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THUNDER BAY, ON, June 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Trans Canada Trail is thrilled to announce it has received a $2 million joint gift from TD Bank Group and the Ontario Trillium Foundation – funds that have been matched by the Government of Canada with another $1 million grant, for a total of $3 million in Trail development funding.

These funds will help the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to enhance and complete its route in Northern Ontario, between the City of North Bay and the City of Thunder Bay. The Trail sections under development include water and land routes, connecting 44 municipalities and aboriginal communities.

"We are grateful for the generous donation from TD Bank Group and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and to our federal government for matching that $2 million gift with an additional $1 million grant," says Valerie Pringle, Co-Chair of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. "It's a testament to our vision and passion when three major funders collaborate to help us reach our bold goal of a fully connected Trail, from Atlantic to Pacific to Arctic coasts, byCanada's 150^th birthday in 2017."

50 Trail development projects are currently in progress as part of the TCT's goal to connect the Trail from coast to coast to coast by 2017. Currently, the Trail is more than 17,000 kilometres long and is 75 per cent connected. Once complete, the Trans Canada Trail will stretch almost 24,000 kilometres and will include urban, rural and wilderness trails in every province and territory.

Connecting Trail sections and communities in Northern Ontario

The $3 million donation will be used to help complete or enhance three TCT routes in northern Ontario.

1. The North Bay to Sudbury Cycling Route, a 207-km road cycling route.
2. The Lake Huron North Channel Waterfront Cycling Trail (LHNC), a 370-km road cycling route from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie.
3. The Lake Superior Water Trail (LSWT), a 989-km paddling route from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, currently part of the TCT network, will see the enhancement of 15 access points with amenities for paddlers.

Connecting these three routes to the TCT depends on multiple community partnerships and volunteers. The leadership efforts of aboriginal communities, regional municipalities, and the Trail Group Collaborative – comprised of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, and Tourism Northern Ontario – will drive the project to completion.

The TCT is a multi-purpose recreational trail that promotes six preferred activities: walking/hiking, paddling, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

As sections of TCT, the North Bay to Sudbury Cycling Route, the Lake Huron North Channel Waterfront Cycling Trail, and the Lake Superior Water Trail all evoke the rich history and culture of Canada's people. By recalling the heritage of our aboriginal people, to early European trading and settlement, the growth of resource industries, the transcontinental railway, revolutionary Group of Seven paintings, and more – the TCT celebrates our proud Canadian journey.

Comment on our Comments! - by June 27th

As Presented Publicly at Trailhead Ontario June 8, 2015




















In summary - the Ontario Trails Council will be making comment, #1-12 on the last slide above on the Environmental Registry. 

The Ontario Trails welcomes any additions or comment to this list and we encourage you to e-mail the OTC at execdir@ontariotrails.ca if you have an item to discuss for addition.

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Tweet the Act

This should help secure land for trails, control trespass, change crown land processes. Please share these suggested tweets - 

Ontario Trails Act? What is it? What does it do? How does it secure trails? Does it impact me? Answers at http://trailheadontario.com

New - Ontario Trails Act - NEW - learn more - hear from government and sector on impacts and expectations http://trailheadontario.com

Giving feedback to trails act on EBR? Are you commenting on the Ontario Trails Act? use us -#‎craftyourbestanswer 

Ontario Trails News Summer 2014 - Archive Record

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/connect/newsletter

Sudbury Canada Cup/Ontario Cup #4

Posted by Adam in OCA NewsTuesday, 8 July 2014 15:12No Comments

This weekend the City of Greater Sudbury and the Walden MTB club host the Sudbury Canada Cup/Ontario Cup #4 presented by Adventure Ski & Cycle.

The Walden MTB club and specifically Rob “The Saint” have been working furiously over the last few weeks to create an amazing fast and fun course with true Northern Ontario feel. Expect lots of amazing open rock sections, and super fun fast downhill’s, on a totally reworked course with much smoother lines and buffed singletrack.  Don’t miss this chance to ride and race a totally different kind of course and event.

Note of Final entry deadlines:

Sudbury Canada Cup/Ontario Cup #4 – July 13

CVC employee wins Ontario Nature award

Mark Eastman

Credit Valley Conservation’s Mark Eastman, J.R. Dymond Public Service Award winner.

