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Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Showing posts with label ontario trails act. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ontario trails act. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Ontario Trails News - an ongoing archive of Ontario Trails activity, recreational events and trail development
By Alicia McCutcheon -
Friday, June 10, 2016
Ontario Trails News - cycling plan to be unveiled, Mississauga makes request, Legislature Passes Trails Act
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Full Article
Cycling Infrastructure Boost Requested By City of Mississauga
Jun 09, 2016
Yesterday, City Council passed a resolution urging the Provincial Government to use the provincial cap and trade program to provide $200 million for cycling infrastructure across Ontario over the next four years. A letter of support from Mayor Crombie will be sent to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and other municipalities across Ontario through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The letter will encourage other municipalities to join with Mississauga in calling on the Province to act.
“There is a strong interest in building and investing in cycling infrastructure to promote active and healthy living in Mississauga,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The City of Mississauga’s Living Green Master Plan and Cycling Master Plan also support the Provincial Government’s Ontario Climate Change Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a prosperous low-carbon economy. Like Mississauga, many other municipalities have similar plans and initiatives to increase their cycling infrastructure and I hope they will join our city in calling on the provincial government to increase investments in this critical infrastructure. These investments will complement those being made at both the provincial and federal levels in infrastructure such as public transit that will improve the lives of residents and reduce emissions.” “The Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC) is very focused on the important role cycling can play in meeting our climate change goals,” said Chris Fonseca, Ward 3 Councillor and member of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee. “We have implemented a very successful Community Ride Program which has increased cycling greatly throughout the city. An Ontario wide poll, Share the Road 2014, shows that 4.5 per cent of Ontario residents ride a bike at least monthly and that 54 per cent of Ontario residents want to cycle more than they currently do. The poll also indicated that many would be encouraged to cycle more if there was more and better cycling infrastructure available. Mississauga has made great progress closing gaps in our cycling infrastructure. Closing these gaps will increase the safety of our residents and encourage more cycling as a means of transportation. An investment in cycling infrastructure will improve and enhance the multi-use trail system.” The City's cycling network includes more than 400 kilometres of on-road bike lanes, boulevard multi-use trails, off-road trails as well as roadways with posted bike route signs. Through the Cycling Master Plan, the City plans to develop more than 900 kilometres of on and off-road cycling routes in the next 20 years. More than 1,000 Mississauga residents and stakeholders contributed their thoughts and ideas to help develop this plan. The plan focuses on fostering cycling as a way of life in the city, building an integrated network of cycling routes and aims to adopt a safety first approach to cycling. The Cycling Master Plan vision is to make Mississauga a city where people choose to cycle for recreation, fitness and for their daily transportation needs. The plan will provide an integrated multi-modal approach to transportation throughout the city to connect destinations and place 95 per cent of the city's population within one kilometre of a primary cycling route. -30- Media Contact: Catherine Monast Senior Communications Advisor Transportation and Works City of Mississauga 905-615-3200 ext. 5046 catherine.monast@mississauga.ca TTY: 905-896-5151 
Backgrounder
14 Bills Passed and 7 Additional Bills
Introduced During Spring Sitting
June 9, 2016 4:45 P.M.
The 14 bills passed during the spring
sitting of the Ontario legislature deliver major progress on key initiatives.
Actions include investing in green projects and reducing carbon emissions,
helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement, allowing
municipalities to introduce ranked ballots and ban corporate and union
donations for local elections, and strengthening laws to stop sexual violence
and harassment.
Bills That Passed:
Bill 100 -- Supporting Ontario's Trails
Act, 2016
Strengthens Ontario's trail system,
protecting and enhancing thousands of kilometres of the province's urban,
suburban, rural and remote land and water trails, while encouraging their
expansion. It also helps promote Ontario's trails by establishing the first
week of June as Ontario Trails Week.
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Thursday, June 9, 2016
Ontario Trails News - new Tourism Framework rolled out
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To our partners in the tourism sector:
I am pleased to share Ontario’s Tourism Action Plan with you.
Ontario’s tourism industry is a significant economic driver and key contributor to our cultural vitality and quality of life. To best position the industry to capitalize on future opportunities and respond quickly to shifting consumer demands, our government committed to developing a Strategic Framework for Tourism in Ontario. Ontario’s Tourism Action Plan is an important step towards achieving this goal.
