Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - May 18, 2017

• Ontario Trails Week • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Ontario Trails Week!  For the first time Ontario is recognizing the trails that offer so much of us so much enjoyment, by declaring a Celebration of Trails Week. Celebration of Trails Week is taking place in Ontario May 29 to June 4 this year. This week is designed to showcase outdoor lifestyles, recreational activity and the diversity of trails in Ontario. During this week Ontario Trails is encouraging all of our members to: 1. Log in Your Event  - Event spreadsheet. 2. Add your event to our event calendar -  add it here. 3. Engage Ontarians with our social media plan. Use our themes! Themes for each day May 29 - Intro Day – general post introducing 1st annual Trails Week & benefit of trails/why we love trails/photos to showcase trails May 30 - Trail Etiquette –what you can do (as trail users) to protect trails for future generations & ensure all trail users have an enjoyable and safe experience #TrailTipTues May 31 - Trail Management –what we do (as trail managers) to protect trails and enhance the trail experience June 1 - Throwback Thursday - #TBT Your Best Trail Day Activity Ever” June 2 - #FunFact Friday “Your Favorite Ontario Trail” Post June 3 -  International/Ontario Trails Day – recognize contribution trails make to people's quality of life, count yourself in June 4 - ICYMI – In Case You Missed IT - highlights of posts and pictures from Ontario's Trails Week 2017 Local Accounts to tag in twitter: example of Toronto Toronto Forestry: @TOtrees Toronto Parks: @TorontoPFR Toronto Cycling: @TO_Cycling TRCA Trails: @TRCA_Trails Ontario Trails Council: @ONtrails Hashtags to use: #TrailTipTues #OnTrailsWeek #TOtrails #myfavONtrail #FunFactFriday #TrailCountSat 4. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below) 5. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. We've checked the links, if something isn't working simply give us a call - 613-484-1140. We'll be adding these links to the various relevant trail pages in your regions and RTO's/DMO's over the upcoming year.6. Add the OTC Trail Count Logo to your website - Available May 25th. Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed!  ontariotrails.ca/A2ATrail ontariotrails.ca/ABCATrails ontariotrails.ca/AlgomaDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/AlgonquinHighlandsTrails ontariotrails.ca/AvonTrail ontariotrails.ca/BarrieTrails ontariotrails.ca/BellevilleTrails ontariotrails.ca/BrockvilleTrails ontariotrails.ca/BruceCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/BruceTrail ontariotrails.ca/BurlingtonTrails http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CambridgetoParisRailTrail ontariotrails.ca/CaledonTrails ontariotrails.ca/CambridgeTrails ontariotrails.ca/CCCATrails ontariotrails.ca/ChathamKentTrails ontariotrails.ca/CKTCTrails ontariotrails.ca/ClaringtonTrails ontariotrails.ca/CLOCATrails ontariotrails.ca/CochraneDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/CollingwoodTrails ontariotrails.ca/ConservationHaltonTrails ontariotrails.ca/ConservationSudburyTrails ontariotrails.ca/CornwallTrails ontariotrails.ca/CRCATrails ontariotrails.ca/CVCATrails ontariotrails.ca/DiscoveryRoutesTrails http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DistilleryLaneTrail ontariotrails.ca/DrydenTrails ontariotrails.ca/DufferinCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/DurhamMountainBikeTrails ontariotrails.ca/DurhamRegionTrails ontariotrails.ca/EaglesNestTrail ontariotrails.ca/EastGwillimburyTrails ontariotrails.ca/ElginCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/ElliotLakeTrails ontariotrails.ca/EscarpmentBiosphereTrails ontariotrails.ca/EskakwaTrails ontariotrails.ca/EssexCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/ExplorersEdgeTrails ontariotrails.ca/FABRTrails ontariotrails.ca/FOSMTrails ontariotrails.ca/FrenchRiverTrails ontariotrails.ca/FrontenacCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/G2GTrail ontariotrails.ca/GananoqueTrails ontariotrails.ca/GanaraskaForestTrails ontariotrails.ca/GananoqueTrails ontariotrails.ca/GBTCTrails ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianBayTownshipTrails ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianBayTownshipTrails ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianSkiCycleTrails http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GordonGlavesTrail ontariotrails.ca/GravenhurstTrails ontariotrails.ca/GreyCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/HaldimandCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/HaliburtonCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/HaltonHillsTrails ontariotrails.ca/HaltonRegionTrails ontariotrails.ca/HamiltonTrailsSurvey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HamiltontoBrantfordRailTrail ontariotrails.ca/HastingsCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/HBTCTrails ontariotrails.ca/HCATrails