Mississauga News

By  Joseph Chin

MISSISSAUGA — Mark Eastman, a stewardship coordinator with Credit Valley Conservation, is the recipient of a J.R. Dymond Public Service Award from Ontario Nature.

Eastman was one of six individuals and two groups recognized by the conservation organization during its recent annual general meeting.

Eastman has led numerous private land stewardship initiatives that help landowners understand the importance of pasture and manure management, invasive species control, wetland fencing and wildlife habitat protection.

Under Healthy Lands for Healthy Horses, he connects landowners to funding and service providers for the implementation of best management practices.

Ontario Trails News - all about the unique value of Ontario Trails

About Membership - Mr. Jack De Wit, OTC President

Dear Members - With your support this week we achieved new levels of membership support.

I often get questioned what are the benefits of an OTC Membership? Well as a charity you are supporting our good works. From Kenora to Temiskaming to Windsor to Cornwall.

The OTC is the only 18 discipline, all trails, multi-use, single use, trail development, fund seeking, policy changing, government influencing, community assisting trail organization in Ontario. And more.

And only one of a handful of this type, nationally.

Your financial support may not return directly to your community, but with it, by keeping the OTC viable, we are able to preserve or develop trails somewhere in Ontario.

Further in this bulletin we will tell you about some of the programs and services your financial support allows us to pursue and secure.

Right now we are assisting in trail development or programs in Northern Ontario, Georgian Bay, and in South Western Ontario, as well as Toronto, Hamilton, Hastings, Middlesex, Peel, Simcoe, and other places!

We still have real services to pay for, telephone, audits, travel etc. So please take the time to renew your support today!

Sincerely, Jack De Wit, President.

JOIN - PRICING - By credit card or mail (all include 13% HST)

Yearly Rates		Base	HST	Total
Small <200 td="" trail="" users="">		$103.00	$13.39	$116.39
Medium 200:5000 users		$257.50	$33.47	$290.97
Large >5000 users		$772.50	$100.42	$872.92

Ontario Trails News- lot's of trails, races, running, mountain biking all on Ontario Trails!

Spartan Race Looking for Ontario Venues 2014 and beyond

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Featured Hike: Buddies are going back to camp!

September 20th to 22nd, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camp fires, games, descending down cliffs for those that are brave, sauna and wine for those that are not…lol This camp has such a magical effect on those that come to experience it! If it’s not the most fun you has all year, it will be right at the top! Link to camp

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Laurentian 8 mountain bike relay coming to North Bay

Wednesday, August 14, 2013   by: Mark PareThe Laurentian 8 is set to test mountain bike riders young and old, and of all skill levels.

Laurentian Ski Hill and Pro Sports Management have teamed up to bring the first eight-hour mountain bike relay to Northern Ontario on October 5, set in the North Bay Nordic Ski Club trails.The funds raised from the event will go to the ski hill. Co-convenor of the event Tim Simpson says all ski hills have to be four-seasons nowadays to be viable financially.

“Laurentian has traditionally been a one-season resort so this is all part of turning it around. This is going to be the first of more than just one event,” he said.

“This will help what we hope to eventually expand maybe into the BMX, into the road race, into the trick biking and that’s where it really comes from, the idea of it. The mountain bike because of our beautiful trails, the fall colours, it just seems like a natural fit for our area.”

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Get the most out of the new Google Maps. Learn how to get directions, search, view imagery and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtXFWU4r9FQ&list=SPcRbp4LqBpwFpqdfEVOanvjmeVMUk5fAV&index=2

Ontario Trail News - Thanks to Jim Fox from QMI for the mention!

By JIM FOX, Special to QMI Agency

Camping is a fun, budget friendly getaway for the whole family. ONTARIO PARKS PHOTO

Top 10 campsites in Canada Best summer travel gear for beach trips, camping and road trips

There’s still plenty of summer left to learn to camp at Ontario Parks.

NEWBIE CAMPERS
Among the “what’s new” at Ontario Parks are additional Learn to Camp sessions at more locations, says Lori Waldbrook, senior marketing specialist.

There is also a new “Graduate” program offered to past learning participants along with new Learn to Fish sessions at four Ontario Parks.

No car or can’t drive? Then there’s the Parkbus offering transportation from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with connections from other cities, to a new Learn to Camp in Northern Ontario.