Over the last few months, we engaged with stakeholders from across the province about what government and industry can do together to grow tourism in Ontario. Thank you to everyone who attended engagement sessions and provided feedback.
We wanted to act immediately on the initial steps that government can take to grow tourism in the province. The Plan is available on our website, and I encourage you to share this information with your networks.
We look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners as we implement our action plan – and to learning more about initiatives the industry is implementing to support the priority areas.
Sincerely,
Michael Coteau
Minister
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trails Act Passes, Ontario Passes Ontario Trails Act, from Ontario Trails
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New Legislation Takes Action to Protect and Enhance Trails System
June 1, 2016 12:28 P.M.Today, Ontario passed legislation that will sustain and improve the province's trails system, helping to build a healthier and more prosperous Ontario.
The Supporting Ontario's Trails Act, 2016 will strengthen Ontario's extensive trails system. It will protect and enhance thousands of kilometres of the province's urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails while also encouraging its expansion by:
- Providing the trails community with enhanced tools to effectively develop, operate and promote trails
- Removing barriers to help connect and expand trails across the province
- Increasing trail awareness and promoting local tourism by enabling the recognition of Ontario trails of distinction, supporting communities and jobs across Ontario
- Enabling the development of a classification system to help users find trails that match their interest and ability.
Protecting and improving Ontario trails is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUOTES
" Passing the supporting Ontario’s Trails Act signals Ontario’s recognition of the importance of trails and their contribution to strong, healthy and vibrant communities and local economies. This legislation will ensure Ontario’s world-class trails continue to offer a place for families, friends and future generations to explore and experience our province’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage."- Michael Coteau
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario has the second-largest trails network in Canada, with about 2,500 trails spanning over 80,000 kilometres that support recreation, tourism and active transportation.
- From 2009 through 2015, the province invested approximately $130 million to support Ontario’s trails.
- Through Ontario’s 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Legacy, Ontario has supported the completion of 254 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail Ontario resulting in a continuous route of over 2,000 kilometres, connecting communities from Ottawa to Windsor and Fort Erie to Huntsville.
- Ontario Parks protects and manages approximately 2,200 kilometres of trails and boardwalks.
- Thousands of kilometers of trails and roads are on provincial Crown land that are open for the public to use free of charge.
- In 2014, hiking expenditures by Ontarians added $559 million to Ontario’s GDP and created more than 18,000 jobs across the province with an annual economic benefit of nearly $1.4 billion.
LEARN MORE
What you should know about Bill 100 -Purpose of Act:
The proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, if passed, would help to address a number of long-standing trail issues, including the need for a legislative mechanism to establish trail easements, clarifying liability and the standard of care required by not-for-profits and public organizations, and increasing allowable compensation for damage to property due to trespassing. It would also provide opportunities for enhanced trails tourism and the enhanced management, promotion and use of trails.
The proposed Act would enhance the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s ability to manage trails on Crown land by providing greater compliance and enforcement options, and by creating an offence for damage to Crown land and property.
Background and Elements:
The Ontario Trails Strategy was developed collaboratively by numerous provincial ministries and agencies, stakeholders and Aboriginal groups, and released in 2005. It established long-term strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario. However, a number of long-standing issues have persisted.
In fall 2013, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport led consultations with the public, stakeholders and Aboriginal groups on ways to strengthen the Ontario Trails Strategy. This included outreach through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry, five regional stakeholder sessions, and two Aboriginal engagement sessions. Through this process, legislative needs were identified, including a mechanism for trail easements to help secure long-term access to land for trails, amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act to clarify the “free entry” provision and amendments to the Trespass to Property Act to increase fines and remove the limit on compensation for damages.
The proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 (Bill 100), includes six schedules.
Schedule 1 would establish a new act entitled the Ontario Trails Act, 2015 that would:
- Proclaim an annual trails week, to coincide with International Trails Days which is held on the first Saturday in June. This could allow for the coordinated promotion of trails across Ontario.
- Allow for the recognition of Ontario trails of distinction, the establishment of a voluntary classification system and voluntary best practices and the setting of trail-related targets, to enable promotion and tourism opportunities and consistent information for trails across the province.
- Require the Minister to maintain a trails strategy that is periodically reviewed. Progress on its implementation would also be reported on.
