Ontario Trails News - wrap up of important Ontario Trails events, updates and trail information

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

5 Great Hikes in Algoma 

Make Kakabeka Falls a trails destination!

Why Thunder Bay Area? Here's why - 

Credit Valley Conservation Youth Programs

Find Your Healthy Hike

Ontario Trails News - Thunder Bay a premier tourism destination, Kakabeka Falls, Algoma Trails and more!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

5 Great Hikes in Algoma 

Make Kakabeka Falls a trails destination!

Why Thunder Bay Area? Here's why - 

Credit Valley Conservation Youth Programs

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North! Marathon April 13, 14, 2016 A northern trails conference for northern communities

View the Trailhead North Website and Program

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trail Information from all over Ontario's trails

Trails Auditing News

For the last 3 months Ontario Trails audited the proposed Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail with a new tool - Trail Auditor.

Developed for the ski industry, Ontario Trails was pleased to pilot this impressive tool on trails. And the work on the product is nearly done!



Fully customizable, this tool allows you to assess your trail based on the criteria you need to assess. Then the material is stored for future use, so you can send others out to inspect what you have audited.

This allows you to manage trail risk not have risks manage you. The OTC has received no compensation for this endorsement - we are pleased to have been able to product test this product in order to enable our members to have access to a tool that is easy to use, for both managers and volunteers.

For more information email Niall Lobley at niall.l@geoauditinc.com

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Ontario Trails Council Website Refresh - some hints

Due to recent upgrades to the OTC website you can now search the entire site for a particular record or item of interest. Let's say you wanted a copy of the Ontario Trails Strategy.

In the search box, where it says search term, at the top type in a term like "trail plans"; then click on the magnifying glass.


We hope this improves awareness and use of all the documents we've collected over the years to improve conditions on trails in Ontario through better communication.

Sample return below:


Did you know - our website can link your event with your trail, Simply complete the event form, identify the trail and we'll do the rest.



Other recent upgrades to the OTC website you can now comment on the trail you are using. That message now gets sent directly to the OTC.


Use the social media function on the trail page to send us your message. When you comment we get an alert.


We hope this improves awareness and trail conditions in Ontario through better communication.

On the new website homepage - we showcase 3 Featured Trails every day. Is your's there? Add your trail and be sure to check out the list daily!


On the new website we showcase over 1800 trails. Did you know you can now use the Nearby Function on each trail page to highlight trip planning options! The Nearby Function teels you what trails are nearby. That way if you are out for a couple of days you can explore trails, or trails near a town.



In this example you can find trails near Moonbeam Ontario, Use each of the icons to plan your trip accommodations, meals, transit to and from, or if you are in need of supplies you can find fixes for your tent, or your bike.

Through the generous support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport our web re-design team has been working for 6 months to complete a website renewal to satisfy the trail sector. 

Ontario Trails News - news and activity, hiking, waking, biking, camping - information from all over Ontario's 2600 trails!

Ontario Trails fully involved in Trail Projects

From the North Shore of Lake Superior to the rolling hills of Haliburton to the St. Lawrence Seaway, through the nation's biggest cities over 430 communities in Ontario have trails that are Yours to Explore.

This article is going to tell you about a few of the projects that we have underway in several parts of Ontario. When communities turned to the OTC they ask us to help them manage, develop, properly use, and conserve their trails.

Kinghorn Rail Trail – Northern Ontario

This trail project is occurring on the North Shore of Lake Superior. When completed this rail to trail conversion will link communities between Nipigon and Thunder Bay Ontario. 

With majestic bridges covering canyon like spans, to waterfront views of the expansive waters of Lake Superior this trail will, eventually provide 111 km hiking and cycling and multi-use activity in the region.

Ontario Trails has supported this project for over three years, maintains its assistance by working on leases, connecting communities, finding funding for trail related projects, all with the view that this trail will provide a significant outdoor experience for local people and travelers alike.



As in many places in Ontario decommissioned railways provide a gentle slope and straight-line with a sturdy trail bed that can accommodate many uses as well as many explorations along their paths.

While on the North Shore visit the railway towns of Schrieber, explore amethyst digs, discover the 
nightlife of Thunder Bay, and immerse yourself in the ancestral heritage of places like red rock and Shuniah.

TRAIL PLANNING BEGINS JUNE 2, 2014

ONTARIO TRAILS MOBILE one of 12 MUST HAVE APPS

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/mobile

Ontario Trails News- we garner support from some new and returning sources - thanks!

