned to the OTC they ask us to help them manage, develop, properly use, and conserve their trails.

Kinghorn Rail Trail – Northern Ontario

This trail project is occurring on the North Shore of Lake Superior. When completed this rail to trail conversion will link communities between Nipigon and Thunder Bay Ontario. 

With majestic bridges covering canyon like spans, to waterfront views of the expansive waters of Lake Superior this trail will, eventually provide 111 km hiking and cycling and multi-use activity in the region.

Ontario Trails has supported this project for over three years, maintains its assistance by working on leases, connecting communities, finding funding for trail related projects, all with the view that this trail will provide a significant outdoor experience for local people and travelers alike.



As in many places in Ontario decommissioned railways provide a gentle slope and straight-line with a sturdy trail bed that can accommodate many uses as well as many explorations along their paths.

While on the North Shore visit the railway towns of Schrieber, explore amethyst digs, discover the 
nightlife of Thunder Bay, and immerse yourself in the ancestral heritage of places like red rock and Shuniah.

TRAIL PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014

ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/mobile

Ontario Trails News - check out all the trails in Ontario - http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

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Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

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2013 Call for Applications Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund
Ontario is providing grants to help communities take action to protect and restore their corner of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.
This is the second call for applications under the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. Grants are available for projects that take place in Ontario within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The basin includes: Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the St. Lawrence River, the Ottawa River, their connecting channels, and their watersheds. Examples of projects that could qualify include:

• Planting trees to restore stream banks
• Protecting and restoring sensitive and degraded natural habitats by managing the flow of storm water runoff
• Protecting traditional harvesting areas from invasive species by using traditional ecological knowledge

You can receive a grant of up to $25,000 grant for your project. Smaller projects are also encouraged. Applications for funding will be accepted until April 26, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. Information on the fund, including the application guide, form, frequently asked questions and 2012 grant recipients, is available at ontario.ca/GreatLakesFund.

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Trailhead Ontario - Updates

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

Early Bird Special on Now!
 

Join trail advocates, organizations, speakers, builders, use groups, volunteers, planners and regulators as we discuss, learn and improve Ontario's Trails

 

We are working with the full support of  Our Favorite Place (RTO8), Peterborough and the Kawartha’s Tourism and a number of local trails groups to bring you the best Trailhead Ontario yet!. There are a lot of new trails and trail tourism partnerships in RTO8. The Ontario Trails “Trailhead Ontario 2013″ Committee is  is pleased to announce the Holiday Inn Waterfront Peterborough as the location of our conferencing. Site locations for our trail education program are being determined now.

General Membership AGM!

The Ontario Trails Council is providing notice to membership and guests that the OTC Annual General Meeting is at Noon June 10, 2013. In accordance with the OTC By-Laws, Notice of Nominations for the Board of Directors is hereby served. Download the nomination letter and forms here.

Check the list of Presenters!

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Program Snapshotclick image for all

Ontario Trails Council - check out the countries best trails website - http://ontariotrails.on.ca

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Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

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Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

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2013 Call for Applications Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund
Ontario is providing grants to help communities take action to protect and restore their corner of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.
This is the second call for applications under the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. Grants are available for projects that take place in Ontario within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The basin includes: Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the St. Lawrence River, the Ottawa River, their connecting channels, and their watersheds. Examples of projects that could qualify include:

• Planting trees to restore stream banks
• Protecting and restoring sensitive and degraded natural habitats by managing the flow of storm water runoff
• Protecting traditional harvesting areas from invasive species by using traditional ecological knowledge

You can receive a grant of up to $25,000 grant for your project. Smaller projects are also encouraged. Applications for funding will be accepted until April 26, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. Information on the fund, including the application guide, form, frequently asked questions and 2012 grant recipients, is available at ontario.ca/GreatLakesFund.

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Trailhead Ontario - Updates

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

Early Bird Special on Now!
 

Join trail advocates, organizations, speakers, builders, use groups, volunteers, planners and regulators as we discuss, learn and improve Ontario's Trails

 

We are working with the full support of  Our Favorite Place (RTO8), Peterborough and the Kawartha’s Tourism and a number of local trails groups to bring you the best Trailhead Ontario yet!. There are a lot of new trails and trail tourism partnerships in RTO8. The Ontario Trails “Trailhead Ontario 2013″ Committee is  is pleased to announce the Holiday Inn Waterfront Peterborough as the location of our conferencing. Site locations for our trail education program are being determined now.

General Membership AGM!

The Ontario Trails Council is providing notice to membership and guests that the OTC Annual General Meeting is at Noon June 10, 2013. In accordance with the OTC By-Laws, Notice of Nominations for the Board of Directors is hereby served. Download the nomination letter and forms here.

Check the list of Presenters!

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Program Snapshotclick image for all

Ontario Trail News, from all over Ontario, all about Ontairo Trails!

