Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Signs installed and a group member photo submitted - Westminster Ponds London Ontario.

 

Ontario Trails News - send us your feedback on your Trails, as we work with you on your Trails Tourism Action Plan!

Are you a Destination Marketing Organization?

Please take a couple of minutes and send us your contact information.

Ontario Trails are currently engaged with RTO's in seeking improved data for the Ontario Trails Council website, as well as crafting Trails Tourism Action Plans with each RTO and their partners.

Add your contact information here:

RTO1 DMO's
RTO2 DMO's
RTO3 DMO's
RTO4 DMO's
RTO5 DMO's
RTO6 DMO's
RTO7 DMO's
RTO8 DMO's
RTO9 DMO's
RTO10 DMO's
RTO11 DMO's
RTO12 DMO's
RTO13 DMO's

Do you have a trails tourism strategy? Add your strategy here -

RTO1 DMO's
RTO2 DMO's
RTO3 DMO's
RTO4 DMO's
RTO5 DMO's
RTO6 DMO's
RTO7 DMO's
RTO8 DMO's
RTO9 DMO's
RTO10 DMO's
RTO11 DMO's
RTO12 DMO's
RTO13 DMO's

---

Ontario 150 Offering Grants!

Apply for funding

There are three funding programs you can apply for:

• Community Celebration Program (application opens July 6 and closes September 2, 2016)
• Partnership Program (application opens July 6 and closes September 30, 2016)
• Community Capital Program (application opens July 18 and closes  September 14, 2016)

Ontario150 Community Celebration Program

This program will help to support initiatives that celebrate and commemorate Canada and Ontario’s 150^th anniversary.

Ontario150 Partnership Program

This program supports collaborative projects that foster new partnerships and innovative ways to engage and empower youth.

Ontario150 Community Capital Program

This program helps municipalities, not-for-profit community organizations and Indigenous communities improve existing infrastructure through repairs, renovations or retrofitting.
 

---

Please consider signing this petition

Educational Courses - sign up for Fall - on-line learning

---

Please consider supporting our work

We wish to thank all those organizations who have renewed their membership. Please renew today, our work is more important than ever! Help us help groups keep their trails open. Please consider making a donation or taking out a membership today! We rely on the generous support of the Canadian trail community to allow us to do our work.

Our Mission - to promote the preservation, management, use and development of trails.

Everyday, somewhere in Ontario we educate, support a group, lead or assist a community improving its quality of life through trails.

Ask us how we make a difference! Thanks

Ontario Trails News - from around Ontario's 2600 Trails, events, activities and trail managing!

Watch out for Lyme Disease!

---

Everyday Ontario Trails assists trails in Ontario - Service Request Form

The Ontario Trails Council requests that folks start using it's Service Request form so that we can track the supports we provide to trail organizations in Ontario - a lot of which is unfunded.

Our work, leading to Bill 100, or an Ontario Trails Implementation Strategy benefits all trails, but not all support our work, so if you want our valuable assistance please complete this form going forward so we can track requests!



We believe in trails and would be happy to assist as per our mandate and mission, but a priority, given resource and time constraints will be given to our partners first.

---

News From Partners!

OFATV

Thanks Pablo for the mentions!

Thanks Mississauga Parks and Forestry for the mention!

 

Thanks for the mention Toby!

Thanks for the photo Jeremy!
After all the discussion about it (at Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew), I spotted a horse and buggy using the Thousand Islands Parkway recreational trail this morning.

Jeremy

Watch for this recurring special on the Group of Seven Trail!

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise, published each week, circulated to trails leaders all over Ontario

Trailwise July 28 2016

News Release

Ontario Launches Challenge to Spend More Time in Nature

Time Spent in Natural Settings Has Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health

July 25, 2016 11:00 A.M.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits.

Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Challenge, the Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year's challenge begins in August. 

Spending time outside each day will help to form a beneficial new habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that interacting with nature is good for both physical and mental health, from reducing stress and strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and lowering blood pressure.

The 30x30 Nature Challenge doesn't have to take a lot of time and planning. Nature isn't that far away - there are provincial parks all across Ontario. But it's also right in your backyard. Green space can be as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. You can check out local trails and beaches, too - they may even lie along your daily route.

If you're looking for a change of scenery, the Ontario Parks locator tool makes it easy to find a provincial park nearby. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling and lots of outdoor programmes.

Here are just some of the ways you can get outside for the 30x30 Challenge this August:

• Bring your family to the Learn to Fish event at Balsam Lake.
• Perfect your howl at Algonquin's wolf howls.
• Take a guided ghost walk at Bronte Creek.
• Learn some kayak basics at Frontenac.
• Become a citizen scientist by participating in the Summer Loon Count at Killarney.
• Go stargazing at Halfway Lake's Star Party, hosted by the Sudbury Astronomy Club.

