Northwatch is hosting a Walkable Communities Forum in North Bay to hear from a leading expert about the multiple health, environmental, transportation, economic, and social benefits to our residents and our community when we improve our public space and active transportation facilities.
The featured speaker will be Gil Penalosa, Executive Director of 8 – 80 Cities (http://www.8-80cities.org). Gil is passionate about improving quality of life for all by encouraging access to great public space. His presentations are in demand around the globe.
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. Be sure to follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OntarioTrails Donations and Memberships always appreciated! https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/content/support/join-ontario-trails-council
Thursday, April 15, 2010
TVO.ORG | Greenbelt Adventure - Canopy Walk
"Episode Canopy Walk
Girls go on a tree canopy hike in Ontario's Greenbelt.
Saturday, April 17 at 11:27 AM
Girls go on a tree canopy hike in Ontario's Greenbelt.
Saturday, April 17 at 11:27 AM
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
"Wow. Stunned. Ecstatic.
Those were among the words used by astonished community leaders when Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin announced the province had issued an unprecedented order halting St. Marys Cement’s attempt to open a massive limestone quarry northeast of Carlisle.
McMeekin said the province was responding to widespread concern about potential harm to groundwater supplying wells, wetlands and streams. The order declares the 150-hectare site on the 11th Concession at Milburough Line must remain zoned “rural and conservation management” in perpetuity.
It’s a big win for Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment, a private citizens group that argued the plan posed an unacceptable threat to environmentally sensitive land and the water beneath it.
It’s an equally stunning setback for St. Marys, Canadian subsidiary of the Brazilian giant Votorantim Cimentos, and for Ontario’s politically powerful stone, sand and gravel industry, which strives to keep land available for aggregate extraction.
St. Marys says, since it bought the property from Lowndes Holdings in 2006, it has spent $20 million on efforts to rezone it and obtain a quarry licence.
A small crowd, most of whom assembled without knowing what was coming, burst into applause as the MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale delivered the news at a lectern in the bright sunshine outside his Waterdown riding office yesterday."
Those were among the words used by astonished community leaders when Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin announced the province had issued an unprecedented order halting St. Marys Cement’s attempt to open a massive limestone quarry northeast of Carlisle.
McMeekin said the province was responding to widespread concern about potential harm to groundwater supplying wells, wetlands and streams. The order declares the 150-hectare site on the 11th Concession at Milburough Line must remain zoned “rural and conservation management” in perpetuity.
It’s a big win for Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment, a private citizens group that argued the plan posed an unacceptable threat to environmentally sensitive land and the water beneath it.
It’s an equally stunning setback for St. Marys, Canadian subsidiary of the Brazilian giant Votorantim Cimentos, and for Ontario’s politically powerful stone, sand and gravel industry, which strives to keep land available for aggregate extraction.
St. Marys says, since it bought the property from Lowndes Holdings in 2006, it has spent $20 million on efforts to rezone it and obtain a quarry licence.
A small crowd, most of whom assembled without knowing what was coming, burst into applause as the MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale delivered the news at a lectern in the bright sunshine outside his Waterdown riding office yesterday."
Enjoy what nature has to offer - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA
"From Greenpeace's campaign to save the whales, to our current fears about climate change, environmental concerns have been part of life for a very long time. It's so important to do everything possible to preserve this beautiful ecosystem, but it is equally important to get out and enjoy it.
There are many things to do in and around the City of Greater Sudbury, and really all of Northern Ontario, to celebrate the beautiful scenery and summer weather this area is blessed with. Better yet, in times of strikes and recession, most of these activities are free of charge, or at least affordable.
Stretching from the coast to coast, the Trans-Canada Trail is a 16,500-kilometre multi-use trail for walking, hiking, bicycling, snowmobiling and a variety of other uses. With many trails already in place, the completed trail will stretch 133 kilometres."
There are many things to do in and around the City of Greater Sudbury, and really all of Northern Ontario, to celebrate the beautiful scenery and summer weather this area is blessed with. Better yet, in times of strikes and recession, most of these activities are free of charge, or at least affordable.