- Set out consultative and publication requirements for the establishment of targets, a voluntary classification system, voluntary best practices, a process for recognizing Ontario trails of distinction and the review of the Ontario Trails Strategy or the current trails strategy.
- Set out a mechanism for eligible bodies, or their nominees, to enter into trail easements, with or without covenants, with willing landowners, to allow the long-term securement of land and help minimize the costly rerouting of trails.
- Clarify that the lower standard of care applies to occupiers of trail property which are not-for-profit or public sector organizations, even if there is an incidental fee related to access onto or use of the land, such as for parking; or if a public benefit or payment is given to a not-for-profit trail manager.
- Amend the list of lands to which the lower standard of care applies to add portages.
- Align with the amendments that would be made to the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
- Make damage to Crown land and property an offence (definition of damage to be set out in a subsequent regulation; this offence provision would have no effect until the regulation is made and approved).
- Enable a court to order a person, who has been convicted of this offence, to rehabilitate the damage.
- Provide the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry with new enforcement tools to stop vehicles, inspect documents, and arrest persons suspected or caught violating the Act.
- Increase the maximum penalties for offenders and the length of time to initiate charges, specifically:
- There will be different maximum penalties for individuals and corporations, and for subsequent offences. For individuals, the maximum penalties would increase from the current $10,000 to $15,000 for first offences and $25,000 for subsequent offences. For corporations, the maximum penalties would increase to $25,000 for first offences and $50,000 for subsequent offences;
- Allow the courts to, in addition to the new penalties noted above, impose an additional penalty equal to the amount of money gained by person(s) violating the Act; and
- Increase the limitation period (from the current two years from offence) to two years from discovery up to a maximum of 5 years from offence.
- Raise the maximum fine from $2,000, set in 1989, to $10,000.
- Remove the limit on the amount recoverable in damages at the time of prosecution.
Schedules 2 and 4 (i.e. the complementary amendments to the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and Off-Road Vehicles Act) would come into force on the day amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act come into force.
Schedule 5 (i.e. the amendments to the Public Lands Act) would come into force on the day the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 receives Royal Assent.
Other Information:
This proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, if passed, would complement other trail related initiatives including the development of the Pan/Parapan Am Trails, the Waterfront Trail at Ontario Place, as well as the Ontario Cycling Strategy and first action plan.
In the coming months, the Ontario Government would also be engaging trail stakeholders on plans to further implement the Ontario Trails Strategy.
Other Public Consultation Opportunities:
If the proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 is passed, there are several elements that would require further consultation with stakeholders, other ministries, provincial agencies, the public and Aboriginal groups. Consultations would occur at a later date only if it were passed.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport would consult on the following elements set out within Schedule 1:
- A process for recognizing Ontario trails of distinction;
- A voluntary classification system;
- Voluntary best practices;
- The periodic review of the Ontario Trails Strategy; and
- Establishing trails-related targets.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Ontario Trails News - About the Supporting Ontario Trails Act, and Trailhead Ontario 2016
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Purpose of Act:
The proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, if passed, would help to address a number of long-standing trail issues, including the need for a legislative mechanism to establish trail easements, clarifying liability and the standard of care required by not-for-profits and public organizations, and increasing allowable compensation for damage to property due to trespassing. It would also provide opportunities for enhanced trails tourism and the enhanced management, promotion and use of trails.
The proposed Act would enhance the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s ability to manage trails on Crown land by providing greater compliance and enforcement options, and by creating an offence for damage to Crown land and property.
Background and Elements:
The Ontario Trails Strategy was developed collaboratively by numerous provincial ministries and agencies, stakeholders and Aboriginal groups, and released in 2005. It established long-term strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario. However, a number of long-standing issues have persisted.
In fall 2013, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport led consultations with the public, stakeholders and Aboriginal groups on ways to strengthen the Ontario Trails Strategy. This included outreach through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry, five regional stakeholder sessions, and two Aboriginal engagement sessions. Through this process, legislative needs were identified, including a mechanism for trail easements to help secure long-term access to land for trails, amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act to clarify the “free entry” provision and amendments to the Trespass to Property Act to increase fines and remove the limit on compensation for damages.
The proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 (Bill 100), includes six schedules.
Schedule 1 would establish a new act entitled the Ontario Trails Act, 2015 that would:
- Proclaim an annual trails week, to coincide with International Trails Days which is held on the first Saturday in June. This could allow for the coordinated promotion of trails across Ontario.