Finding more time for nature is easy and it can really pay off when it comes to your health!

Quick Facts

• There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, perfect for fun and healthy activities.
• Ontario Parks supports the link between a healthy environment and healthy society through Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the 30x30 Challenge.
• The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement evolved from the international Health Parks, Healthy People Congress in 2010. Its goal is to maintain global momentum towards better understanding the links between nature and human health.
• In 2015, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 9.8 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $80 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province.

Additional Resources

• Healthy Parks Healthy People Central
• 2016 Ontario Parks Guide
• Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter

Quotes

“Spending time in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and stay healthy. But there are also many natural settings in your own neighbourhood. I encourage all Ontarians to get out to any natural setting and to take up the 30x30 Nature challenge.”

Kathryn McGarry

Ontario Trails News - news about trail activity, development and preservation from all over Ontario!

Need Help? Send us your request!

Service Request

Membership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a member, here are some of the services you can access. Our service request form is at the bottom of this page.

Great Benefits!

Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI. 

Advocacy Information

Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.

Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail

OTC members can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.

Community Events & Services

Get involved with one of our 200+ members across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your events at no charge.

Planning and Development

We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.

Trail Management Services

We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assit you!

"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings

We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Requred, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.

PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Publication

The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better than just stand alone!

Service Request Form - For member and Non-Members

In order to help you out best, please complete a service request form so we are better able to help you out! Pleasw note - Service Priority is given to members.

Service Request Form - pdf 

Service Request Form - Word Doc

Ontario Trails News - despite negative media - we are forging ahead with our conferences to enlighten and educate the public!

Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

Trailhead Ontario Itinerary - June 20, 21, 22, 2016 ( we are adding a third day for Eastern Canada Trails Training the only federally sponsored trail training in Eastern Canada this year - provided by IMBA Canada)

Monday
8:30-9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries
9:15-10:00AM	Presentation	Ontario Landowners Association (Invited)
10:00-10:30AM	Presentation	Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization
10:30-10:45AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:45-11:15AM	Presentation	Petawawa - the development of our Regional Trail Association
11:15-11:45AM	Presentation	Adirondack to Algonquin Trail Development
11:45-12:15PM	Presentation	Parks of the St. Lawrence
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	City of Ottawa Trails
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Coffee Break
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail Ontario
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	National Capital Commission
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ontario Federation of Agriculture (Invited)
4:15-4:45PM	Presentation	Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease
4:45-5:15PM	Presentation	Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails
5:15-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6PM - 9PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Federal Climate Change Initiatives and Trails
Tuesday
8:30 – 9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries - Madawaska Valley
9:15-9:45AM	Presentation	Madawaska Valley and Township Trail Developments
10:00-10:30AM	Plenary Session	Principles of Trail Risk Management
10:30-10:45AM	Coffee Break
10:45-11:30AM	Plenary Session	Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Plenary Session	Water Trails - Developing trails for Use
2:00-2:45PM	Plenary Session	Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development
2:45-3:00PM	Break
3:00-3:30PM	Plenary Session	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands
3:30-4:00PM	Plenary Session	Mattawa Trail Development
4:00-4:30PM	Plenary Session	First Nation Tourism and Trails
4:30PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps	Trailhead Canada 2017!

https://trailheadontario2016.com

---

Trailhead North - Marathon

 

Trailhead North Symposium Itinerary - April 20, 21, 2016

Event Outdoor Hike with Pic River First Nation - REGISTER

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Mayor Dumas and Chief Michano
9:30-10:30AM	Marathon, Pic River and our Northern Trails	Sponsor	Bob Hancherow, and Chief Duncan Michano Pic River FN
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:30AM	Presentation	Parks Experiences - Pukaskwa National Park and Neys Provincial	Roel Teunissen, Park Planning, Ontario Parks. Sharon Hayes, Pukaskwa National Park.
	Presentation	Group of Seven Trail	Kirsten Spence, Quercwood Consulting
	Presentation	Northern Ontario Experiences	Carole Caputo and Paul Pepe, Director of Tourism Thunder Bay
12:30-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 1:30PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Jim Antler and Carol Oitment
1:30 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail	Mike Goodyear, Trail Director Trans Canada Trail
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Path of the Paddle and Trail Auditing	Carrie Nolan, Executive Director POPA
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Trails for Northern Ontario Tourism	David McLaughlan and Susan Forrest, NOT
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	World Class Cross Country - Destination Marathon	Marathon X-Country Ski, Dr. David Juliano
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Northern Snowmobile Trails	Dennis Burns with Craig Colbourne
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	OAC - Ontario Access Coalition - Places to Climb	Jana Wells
	Break
5:30-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6:00PM - 9:00PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Trails, Travels and Experiences, A personal perspective	Michael Haynes, Trails Ambassador and Author
	Silent Auction
Thursday
8:30 - 9AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:15-10AM	Presentation	Funding for Trails with NOHFC, FedNor and Ontario Trillium Foundation	Maureen Brophy OTF,  Sean Irwin NOHFC, and Jamie Taylor FedNor
10:00-10:15AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:15-11:15 AM	Presentation	Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Summit Report	Kevin Eshkawkogan, Aboriginal Tourism Summit
11:15-Noon	Presentation	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands	Greg Farrant, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters with Greg Rivard
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Outfitters and Tripping - How to Get North	Steve Bruno, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
2:00-3:00PM	Presentation	Voyageur Trail - Developments along the Trail	Carole Blacquiere, President VTA
3:00-3:45PM	Presentation	Outdoor Recreation - the Tourism Experience	Dr. Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead University
3:45-$:00PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

