Ontario Trails Council

Friday, April 9, 2010

Region of Waterloo writes letter on cycling

Since the Province of Ontario made changes in 2007 to the Retail Sales Tax Act that exempted
bicycles under $1000 from the Provincial Sales Tax, the Province and its Municipalities have gained momentum in promoting cycling as an active transportation choice. The Provincial Sales Tax (PST)exemption is slated to end on December 31, 2010, and it is unknown how the exemption will be
handled under the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Given the success of the program to date
and the importance of encouraging cycling activity, the Regional Cycling Advisory Committee is
recommending that Regional Council encourage the Province to continue the retail sales tax
exemption for cycle purchases under the new HST and past the current program’s end date.
Regional staff support this recommendation and have added a recommendation that, should the
exemption not be extended, the Province uses all revenues from the Harmonized Sales Tax on the
sale of cycles to fund cycling infrastructure projects.

Club members want a bike hike - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"The Cornwall Cycle Club has shifted into a higher gear to promote the sport locally.

While membership has grown recently to about 60, past-president Marc Dubuc sees no reason why the club shouldn't go beyond 100 or 200 members.

'The proof of that is the Cornwall Multisport Club which has around 300, and part of that (membership) is from cyclists,' Dubuc said.

While he has no definite statistics on the number of casual cyclists locally, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say there are thousands who could be potential members."

Canadian Canoe Museum Appoints Ambassador‏ � Reflections On The Outdoors Naturally

"The Board of Directors of The Canadian Canoe Museum is delighted to announce that veteran broadcaster Shelagh Rogers has agreed to become the museum’s Ambassador at Large. This position, designed to capitalize on Rogers’ interest in the canoe, which became known during the CBC Seven Wonders of Canada Project, was created to help make the museum and its collection better known to Canadians. The voluntary position will involve promoting museum programs and initiatives across Canada as well as participating in special events at the museum in Peterborough."

Land settlement finalized for Mississauga First Nation (UPDATED) - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA

"After a delay of 16 years, the federal government has finalized a land claim settlement that sees Mississauga First Nation territory grow five-fold.

As of March 25, 40,000 acres of Crown land north of the first nation just east of Blind River have been transferred to the band and converted to reserve status, in a process known as 'addition to reserve.' The transfer, signed off by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, is outlined in the Mississauga Northern Boundary Specific Claim Settlement Agreement dated July 14, 1994.

Mississauga is holding an open house April 21 to release details of land use and forest management plans, said director of operations James Cada."

Forest sustainability topic of upcoming lecture for RVFN - Lifestyle - By Judy Buehler Kemptville Local Community News

"Ontario's forested land comprises 66 per cent of the province or about 70.4 million hectares - almost 174 million acres, equal to the land masses of Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands combined. We have about 85 billion trees.

On Sunday, April 11, Martin Streit of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will present a lecture to the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists on the principles of forest management and the help available to landowners.

FORESTS ARE A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Our forests are a renewable resource - they provide wood for heating and construction, habitat for plants and wildlife, and they help regulate water supplies.

Whether you're thinking of cutting trees for firewood, trail building, or are considering a commercial tree harvest, landowners should be planning their activities to sustain the forest for future generations. Martin will introduce the principles of forest management and will identify some of the information and resources available to help landowners manage their forests."

First Kayak Trip of 2010 Along North Shore of Lake Superior [Trip Report] - PaddlingInstructor.com - Canoe and Kayak News, Paddling News, Free Kayak and Canoe Teaching Resources

"I just got this trip report from my friend Conor Mihell, budding writer and photographer. He lives up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and just finished an awesome kayak trip along the north shore of Lake Superior. I’m pretty sure it’s the first full trip along the north shore for 2010."

Tree losses alarming - Brockville Recorder and Times - Ontario, CA

"Hunter told the mayors and reeves who make up the committee that forests are important to the region's ecosystem, economy and lifestyle.

'We need forest cover to promote genetic diversity,' he explained. 'We need . . . to reverse the trend.'

Forests absorb greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, filter out toxins from rainwater before it falls in local rivers and lakes, and moderate temperatures, he said.

Eastern Ontario has more than 7,000 forest-related jobs, making it an important part of the regional economy, a fact sometimes lost on provincial leaders.

'The Ministry of Natural Resources is pouring a lot of money into northern Ontario but none into southern Ontario. We need to remind them that there is a forest industry here,' Hunter said.

Forests are also popular places for recreational activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and geocaching, he noted"

Hundreds gearing up to Cycle for Sight

The second Cycle for Sight, a bike ride to raise money for vision research, kicks off in Toronto June 19.

Cycle for Sight co-founder Erin George and spouse Andrew Hodge with their tandem bike. (Courtesy: Erin George)
The event will cover 140 km and will raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), a research charity working to help those affected by genetic forms of blindness.
One third of the participants are vision impaired and will ride the event on tandem bikes. These two-rider bikes can be a challenge, event co-founder Erin George told TheDailyPlanet.com.
“When you’re cycling, you really do things instinctively and out of habit and you just do it, you don’t have to communicate it and articulate it the way you do on a tandem bike. It’s just learning to vocalize your actions before you take them and that’s a bit of a challenge,” she said.