- Allow for the recognition of Ontario trails of distinction, the establishment of a voluntary classification system and voluntary best practices and the setting of trail-related targets, to enable promotion and tourism opportunities and consistent information for trails across the province.
- Require the Minister to maintain a trails strategy that is periodically reviewed. Progress on its implementation would also be reported on.
- Set out consultative and publication requirements for the establishment of targets, a voluntary classification system, voluntary best practices, a process for recognizing Ontario trails of distinction and the review of the Ontario Trails Strategy or the current trails strategy.
- Set out a mechanism for eligible bodies, or their nominees, to enter into trail easements, with or without covenants, with willing landowners, to allow the long-term securement of land and help minimize the costly rerouting of trails.
- Clarify that the lower standard of care applies to occupiers of trail property which are not-for-profit or public sector organizations, even if there is an incidental fee related to access onto or use of the land, such as for parking; or if a public benefit or payment is given to a not-for-profit trail manager.
- Amend the list of lands to which the lower standard of care applies to add portages.
- Align with the amendments that would be made to the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
- Make damage to Crown land and property an offence (definition of damage to be set out in a subsequent regulation; this offence provision would have no effect until the regulation is made and approved).
- Enable a court to order a person, who has been convicted of this offence, to rehabilitate the damage.
- Provide the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry with new enforcement tools to stop vehicles, inspect documents, and arrest persons suspected or caught violating the Act.
- Increase the maximum penalties for offenders and the length of time to initiate charges, specifically:
- There will be different maximum penalties for individuals and corporations, and for subsequent offences. For individuals, the maximum penalties would increase from the current $10,000 to $15,000 for first offences and $25,000 for subsequent offences. For corporations, the maximum penalties would increase to $25,000 for first offences and $50,000 for subsequent offences;
- Allow the courts to, in addition to the new penalties noted above, impose an additional penalty equal to the amount of money gained by person(s) violating the Act; and
- Increase the limitation period (from the current two years from offence) to two years from discovery up to a maximum of 5 years from offence.
- Raise the maximum fine from $2,000, set in 1989, to $10,000.
- Remove the limit on the amount recoverable in damages at the time of prosecution.
Schedules 2 and 4 (i.e. the complementary amendments to the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and Off-Road Vehicles Act) would come into force on the day amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act come into force.
Schedule 5 (i.e. the amendments to the Public Lands Act) would come into force on the day the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 receives Royal Assent.
Other Information:
This proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, if passed, would complement other trail related initiatives including the development of the Pan/Parapan Am Trails, the Waterfront Trail at Ontario Place, as well as the Ontario Cycling Strategy and first action plan.
In the coming months, the Ontario Government would also be engaging trail stakeholders on plans to further implement the Ontario Trails Strategy.
Other Public Consultation Opportunities:
If the proposed Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 is passed, there are several elements that would require further consultation with stakeholders, other ministries, provincial agencies, the public and Aboriginal groups. Consultations would occur at a later date only if it were passed.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport would consult on the following elements set out within Schedule 1:
- A process for recognizing Ontario trails of distinction;
- A voluntary classification system;
- Voluntary best practices;
- The periodic review of the Ontario Trails Strategy; and
- Establishing trails-related targets.
Join Us for Trailhead Ontario June 19-21!
Early bird registration ends - June 3rd, 2016
A full and varied program for Trailhead Ontario 2016. Be sure to join us in Renfrew, but book now!!
Rooms are limited and so is the size of the conference. Trailhead Ontario 2016 Symposium Itinerary
| Monday | ||
| 8:30-9:00AM | Registration | Coffee Served |
| 9:00-9:15AM | Welcome remarks | Dignitaries |
| 9:15-10:00AM | Presentation | Renfrew County with Algonquin to Adirondack Trail |
| 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 |
| 12:15-1:30 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:00-1:30PM | Presentation | Ontario Trails Council AGM (Members Only Please) |
| 1:30-2:15PM | Presentation | Updates on the Trails Act and the Ontario Trails Strategy with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport |
| 2:15-2:45PM | Presentation | Ontario Federation of Agriculture |
| 2:45-3:00PM | Break | |
| 3:15-3:45PM | Presentation | First Nation Tourism and Trails |
| 3:45-4:15PM | Presentation | Trans Canada Trail |
| 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 | Township of Madawaska Valley Trail Developments |
| 10:00-10:30AM | Plenary Session | Principles of Trail Risk Management, with Jeff Jackson |
| 10:30-10:45AM | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45-11:30AM | Plenary Session | Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails, with Jeff Jackson |
| 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 | Integrated Trails Tourism Project |
| 3:30-4:00PM | Plenary Session | Mattawa Trail Development |
| 4:00-4:30PM | Plenary Session | Developing Horse Trails |
| 4:30PM | Wrap-up and Next Steps | Trailhead Canada 2017! |
We are going to be talking about the new Adirondack to Algonquin trail Plan with representatives from the Adirondack to Algonquin Organization - Please welcome Emily Conger from the A2A Trail Collaborative.
