Showing posts with label Segregated cycle facilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Segregated cycle facilities. Show all posts

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Ontario Trails News - news and activity information from all over Ontario's 2600 trails!

 Advertise with us!

Toronto police have a simple plan to help reduce traffic and parking issues ... two blocks away, said shewalks her children to school every morning.
Google PlusFacebookTwitterFlag as irrelevant

Re: Ontario commits $25 million for cycling infrastructure, April 14. Ontario ... the “convoluted” environmental assessment (EA) process for bike lanes.
Google PlusFacebookTwitterFlag as irrelevant
This is the first time in 11 years that a member of the Georgian Nordic Ski Team has made the special training group. Noah Thompson, 15, finished the ...
Google PlusFacebookTwitterFlag as irrelevant

The township's project also led to them winning the Ontario Power Authority's 2013 Community Conservation Award. The awards will be presented at ...
Google PlusFacebookTwitterFlag as irrelevant

TRAIL PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014


 Algonquin College On-Line Trails Education


ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS


Enhanced by Zemanta

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Ontario Trails News Blog - Trail News from all around Ontario's Trails!


_________________________________________________________________________________

City staff recommend e-scooters be allowed in Toronto bike lanesToronto Star
City staff are recommending that electric scooters be allowed in Toronto bike lanes but banned from multi-use trails and cycle tracks, such as those ...
See all stories on this topic »

_______________________________________________________________________
Police ask riders to stay on trailsTimmins Press
Local Ontario Provincial Police detachments are reminding area snowmobilers to be mindful of their responsibilities while enjoying winter excursions ...
See all stories on this topic »

_________________________________________________________________________________
Adventure shop helps outdoor enthusiasts get into snowshoeingCTV News Barrie
But with snowshoes, you can get right out there. ... she came all the way from British Columbia to vacation with friends in "snowshoe-friendly" Ontario.
See all stories on this topic »
Enhanced by Zemanta

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Ontario Trails Blog - Trail News from all Around Ontario's trails!

_______________________________________________________________________________

NEW SPIN FOR 2014 GWTA!

The 2014 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure will be returning to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence river, but we'll be doing a lollipop route and introducing new communities.
Starting in Brighton on August 11th and ending in Cornwall on Aug. 15th, participants will ride 40-60 km from camp to camp. The shorter days will allow riders more time to taste new local food, find hidden treasures, do more shopping, and explore unique communities.

Want to ride more? No problem, there will be additional 50-60 km optional loops, winding your way through new communities off the Waterfront Trail.
This new format with shorter distances is more inviting to cyclists who may be hesitant about a week long tour, but the addition of the loops will allow those interested to get in more mileage.

2014 is the perfect year for experienced riders to introduce loved ones to their favourite sport. Ride together or meet up for meals, cycle side-by-side in to camp then explore different routes, do some things together and others with new friends.

So bring friends or make friends. Feel the wind, water, and earth in a new way. Experience the freedom of slowing down, stopping, and trying something new.

Click here to find out more about the itinerary and changes for 2014.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Patrick,
Street Smarts on-street outreach
Street Smarts on-street outreach
We've raised over $7,800 so far with our fundraising appealfor our 2014 Street Smarts cycling education and outreach program. Incredible! Now we're asking for your help to get us to $20,000 before the campaign closes on December 31.
Last year, a total of $11,500 from individual donors, partners, and grants enabled us to teach almost 500 people about basic bike maintenance through free on-street tuneups, to install 700 free bike lights for cyclists who needed them, and to deliver 14 free safe cycling workshops in communities across Toronto. We also gave away 1,000 copies of our Toronto Cyclist Handbook, teaching passers-by about traffic laws and safe riding techniques.
Cycling education is a major part of our work to make this a better, safer bike city. We need your help to get to $20,000 this year, to expand and strengthen our Street Smarts cycling education program. Please forward this email or share this link with your friends or family who may want to donate!
Help us raise $20,000 to fund Street Smarts 2014 & receive a charitable tax receipt
With $20,000, Cycle Toronto will reach 2,000 people at 20 workshops and 24 on-street events over the course of six months and promote safe cycling across Toronto. We’ll work with our Ward Advocacy Groups to make these events attractive, exciting and relevant to local needs. And we'll continue to collaborate with our long-term partner CultureLink Settlement Services to further develop this program. CultureLink is a registered charity which reaches 17,000 new immigrants every year with engaging and innovative programs. We are pleased that CultureLink will recognize your Street Smarts donation with acharitable tax receipt.

