Ontario Trails News - Saugeen Valley opens horse trails, and all about Trailhead Ontario 2016, Trailhead North and Trailhead Georgian Bay

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority to promote horse trail riding!

PRESS RELEASE

For Release:  Immediately
Date:               March 2, 2016
Subject:          Horse Camping at Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area

  

SVCA Chomping at the Bit to Provide Horse Camping!

Saugeen Conservation is planning a big change this year for Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area, located in central Bruce County, Municipality of Saugeen Shores. Horse camping will be featured at the park, a first-time venue for this part of Ontario.

“We’re very excited about this new venture”, stated Luke Charbonneau, Chair of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority.  “We’ve had some difficulties over the past few years attracting new campers to the park and we think this whole new venue may provide some incredible opportunities for horse enthusiasts and put Saugeen Bluffs back on the map”, Charbonneau continued.

“We put some feelers out first to see if there would be a market for this type of thing and the response was incredible”, stated Wayne Brohman, General Manager / Secretary –Treasurer for the SVCA. “There are only two other campgrounds in the province that offer horse camping and both are located in Eastern Ontario.”

Saugeen Bluffs offers scenic vistas and approximately 200 regular campsites.  The property winds along the Saugeen River and is a regular stop-over for canoeists and fishermen.  There is a Camp Store, kayak and canoe rentals, shower building, laundromat, a scenic look-out, trails and more. The horse camping will be featured in Campbell Campground, one of the group campgrounds.

“The development of a horse friendly campground is an exciting addition to the great experiences available across BruceGreySimcoe.  Bringing your horse along on your vacation isn’t something that’s available in very many places across Ontario and we think that being able to explore parts of the Region on horseback will encourage many new visitors to come vacation here”, stated Bill Sullivan, Executive Director of BruceGreySimcoe Tourism or RT07.

Staff have already begun marking out trails on the 300 acre property that will provide horse riders (campers and day users), with some great trail riding opportunities.

Horse camping is just one recommendation included in a new Business / Marketing Plan, developed by staff this year.  “In addition to the horse camping, the Plan recommends other improvements,” reported Charbonneau, “including some new signage, new management for the Camp Store, RV rentals, the conversion of one of the main buildings into an Activity Centre, the provision of WiFi services and much more. We’re very fortunate in that we have an incredible ‘volunteer’ base to work with in making this come together, including our valued seasonals.  I’m very optimistic that we can bring some real positive changes to the park for 2016.” concluded Charbonneau.

The SVCA will also be hosting a Public Open House at the park on Sunday, May 15^th from 1-4pm.  Bring the whole family out to check out the park, hike some trails, take in the look-out and get a personalized tour.

A Grand Opening for the Horse Camp will be featured on Saturday, June 4.  Horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, vendors, equine product sales and more!

For more information go to www.svca.on.ca

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For more information, please contact
Shannon Wood
Manager of Communications
Saugeen Conservation
1078 Bruce Rd. #12, Box 150
Formosa, ON N0G 1W0
519-367-3040 ext. 229 or s.wood@svca.on.ca

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Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016 - Ontario Federation of Agriculture to attend


We are pleased to report that the OFA has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario. http://trailheadontario2016.com

Trailhead Ontario Itinerary - June 20, 21, 22, 2016 (we are adding a third day for Eastern Canada Trails Training the only federally sponsored trail training in Eastern Canada this year - provided by IMBA Canada)

MORE TO COME!!!!