Work with the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization as they expend trails in the region and take advantage of trails tourism potential in Eastern Ontario!
Over the last two years Petawawa Economic Development has spearheaded the development of a community trails committee along the lines of the OTC RTC model. Join Kelly Williams from Petawawa as he discusses the development and successes of this initiative in support of trails!
Ottawa Valley Outdoor Experiences! rarely is there so much to do in an area. Ottawa Valley has it all. Trails, amenities and more - join us as we learn about their quality and quantity of trails related destinations and experiences
Over the past 6 years the Parks of the St. Lawrence have revitalized their trail system, offering more and newer kilometers of trails in support of the park's other experiences. Welcome Lou Seiler from Parks of the St. Lawrence as he talks about the development and enactment process!
Since 2012 the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport has worked to consult with communities on the Ontario trails strategy and the various new legislation in support of trails - i.e. "The Supporting Ontario trails Act." Come and hear from the government on the progress we are making together to make better communities through trails.
City of Ottawa Cycling and trails - Ottawa has a world class system of trails and cycling routes. Come and here the planning department talk about the fit of planning with trail development!
The National Capital Greenbelt in Ottawa has over 150 kilometres of trails that connect to the Trans Canada Trail, Rideau Trail and Capital Pathway network. Whether you have half an hour for a short hike or plan on spending the day, the Greenbelt has something for you.
Trans Canada Trail works with local partners – trail owner/operators – to plan and support development of trail across Ontario. With a connectivity challenge to be met for 2017 come and hear about how the TCT supports trails, communities and it's completion!
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and it's only right that you protect yourself while out on the trails. Lyme-carrying black-legged ticks can be found across Canada - but the highest concentration of infection is in Eastern Canada - which scientists believe is linked to climate change. Follow these tips to avoid Lyme disease. Come to the conference and hear about the strategies the working group is developing to help the public.
Sentiers Prescott Russell and Glengarry Trails are two trail supporting organizations in eastern Ontario. One is a County Committee the other operates as a "Friends of" model. Learn about both styles of operation and the trails they support!
Township of Madawaska Valley Trail is developing at a fast pace. A regional leader, the Township supports the trail enhancements for both the community and the tourist. Join us to hear about their trail gains.
Principles of Trail Risk Management, and Trails Risk Management - How to Say Yes to Trails, with Jeff Jackson, will provide the latent trail developer, or the trail leader with undeveloped projects or political will to get the trails done, with insight for planners and politicos alike to say yes to trails. We aren't as risky as you think!
Ottawa River-Keeper - programs and plans for development, they were thrilled when we contacted them, because they are a small group protecting a big river and they know you probably also have a river that needs support in order to maintain itself for paddlers!
Just look at the list of projects on this page Mattawa Trail Development, these folks are bringing the house down with all types of trails and new projects. Learn how they are getting it done.
First Nation Tourism and Trails, join First Nations leaders as we discuss the joint relationship on the land we share. An emerging force in tourism and trails we should figure out ways to work with all communities so we co-develop trails!
Register today!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Ontario Trails News - True Facts about Bill 100, OTC goes to House, Bill 100 good for trails, OTC MPP Letter
Ontario Trails Council - writes letters for you to use With Your MPP
The Ontario Trails Council continues to attend Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill. We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.
For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf
For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word
Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill
For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf
For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word
Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill
- The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
- Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
- We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
- A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
- We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
- the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
- The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
- The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100
Update from the House Debate March 24, 2016
MPP Clark, Leeds and Grenville acknowledged the Parts of the Act are not so bad and that the government would be well served to take it to committee so that changes could be made.
