Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - February 16, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

We need your survey responses! In 2015 we secured 111 respondents to our "The Value of Trails - Measuring the Economic Impact of Trails Survey." Below you will see the OTC is presenting to the Canadian Parks and Recreation Conference March 10, and to Parks and Recreation Ontario March 28. On both occasions we are speaking to trails tourism and the economic impact of trails. Click through the screen capture below to access the survey. 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 Hastings! Trailhead North Nipigon!Join us in Nipigon as we present another symposium with enriched and regional content geared to the north! Ontario Trails E.D. and OTC Board Member Paul Ronan Presenting at CPRA Conference 2017 Canadian Parks Conference: Parks, Protected Areas, Open Spaces and Public Places March 8-11, 2017 The Banff Centre Banff, Alberta The Conference Brochure has just been released! Click here to see details on our engaging keynotes, educational break-out sessions and exciting social events! ARPA is excited to announce that we will be hosting a national parks conference in 2017! This networking, professional development and social event will inspire and challenge contemporary thinking about parks, protected areas, open spaces and public places. The conference will include six keynote speakers, over 45 breakout session, and pre-conference workshops and tours. The 2017 Canadian Parks Conference will build off of the momentum and outcomes of the 2016 Canadian Parks Summit, and include speakers and topics of interest on themes, opportunities and issues discussed at the Summit. Join us in our country's first-ever national park to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday and renew a vision for Canada's parks! Ontario Trails E.D. Presenting at PRO Conference PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show March 28 - 31, 2017        SPONSORSHIP, ADVERTISING & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES Parks and Recreation Ontario is delighted to invite sponsors, advertisers and trade show exhibitors to the PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show at Deerhurst Conference Centre from March 28 - 31, 2017. Come to introduce your product/service, increase visibility for your brand, and engage with more than 600 parks and recreation professionals from across Ontario and beyond. Please complete our Value of Trails 2017 Survey by March 1 - your input will shape our CPRA and PRO Presentations Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Rembmer to Donate! Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks!  Renew Today! Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail Trans Canada Trail OntarioWelcome! Trans Canada Trail Ontario (TCTO) is a provincial organization that represents the TCT in Ontario. TCTO is a non-profit organization mandated to complete connection of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario by 2017. TCTO works with local partners – trail owner/operators – to plan and support development of trail across Ontario. TCTO operates largely on support provided by TCT, complimented by regionally and provincially awarded grants. The TCT is also supported by the many committed trail building and committee leading volunteers on-the-ground! Progress toward connection of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario   This chart shows how much of the Trans Canada Trail network is registered as operational in Ontario as of December 31, 2016.The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) in Ontario connects approximately 150 communities through a collection of linked multi use trails; giving preference to human-powered trail use. In Ontario many of the trails are greenway routes reserved for walking, hiking, running, and skiing; with cycling routes, paddling routes, and trail connections making up Ontario’s section of the coast to coast to coast trail network.  The TCT in Ontario goes from the Manitoba border across to North Bay, down to Hamilton and from Windsor to Ottawa. Explore the Trail here. Want information on where to use the trails? Click on one of the logos below               Town of Gravenhurst Trails Kolapore Wilderness Trail Association Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province.  Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - February 9, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Updates from Around Ontario Trails!The City of Thunder Bay is inviting all citizens to spend some time outside experiencing the best of winter at SnowDay on the Waterfront, set for Family Day, Monday, February 20, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. "SnowDay has a variety of winter art and recreation activities that are free for the community to come and explore," said Ash Young, the city's cultural development and events supervisor. "The snow sculptures are at the heart of SnowDay. This year, we're pleased to have eight teams carving all weekend. Each team brings a unique vision of this year's theme, Canada 150. Be sure to come down and vote for your favourite for the People's Choice Award." The City of Thunder Bay is inviting all citizens to spend some time outside experiencing the best of winter at SnowDay on the Waterfront, set for Family Day, Monday, February 20. (City of Thunder Bay) MORE>>>>>>> Highlights of the SnowDay 2017 program include: An all ages Rail Jam Competition organized by Loch Lomond Ski Area Snow carving with Willow Springs Creative Centre Winter science with Science North Path of the Paddles Wild Winter Canoe Race Ice Fishing with Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters Snow Tennis with Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre Pottery and Quilting Demonstrations in the Baggage Building Arts Centre Skating Party with LU Radio Bannock making with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Eric The Juggler and Mackinley's Delusions performing throughout the park Activities from ParticipACTION 150 Playlist Snowboarding for the little ones at Snowboard Ontario's Riglet Park Snowshoeing, kicksledding, and