ontariotrails.ca/HCIATrails ontariotrails.ca/HearstTrails ontariotrails.ca/HikeOntarioTrails ontariotrails.ca/HorseCountryCampgroundTrails ontariotrails.ca/HuronCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/KawarthaATVTrails ontariotrails.ca/KawarthaLakesTrails ontariotrails.ca/KenoraDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/KolaporeTrails http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LakeErieandNorthernRailTrail ontariotrails.ca/LakeheadRegionCA ontariotrails.ca/LambtonCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/LanarkCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/LeedsandGrenvilleCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/LennoxandAddingtonTrails ontariotrails.ca/LondonTrails ontariotrails.ca/LSRCATrails ontariotrails.ca/LTVCATrails ontariotrails.ca/ManitoulinDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/MarathonTrails ontariotrails.ca/MattawaBonfieldTrails ontariotrails.ca/McMasterUTrails ontariotrails.ca/MiddlesexCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/MississippiMillsCATrails ontariotrails.ca/MoonbeamTrails ontariotrails.ca/MuskokaDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/MuskokaRTCTrails ontariotrails.ca/NBCATrails ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraFallsTrails ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraPC ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraRegionTrails ontariotrails.ca/NipigonTrails ontariotrails.ca/NipissingDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/NorthDumfriesTrails ontariotrails.ca/NorthumberlandCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/NorthumberlandForestTrails ontariotrails.ca/NPCATrails ontariotrails.ca/OakvilleTrails ontariotrails.ca/OF4WD ontariotrails.ca/OFATVTrails ontariotrails.ca/OFSCTrails ontariotrails.ca/OFTRTrails ontariotrails.ca/OntarioNature ontariotrails.ca/OrilliaTrails ontariotrails.ca/OshawaTrails ontariotrails.ca/otra ontariotrails.ca/OttawaTrails ontariotrails.ca/OxfordCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/ParrySoundDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/PeelRegionTrails ontariotrails.ca/PenetanguisheneTrails ontariotrails.ca/PerthCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/PeterboroughCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/PeterboroughTrails ontariotrails.ca/PetewawaTrails ontariotrails.ca/PrinceEdwardCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/QuinteCA ontariotrails.ca/RainyRiverDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/RedLake ontariotrails.ca/RenfrewCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/RideauValleyCA ontariotrails.ca/RRATrails ontariotrails.ca/SarniaTrails ontariotrails.ca/SaugeenShores http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCJohnsonTrail ontariotrails.ca/SimcoeCountyTrailsSurvey ontariotrails.ca/SNCATrails https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/SentierPRfr ontariotrails.ca/SentierPrescottRussell ontariotrails.ca/SRTATrails ontariotrails.ca/StCatharinesTrail ontariotrails.ca/StLawrenceParks ontariotrails.ca/StormontGlengarryDundasTrails ontariotrails.ca/StThomasTrail ontariotrails.ca/SudburyDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/TCTOTrails ontariotrails.ca/TemiskamingDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/TemiskamingShoresTrails ontariotrails.ca/ThunderBayDistrictTrails ontariotrails.ca/ThunderBayNordicTrails ontariotrails.ca/TorontoTrails ontariotrails.ca/TownshipMadawaskaValleyTrails ontariotrails.ca/TownshipofGeorginaTrails ontariotrails.ca/TRCATrails ontariotrails.ca/UpperGrandTrailwayAssociation ontariotrails.ca/UxbridgeTrails ontariotrails.ca/VaughanTrails ontariotrails.ca/WaterfrontTrustTrail ontariotrails.ca/WaterlooRegionTrails ontariotrails.ca/WellingtonCountyTrails ontariotrails.ca/WellingtonTS ontariotrails.ca/WindsorTrails ontariotrails.ca/YorkRegionalForest ontariotrails.ca/YorkTrailsSurvey ontariotrails.ca/YoursOutdoors 6. Send us Ontario Trails Week video - we'll be posting content on-line at https://goo.gl/Fy2bIL and we'd be happy to add to our trails tube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ontrails  Whether you paddle, ride, walk, bike, hike, climb or get fit on your favourite trail, Ontario Trails Week is your chance to coordinate an event to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Ontario's 2600+ trails! Missing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you. Be sure to also celebrate International Trails Day! Trails Tourism in Haliburton May 17, 2017Two very informative talks about the Ontario Trails Council and their dynamic web site presented by Patrick Connor, and Canadian Canoe Culture presented by Steve Bruno . Trails and paddling are very important elements of adventure in #MyHaliburtonHighlands For more information see http://www.canoemuseum.ca/blog/2017/1/24/canadian-canoe-culture Deadline to Comment on CycleOn Extended to May 26th to CommentInterested in trails as part of the network? Submit your comments here - EBR Registry Number:   013-0190 Trail Specialist Training Trails Specialist Workshop When: 30 May 2017 Where: Barrie Operations Centre - 165 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie, ON Will you be attending? Register Not attending Trails Specialist Workshop The two day workshop has been designed by professionals for all levels of trail builders and enthusiasts. You will receive instruction on how to observe, detect and document potential risk resulting from poor trail design, construction and maintenance. This workshop combines in classroom theory and hands-on experiences. Participants will come away with a valuable Trails Manual and will complete a written test on key elements of the course. This course will cover: Overview of Professional Trail Building The Science of Trail Building The Art of Trail Design and Construction Environmental Impacts Liability Issues Handwork and Trail Construction Techniques Dates: May 30 & 31, 2017 Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both daysCourse Cost: OPA Member: $395.50 Potential Member: $621.50                         Best regards, Ontario Parks Association and Ontario Trails Council Provincial Celebration of Trails Week!  News Release Helping People in Ontario Get Active May 15, 2017 Province Investing in 127 Provincial and Local Sport and Recreation Programs Ontario is supporting 127 sport and recreation projects across the province to help children and adults stay healthy and active. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Edna Staebler YMCA Child Care facility in Waterloo today to announce support for the Physical Literacy and Recreation Project. This project will engage over 2,000 children and youth in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge in fun activities to get them moving and learn about the importance of staying active. This is one of 127 projects across Ontario that is receiving support through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, which helps people of all ages to: Get involved in sport and recreation programs, with activities ranging from gymnastics for children of varying abilities, to exercise programs for older adults with mobility challenges to local fitness classes for people of all ages and abilities Learn about the importance of physical activity as a foundation for healthy living Become recreation leaders in their communities through training in areas such as coaching, youth development and volunteer development. For children, regular physical activity leads to healthier body weight, stronger bone density and improved mental health. Later in life, physical activity helps maintain health and wellness and can prevent chronic diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Helping people of all ages stay healthy and active is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.  QUICK FACTS In 2016–17, Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund projects helped more than 220,000 people. The government has provided more than $35 million in funding through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund since this program was launched. The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund is a key priority of Game ON – the Ontario government’s Sport Plan, which is providing opportunities for people in Ontario to get involved in organized sport while strengthening the sport recreation sector in communities across the province. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES List of Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund projects We need your input!In 2015 we secured 101 respondents to our "The Value of Trails - Measuring the Economic Impact of Trails Survey."  We've added 18 more to the 2017 updates. We have a ways to go. Click through the screen capture below to access the survey. There are many metrics to measure in determining the economic impact of trails, and tourism in just one factor. In order to accurately represent a closer economic impact of trails we are requesting your speedy response to our Call to Action for Your Input to our Value of Trails 2017 survey. With your help we will make an even stronger case for trails and the supports you require to provide a top notch experience at each of your trail destinations. We are also accepting new responses! Many Thanks! Event notice: Ride the GARTRide the Goderich-Auburn Rail Trail on June 4th to celebrate Trails Week in Ontario; meet at the trailhead on Harbour Street, Goderich at 1 p.m. for a leisurely ride. Sponsored by Active Transportation Goderich, and the Maitland Trail Association. More information - Ride the Gart Trailhead Canada - Date Change and Program Outline https://trailheadcanada.com/program-outline/ Remember to Donate! Trail Development Posting - Eastern Ontario Region MasterPlan Development - links to more information! Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks!  "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province. Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0