MPP Clark referred to the OFSC letter from MIke Clewer (OTC Treasurer) requesting that the Ministry improve and clarify the Bill. The MPP also went on to extoll all the great trails in Leeds and Grenville, noting the Waterfront, St. Lawrence Parks, Limerick Forest, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, Brockville, Charleston Lake PP and North Grenville.
All of these but one are OTC members. All have received funding through OTC involvement in the Canadian Trails Federation and the National Trails Coalition.
MPP Clark spoke to the funds and improvements, and praised the increased activity on local trails as "notable" due to the funding. He did not understand that the OTC had a hand in this process. I called his office, at the suggestion of Wayne Terryberry, OTC VP; to encourage his movement towards Act improvements instead of withdrawal.
MPP Clark spoke to the House, using language similar to OTC, that we are concerned about the continued loss of trails, landowners relations and getting the trails back for next season. He also expressed his hope that the government would consult in the community and called for committee action. He expressed as I have since 2003 to all governments - "that trails can make for great government community relations;" (should government choose to work with and through the OTC in trail communities - PSC)
As we move forward members must tell their MPP's of our role, their awareness of our work will make getting trails back easier with landowners. They will understand us as a friend of all, making investments in as many communities as we can.
OTC encourages you to attend upcoming Public Meetings - the only way we can get the media to focus on the positive impacts of Bill 100 reduce the negative press is if we attend these meetings and express the benefits of the Act.
Apr 9th Simcoe County Meeting - http://goo.gl/Mgprkb
Please use our handouts and press releases to enable your information kit.
Ontario Trails Council Responds to The Pembroke Observer March 13, 2016
March 23, 2016
Letter to the Editor - Pembroke Observer
The Ontario Trails Council has asked the Ontario Landowners Association to cease or retract misinformation regarding Bill 100, that they continue to circulate through public meeting and the media, as recently as you reported on March 13, 2016
We also would ask the media to cease and desist as the information they are provided is being misunderstood. We called and e-mailed the Observer and were informed the Observer has in fact reported on both sides of the issue.
While we wish to maintain a cordial relationship with the media, a search of your site shows only 4 articles all reporting the misinterpretations and confused statements that continue to scare landowners unnecessarily.
Several respected groups, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport, community organizations involving farmers to hikers, and even MPP Randy Hillier (founder of the Ontario Landowners Association) and our organization, wants the closure of trails to stop. We respect landowners and we want to preserve 50 years of friendly relations amongst us.
Bill 100 only needs some tweaks and clarifications and this can be done by the OLA, and other groups, working through or with the OTC.
The OTC is looking to get additional support for other landowner agreements, recognized in the Bill.
At Ontario Trails Council we are working with Ministry Staff, and through committee, to bring to the Bill changes that will work for trails and landowners. At OTC we are moving forward through communication with the government to secure a positive outcome for all.
Despite published clarifications on the part of the Ontario Trails Council and the government, some people and their media partners continue to do damage to trails. Please review our input and work with us to change the Act for the better.
OTC Press Release
https://www.scribd.com/doc/299473575/Hillier-pans-landowner-views-on-provincial-trails-bill#download
If you have any questions about Bill 100 please contact the Ontario Trails Council, 613-396-3226 or email us at: execdir@ontariotrails.ca
We are here to help everybody have a better understanding of trails, trail use and management practice.
Please read our paper on Bill 100 – it's available here -http://goo.gl/yzlO0X
Ontario Trails Council Educational Posters
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
Ontario Trails Council contacts Media, distributes content to members and third parties
At Ontario Trails Council we've done more on Bill 100 this week. We've been on the phone with trail groups, landowners, the media and government officials. We've worked to clarify the issue, we were contacted on the weekend before the story broke big and we think we helped reduce the loss of trail through our effort. Please support this by:
- Contact your MP and ask them to support Bill 100
- Contact your Regional Trails Committee and ask them to support Bill 100
- Send the OTC Press Release to area trail and landowners to clarify the issue
- Most importantly - understand what the landowners concerns are and listen to them. If we respond as good neighbours they will understand trail folks are good folks
- Talk to other trail users and tell them - don't trespass, respect private property - that saves trails!
- We will supply a letter you can send to your MPP - circulated
- Answer our Petition on Support of Bill 100 - next week
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