Monday
8:30-9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries
9:15-10:00AM	Presentation	Ontario Landowners Association (Invited)
10:00-10:30AM	Presentation	Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization
10:30-10:45AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:45-11:15AM	Presentation	Petawawa - the development of our Regional Trail Association
11:15-11:45AM	Presentation	Adirondack to Algonquin Trail Development
11:45-12:15PM	Presentation	Parks of the St. Lawrence
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	City of Ottawa Trails
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Coffee Break
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail Ontario
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	National Capital Commission
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ontario Federation of Agriculture (Invited)
4:15-4:45PM	Presentation	Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease
4:45-5:15PM	Presentation	Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails
5:15-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6PM - 9PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Federal Climate Change Initiatives and Trails
Tuesday
8:30 – 9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries - Madawaska Valley
9:15-9:45AM	Presentation	Madawaska Valley and Township Trail Developments
10:00-10:30AM	Plenary Session	Principles of Trail Risk Management
10:30-10:45AM	Coffee Break
10:45-11:30AM	Plenary Session	Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Plenary Session	Water Trails - Developing trails for Use
2:00-2:45PM	Plenary Session	Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development
2:45-3:00PM	Break
3:00-3:30PM	Plenary Session	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands
3:30-4:00PM	Plenary Session	Mattawa Trail Development
4:00-4:30PM	Plenary Session	First Nation Tourism and Trails
4:30PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps	Trailhead Canada 2017!

https://trailheadontario2016.com

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Trailhead North - Marathon

Trailhead North Symposium Itinerary - April 20, 21, 2016

Event Outdoor Hike with Pic River First Nation - REGISTER

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Mayor Dumas, Chief Michano and Liz Michano
9:30-10:30AM	Marathon, Pic River and our Northern Trails	Sponsor	Bob Hancherow, and Chief Duncan Michano Pic River FN
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:30AM	Presentation	Parks Experiences - Pukaskwa National Park and Neys Provincial	Roel Teunissen, Park Planning, Ontario Parks. Sharon Hayes, Pukaskwa National Park.
	Presentation	Group of Seven Trail	Kirsten Spence, Quercwood Consulting
	Presentation	Northern Ontario Experiences	Carole Caputo and Paul Pepe, Director of Tourism Thunder Bay
12:30-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 1:30PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Jim Antler and Carol Oitment
1:30 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail	Mike Goodyear, Trail Director Trans Canada Trail
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Path of the Paddle and Trail Auditing	Carrie Nolan, Executive Director POPA
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Trails for Northern Ontario Tourism	David McLaughlan and Susan Forrest, NOT
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	World Class Cross Country - Destination Marathon	Marathon X-Country Ski, Dr. David Guiliano
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Northern Snowmobile Trails	Dennis Burns with Craig Colbourne
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	OAC - Ontario Access Coalition - Places to Climb	Jana Wells
	Break
5:30-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6:00PM - 9:00PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Trails, Travels and Experiences, A personal perspective	Michael Haynes, Trails Ambassador and Author
	Silent Auction
Thursday
8:30 - 9AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:15-10AM	Presentation	Funding for Trails with NOHFC, FedNor and Ontario Trillium Foundation	Maureen Brophy OTF,  Sean Irwin NOHFC, and Jamie Taylor FedNor
10:00-10:15AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:15-11:15 AM	Presentation	Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Summit Report	Kevin Eshkawkogan, Aboriginal Tourism Summit
11:15-Noon	Presentation	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands	Greg Farrant, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters with Greg Rivard
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Outfitters and Tripping - How to Get North	Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
2:00-3:00PM	Presentation	Voyageur Trail - Developments along the Trail	Carole Blacquiere, President VTA
3:00-3:45PM	Presentation	Outdoor Recreation - the Tourism Experience	Dr. Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead University
3:45-$:00PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

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Trailhead Georgian Bay

May 11th, Killarney Park Lodge.

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:30-10:30AM	About The Georgian Bay Coast Trail	Sponsor	GBCT Board
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:15AM	Presentation	Killarney Provincial Park - A Lead Partner in Development	Killarney Provincial Park
	Presentation	Friends of Killarney	Friends of Killarney
	Presentation	Trail Experiences - Explorer's Edge	James Murphy, RTO12
	Presentation	Auditing and Planning our Route	Niall Lobely
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Carol Oitment
	Presentation	Indigenous Peoples Economic Development	Local First Nations
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Trail Inventories Georgian Bay Partners	Kirsten Spence
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor	Al McPherson
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Variety of Trails	GBBR and GBCR
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	Great Lakes Guardian Plant and Trail Inventory	Henvy Inlet and Ontario Trails
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry	Local MNRF
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	Relations with Local Landowners	Georgian Bay Landowners Association
4:45 - 5:15	Wrap-up	Thanks	GBCT

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

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Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario 2016, Trailhead Georgian Bay, Trailhead North

Educate Folks about Winter with an OTC Poster!
In order to best explain our relationship between users and our organizations we have produced an "Ontario Trails and...(Use Group)" poster series. Each member group has a page on the OTC website where OTC explains what we do, and the member explains what they do, so that people can see how we work together.