Stretching from the coast to coast, the Trans-Canada Trail is a 16,500-kilometre multi-use trail for walking, hiking, bicycling, snowmobiling and a variety of other uses. With many trails already in place, the completed trail will stretch 133 kilometres."
Event Planning | Bruce Trail
"Please review the BTC Guidelines for Event Planners on the Bruce Trail (.pdf, 267.3 KB) for tips, advice and requirements."
Bike lanes deserve better than to be exploited as a cynical election issue - The Globe and Mail
"In an odd twist, bike lanes are becoming one of the hottest issues in the Toronto election campaign.
When a proposal to put a lane down University Avenue surfaced this week, Councillor Rob Ford predicted a “traffic nightmare.” Former deputy premier George Smitherman called for a time out on bike lanes. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti said that if (saints preserve us) he became mayor, removing new bike lanes would be the first thing he would do. Only left-leaning Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone seems favourably disposed. But the topper came from Rocco Rossi, the former Liberal organizer, who called it “sheer madness” to take two lanes of University away from cars."
When a proposal to put a lane down University Avenue surfaced this week, Councillor Rob Ford predicted a “traffic nightmare.” Former deputy premier George Smitherman called for a time out on bike lanes. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti said that if (saints preserve us) he became mayor, removing new bike lanes would be the first thing he would do. Only left-leaning Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone seems favourably disposed. But the topper came from Rocco Rossi, the former Liberal organizer, who called it “sheer madness” to take two lanes of University away from cars."
YourOttawaRegion Article: RHRTA announces new 2010 initiatives at AGM
"The Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association (RHRTA) was incorporated in 2005 with a mandate to promote tourism along the 202 kilometre Rideau corridor from Kingston to Ottawa. �
Thirteen communities along the route (counties, municipalities, towns, villages and townships) comprise the RHRTA, and representatives from most of these communities attended its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Comfort Inn in Smiths Falls on April 8.
Anne Marie Forcier, executive director of the RHRTA, presented her report on 2009 activities and new initiatives for 2010 and beyond.
The new 2010 initiatives include signage upgrades, travel information kiosks, welcome cyclist workshops, and a multi-day paddling itinerary funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, the highest download from the RHRTA website."
Thirteen communities along the route (counties, municipalities, towns, villages and townships) comprise the RHRTA, and representatives from most of these communities attended its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Comfort Inn in Smiths Falls on April 8.
Anne Marie Forcier, executive director of the RHRTA, presented her report on 2009 activities and new initiatives for 2010 and beyond.
The new 2010 initiatives include signage upgrades, travel information kiosks, welcome cyclist workshops, and a multi-day paddling itinerary funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, the highest download from the RHRTA website."
Riding therapy group faces daunting fundraising challenge
"The future of the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association depends on it raising $700,000 in less than a year -- more than 10 times the non-profit group's normal annual fundraising goal.
But Sue Klotzer, the association's director, says she's confident they can do it.
'It's a huge challenge for a small organization, but we're pretty determined to get there. We need this new facility.'
Since 1963, WETRA has helped physically, emotionally and mentally challenged persons by allowing them to ride and interact with specially trained horses in a controlled environment."
But Sue Klotzer, the association's director, says she's confident they can do it.
'It's a huge challenge for a small organization, but we're pretty determined to get there. We need this new facility.'
Since 1963, WETRA has helped physically, emotionally and mentally challenged persons by allowing them to ride and interact with specially trained horses in a controlled environment."
� 50 Volunteers out at Hilton Falls Trail Work Day IMBA Canada Ontario Rep Blog: All things IMBA Canada, ON
"Here’s a challenge for you, can you get 50 volunteers out at your local trailhead for a trail work day? With help from GORBA, the Campbellford Crew, and the Mambo Kings, Halton Conservation did just that. A ton of work was done including rebuilding a washed out bridge. IMBA Canada sent the Tool Trailer, and Mark Schmidt (our former ED) lend a hand as well. Good on ‘ya folks."