Georgian Bay Coast Trail and INAC Support OTC Consultation Work 
Just wanted to say thanks to the folks with the Georgian Bay Coast Trail, the OTC has been retained by the GBCT to facilitate development and community support for completing this rugged hiking trail on the shores of Georgian Bay. Our thanks to the GBCT and our partners at Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Magnetewan, Shawanaga, Henvey Inlet First Nation(s) and Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve for their support of this significant trail development. Our working group has been meeting regularly for a few months and we look forward to the future! http://www.gbcoasttrail.com/

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Accessibility Directorate Supports OTC Project
Through the generous support of the Ontario EnAbling Change Program, the OTC wrote a grant to establish best communication and information practices for Ontario's trail organizations and the grant was approved.

A more formal announcement will follow.

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Ontario Trails Council Website Refresh - some hints



Through the generous support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport our web re-design team has been working for 6 months to complete a website renewal to satisfy the trail sector.

With nearly 1 million unique visitors a year the OTC is pleased to provide content that showcases Ontario's world class system of trails. Watch for the new site online in early April 2014!

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Development News -

Ontario Trillium Foundation Funds OTC Partners ProjectThanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation - Ontario Trails Council Inc., as lead organization on this collaborative $25,000 over one year to hire a part time project facilitator to help implement key steps in the Kinghorn Trail business plan.

This includes securing a lease for the trail property and the creation of a detailed development plan through community consultation.

The 111 km multi-use recreation trail will provide opportunities for physical fitness activity for residents and visitors in the Thunder Bay Region.
http://grant.otf.ca/grantlistings.aspx?year=2013&catchment=Northwestern&lang=en&id=13-2013

Ontario Trails News - thanks Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding our work on Northern Ontario trail!

Ontario Trails Council Website Refresh - some hints




Through the generous support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport our web re-design team has been working for 6 months to complete a website renewal to satisfy the trail sector.

With nearly 1 million unique visitors a year the OTC is pleased to provide content that showcases Ontario's world class system of trails. Watch for the new site online in early April 2014!

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Development News -

Ontario Trillium Foundation Funds OTC Partners ProjectThanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation - Ontario Trails Council Inc., as lead organization on this collaborative $25,000 over one year to hire a part time project facilitator to help implement key steps in the Kinghorn Trail business plan.

This includes securing a lease for the trail property and the creation of a detailed development plan through community consultation.

The 111 km multi-use recreation trail will provide opportunities for physical fitness activity for residents and visitors in the Thunder Bay Region.

http://grant.otf.ca/grantlistings.aspx?year=2013&catchment=Northwestern&lang=en&id=13-2013

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Greens Mountain Area Recreational PlanMeeting dates posted.

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Trans Canada Trail RFP's and Plans

Please go to the Trans Canada Trail Ontario website for some exciting opportunities in trails. Please share among your networks, the following job postings, found at http://www.tctontario.ca/news.html: 

RFP - TCT Road Analysis consultant 

Hiring - Path of the Paddle General Manager 

RFP - TCTO southern Ontario trail assessment

Hiring – TCTO consultant, short term Project Administration

Ontario Trail News - Ministry undertakes community consultation on trails strategy about Ontario's trails

OTC Promotes Public Input - Share Please

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sectorinvolvement with trails.  The Ontario Trails Strategy establishes five strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario and was developed in collaboration with other ministries and a wide range of stakeholders in the community.   

 

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is reviewing the Ontario Trails Strategy and are interested in knowing the key contributions your o

rganization has made to support the implementation of the Strategy.  The information will be compiled in a summary report document that is intended to illustrate the progress and accomplishments that the province and its partners have made towards implementing the Ontario Trails Strategy since 2005.

The link below will bring you to a short survey for you to outline your organization’s key accomplishments under the five strategic directions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ontariotrails

The following link brings you to the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy for your reference.  The survey will close end of day on Friday November 29, 2013. http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf

A discussion paper for public comment is on the Environmental Registry  (Number: 011-9565). The public comment period closes on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.  Attached is a copy of the Discussion Paper.

As you are aware, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be hosting regional consultation sessions, by invite only, on strengthening the Ontario Trails Strategy. Below are the locations and dates of the consultation sessions:
November 18 – Ottawa
November 19 – Ingersoll
November 21 – Toronto
November 27 – Thunder Bay
November 28 – North Bay
 
In addition, two provincial First Nation/Aboriginal organization engagement sessions as well as a meeting with the Métis Nation of Ontario will be scheduled. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Ontario Trail News - Education, Cross Country Skiing and more from Ontario's Trails

Cross Country Skiing Trails - Onaping


Cross Country Skiing Trails - Thunder Bay

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Performance Measures - Get Trail Educated!