In addition it is clear that the relationship between major use groups and the Ontario Trails Council is not well understood. We have circulated the poster template to member organizations in the interest of having them add their voice to a better public understanding of their work. 

As the OTC continues to grow, and we work with the major use groups as they work to secure land for their activity, and as we work with land managers to promote and manage land access, the OTC wants everyone to understand we want resolution to local issues, with the regulatory and legislative changes that makes all our jobs easier, without losing sight of regulations and safety.

Know a user or trail group you'd like to have a poster for?

Ask them if they are a current OTC Member. If they are we'd be happy to produce a poster for everybody to use. 



We are also working with Conservation Ontario, and have asked others such as Ontario Invasive Species, County Forest Managers and Ontario Parks to participate in this important public awareness campaign.

For more information contact: Patrick Connor, at 613-484-1140, execdir@ontariotrails.ca

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OTC Ramping Up Regional Trail Symposiums



Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

Monday
8:30-9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries
9:15-10:00AM	Presentation	Renfrew County and Eastern Ontario Trails
10:00-10:30AM	Presentation	Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization
10:30-10:45AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:45-11:15AM	Presentation	Petawawa - the development of our Regional Trail Association
11:15-11:45AM	Presentation	Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences
11:45-12:15PM	Presentation	Parks of the St. Lawrence
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	City of Ottawa Trails
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Coffee Break
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail Ontario
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	National Capital Commission
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	CycleON - Updates and Progress
4:15-4:45PM	Presentation	Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease
4:45-5:15PM	Presentation	Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails
5:15-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6PM - 9PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Federal Climate Change Initiatives and Trails
Tuesday
8:30 – 9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries - Madawaska Valley
9:15-9:45AM	Presentation	Madawaska Valley and Township Trail Developments
10:00-10:30AM	Plenary Session	Principles of Trail Risk Management
10:30-10:45AM	Coffee Break
10:45-11:30AM	Plenary Session	Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Plenary Session	Water Trails - Developing trails for Use
2:00-2:45PM	Plenary Session	Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development
2:45-3:00PM	Break
3:00-3:30PM	Plenary Session	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands
3:30-4:00PM	Plenary Session	Mattawa Trail Development
4:00-4:30PM	Plenary Session	First Nation Tourism and Trails
4:30PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps	Trailhead Canada 2017!

https://trailheadontario2016.com

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Trailhead North - Marathon

 

Trailhead North Symposium Itinerary - April 20, 21, 2016

Event Outdoor Hike with Pic River First Nation - REGISTER

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Mayor Dumas and Chief Michano
9:30-10:30AM	Marathon, Pic River and our Northern Trails	Sponsor	Bob Hancherow, and Chief Duncan Michano Pic River FN
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:30AM	Presentation	Parks Experiences - Pukaskwa National Park and Neys Provincial	Roel Teunissen, Park Planning, Ontario Parks. Sharon Hayes, Pukaskwa National Park.
	Presentation	Group of Seven Trail	Kirsten Spence, Quercwood Consulting
	Presentation	Northern Ontario Experiences	Carole Caputo and Paul Pepe, Director of Tourism Thunder Bay
12:30-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 1:30PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Jim Antler and Carol Oitment
1:30 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail	Mike Goodyear, Trail Director Trans Canada Trail
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Path of the Paddle and Trail Auditing	Carrie Nolan, Executive Director POPA
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Trails for Northern Ontario Tourism	David McLaughlan and Susan Forrest, NOT
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	World Class Cross Country - Destination Marathon	Marathon X-Country Ski, Dr. David Juliano
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Northern Snowmobile Trails	Dennis Burns with Craig Colbourne
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	OAC - Ontario Access Coalition - Places to Climb	Jana Wells
	Break
5:30-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6:00PM - 9:00PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Trails, Travels and Experiences, A personal perspective	Michael Haynes, Trails Ambassador and Author
	Silent Auction
Thursday
8:30 - 9AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:15-10AM	Presentation	Funding for Trails with NOHFC, FedNor and Ontario Trillium Foundation	Maureen Brophy OTF,  Sean Irwin NOHFC, and Jamie Taylor FedNor
10:00-10:15AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:15-11:15 AM	Presentation	Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Summit Report	Kevin Eshkawkogan, Aboriginal Tourism Summit
11:15-Noon	Presentation	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands	Greg Farrant, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters with Greg Rivard
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Outfitters and Tripping - How to Get North	Steve Bruno, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
2:00-3:00PM	Presentation	Voyageur Trail - Developments along the Trail	Carole Blacquiere, President VTA
3:00-3:45PM	Presentation	Outdoor Recreation - the Tourism Experience	Dr. Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead University
3:45-$:00PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps		Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