Trails alliance looks for funding help on bridge project - Community Press - Ontario, CA

Council will consider contributing to the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) Deer Creek Bridge construction project through in-kind donations of equipment and supplies.

EOTA manager Cindy Cassidy was joined by Andy Vanecko and Duane Foley of the Centre Hastings Snowmobile Club as she presented background information on the organization and about the project to council.

Cassidy said the trail system is growing and users are contributing to the local economy by buying gas and food, and staying in motels. The 13-year old organization supports tourism and economic development in Eastern Ontario through the multi-use trail system and has contributed to local job creation through its projects.

The EOTA received $126,000 in Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) funding for the $190,000 bridge project which is also being supported by other groups, including Hastings County, the snowmobile club and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Trail Running - like snow shoeing over the past 5 years fastest growing trail use demographic

Trail running is the fastest growing segment of running and Canadians are flocking to off-road races across the country. More and more events are popping up thanks to this increased popularity. The Salomon 5 Peaks Trail Running Series has been one of the leaders in the growth of trail running. They offer a National Trail Running Series with 27 races in 2010 and events scheduled in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Many other regional trail races and series are being organized and have also shown incredible growth.

Trailhead Ontario to discuss Land Managment Practices

An American logger received a standing ovation at a local farm conference Thursday for saying rural communities need to proclaim they’re good stewards of the land to rebuff vocal business-hating environmental activists claiming otherwise.

“Society doesn’t dislike us: they don’t know us,” keynote speaker Bruce Vincent told a packed audience at the Ontario Farm Animal Council and AGCare annual meeting.

But while activists have held sway with the public for years with a message of unrelenting environmental degradation, there’s a rising generation of youth who are turning away from doomsday scenarios and don’t hate free enterprise, Vincent said.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

OTC V.P. Chris Laforest on air

OTC V.P. Chris Laforest speaking on Ontario Morning radio show, 0615 Friday April 9, 2010 http://bit.ly/aUTLr6

Trails strike balance with every community

OTC President Jack De Wit participates in Algonquin Land Claim Round table discussions, Pembroke Ontario.

Workshop on Regional Tourism Potential - Learn more in June @Trailhead Ontario

The Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Coalition, with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is pleased to present the second of five Tourism Industry Workshops.

This 2 day workshop titled Maximizing Tourism Potential Through Adventure Programs is geared for current and future business owners, managers and staff.

Day 1 is geared for current and future business owners looking to offer outdoor adventure programs, topics discussed will include:
· Creating safe fun outdoor programs
· Risk Management and Liability in your outdoor business
· Program Development and Marketing
· Mapping, GPS and Safety Communication
· Program Delivery
· Ecological Sustainability

Day 2 will concentrate on partnerships.
Linking those that offer outdoor programs with accommodation owners, to create and market unique overnight adventure programs.

Whether you are thinking of starting your own small guiding business or want to add some exciting new programs to your existing accommodation or outdoor business, attending one or both days will be well worth your time.

At $15 a day including lunch and snacks,how can you go wrong?
Please register before Friday April 16th, space is limited.
For more details on the workshop, please go to www.visitmattawa.travel.

To register, please contact:
Mike Stiell - Mattawa Voyageur Country - Tourism Development Coordinator
at 705-744-5677
or by email at mike@mattawavoyageurcountry.ca

Carolinian Coalition Talks About Conservation AND Trails!

A Coastal Stewardship Trail as a Biodiversity Tool
Workshop, May 28th, 2010
The nearshore areas of coastal zones feature abundant biodiversity, form routes for mass migrations, and are home to diverse communities. It’s no wonder that coastal trails are found around the world, following the shorelines and beautiful scenery of oceans, lakes, and rivers and highlighting biodiverse communities.

Through a Lake Erie Coastal Trail, we can steward the biodiversity of north shore of Lake Erie, to ensure that these areas maintain their exceptional character. Join this important discussion during Forum 2010. Join the CC Coastal Network now! Email coast@carolinian.org.

Trail Tales - Discovery Routes North Bay

With Earth Day around the corner, environmental protection and appreciation are a regular theme in the programming of many of our trail partners. Several volunteer groups and organizations are hosting events to clean up the trails after the winter thaw, and to bring attention to the importance of respecting our natural environment. Spring is a time of rejuvenation, so why not refresh yourself by spending some time outside and lending a hand. Check out the Upcoming Events section of the newsletter to see what clean-up and Earth Day activities are happening around you.

Click the link to check out the entire newsletter.

Grand River News!

This issue is packed with information and stories related to the Grand River watershed and the work that is being carried out here by the GRCA and its many partners. It also features information about the work of a Guelph bird bander, an 1878 tragedy on the Grand River in Galt, the dramatic increase in tree planting and the update to the Grand River basin study.