Learning sessions are offered at Selkirk Provincial Park in Southwestern Ontario, Murphys Point Provincial Park in Eastern Ontario and Grundy Lake Provincial Park in Northern Ontario.

As well, in the GTA, Earl Rowe and Emily Provincial Parks are hosting learning sessions in addition to existing programs at Bronte Creek, Darlington, Sibbald Point and Six Mile Lake parks. For rates and availability: ontarioparks.com/learntocamp
The new grad program gives past participants a chance to further hone their camping skills.

There is a choice of one-or two-night sessions at an existing Learn to Camp location or opt for an independent camping experience at Grundy Lake, north of Parry Sound, with guidance provided.

Camping equipment is included and participants just have to bring their own food, bedding and personal items.
You can even take a bus to Learn to Camp with Parkbus service from the GTA to Algonquin, Killarney and Grundy Lake by booking the camping session first and then buying the pre-reserved bus ticket.

GO FISH!
Ontario Parks, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, now offers two-hour Learn to Fish sessions.
These are part of the overnight Learn to Camp experiences at Darlington, Earl Rowe, Emily and Sibbald Point parks, with equipment and one-day fishing licenses included.

Other park learning opportunities range from nature photography to kayaking as well as mapping the night sky and creating a stone or wood carving.

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT
Whether you travel near or far, there’s a camping app available.

Need a flashlight? Looking for easy campsite recipes or a trail to hike? How about a new outdoor game?
Camping apps include ones from Coleman for the Classic Camping Cookbook and Meal Planner, Coleman Lantern and Campfire Tales.

The Ontario Trails Council has a mobile app to search trails by city, town, name or nearby and includes cycling, equestrian, hiking and walking, running and snowshoe and backcountry.

There’s the St. John Ambulance app for first-aid advice and protocols for dealing with emergencies and includes illustrated guides and voice instructions.

Stargazers can download the Royal Astronomical Society’s Clear Sky Chart and there is a proliferation of bird-watching apps available.

onetanktrips@hotmail.com

Ontario Trails News - Land Issues, Trails and more!

Trailhead Ontario

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Helping Small, Rural and Northern Municipalities Build Roads and Bridges

The new Ontario government plans to create a fund of $100 million for 2013 - 2014, to help small, rural and Northern municipalities build roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

The government recognizes the unique needs of these communities and the importance of high quality infrastructure in all areas of the province. This would also help support the local economy and construction jobs across Ontario. 

This investment would be the first step of a comprehensive transportation plan for rural and Northern Ontario. Making sure every part of the province can move with ease is part of the government's plan to create jobs and build a prosperous and fair Ontario.

http://www.moi.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure/building_together/progress_update.asp 

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This spring, we invite you to help to create a Big Picture Legacy for the Carolinian Zone.
As you know, this ecoregion is an irreplaceable national treasure. Yet cumulative impacts threaten ecological services that are fundamental to the health of this region.
Thanks to you, Carolinian Canada has a Big Picture strategy for ecosystem health in southwestern Ontario. Our Biodiversity Hotspot Plans, established with a community of leaders address immediate threats and specific critical actions for thriving landscapes.
The Coalition Board is, therefore, establishing a Big Picture Legacy Circle to connect conservation-minded allies to act quickly and efficiently for ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A strong circle of Friends will make things happen for this region. You can join the circle:

• As a Visionary Patron by pledging $1,000, $5,000 or more
• As a Sustaining Sponsor by contributing $250
• As a Long-time Friend by contributing monthly $10, $20 or $30 or annually $100
• As a Legacy Friend by planning a bequest or memorial donation.

Every dollar you pledge will be multiplied for greater impact. You can target innovative programs that focus on Carolinian Canada biodiversity hotspots:

• Ecosystem Recovery catalyzes critical actions for 500+ rare species and habitats
• Erie Coastal Stewardship EcoTrail engages new allies in treasuring Canada’s south coast
• Grow Wild! motivates and assists stakeholders in priority habitat actions
• Landowner Leaders inspires landowners to save, steward and seed habitat
• Carolinian Student Interns research stewardship with Universities

Carolinian Canada urgently needs your help to sustain biodiversity in the face of rising environmental stresses and severe cutbacks.