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Trailhead Georgian Bay

May 11th, Killarney Park Lodge.

Wednesday			Presenters
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served	Kirsten Spence, Patrick Connor
9:30-10:30AM	About The Georgian Bay Coast Trail	Sponsor	GBCT Board
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:15AM	Presentation	Killarney Provincial Park - A Lead Partner in Development	Killarney Provincial Park
	Presentation	Friends of Killarney	Friends of Killarney
	Presentation	Trail Experiences - Explorer's Edge	James Murphy, RTO12
	Presentation	Auditing and Planning our Route	Niall Lobely
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport	Carol Oitment
	Presentation	Indigenous Peoples Economic Development	Local First Nations
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Trail Inventories Georgian Bay Partners	Kirsten Spence
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor	Al McPherson
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Variety of Trails	GBBR and GBCR
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	Great Lakes Guardian Plant and Trail Inventory	Henvy Inlet and Ontario Trails
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry	Local MNRF
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	Relations with Local Landowners	Georgian Bay Landowners Association
4:45 - 5:15	Wrap-up	Thanks	GBCT

As at 11/2/2016 Program content subject to change based on availability.

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North, Trailhead Georgian Bay and Trailhead Ontario. Join us for our Trails Symposiums and Conference

OTC Ramping Up Regional Trail Symposiums

Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

https://trailheadontario2016.wordpress.com/
 

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Trailhead North - Marathon

 

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Trailhead Georgian Bay

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise Week of December 31, 2015

Seasonal Best Wishes and Our ThanksIt's that time of year where we should reflect a bit and give thanks to all the folks that have helped the OTC over the last year. to those who have helped who are not mentioned - my apologies and regret at the forget.

The President Jack de Wit, the Old and New Board - they all work hard, participated in many important meetings, networked and took hundreds of calls from the office, while working on behalf of all trails.

The Members - thanks we can't do this work without you!

The Trailhead Ontario support team - Wayne, Wayne, Alexa, Carli, Krupesh, the McMaster University Staffs - a fantastic job - thanks - and to the Hamilton Burlington Trails Council, RTO3-Hamilton-Halton-Brant, for their community support and ongoing partnership.

Our Ontario Government partners - from Minister Coteau, to Carol, Anna, Stephen, Craig, Steve, Gillian and the whole team - thanks for all your support, the OTCC, Bill 100 and 31 - and an implementation plan

To The Niagara Trails Committee and Tracey-Lynn for persevering, and to all the Niagara area communities that we talk to regularly about trails and trail issues, SHCC, UCHA, OFTR, QuadN, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, St. Kitts and 'Port'; as well as all the other Trails Councils and leaders in Oxford, Haldimand, Selwyn, York, Vaughan and Clarington.

To Simcoe for their most generous donation of a HETAP Unit to the OTC so we can audit and assist in the auditing of trails! And all our SMBA pals.

To All at Fontasy Signs, Edge Auditor, Get Out There, Context Creative, Simplicate Interactive, Web2Studio, HWL Fine Art, PODesign, your timely advice and professional guidance keep us showcasing trails.

To The staff at Ministry of Economic Development, Infrastructure and Employment for all the work they put into making Ontario more accessible and helping us do the same for trails.