We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.

	DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer Management	View PDF
Business Planning and Budgetting	View PDF
Regulation and Legislation	View PDF
Ecosystem and Natural Heritage	View PDF
Wilderness First Aid	View PDF
Food and Nutrition	View PDF
Marketing and Promotion	View PDF
Health and Safety	View PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1	View PDF
Trail Design (2 days)	View PDF
Trail Risk Management	View PDF
Trail Committee Development	Manual
Trail Steward- On Line Learning	Program
Trail Planning - On Line	Program

Ontario Trails News - news from Ontario's trails, trail survey's trail building and more

Trail Consultation Survey On-Line

A discussion paper for public comment is on the Environmental Registry  (Number: 011-9565). The public comment period closes on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.  Attached is a copy of the Discussion Paper.

As you are aware, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be hosting regional consultation sessions, by invite only, on strengthening the Ontario Trails Strategy. Below are the locations and dates of the consultation sessions:
November 18 – Ottawa
November 19 – Ingersoll
November 21 – Toronto
November 27 – Thunder Bay
November 28 – North Bay

In addition, two provincial First Nation/Aboriginal organization engagement sessions as well as a meeting with the Métis Nation of Ontario will be scheduled.

The next OTCC meeting will be Thursday, December 12, 2013.

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Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

We have your answer.

Utilizing smartphone technology trail users can now complete a short survey that:

• Logs in the trip
• Single counts individual users
• Consolidates results for centralized reporting
• Consultation on survey content.
• We ask your questions - the facility manager asks what they want to know!
• Allows for separate trail counting
• Multi-season operation
• 24/7collection
• Identifies quality of trail experiences
• Provides you feedback loop

Wherever there is a smartphone signal, and YOUR trailhead you could be gathering and collecting additional information that will make for a better trail! Got great trails? Get the feedback that keeps you in the know!

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Low maintenance

Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

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Low cost

$50.00 per trail per year (max 3 trails) includes:

• Decal design
• Decal Printing - max 6 sheets, various size decals
• More decals option (fee charged)
• Survey Set-up
• Survey reports
• All system maintenance
• Regional Comparisons
• Seasonal variances
• Trail differentiations
• Use patterns

Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package. Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks 

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New Trail: Port Severn, Whitby, Georgian Bay, Wollaston, Saugeen Shores

Ontario Trails - an opportunity for economic development includes trails in your Ontario!

News Release

Helping Communities Attract Investment and Create Jobs

Ontario moving forward with Investment Ready Program

August 19, 2013 11:30 a.m.

Office of the Premier

Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke at the annual conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario today, where she unveiled new details about Ontario's Investment Ready: Certified Site Program.

The new program gives investors a greater degree of certainty when looking for development opportunities in Ontario municipalities. It will help companies looking to locate or expand their businesses in Ontario make quick, informed decisions and get projects underway sooner.

Designed to appeal to global investors, the program will give municipalities a chance to showcase their communities, attract new investment and help create jobs. This new initiative is part of the government's strategy to foster a competitive business climate in communities across Ontario. 

Quick Facts

• Ontario’s Investment Ready: Certified Site Program is Canada’s first province-wide certified site program.
• The program will provide detailed information on locations within a community that are ready to be developed, including availability, utilities servicing, access and environmental concerns.
• To be eligible for the program, sites will need to meet mandatory requirements in relation to site ownership, availability for sale/lease, minimum property size, public road access, municipal planning and zoning, and servicing and utilities.
• Applications will need to be submitted jointly by either municipalities or economic development organizations and the owner(s) of the site.
• Financial assistance will be available to help cover some of the costs incurred during the certification process. The application process is set to open later this year.

Quotes

We are confident that our new site certification program will make it easier for businesses to grow and expand in communities across the province. We want to do everything we can to help create jobs and attract investment to build strong, vibrant communities and we look forward to working together with our municipal partners.”

Kathleen Wynne

Premier of Ontario

The Investment Ready program will help communities across the province attract investment and create jobs. This is just one of the ways our government is strengthening local economies in partnership with municipal leaders.”

Dr. Eric Hoskins

Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

Site Certification is another important tool to help our members attract investment projects to the communities they serve. Competition for international investment is intense, and a certified site designation can help a development opportunity stand out from the crowd.”

Heather Lalonde

CEO, Economic Developers Council of Ontario