Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto. Show all posts

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - June 22, 2017

photo from Ontario parks blog
• Trailhead Events • Books, Maps, Mugs and Tees
  • Donate to Trails Today! • Member News • Activity Updates 
Ontario Place Trail Opening - 
Ontario Trails Council received an invite from the Office of the Premier to attend the opening of the William Davis Trail at Ontario Place June 19, 2017.


Jack de Wit, President, Dan Andrews Secretary Treasurer, Joey Schwartz of the Toronto Bicycling Network and a proponent of the Toronto Trails Committee development and Patrick Connor attended on behalf of the Ontario Trails Council.



It's important to attend these developments as it represents a local chance for many of the public to learn about trails. ALready signed as part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, OTC Member GLWT Marlaine Keohelr and David Crombie also attended. The Premier and the Minister spoke from the podium. As did Mississauga's of the Credit.



One of the most important interactions for the OTC took place on the way out where we had a chance to talk with Chief Reg Niganobe and with Elise King who is working with Terri Hamilton at Credit Valley Conservation on the Credit Valley Heritage Water Trail. Our discussion centred around funding and mutual support.



Ontario Trails Council looks forward to assisting this first nation on any way we can.



OTC reinforced to the Minister, the value it places on the expert staff of MTCS and the processes we have put into place. OTC also reinforced with Minister's office staff our desire to meet with the Minister and as an organization working throughout Ontario - the OTC will go to any announcement or any trail opening in support of the OTS, Bill 100 and the Trails Action Plan.




A Quick Guide to Trail Risk Management from Cowan Insurance


On June 19th representatives from OTC met with Cowan Insurance, one of Canada's largest municipal underwriters and insurance brokers to discuss ties to the education and risk management programs OTC provides. OTC programs and recommendations mirror or duplicate the very recommendations tha Cowan makes to it's policy holders.

So we discussed partnership and synergies. The content is correct, we are both educating and we want more principle in practice. We reached an agreement in principle to work together better for trail safety, and an understanding of why trail safety and product integrity is so important - especially when encouraging use.



OTC staff will be meeting with Cowan trail auditors, and with the OGRA and roads product assessors to determine next steps to enact an Ontario Good Trails Program. We look forward to this industry and trail sector collaboration. It should also be noted that there will be parallel supportive practices arising from the ongoing Ontario Trail Strategy - Ontario Trail Action Plan trails classification program currently in development with the classification expert panel.

For more information on trails standards and practices see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/standards-and-practices


Support Trails - Order your ball caps, mugs or OTC Shirt now! Quantities are limited.

otc books, maps, hats and tees


City of Toronto Public Meeting

nature in the city
Please share this notice through your networks to people who may be interested in this project.

The City of Toronto and Councillor Neethan Shan, Ward 42, will host a meeting to discuss the progress of the Beare Hill Park Detailed Design Project. Please join us:

Date:                        Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Time:                        6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location:                 Malvern Community Recreation Centre, Community Room, 30 Sewells Road

Where is the Beare Hill Park site?
The Beare Hill Park site is located in Scarborough (see map attached), south of Beare Road.  This site is bounded by Finch Avenue East to the north, the Toronto/Pickering town line to the east, a CN Rail corridor to the west and a hydro corridor to the south. The proposed Beare Hill Park site is adjacent to the Rouge National Urban Park and the Toronto Zoo.

What’s this meeting about?
You are invited to attend the meeting to:
  • Review the changes proposed,
  • Provide comments and input, and 
  • Discuss next steps.
Background
The community was previously engaged to participate in three public meetings that led to the development of the Beare Road (now Hill) Park Master Plan in 2013.  This detailed design project involves the preparation of detailed studies and designs that will be used to tender the construction of the park.  The park design reflects the Master Plan, however, there have been some minor changes that the City is looking for input on.

For more information about Beare Hill Park please visit: http://bit.ly/BeareHillPark.

Karen Sun
Natural Environment Specialist (Acting)

Parks, Forestry & Recreation
Natural Environment & Community Programs
City of Toronto
550 Bayview Ave. Bldg 12, Suite 406, Toronto, ON M4W3X8
416.392.1033 | F 416.338.1069 | karen.sun@toronto.ca


Ontario Trails All Year Long! 

Add an Ontario Trail Logo to your website! 