To the National Trails Coalition and Canadian Trails Federation for working together and making Canada better through collaboration and cooperation - and to INFC and Gov. of Canada for funding trails.

To the Georgian Bay Coast Trail for bringing people together, through trails to support a great vision and new opportunity, with P2P, Explorer's Edge, Muskoka Trails Council and the towns we love up there!

The Trails Education Program and Partners - our faculty, Paul Ronan, Shelley with Ontario Parks Association, Graham Burke, Zane, Matt, Jeff, Algonquin College - thanks for bringing trails knowledge to folks, in Ontario and coast to coast, the folks that helped with the education posters and Trails Talk - + Kate and Robert at Orland Conservation - thanks.

Our Trailhead North partners in Thunder Bay and now Marathon - your places are "Canada wild and free" and we are glad to assist in putting new ideas in play, with you the VTA, Nipigon, Thunder Bay, Path of the Paddle and more.

To Joanna Milarczek, who must love trails more than anyone because for 5 years she's regularly and voluntarily posted new content to the OTC FB page.

To our new friends and supporters, Irena, Jana, Jennifer, and Bob + Bob's team, King Township Horsemen with LSRCA and TRCA, Rare, Gamiing and Ontario Nature.

To my family and friends for their constant support, free overnights at homes on the road, Barry, Kirsten, Steve, Dave, Bonnie, Jack, Wayne and everybody else that makes OTC work -

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday and a prosperous 2016!

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Ontario Trails Council forwards message from MTCS on Trails Strategy

Hello Members of the OTCC

I am pleased to attach the Trails Action Plan for the Ontario Trails Strategy, which is being released today to trail stakeholders.

I wish to thank the members of the OTCC that contributed to the development of the Trails Action Plan through consultations, other engagement sessions, written submissions and many other forums. Your input helped inform its priorities.

The Trails Action Plan will be implemented collaboratively in a consensus-seeking approach with stakeholders, with whom we will continue to engage. A number of Action Items are well underway and others will be scoped in early 2016. Progress will be reported on through the OTCC. Ministry staff will be rolling up a summary for your review at three key points:

i)             Summary of Trails Action Plan Year One Action Items by Scope, Key Milestone Tasks and Target Dates
ii)            Summary of Trails Action Plan Year One Action Item Interim Progress Reports; and
iii)           Summary of Trails Action Plan Year One Action Item Year-End Progress Reports.

You are invited to participate, to the extent of your interest, in scoping and implementing Action Items. Please let Julie Mayorov know of your interests no later than January 8, 2016. Julie may be reached at Julie.Mayorov@ontario.ca or by phone at 416 327-0398.

If you have inquiries about specific Action Items please contact Carol Oitment at carol.oitment@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-314-7205.

Finally, we are consolidating the results of the Review of the OTCC that was undertaken at the facilitated session in October and will be reporting back with our recommendations at the next meeting. More information on meeting dates for 2016 will be forthcoming in the New Year.

I wish you a happy holiday season!

Steve Harlow
Assistant Deputy Minister
Sport, Recreation and Community Programs Division
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Click the image for links to reports

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Trail User Survey 2014

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OTC Supports Communities Developing Trails!

Sandbanks Provincial Park - Trail Development

Sandbanks Provincial Park currently has five separate trails with a combined length of fifteen kilometers.   Through the project eleven of these kilometres was interconnected and improved and three new kilometers of trails was be added.   All of the trails are surfaced to a standard to support cycling, strollers and wheel-chairs.  

Trail signage for direction and education, was installed to assist trail users.  Because of the interconnections and surface upgrades the network will now begin to function as a safer alternative travel option away from the heavily travelled vehicle-based roads.   

Through this project different trail segments underwent different improvements.   Some segments need signs, gates and benches, others segments had sub-surface and surface improvements, some required short linkages and marking while other segments were completely renewed.

Lakeview Trail  - 2.5 kilometers along the shore of Lake Ontario.

This trail was rough constructed as a walking trail with funds provided by the Friends of Sandbanks in 2013 and 2014.   It is now surfaced to a cycling standard with gates, signs, and benches.   

Woodlands Trail   - 6 kilometers through hardwood forest and former farm field.

