Showing posts with label Prince Edward County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prince Edward County. Show all posts

Friday, December 16, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Prince Edward County Trails trail support, Trailhead Hastings, It Takes a Forest, and other updates about Ontario trails!

Ontario Trails Council Member - RTC and County working together!

millennium trail prince edward county

Ontario Trails is pleased to report that The Prince Edward County Council has approved 3-year funding to partner with the Millennium Trail Trails Council to complete an upgrade to the rest of the Millennium Trail, outside of the sections maintained by Rotary of Wellington.

The PEC Trail Committee has committed to trying to raise $80,000 of the $450,000 budget and the County will provide the rest. An anonymous donor has offered up to $40,000 to match our fund raising which as of today sits at $9,400 paid or pledged.

Our website for making donations is www.pectrails.ca. This website was voluntarily created by one of our members, Sharon Mulholland.
 
This supports years of community effort - as reported from 2013, "Phase two of the Millennium Trail restoration project is currently under way—extending the rehabilitation effort west from Wellington to Danforth Road.
 
The first step is clearing the brush back to enable the heavy equipment to get in. Then a bulldozer will regrade the now deeply rutted trail. Then a procession of trucks will bring hundreds of tonnes of limestone screening material, donated by Essroc, to be spread on the trail.

Paul Greer Excavating will rake, grade and pack the trail smooth. It is a lot of work—and much of it is donated and volunteered. Along with Greer’s, A-1 Excavating and Reg Grosse will contribute equipment and operators to the effort.
 
Already businesses and organizations are beginning to explore ways to make their facilities more accessible to cyclists and hikers using the trail.

One of those to embrace this opportunity is Richard Karlo.
 
Karlo Estates Winery’s property backs onto the Millennium Trail south of Danforth Road. Karlo has already carved out an entrance onto his property and is developing a pathway that will lead cyclists and hikers through the vineyard and up to the winery.
 
Karlo Estates is also a member of Cycle Ontario, an association that provides certain amenities to those travelling by bike.
 
“It is a really interesting way to explore the vineyard and indeed the County in a different way,” explained Karlo. “When you explore an old trail like this it gives you a different sense of the countryside, a perspective you don’t get on the roadway.”
 
Barry Davidson is thrilled Karlo Estates is jumping aboard this opportunity. It is part of Davidson’s vision and determination that has propelled this restoration and the creation of the Friends of the Millennium Trail.
 
“It provides hikers and bikers a place to pause, have lunch, use the facilities and of course enjoy a glass of wine,” said Davidson. “The golf course is also going to put up a sign offering a picnic table for lunches, access to washrooms as well as a canteen during course operating hours.”Wellington on the Lake resident Howard Norton prunes the wild grape vines on the trail next to the golf course. Norton showed up for days in any weather to lend a hand and support the project.

Others are starting to think about ways they can connect to users of the Millennium Trail— Karlo has been speaking with other wineries within close proximity to the trail. Many are taking note. Karlo imagines a wine tour one day with the trail as the thread linking the participants.
 
From the outset Davidson planned to develop sections as funds, resources and volunteer efforts became available, as a demonstration to others about what the trail could be. He hopes it will inspire others to join in the effort and perhaps challenge others to undertake the restoration of other sections.
 
Wellington Rotary has been a strong backer. Davidson knows, however, the effort needs broad public support, so he is planning a public meeting to encourage others who share his vision of what the trail might be—to join with him to develop a Prince Edward County Trails Association.
 
“The idea is to consider a trail system through out the County with the first priority being, finishing the Millennium Trail,” said Davidson. “I see this as a broader thing, if there are people who share my vision of it. The association would not only finish the trail but also do annual maintenance of this trail but also look at any other trail in the County.
 
Davidson notes that the County is blessed with many great trails at Sandbanks Provincial Park as well as the County’s various conservation areas.

 
Trailhead Hastings Announced
 
HASTINGS COUNTY TRAIL PHOTOS

Trailhead Toronto - Nov. 24th, Session Presentations Available On-Line!
A BIG thank-you to all the people who so graciously contributed their time and expertise to make a contribution through presentation at Trailhead Toronto!
forests ontario
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2017 Forests Ontario Annual Conference is now open! The conference will take place on Friday, February 10th at the Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston. Early bird registration rates will be available until December 31, 2016 - so register early and save!