Ontario Trails WeekOntario Trail DayOntario Trail Count
Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed.

Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!
1. Log in Your Event  - Event spreadsheet.

2. Add your event to our event calendar -  add it here.

3. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below)

elliot lake trails survey


4. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. Get your decal here -
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!
 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

5. Send us your Trails 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/ontrailsMissing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you.


News And Events 
Trailhead North 2018 - Sault Ste. Marie


Home

In Spring of 2018 trail enthusiasts and supporters are headed to Sault Ste Marie for two days of meetings and lively discussion about all types of trails.
Our hosts invite you to join us to hear stories from wood and river, hill and valley. We will be talking about the great adventures we share and how to get more folks to love the outdoors the way we do.
April 26, 27th (at least) 2018

REGISTRATION COMING SOON



Protect the Grand Trunk Trail - please sign the petitionprotect the st mary's trail


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.

value of trail survey 2017

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!


Trailhead Canada - Date Change and Program Outlinetrailhead canada program outline
https://trailheadcanada.com/program-outline/


Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the organizations that have already renewed for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your support. Many thanks!

Join

Friday, August 5, 2016

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

Watch out for Lyme Disease!lyme disease poster
ontario trails member benefits

Everyday Ontario Trails assists trails in Ontario - Service Request Form


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

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

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


News From Partners!

OFATVofatv welcomes ndatv

Thanks Pablo for the mentions!ontario trails on twitter

Thanks Mississauga Parks and Forestry for the mention!

mississauga parks and forestry

 

Thanks for the mention Toby!

ontario trails council on twitter

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

Jeremy

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

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

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

Need Help? Send us your request!

Service Request

Membership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a member, here are some of the services you can access. Our service request form is at the bottom of this page.
Great Benefits!
Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI. 
Advocacy Information
Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.
Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail
OTC members can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.
Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ members across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your events at no charge.
Planning and Development
We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.
Trail Management Services
We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assit you!
"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings
We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Requred, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.
PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Publication
The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better than just stand alone!
Service Request Form - For member and Non-Members
In order to help you out best, please complete a service request form so we are better able to help you out! Pleasw note - Service Priority is given to members.
Service Request Form - pdf 
Service Request Form - Word Doc

Monday, July 11, 2016

Ontario Trails news - a news archive about Ontario Trails, use, development and activity that takes place on trails