This trail is narrow with a soil and gravel substrate.   It is suited for walking and cycling with a wide-tire bicycle.   It is too narrow to conveniently allow passing of two way traffic.   Through this project the trail was widened and surfaced.

Spruce woods Trail  -3.5 kilometers through mixed conifer forest on stable sand dunes

Half of this trail is a former bush road.  The surface is loose sand and pine needles.  Most of the remaining sections use campground roads and paths with some short sections of new trail needed to create network links.   This trail has the most elevation change and would be popular with cross-country skiers.  It provides a trail connection between two of the park’s main beaches.   The work here required both sub surface and surface rebuilding, as well as short segments of new links.

Prairie Trail  -2 kms  through rehabilitated grassland.

This trail segment is entirely new and is essential to creating a network loop.   The trail crosses through farm fields that began the process of conversion from corn field to native prairie in 2015.   Through this project the trail segment was designed and the subsurface gravel installed in late fall.   Once the trail subsurface gravel settles over the winter the fine surfacing will be completed with park resources for use in the summer of 2016.    The Prairie Grassland Rehabilitation Project will take a decade to achieve and interpretive signage along this trail will give trail users a window on the unfolding restored habitat.

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OTC Ramping Up Regional Trail Symposiums

Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

Planning has begun for Trailhead Ontario 2016. Our hosts are Renfrew County and Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO). Both are long time Ontario Trails Council supporters, and Jason Davies from Renfrew sits on the OTC Board of Directors.

The OHTO is one of 13 regional tourism organizations (RTO) in place to attract visitation to Ontario.  The region is one of the largest in the Province and is located just south of Algonquin Park.  They have been promoting opportunities for visitors to disconnect from the stress of a busy life, throw away the schedule and wander into the breathtaking scenery of the region.

As an organization they have acknowledged that having well established and properly maintained trails throughout their region enables visitors to wander Ontario’s Highlands in a variety of ways.

Whether you wander to experience the speed and excitement of ATVing and Snowmobiling or to take in the tranquil surroundings by foot or bike, Ontario’s Highlands has the trail systems to accommodate.

All Sessions at Calabogie Peaks Resort
https://trailheadontario2016.wordpress.com/
 

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Program Outline - Calabogie Peaks Resort
June 20, 21, 2016 

Monday
8:30-9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries
9:15-10:00AM	Presentation	Renfrew County's Eastern Ontario Trails
10:00-10:30AM	Presentation	Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization
10:30-10:45AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:45-11:15AM	Presentation	Petawawa - the development of our Regional Trail Association
11:15-11:45AM	Presentation	Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences
11:45-12:15PM	Presentation	Parks of the St. Lawrence
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Presentation	Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	City of Ottawa Trails
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Coffee Break
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Trans Canada Trail Ontario
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	National Capital Commission
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	CycleON - Updates and Progress
4:15-4:45PM	Presentation	Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease
4:45-5:15PM	Presentation	Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails
5:15-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6PM - 9PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	Federal Climate Change Initiatives and Trails
Tuesday
8:30 – 9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks	Dignitaries
9:15-10AM	Presentation	Trails Risk Management - Principles
10:00-10:15AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:15-11:15AM	Plenary Session	Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails
11:15-12:00AM	Plenary Session	Paramedic Wilderness Rescue
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Plenary Session	Water Trails - Developing trails for Use
2:00-2:45PM	Plenary Session	Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development
2:45-3:00PM	Break
3:00-3:30PM	Plenary Session	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands
3:30-4:00PM	Plenary Session	Mattawa Trail Development
4:00-4:30PM	Plenary Session	First Nation Tourism and Trails
4:30PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps	Trailhead Canada 2017!