To make a donation, you have two options:
1) Donate online with payment by Interac, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express
Street Smarts safe cycling workshop
Street Smarts safe cycling workshop
  • Click here to go to CultureLink's Canada Helps page
  • Click the "Donate Now" button
  • Enter your "Donation Amount $"
  • Under "Fund/Designation" select from the drop-down menu: "Cycling Program – Street Smarts Educational Activities"
  • Click "Continue"
  • Review your donation details, and click "Checkout"
  • Continue following the checkout instructions
Note: Donations made on-line through Canada Helps generate a tax receipt immediately from Canada Helps.
2) Donate by mail with payment by cheque or money order
  • Make out a cheque or money order payable to "CultureLink Settlement Services" and include a note that it is for the "Cycling Program – Street Smarts Educational Activities".
  • Ensure you include details of the individual to whom the tax receipt should be made out, including a mailing address.
  • Mail your cheque or money order to:
    Cycling Program
    CultureLink Settlement Services
    2340 Dundas Street West, Suite 301
    Toronto, ON M6P 4A9

With your support, we can expand our Street Smarts cycling education program and reach thousands of people in 2014. Support our work today! The fundraising campaign closes December 31, 2013.
Ride safely,
Executive Director, Cycle Toronto

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

City way behind on bike lane targetNOW Magazine
After another year of paltry progress on expanding Toronto's bike lane network, it could be time to declare the city's official cycling plan officially dead.
See all stories on this topic »
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

CORNWALL, Ontario - All the trails at Summerstown Forest are now open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Cold conditions weeks ago ...
See all stories on this topic »

________________________________________________________________________


OFSC trail riding beginswww.insideottawavalley.com/
Sports -Grooming operations are underway for this snowmobiling season and the status of areaOntario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trails .
See all stories on this topic »

Snowmobile trails openwww.insideottawavalley.com/
All snowmobiles displaying a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit in the proper location now have access to Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) ...
See all stories on this topic »

Trails open in Sioux LookoutKenoraOnline
As of Thursday, a vast majority of trails between Kenora and Thunder Bay remain classified as unavailable by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile ...
See all stories on this topic »

___________________________________________________________________________________________

E-Notes Subscribers are most welcome to forward E-Notes to a friend.
To Subscribe to E-Notes  Click Here
Toronto Bruce Trail Club E-Notes Editor, Publicist  Grant Leigh


“What is truly astonishing, however, is the fact that it [The Bruce Trail] has been, and continues to be, built and financed by loyal Bruce Trail Conservancy members. When you are out on The Trail, consider for a moment what this means: every blaze, every boardwalk, every bridge, every stile, is there, thanks to volunteers. … I know that not everyone is able to be an active volunteer but I’m equally sure that many more people who use The Trail every year could give financial support. Right now just over 8,000 individuals make a membership commitment. When you consider how much is achieved with such meagre finances, imagine what could happen if just ten percent of trail users became members!
Imagine too, what effect an increased membership might have on the BTC’s role as protector of the Escarpment. Every membership in the BTC is an individual commitment to conserve the Escarpment. In its public role, the BTC’s voice is only as strong as its membership. If the BTC were to represent 40,000 rather than 8,000 members just think how much stronger its voice would be. I believe that a strong voice has never been more urgently needed than it is now. …
Remember that the Escarpment is a gift that we have been given by nature—a treasure beyond price. The Trail that winds along its edge gives us the means to explore its richness and allows us to be moved and inspired by its sheer beauty. Each and every one of us bears part of the responsibility of ensuring that the Niagara Escarpment and The Bruce Trail are kept safe and well for all time and for all people.
Play your part—become a member NOW”
Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Ontario Trails News - submit your on-line information before the OTCC re-convenes, and more to do on Ontario trails

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013
• Education • News • Updates • Sharing
•  Requests • Meetings • Activity
Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus.

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy.

The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario.

The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others.

Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group.

Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming.

The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping.

Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit.

Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC.

During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful.

When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing.

When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider.

When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism.

When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes.

The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, November 1, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee to meet on trail issues, thanks to Ontario Trails Council


• Education • News • Updates • Sharing
•  Requests • Meetings • Activity
Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus.

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy.

The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario.

The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others.

Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group.

Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming.

The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping.

Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit.

Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC.

During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful.

When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing.

When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider.

When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism.

When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes.

The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trail Coordinating Committee to re-convene after 3 years of OTC effort

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013
• Education • News • Updates • Sharing
•  Requests • Meetings • Activity
Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus.

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy.

The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario.

The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others.

Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group.

Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming.

The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping.

Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit.

Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC.

During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful.

When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing.

When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider.

When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism.

When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes.

The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, September 27, 2013

Ontario Trails News - OTCC to met, outcomes to affect Ontario's trails.

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013
• Education • News • Updates • Sharing
•  Requests • Meetings • Activity
Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus.

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy.

The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario.

The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others.

Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group.

Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming.

The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping.

Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit.

Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC.

During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful.

When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing.

When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider.

When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism.

When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes.

The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.
Enhanced by Zemanta