other winter sport   Conservation Sudbury hosts Friends and Family Ice Fishing Day Conservation Sudbury will host their fifth annual Friends and Family Ice Fishing Day on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area Nature Chalet. The event runs from noon – 4 p.m. File photo Conservation Sudbury will host its fifth annual Friends and Family Ice Fishing Day on Feb. 19 at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area Nature Chalet (2309 South Bay Rd.). The event runs from noon – 4 p.m. That weekend is an Ontario Family Fishing weekend, so no fishing licenses are required (more information at ontariofamilyfishing.com). Ice fishing activities will include learning proper catch and release techniques, and making your own ice fishing rod from a stick. MORE>>>>>>>> One-tank Trips: Provincial parks slide into winter fun Winter fun at Chicopee Tube Park in Kitchener includes tubing. (Chicopee photo) For a cool getaway, numerous Ontario parks are open for winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At this time of year, the air is crisp and invigorating and the forest is hushed in the 19 provincial parks that offer more than 450 kilometres of trails. Half of all trails are groomed or track set, and many include warm-up shelters and washrooms. In all, there are 26 provincial parks open during the winter with services and facilities ranging from day-use to front and back country camping and roofed accommodation. Some of the parks also offer equipment rentals and skating. MORE>>>>>>>>> London events: What's happening in and around the city  Free Press staff Thursday, February 9, 2017 9:03:59 EST AM NATURE IN THE CITY: Save a Little Love for Wetlands!, learn about marshes, bogs and swamps with Prof. Chris Smart of Western University, Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 251 Dundas St.; families welcome with children ages 10 and up; visit naturelondon.com. OPP patrol snowmobile trails Ontario police are asking snowmobile drivers to take extra precautions when driving. (Toby Talbot/Associated Press) Snowmobilers in the province are being asked to "stop taking unnecessary risks while driving" as the higher-than-usual number of snowmobile-related deaths continues to rise this winter. There have been 13 fatalities this winter, which OPP investigators are linking to riding on unsafe ice, speeding, loss of control, intoxication and driver inattention — all "causal factors" in preventable deaths, according to a news release. Man dies after snowmobile crashes into tree near Parry Sound Jean Lacroix, 60, dies after snowmobile crash near Kirkland Lake Just last week, 11-year-old Burlington resident Amanda Huxley died after the snowmobile she was driving collided with a transport truck as she was crossing a highway. MORE>>>>>>>>> Trailhead Hastings! Pre-budget Consultation Extended to February 15th! En Français If you have not yet sent in your submission for the 2017 Pre-Budget Consultations, it's not too late! The date has now been extended to February 15, 2017, we look forward to hearing from you. Written submissions can be sent to: The Honourable Charles Sousa Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat Frost Building North, 3rd floor 95 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 1Z1 Email: submissions@ontario.ca Fax: 416-325-0969 If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 1-866-989-9002.   Put Your Trails on the ParticipACTION 150 Playlist Don’t miss out on an Event Celebration Kit and granting opportunities! Registration is now open for ParticipACTION 150 Play List events and programs like try-it days, skills and drills programs or community festivals. Register an opportunity for members of your community to check sports and physical activities off their 150 Play Lists to: Receive a 150 Play List Event Celebration Kit containing signage, prizes and more (while supplies last) See your event or program, if open to the pubic, showcased HERE for Canadians to see and join in on the fun Be eligible for a micro-grant (grant application and guidelines can be found HERE)                 REGISTER NOW   Ontario Trails E.D. and OTC Board Member Paul Ronan Presenting at CPRA Conference 2017 Canadian Parks Conference: Parks, Protected Areas, Open Spaces and Public Places March 8-11, 2017 The Banff Centre Banff, Alberta The Conference Brochure has just been released! Click here to see details on our engaging keynotes, educational break-out sessions and exciting social events! ARPA is excited to announce that we will be hosting a national parks conference in 2017! This networking, professional development and social event will inspire and challenge contemporary thinking about parks, protected areas, open spaces and public places. The conference will include six keynote speakers, over 45 breakout session, and pre-conference workshops and tours. The 2017 Canadian Parks Conference will build off of the momentum and outcomes of the 2016 Canadian Parks Summit, and include speakers and topics of interest on themes, opportunities and issues discussed at the Summit. Join us in our country's first-ever national park to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday and renew a vision for Canada's parks! Ontario Trails E.D. Presenting at PRO Conference PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show March 28 - 31, 2017        SPONSORSHIP, ADVERTISING & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES Parks and Recreation Ontario is delighted to invite sponsors, advertisers and trade show exhibitors to the PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show at Deerhurst Conference Centre from March 28 - 31, 2017. Come to introduce your product/service, increase visibility for your brand, and engage with more than 600 parks and recreation professionals from across Ontario and beyond. Please complete our Value of Trails 2017 Survey by March 1 - your input will shape our CPRA and PRO Presentations Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks! Renew Today! Township of Uxbridge We're the Trail Capital of Canada Uxbridge has been officially designated as The Trail Capital of Canada, in recognition of the extensive and growing network