Submit A Trail

Toronto slowly improving its bicycle network

New downtown lanes a game-changer, says bicycle advocate Yvonne Bambrick

York Guardian
In 1991, 15-year-old Yvonne Bambrick rode the streets of Toronto with the brash confidence – making the considerable daily commute from her family home at Victoria Park in East York to Jarvis Collegiate by bicycle, along busy downtown streets that made scant accommodation for bikes.
“Back when I was a naive teenager, I didn’t think twice about it,” recalls Bambrick 25 years later, sitting on a sunny patio in Kensington Market, steps from one of the city’s massive on-street bike racks and just over a block from the busy College Street bike lanes.
“The concept of bike lanes wasn’t on my brain at all. I did know it wasn’t safe – I got doored on the Danforth and had a wipeout on bad road conditions. Otherwise I was just a teenager on her bicycle, happy to be free getting where she’s going. It meant I could have all the ice cream I wanted.”
In 2016, the Toronto that Bambrick bikes around is a much safer place. Toronto has a total of 558.4 kilometres of on-street bike lanes, including white bicycle lanes, contra-flow lanes that run against the flow of traffic, so-called “sharrows”, signed routes without pavement markings, and even a few kilometres of cycle tracks that are fully separated from traffic.
A lot of people use those lanes. According to the 2006 Census, Torontonians bike to and from work like nobody else in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, with 19,780 commuting by bike compared to 14,925 in 2001.
In 2015, Bambrick published a book for those cyclists: The Urban Cycling Survival Guide: Need To Know Skills and Strategies for Biking in the City. It was a book culled from her work advocating for cyclists as the head of the Toronto Cyclist’s Union – now Cycle Toronto – and her years riding Toronto’s sometimes tricky streets.
There’s a lot to know: how to make a safe left turn (there’s more than one way); how to suit up for cycling in bad weather; dealing with potentially hostile interactions; and how to navigate all those different styles of bike road infrastructure.
Currently, most of those routes are in neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown core – including the relatively new cycle tracks on Sherbourne, Adelaide and Richmond streets.
“Richmond-Adelaide were a game changer,” says Bambrick. “I was having to ride there all the time (before), and I’m a confident rider but even for me it was tough. This is amazing. Transformative.”
Bambrick and other cycling advocates are hoping for more change like that, on roads that extend beyond the downtown. This summer, the city will be embarking on a pilot project to try a cycle track along Bloor Street through the Annex neighbourhood – a test, to see whether a city-spanning track could be installed the length of Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue.
And the outcome of that could determine the implementation of parts of the city’s next big plan for cycling expansion: the Cycling Network 10 Year Plan. Under that plan, Toronto’s bikeway and bike trail network would be extended to the ends of the city: north along Yonge Street to Steeles Avenue; on Kingston Road in Scarborough from Eglinton Avenue to the Highland Creek Trail; Kipling Avenue from Bloor Street to the Waterfront Trail; and Midland Avenue, from Steeles to Lawrence avenues.
Toronto’s Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat said to provide an effective cycling alternative, the network needs to expand in the same way that transit networks expand – in a continuum. Do that, she says, and it becomes viable to commute, at least to downtown, from nearly anywhere in the city.
“With cycling, distance isn’t that much of a problem,” says Keesmaat. “The city is really not that big, and 10 kilometres, 20 kilometres isn’t really a big deal. And from the centre of the city you can get pretty much anywhere on a 10 kilometer bikeway. If you’re cycling from Scarborough to Etobicoke, that’s a big trip. But from the centre of the city you can get anywhere – all you need is safe infrastructure.”
The other thing that a cyclist needs, of course, is the will, and a bit of know how. Bambrick is an evangelist for the former and a resource for the latter. When asked what it takes to get on a bike, after dutifully recommending a careful read of her book, she suggests a step-by-step approach. Borrow a bike-share bike; go riding with a friend on a quiet street. If it’s been awhile, take a BikeShare course.
And remember: roads were originally for bikes.
”We paved our roads because wheelmen’s clubs advocated to get the roads paved. The bicycling movement has been around for a long time,” says Bambrick. “It’s never gone away.”

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Ontario Trails News - head into fall, lot's of events, Ontario's Trail News Archive

Lot's of events around Ontario and on Ontario Trails

5 underrated places to check out fall colours in Toronto

Posted by Alice Prendergast / OCTOBER 3, 2015
fall colours torontoToronto gets a lot more scenic when the temperature starts to drop, and what better way to celebrate the beginning of fall than by seeing the colours of the leaves change. While you could head to a well known green space like Glen Stewart Ravine or Rouge Park, why not go off the beaten trail? These low key places will have you taking in the beauty of autumn without the crowds.
Here are my picks for the most underrated places to check out fall colours in Toronto.
Craigleigh Gardens Park
A mere kilometre from the Brick Works is Craigleigh Park, a peaceful 3.4 hectare reserve filled with greenery. When the seasons start to change its tree canopy is one of the most beautiful in the city. If you're looking to do more than see the fall colours, the park also features an off-leash area for dogs and is in close proximity to a ravine trail (for those who like to hike).
Park Lawn Cemetary
Though a cemetery doesn't normally seem like a joyous destination, it can be come fall time.Necropolis and Mount Pleasant are both popular destinations for checking out fall fall foliage, boasting trees galore and great views. However, Park Lawn should not be overlooked. Its grounds are filled will manicured trees and bushes that look even more stunning when they start to change.
Chatsworth Ravine
This ravine, just south of Yonge and Lawrence, is the optimal place to enjoy autumn outdoors nearNorth York. It may not have the grandeur of Moore Park or Glen Stewart, but it looks mighty fine dressed up in fall colours. Plus, with it's below-the-radar status you'll find it distinctively less populated.
Guildwood Park
At Guildwood Park you'll find much more than just greenery. Among its trails and trees there are architectural gems from demolished buildings. It's a favourite for engagement photos, but even if you're not with a loved one you'll be able to snap some 'grams with the changing colours in the background.
Windfields Park
This former farm site offers 31 hectares of green space in the Bayview and Lawrence area. It boasts 15 bike trails as well as outdoor fitness equipment, making it ideal for those who want to view the fall colours while staying active (it really kills two birds with one stone).