This year we will be exploring the theme of It Takes A Forest . The forests of Ontario have a great story to tell – so let’s start telling it! It takes a forest to keep us healthy, support wildlife, build our communities and fight climate change. As society makes critical decisions regarding our forests, it is now more important than ever that we all understand the importance of this resource in a changing world. Join us and over 300 landowners, forestry professionals, educators and students, at one of Ontario's largest forestry conferences. Come to learn, network, and engage in conversations around the future of Ontario's forests.

We hope you will join us! For more information about conference, and to register, visit  http://www.forestsontario.ca/community/annual-conference/ or use the attached registration form.

Add/Edit Trails

An important part of the Refreshed OTC Web site will be a dynamic page dedicated to each trail. It is important that you give us as much information as possible - this will be the only source for creating your dedicated page on the OTC Website. If we don't get the information from you, it won't make it onto the site. If you have any questions about the form, please contact Patrick at 613-484-1140. Thank you for taking the time to add or edit your trail on the Ontario Trails Council Web site.


 

Be a Friend of Trails

We invite all trail users to support the work of the Ontario Trails Council. As a registered charity we do our community work based on the support of member organizations, individuals and some government grants. We do the work, in the end for the individual families and folks that use the trails every day. Please consider supporting us as your thanks for your trails. Thank you.

donate to ontario trails

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Ontario Trails News - we continue to add more Ontario Trails! Prescott-Russell Trail Petition, Rotary Eco-trail and more Ontario Trails information!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

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.


Forested Dunes Nature Trail

The hike from Outer Drive to Mud Creek and back is approximately 5 km and leads through the 139-acre Forested Dunes Nature Reserve, part of the 150,000-acre Port Franks Dunes & Wetlands Complex designated provincially as an Area of Natural & Scientific Interest (ANSI) and nationally as an Important Birding Area (IBA).
lambton shores trail blazersThe old Mud Creek pedestrian bridge which provided access from Huron St. in Port Franks was removed in 2011 due to safety concerns.

Contact Ross Atkinson with the Lambton Shores trail Blazers for more information.


http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/forested-dunes-nature-reserve

Ramsayville Trailramsayville trail

This equestrian-only trail is in the Greenbelt in east-end Ottawa. The trails are flat and wind through woods and beside fields, and along an old rail bed. There is one gully near the entrance to navigate.
Maps are available at www.cerec.ca or visit our FB page. No overnight camping on site. $10 day pass, available at trail head.
For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.cerec.ca

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/ramsayville-trail

Rotary Eco-Trailchatham kent trails

This granular surface trail forms an 880 metre loop through the O’Neill Nature Preserve, a large standing woodlot on the outskirts of Chatham.
The trail was built as a result of collaboration between a number of local organizations and individuals, including the Rotary Club of Chatham, Carolinian Canada Coalition, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and nearby residents.
Directions: The trail can be accessed through Thornhill Park, at 114 Thornhill Crescent, and Midwood Oxley Park, at 223 Oxley Drive, in Chatham (see attached map).
Interested in learning more about this or other trails in Chatham-Kent? Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/trails or check out the CK Trails Facebook page.

http://www.chatham-kent.ca/CommunityParks/Trails/Pages/Trails.aspx

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/rotary-eco-trail-

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

Ontario Trails Council Supports Trail DevelopmentThis week the Ontario Trails Council was pleased to support two capital grants on behalf of members. One was for Prince Edward County, the other for Central Lake Conservation Authority. In addition we are working on supporting the fundraising effort of the St. Thomas Elevated Park.

Prince Edward County Millennium Trail
millennium trail prince edward county

The County is applied for a grant under the Ontario 150 Fund to improve the Millennium Trail.

This funding application is to improve the surface of the Trail, establish five staging areas with parking and signage and add signage along the Trail. 

Central Lake Conservation Authoritycentral lake ontario conservation authority trail
The key project components of the Heber Down Conservation Area Public Use Renewal Project are the expansion of nature trails in Heber Down Conservation Area with an accessible trail loop and picnic facilities to connect and celebrate Ontario's natural history with the urban growth center and multiculturalism of the Town of Whitby.