of trails throughout the township. Nine Town Trails in and around the town of Uxbridge link into a growing network of Countryside Trails linking the smaller communities, and tying into two major trails that intersect in the township – the Trans-Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Trail. There are also extensive trails through public lands managed by Durham Region and the two Conservation Authorities. There are trails for all abilities, ages and interests – walkers, serious hikers, cyclists, equestrians, the physically challenged, runners, skiers and limited trails for snowmobilers. The trails take you through a wide variety of natural habitats – rolling meadows, wetlands, dense woodlands and ponds, as well as some housing developments and historic streets. Town of Minto Harriston Greenway Trail The Harriston Greenway Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy Minto's natural scenery. The Trail links six community parks, former CN and CP rail lines, cemetery and bush properties all along the Maitland River. Visit the rustic gazebo in the IODE Park on John St., a unique gathering spot at the head of the West End Trails. Enjoy a picnic, a stroll along the river, or a shady walk through the bush. MORE>>>>>>>>>>> "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province.  Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations.   Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - February 2, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Updates from Around Ontario Trails! Bike lanes and hiking trails in Halton Hills Greg Whalin / Flickr Independent Free Press By Graeme Frisque The Town of Halton Hills outlined its five-year vision for bike lane and hiking trail infrastructure improvements during its regular meeting of council earlier this month. At its Jan. 16 regular meeting, council received minutes from the Active Transportation Committee meeting held last September, which laid out the committee’s plans for trails and bike lane projects through 2021. The expansion of Halton Hills’ cycling and trail infrastructure is a long-standing and somewhat organic process encompassing several plans and departments. According to the town’s trail map, Halton Hills is already home to 22.5 kilometres of municipal hiking trails in addition to the Bruce and Guelph and Radial Line trails, which are part of much larger regional trail systems. Council has approved a significant investment in 2017 and beyond for improvements, maintenance and additions to its municipal system. Among trail projects approved for the upcoming year will be the fifth phase of the Halton Hills Village Home Inc. (HHVHI) 13 trail, which will extend the current trail system to Eighth Line. Council has earmarked $203,000 for that project. Councillor Jane Fogal, who sits as Active Transportation Committee Chair, said council has also approved some surface upgrades from wood chips to limestone screening in certain areas of need. Staff has also requested $36,000 in funding for the Danville/Wallace Trail to properly construct a link for the partially-formalized trail. Other trail projects planned over the next five years include trails from Maple Avenue to Guelph Street (2018), Eighth Line to Cedarvale (2019), the Noble Court Line (2020), and the Southeast Georgetown link to Hungry Hallow (2021). Visit haltonhills.ca/trails/pdf/trailBrochure.pdf for a full map of the existing trail system. According to Fogal, part of the town’s vision is to build a system which integrates the hiking trails and bike lane systems seamlessly throughout Georgetown and Acton. Part of that plan involves a cycling master plan, which the town adopted in 2010. “When you’re on a bike you go wherever it’s convenient to go,” said Fogal. “It’s optional, you’ve got choices … people can choose to be on those trails and that’s fantastic.” More>>>>>>> Visit haltonhills.ca/initiatives/cyclingMP.php to view the Cycling Master Plan in its entirety. Get Kids Walking - Brampton Step by step, schools push to get kids walking At Brampton’s Eagle Plains school, a “Walk Whatever the Weather” campaign aims to get as many kids as possible out of the car and onto the sidewalk. The sighting occurs at 8:15 on a weekday morning in front of Eagle Plains Public School in Brampton. The January air is chilly, the sky slate grey when suddenly it appears — an unusual type of traffic jam. Not the kind featuring plumes of exhaust and flashing signals, but another phenomenon, seldom seen on suburban streets before the morning bell rings. Could it be a pedestrian rush hour? People are walking, in twos and threes and big noisy groups. Wrapped in scarves, zipped into puffy jackets. Kids and parents, grandparents and babysitters, collecting friends along the way. Not only that, it’s apparently a daily occurrence at this elementary school of 600. More>>>>>>>>> Impacts of Trails? Please add the trail layer! People in Peel drive when they could walk, but don't blame car culture, planners say Region updating transportation plan in effort to get more people out of their cars By Kate McGillivray, CBC News Posted: Jan 29, 2017 5:00 AM ET Last Updated: Jan 30, 2017 9:35 AM ET A cyclist walks his bike in an area of Brampton with no bike lanes. The majority of people in the area still opt to drive rather than bike or walk for short trips. (Asha Hassan) Neighbourhood design is making you fat and sick Related Stories Solution for suburban gridlock is better transit Soul sucking traffic delays in Toronto and Montreal hurt your productivity, 'quality of life' External Links Long Range Transportation Plan Update in the Peel Region (Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external links.) People in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon are opting to use their cars on shorter trips that could be easily walked or cycled, according to numbers put out by Peel region. Only 17 per cent of trips under two kilometres, or about 25 minutes on foot, are actually walked. The number is even lower for potential trips by bicycle: 0 per cent take their bikes out for trips under seven kilometres. Solution for suburban gridlock is better transit More>>>>>>> OPP patrol snowmobile trails OPP Media Release GREENSTONE – The Greenstone Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to concerns from the community regarding local snowmobilers. Our trained motorized snow vehicle officers have been patrolling trails, enforcing laws, and promoting safety. The Ministry of Transportation report that every winter about 30 people are killed and another 1,126 are injured while snowmobiling in Ontario. The Greenstone OPP will continue patrolling the trails of Greenstone and want to remind riders to stay safe and obey the law. These tips will help make you ride safe and avoid charges: •Obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your ability. Reduce your speed when driving at night and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot at night. •Avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can't be avoided, check ice conditions beforehand. Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. Carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible. •Tell someone of your outing; including where you are going, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return. •Never travel alone… always with a friend. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry a fully charged cell phone if available. •Never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even prescription and some over-the-counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions. •If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles, including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. •Use appropriate hand signals when driving with others before stopping, slowing down or turning. Exercise caution on corners and hills, and always remain on the right-hand side of the trail. •Never ride on private property without permission of the landowner. •Snowmobile operators are obligated to carry documents with them when operating a motorized snow vehicle. •a valid driver's licence or motorized snow vehicle operator's licence, •evidence of the vehicle's registration •proof of insurance - the vehicle must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy under the Insurance Act To operate a motorized snow vehicle along a highway a person must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license. To operate motorized snow vehicle upon a trail, the person must have reached twelve years old and have a motorized snow vehicle operator's license. If you choose to operate your motorized snow vehicle on property without the owner's permission you could face charges under the Trespass to Property Act as well as Criminal Code charges if you cause damage to that property. For further information on safe snowmobiling and trails in Ontario please see the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at www.ofsc.on.ca Poll results: Should winter cycling be banned? “Perhaps you and your bike will provide improved traction for me at the intersection,” Grey Joseph Howler speculated Jan 26, 2017 3:56 PM by: Ryen Veldhuis Cyclists still find themselves out and about, despite the cold weather. Photo by Mike Trahan.With winter seemingly winding down, more cyclists are coming back to the streets to join the growing few who’ve braved the slippery season. However, in a poll BayToday.ca held to the public earlier this month, asking the community if winter cycling should be banned from city streets or not. This was in response to a winter cycling story published where comments became quite divisive over the controversial issue. According to the poll, which garnered 1502 votes from the community, 71.7 percent (1077) voted that slushy roads and snow banks make it too dangerous for both cyclists and motorists, while 24.83 percent (373) voted that cyclists have the same right as everyone else to travel the roads. More>>>>>>> Algonquin College Trail Education Program Trailhead Hastings! Federal Student Experience Grant FundingThe 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is now open. EXTENDED TO FEB 3, 2017! Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30. The application form as well as the applicant guide is currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre. For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 Pre-budget Consultation Extended to February 15th!   En Français If you have not yet sent in your submission for the 2017 Pre-Budget Consultations, it's not too late! The date has now been extended to February 15, 2017, we look forward to hearing from you. Written submissions can be sent to: The Honourable Charles Sousa Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat Frost Building North, 3rd floor 95 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 1Z1 Email: submissions@ontario.ca Fax: 416-325-0969 If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 1-866-989-9002. News from Around the Membership January 24 at 8:10pm · Muskoka · I spent a few hours exploring the Scout Valley Loop Trail in Orillia. it was absolutely stunning there! Have any of you been there in winter or another season? curious how it looks without the snow? Post a pic if you have one please! #camperchristina #snowshoe #snowshoeing #hike #hiking #snow #trail #hike #hikingtrail #scoutvalley #kustomkayakers #orillia Ultimate Survival Technologies Atlas Snow-Shoe Company KEEN Ontario Snowshoe Trails Ontario Trails Ontario Hiking Trails Ontario Travel Scout Valley Loop Trail – Gorgeous Snowshoeing I woke up Saturday morning around 6am with nothing planned for the day.  I was just going to relax, catch up on blog posts and maybe watch a few movies.  Unfortunately, my brain was not in agreemen… CAMPERCHRISTINA.COM Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks! Renew Today! City of Brockville City of Thunder BayTake an adventure through the backwoods on our amazing trail system. Our trails have something to offer everyone year-round. From hiking to snowmobiling to mountain biking and so much more there is nothing like immersing yourself in nature while having an exhilarating experience. Get out and explore! Cycling & Mountain Biking Hiking & Walking Horseback Riding "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province.  Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0