(subject to change)

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Trailhead North - Marathon 


 

Program Outline 

April 13, 14, 2016 

 

Wednesday
8:30 – 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served
9:30-10:30AM	Presentation	Marathon, Pic River and our Northern Trails
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:30AM	Presentation	Parks Experiences – Pukaskwa National Park and Neys Provincial
	Presentation	Group of Seven Trail
	Presentation	Northern Ontario Experiences
	Presentation	Northern Ontario Tourism Organization
12:30-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
	Presentation	French River Trail Development
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Path of the Paddle and Trail Auditing
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario – Sponsor
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Trails for Northern Ontario Tourism
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	World Class Cross Country – Destination Marathon
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	OFSC/CCSO and Snowmobile Trails
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	OAC – Ontario Access Coalition – Places to Climb
5:30-6PM	Networking	Cash Bar
6PM – 9PM	Dinner & Keynote Speaker	My Experience in the Outdoors.
	Silent Auction
Thursday
8:30–9:00AM	Registration	Coffee Served
9:00-9:15 AM	Welcome remarks
9:15-10AM	Presentation	Fundraising for Trails and Non-Profits
10:00-10:15AM	Break	Coffee Break
10:15-11:15 AM	Plenary Session	Hunting and Fishing Trail Use of MNRF Lands
11:15-Noon	Plenary Session	Presentation: Timiskaming and Nastawgan Trails
Noon-1PM	Lunch	Networking Lunch
1:00-2:00PM	Plenary Session	Outfitters and Tripping – How to Get North
2:00-3:00PM	Plenary Session	Voyageur Trail – Developments along the Trail
3:00-3:30PM	Wrap-up and Next Steps

(subject to change)

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Trailhead Georgian Bay - with GBCT!

 

Program Outline - Killarney Mountain Lodge

May 11, 2016 

 

Wednesday
8:30 - 9:00AM	Registration
9:00-9:30AM	Welcome remarks	Coffee Served
9:30-10:30AM	About The Georgian Bay Coast Trail	Sponsor
10:30-10:45AM	Break
10:45-12:15AM	Presentation	Killarney Provincial Park - A Lead Partner in Development
	Presentation	Friends of Killarney
	Presentation	Trail Experiences - Explorer's Edge
	Presentation	Auditing and Planning our Route
12:15-1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 - 2:00PM	Presentation	Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
	Presentation	Indigenous Peoples Economic Development
2:00-2:30PM	Presentation	Trail Inventories Georgian Bay Partners
2:30-2:45PM	Break	Trans Canada Trail Ontario - Sponsor
2:45-3:15PM	Presentation	Importance of Variety of Trails
3:15-3:45PM	Presentation	Great Lakes Guardian Plant and Trail Inventory
3:45-4:15PM	Presentation	Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
4:15-4:45 PM	Presentation	Relations with Local Landowners
4:45 - 5:15	Wrap-up	Thanks

(subject to change)

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Trails Talk

Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community. We are pleased to have added an additional topic to the Agenda - see January 12th.
We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks. So make sure you have a gmail account and the hangout app added to your gplus account.

Invited presenters include:
January 5th, 2016 - Kinghorn Trail Association - all about the development of this important northern trail with Kirsten Spence.

NEW - January 12th - Land Use Planning - all about securing land for trails, when, how to, and potential pitfalls and problems - with Kate Potter and Robert Orland from Orland Conservation.
January 19th, 2016 - Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations - with Thomas Allgoewer - a half hour discussion about how to facilitate your organization goals and objectives through fundraising efforts.
February 2nd, 2016 - Edge Auditor - the program that helps you know and log in all the facts about your trail, with Niall Lobely.
February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge.
March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassegijig and Kirsten Spence.
March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it?
March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall
April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies.

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2016 Membership Renewal Notices Out!

Thanks to these folks for their paid renewals:

Haldimand County

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This past year the OTC Membership grew beyond 240 members, with over 220 being organizational supporters.

Your support of our work helps us to:

• travel to communities
• update the website
• answer the phone
• seek other funds for special projects
• write grants for members
• mitigate conflict
• guide users with a where to turn
• update the youtube, and other social media
• engage with government
• promote the design, use and management of trails
• coordinate meetings
• manage the education program(s)

Join Today

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Please consider supporting our work

Please consider making a donation or taking out a membership today! We rely on the generous support of the Canadian trail community to allow us to do our work.

Our Mission - to promote the preservation, management, use and development of trails.

Everyday, somewhere in Ontario we educate, support a group, lead or assist a community improving its quality of life through trails.

Ask us how we make a difference!

Thanks