---

Trailhead Georgian Bay

May 11th, Killarney Park Lodge.

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:30-10:30AM	About The Georgian Bay Coast Trail	Sponsor	GBCT Board
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:15AM	Presentation	Killarney Provincial Park - A Lead Partner in Development	Killarney Provincial Park
	Presentation	Friends of Killarney	Friends of Killarney
	Presentation	Trail Experiences - Explorer's Edge	James Murphy, RTO12
	Presentation	Auditing and Planning our Route	Niall Lobely
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Carol Oitment
	Presentation	Indigenous Peoples Economic Development	Local First Nations
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Trail Inventories Georgian Bay Partners	Kirsten Spence
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor	Al McPherson
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Variety of Trails	GBBR and GBCR
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	Great Lakes Guardian Plant and Trail Inventory	Henvy Inlet and Ontario Trails
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry	Local MNRF
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	Relations with Local Landowners	Georgian Bay Landowners Association
4:45 - 5:15	Wrap-up	Thanks	GBCT

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

---

 

Trails Talk

Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community. We are pleased to have added an additional topic to the Agenda - see January 12th.

We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks. So make sure you have a gmail account and the hangout app added to your gplus account.

How to Join a Hangout

Invited presenters include:

February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge. Register on Eventbrite

March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassegijig and Kirsten Spence. Register on Eventbrite

March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it? Register on Eventbrite

March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall Register on Eventbrite

April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies. Register on Eventbrite

Ontario Trails News - Bill 100 misreporting and misinterpretation continues, no stoppage despite clarification from OTC and others

Ontario Trails Council continues to track erroneous landowner reporting on Bill 100

Press Release For immediate release: Feb 25, 2016
Contact:  Patrick Connor, Executive Director Ontario Trails Council 1-613-396-3226  execdir@ontariotrails.ca

Ontario Trails Council Continues to Correct Misinformation about Bill 100

The Ontario Trails Council has asked the Ontario Landowners Association to cease or retract misinformation regarding Bill 100, that they continue to circulate through public meeting and the media. We also would ask the media to cease and desist as the information they are provided is being misunderstood.

Several respected groups, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport, community organizations involving farmers to hikers, and even MPP Randy Hillier (founder of the Ontario Landowners Association) and our organization, wants the closure of trails to stop. We respect landowners and we want to preserve 50 years of friendly relations amongst us.

Bill 100 only needs some tweaks and clarifications and this can be done by the OLA, and other groups, working through the OTC.

Reports from “The Lanark Era,” have “Randy Hillier Member for Lennox-Addington-Frontenac in Provincial Parliament saying the landowners’ group has misled the public on the benefits and drawbacks of Bill 100, which, in part, would regulate easements on private property.”

The OTC is looking to get additional support for other landowner agreements, recognized in the Bill.

Further MPP Hillier, “stressed that Bill 100, which has made it through first reading and has yet to be debated, is a positive bill for property owners and land users…” “It creates a new legal mechanism that provides greater certainty to trail associations and to private landowners over the use of land,” Hillier explained.

At Ontario Trails Council we are working with Ministry Staff, and through committee, to bring to the Bill changes that will work for trails and landowners. At OTC we are moving forward through communication with the government to secure a positive outcome for all.

Despite published clarifications on the part of the Ontario Trails Council and the government, some people and their media partners continue to do damage to trails. Please review our input and work with us to change the Act for the better.

OTC Press Release

https://www.scribd.com/doc/299473575/Hillier-pans-landowner-views-on-provincial-trails-bill#download

If you have any questions about Bill 100 please contact the Ontario Trails Council, 613-396-3226 or email us at: execdir@ontariotrails.ca

We are here to help everybody have a better understanding of trails, trail use and management practice.

Please read our paper on Bill 100 – it's available here -http://goo.gl/yzlO0X

-30-