Ontario Trails NewsMarch Break offers Trail Entertainment






Make sure you get out on an Ontario Trail this March Break!
More information on activities at Ontario Trails Events

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2013 Call for Applications
Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund Ontario is providing grants to help communities take action to protect and restore their corner of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.
This is the second call for applications under the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. Grants are available for projects that take place in Ontario within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The basin includes: Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the St. Lawrence River, the Ottawa River, their connecting channels, and their watersheds. Examples of projects that could qualify include:

• Planting trees to restore stream banks
• Protecting and restoring sensitive and degraded natural habitats by managing the flow of storm water runoff
• Protecting traditional harvesting areas from invasive species by using traditional ecological knowledge

You can receive a grant of up to $25,000 grant for your project. Smaller projects are also encouraged. Applications for funding will be accepted until April 26, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. Information on the fund, including the application guide, form, frequently asked questions and 2012 grant recipients, is available at ontario.ca/GreatLakesFund.

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Ontario Trails Builds New PartnershipThe Ontario Trails Council, through letter and direct representation has worked on the trails risk management and liability file since 2002. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recent efforts by the OTC to reach out to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) are appreciated by AMO.

"since 2007, liability premiums have increased by 22.2% and are among the fastest growing municipal costs.  Total 2011 Ontario municipal insurance costs are $155.2 million. Liability premiums make up the majority of these expenses at $85.5 million.  Property taxpayers are paying this price." AMO Insurance Study 2011

Since 2007 the OTC has written joint letters of support with AMO, the Federation of Municipalities of Northern Ontario (FONOM) and Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA).

"The heavy insurance burden and legal environment is unsustainable for Ontario’s communities. Despite enormous improvements to safety, including new standards for playgrounds, pool safety, (trails), and better risk management practices, municipal insurance premiums and liability claims continue to increase."

We will continue to support AMO efforts and are currently looking into offering a trail insurance program because over 80% of OTC Membership is municipally based, and municipalities represent at least half of the liability for Ontario's trail inventory of 88,000km. Tort reform is needed and Ontario lags behind North American trends in legal system reform.

"Various forms of proportionate liability have been enacted by all of Ontario’s competing Great Lakes states and in 38 other states south of the border.  Many other common law jurisdictions are also pursuing reform. It is time for Ontario to do the same."

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Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

---

Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

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Trailhead Ontario - Updates

Join us for three days of trail discussion and trail development. We welcome a new list of speakers to Trailhead Ontario  this year, please come to Peterborough to meet:

• Brent Feldman ED of Minnesota Parks And Trails Council - our NW friend in trails, hear how they do trails!
• Nancy Krupiarz ED of Michigan Trails and Greenways Association - our St. Clair River friend in trails, learn about their cross border initiatives!
• Fontasy Signs - new techniques prolong sign life, interpretive signs serve tourists, learn the latest!
• John Hobbs - Ontario Geocachers Association - we search, we spend - we'd like to do it near you!
• Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport - updates on their strategy for trails.
• Trail Education - at least three modules in development - including Universal Trail Assessment Process - learn how to build trails for AODA compliance.

Watch the program space for more detail. Early Bird closes May 1, 2013

The Lang-Hastings Trans Canada Trail is one of the newest additions to the trail network in Peterborough County. The trail extends from Keene Rd. to the old bridge in Hastings. This trail connects the south-eastern corner of the county to all the communities and into the City of Peterborough. With the designation as a section of the Trans Canada Trail, this trail is perfect for the average walker, cyclist or horseback rider. It is 33km in length and formed from packed limestone, creating a solid base enjoyable for a leisurely stroll. The trail leads you by many streams, around Drumlins and hugs the Trent-Severn Waterway for a few kilometers, allowing you to take in a variety of scenery along the route. The trail links to the Trans Canada Trail continuing east past Hastings and through Campbellford, allowing for extended trips throughout the countryside of Ontario.

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Cross Country Trails

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Dog Sled Trails

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Snowmobile Trails

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Snow-shoeing Trails

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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.

Thanks to NEW Member Huron County for taking out a membership, and to Ontario Federation of Trail Riders and the National Capital Commission for renewing this week.

THANKS! MERCI!

 

 

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Local Trails NewsAlbion Hills Conservation Authority:


New Course:
Trail Risk Management with Direct Bearing - April 9, 10, 2013 - Albion Hills Conservation

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Algonquin College:

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ATV:

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Gananoque:

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Haliburton Highlands:

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Humber Arboretum:

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Lake Erie:

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Lanark County:

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Port Loring:

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Southwestern Ontario:

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Trail Management Guides

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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

Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245

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Ontario Trails Council - Safe Trails Guide: developed with the support of the Ministry of Health Promotion, this guide includes recommended best practices on:

• Code of Conduct
• Permits
• Trail Maintenance/Development
• Qualifications to Develop Trail
• Reporting
• Trail Audits
• Forms
• Waivers/Assumption of Risk

Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245 

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Ontario Trails Council - Event Planning Guide -perfect for the trail group planning to develop trail or hold a fund raising event to support an activity or a trail project. Content includes:

• Event Ideas
• Attracting Volunteers
• Promotion
• Critical Path to the Event (6 month step by step, from idea to event!)

Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245