Other components include a comfort station, information kiosk, Raptor Watch lookout, and landscape/restoration areas. The larger project also includes retrofitting a fishing pond, replacement of pedestrian bridges, trail rerouting to facilitate connections with new trails and infrastructure, and stream improvements.

Central Lake Conservation Authority - Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) was established in 1958. CLOCA's mandate is to establish and undertake programs to promote the conservation, restoration, development and management of  natural resources in partnership with local Municipalities and the Province. As the key project will take place on CLOCA owned conservation lands, CLOCA will lead the implementation of the project, and deal with the day to day components of project design and construction.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Trillium Trust, Ontario Infrastructure, Prince Edward Trails, Millennium Trail and more Ontario trails news!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

News Release

Ontario Allocates $3.2 Billion for Infrastructure Projects

August 30, 2016

Sale of Hydro One Shares Will Be ReInvested in Infrastructure, Job Creation and Economic Growth

Ontario has dedicated $3.2 billion from the sale of Hydro One shares in 2015 to the Trillium Trust, a fund for infrastructure projects that will help create jobs and strengthen the economy.

This follows on the government's 2015 Budget and Fall Economic Statement commitment to dedicate all net revenue gains from the sale of Hydro One shares to the Trillium Trust, to build key vital, long-term infrastructure projects and transportation across Ontario.

Ontario previously credited $1.35 billion in net proceeds from the sale of the Province's shares in General Motors, bringing the total balance of the Trillium Trust to over $4.5 billion. Additional net revenue gains from unlocking value from Hydro One has allowed the government to increase dedicated funding to Moving Ontario Forward by $2.6 billion in the 2015 Budget, bringing the total to $31.5 billion over a 10-year period, and supported an increase in total infrastructure spending to an unprecedented $160 billion over a 12-year period.

Ontario is on track to generate approximately $9 billion in gross proceeds and other revenue benefits from broadening the ownership of Hydro One, while remaining the largest single shareholder. Taxpayers continue to benefit from dividends in the company, allowing the government to increase investments in infrastructure programs such as GO Transit Regional Express Rail and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund without further raising taxes, increasing debt or cutting public services.‎

By investing more than $160 billion over 12 years, Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history. These investments will support 110,000 jobs, on average, every year across the province, with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, Ontario has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Maximizing the value of provincial assets is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS

  • Regulations under the Trillium Trust Act, 2014 ensure that net revenue gains associated with the sale of designated assets are credited to the Trust to support Ontario’s key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and public transit. This ensures transparency on the net revenue gains that are being credited to the Trust.
  • In April 2016, Ontario raised an additional $1.97 billion in gross proceeds from a secondary offering of more than 83 million common shares in Hydro One. The government will dedicate the net proceeds of this transaction to critical investments in transit and infrastructure throughout Ontario through the Trillium Trust.
  • Ontario remains the largest single shareholder of Hydro One, allowing taxpayers to continue benefiting from dividends from ownership in the company.


Barn Quilt Trail in Prince Edward County - 
By Bruce Bell, The County Weekly News/The Intelligencer
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 2:55:34 EDT PM
BRUCE BELL/the intelligencerPat and Ron Dubyk are pictured with a barn quilt in front of the County home. The pair started the Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trail in 2013 and along with a team of volunteers now have close to 150 installed throughout the municipality.
BRUCE BELL/the intelligencer Pat and Ron Dubyk are pictured with a barn quilt in front of the County home. The pair started the Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trail in 2013 and along with a team of volunteers now have close to 150 installed throughout the municipality.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - It’s quickly become the largest outdoor art gallery in the County. MORE>>>>>>>
 

Prince Edward Regional Trail Committee supports PEC County - see their FB pagePrince Edward RTC Meets to support a PEC Application to Ontario 150 - 
The funding application is to improve the surface of the Trail that Rotary did not do, establish five staging areas with parking and signage and add signage along the Trail.  In addition we have just completed a new Facebook site for the Millennium Trail.

Please join if you would like and also encourage others who are
interested. This site provides currently available information and can be
used to communicate with everyone on a continuing basis.
Information on public meetings will be added.