Ontario Trails News - news about Ontario's Trails, information, membership or provide feedback about your Ontario Trail!

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Canada Parks and Recreation Association working group releases RFP

Please find a link to a Request for Proposal for professional services in French and English to complete the next phase of edits and reviews for Parks for All - A Shared Vision for Canada’s Parks Community.  Proposals are due July 25, 2016 and it would be greatly appreciated if you could broadcast this request to potential bidders in your networks.  This undertaking is jointly sponsored by the Canadian Parks Council (CPC) and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), and is administratively supported by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (APRA).

As always, many thanks for your support and willingness to share this request broadly,

Murray Kopp (CPRA) and  Dawn Carr (CPC)
Parks for All Co-Chairs

Les membres de la Comité national consultatif :

Ci-inclus, trouvez un lien à la Demande to proposition pour les services professionnel en français et en anglais pour compléter la prochaine phase de modifications et révisions pour Des Parcs Pour Tous – Une vision commune pour le réseau des parcs du Canada.  Les propositions sont à remettre par le 25 juillet 2016 et ce serait tellement apprécié si vous pouviez diffuser cette demande aux offrants potentiels dans vos listes de distributions.  Cette œuvre est parrainée conjointement par le Conseil canadien des parcs (CCP) et l’Association canadien des parcs et loisirs (ACPL), et est soutenue administrativement par l’Association d’Alberta des loisirs et parcs (AALP).

Je vous remercie énormément de l’appui de partager cette demande de façon générale,
Murray Kopp (ACPL) et Dawn Carr (CCP)
Coprésidents de Des parcs pour tous

Murray Kopp
Chair – Parks Task Group
Canadian Parks & Recreation Association

Director - Parks Services
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, BC  V1W 3Z4
250 469-6232 | www.regionaldistrict.com/parks
Sign-up to receive the Regional Parks e-Newsletter

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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
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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
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RTO9 DMO's
RTO10 DMO's
RTO11 DMO's
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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.

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G2G Funding Campaign AnnouncementPreview YouTube video G2G Rail Trail Crowdfunding Teaser

Thanks to your efforts, over $20,000 has been raised in 2016 from individual donations, and to celebrate we’re having a party            We want you to share in G2G’s accomplishments so far and the exciting plans for the coming months! Hike or bike in – we’d love to hear your stories and see your photos! Come meet champions of the trail and get to know your trail neighbours. G2G and the Milverton Lions are hosting a summer BBQ and AGM on July 19th from 5PM – 8:30 PM. The Lions will be barbecuing from 5 PM – 7 PM and the AGM starts at 7 PM. Bring your questions, suggestions and ideas along with your appetite! Find the event right on the trail in the big white tent on CPR Drive at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home (who have graciously lent G2G the space for the evening – thanks guys!). If you’re interested in hosting a group hike in feel free to post on our Facebook page for everyone from your community to see.

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Please consider signing this petition

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

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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