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Canoe Heads for Kids: Sparking a Change
OurKids.net (blog)
Canoe Heads for Kids will see over 100 participants embark on an urban canoe trip, with the goal of supporting underprivileged children to attend overnight summer camps in Ontario through Amici Camping Charity. campforcanoeheads2 300x225 Canoe ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Trailhead Ontario

Ontario Trails - The Best Outdoors in Ontario is on Ontario Trails!

Ontario Trails FB Page

As told to us from our friends at Trails BC -

Do you want to keep getting updates from Ontario Trails on Facebook?

Since mid-September, Facebook has changed their algorithms so that less than 10 per cent of our fans receive our updates, unless we pay to promote them!

But there is another way: to keep receiving all our updates, breaking news and inspiring photos, please hover your mouse over the "Liked" button near our name. Then select "ADD to INTEREST LIST." Create an interest list such as TRAILS or OUTDOORS and add all of your favourite pages to it so you don't miss out on anything of interest.

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Whether it's the challenging hikes along boulder-strewn beaches, spectacular views from high rocky ridges, camping beside quiet, picturesque inland lakes or strolls through gently rolling , forested hills, the Voyageur Trail has something for everyone.

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

The Voyageur Trail association offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy and experience the unique and rugged beauty of Northern Ontario. A discontinuous trail of nearly 600 kilometers from Manitoulin Island to Thunder Bay along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior parallels much of the trade route of the early Voyageurs, those hardy, French-speaking fur traders who helped to open up the area.

Photo courtesy of Voaygeur Trail Association.

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Yes to Heritage Conservation District - SouthwesternOntario.caBy Chet Greason Staff reporter. After a long time spent meeting, debating, and weighing the options, months or years depending on where you begin to measure ...
www.southwesternontario.ca/.../yes-to-heritage-conservation-d... 

Battle to keep nature intact
The National
In Canada, examples include the Ottawa Greenbelt and the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt in Ontario. In other countries, urban planning has sought to preserve ...

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Horses - 

Equine Trails Development in Wellington County

Rural communities in Wellington County are constantly seeking to increase economic activity. The horse industry has been one of the major forms supporting economic growth in rural Ontario. This research will investigate the potential for horse trail system development in Wellington County. The resu...

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GTA Trail Map Here

Toronto's archived past goes mobile
The Eyeopener
Users can navigate through the app's 150 stories, organized by date, theme and neighbourhood, on an interactive map or by following themed trails. “It gives people a better sense of Toronto's heritage, what makes Toronto tick,” said Sandra Shaul ...
See all stories on this topic »  

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Trailhead Ontario: June 9-11, 2013Our Favorite Place, Peterborough, Ontario.

Our Plan for 2013 – 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.

New for 2013 -Regional Tourism development includes trails. Trail packages, trail experiences, trail destinations. This takes a blending of major destinations, natural topographies, parks, conservation, county forest and up to 18 different trail activities. What’s in your “Trail Mix”? What’s our plan for marketing this unique matrix of dynamic outdoor experiences so that the world can find the world’s best range of trail fun right here at home. 

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Map Here

OFSC Seeks Safety Campaign Proposals
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is currently seeking proposals from qualified individuals or organizations to provide project planning, implementation, and administrative oversight for the development of a Responsible Rider Safety Campaign. A copy of the Request for Proposals document can be found here:http://www.ofsc.on.ca/images/stories/About_Us/Opportunities/RFP-Responsible_Rider_Safety_Campaign-12-10-24.pdf
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Georgian Bay Coastal Trail - Parry Sound :

Exciting Job Opportunity with GBCT! We are hiring a Marketing and Communications Coordinator on a one year contract. Please share with anyone you know who might be interested in the job and is eligible. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgian-Bay-Coast-Trail/76435991161

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Public Meetings Toronto - Improve the Beltline Trail! | Cycle Toronto
Speak up in support of improving the Beltline Trail! 5 Minute Action: Write a letter to the City of Toronto project facilitators in support of improvements to the ...cycleto.ca/ward-update/improve-beltline-trail

 

Niagara on the Lake - Trans Canada Trail Ontario AGM - November 9, 2012

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Sign Up Today

Be sure to sign up for the weekly OTC Newsletter "Trailwise" you can sign up at the link through the picture to the right. Or if you prefer download a recent copy from the OTC Website - Here

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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

  

  

Map Here

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