Second Harvest - Dunnville Chronicle - Ontario, CA
For those of us that enjoy hiking, biking or walking through the wilderness being immersed in vegetation is commonplace. Little did we know that many of the plants we see every day are edible and even delicious?
Over the next month and a half wild garlic and onion as well as spring mushrooms and fiddleheads will be jumping out of the fresh soil just waiting for a chance to delight your taste buds. Be sure to refer to official guides when picking and eating but also be sure to enjoy. There is a whole world of flavours out there and guess what? Its good for the environment.
Over the next month and a half wild garlic and onion as well as spring mushrooms and fiddleheads will be jumping out of the fresh soil just waiting for a chance to delight your taste buds. Be sure to refer to official guides when picking and eating but also be sure to enjoy. There is a whole world of flavours out there and guess what? Its good for the environment.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hiking club hits the trail for season opener - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA
Hiking club hits the trail for season opener - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA: "A small army of men and women gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon here for the first of nine hikes offered this season by the Avon Trail Hiking Club.
'We have had a tremendous response,' said Shirley Gotts, who led the hikers on a nine-kilometre journey.
The club enters its 35th season and about 60 people showed up near the quarry in St. Marys eager to see the sights.
The hike was expected to take about three hours and take participants along the Thames River, near McCully's Hill Farm and into the bush at Wildwood Conservation Area.
The hiking club brings out all walks of life, Ms. Gotts said, though its 80 members are mostly middle-aged and up.
'Because that is when we realize we need to start (exercising),' Ms. Gotts said with a laugh."
'We have had a tremendous response,' said Shirley Gotts, who led the hikers on a nine-kilometre journey.
The club enters its 35th season and about 60 people showed up near the quarry in St. Marys eager to see the sights.
The hike was expected to take about three hours and take participants along the Thames River, near McCully's Hill Farm and into the bush at Wildwood Conservation Area.
The hiking club brings out all walks of life, Ms. Gotts said, though its 80 members are mostly middle-aged and up.
'Because that is when we realize we need to start (exercising),' Ms. Gotts said with a laugh."
2 for 2 in Ontario’s first road races of 2010.�|�JetFuel Cycling Team
2 for 2 in Ontario’s first road races of 2010.�|�JetFuel Cycling Team: "Following up our win from the Good Friday Road Race last week, the team�rode strongly for�another victory on Sunday�at Tour of Bronte.�"
Protecting our water - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA
Protecting our water - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA: "Local residents need to be cognizant of potential threats to the region's water source.
In its push to hammer home that message, Quinte Conservation is running a specialized water protection program to weed out threats in close proximity to municipal wells. Keith Taylor, project manager for the source water protection program, said the initiative was launched in a bid to avert a catastrophe such as the Walkerton water crisis."
In its push to hammer home that message, Quinte Conservation is running a specialized water protection program to weed out threats in close proximity to municipal wells. Keith Taylor, project manager for the source water protection program, said the initiative was launched in a bid to avert a catastrophe such as the Walkerton water crisis."
Bikeroo in TO � Blog Archive � Toronto’s Best Bike Lane
Bikeroo in TO � Blog Archive � Toronto’s Best Bike Lane: "Over some drinks at the Pilot last week a challenge was issued at the table of Biking Toronto Bloggers (Bloggees? Blogsters? Bloggites? Bloggonauts?): find the best bike lane in Toronto (Sure the answer can be pretty subjective but I think that’s sort of the point). I’ll be writing about my nomination: the St. George St/Beverley St bike lane. This bike lane, marked as route 35 in Toronto’s bike lane network, is the best bike lane for cyclists downtown and here’s why."
Horse Training Videos - Horseback Riding � Blog Archive � Horse Training Tips: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
Horse Training Videos - Horseback Riding � Blog Archive � Horse Training Tips: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: "ete’s last line: “I learn something new each day!”
ties in with today’s tip.
You can read more about The Horse Library here:
http://www.horsetrainingresources.com/TheHorseLibrary.html"
ties in with today’s tip.
You can read more about The Horse Library here:
http://www.horsetrainingresources.com/TheHorseLibrary.html"
Opinion: Snakes and turtles make us nervous in Toronto (Includes first-hand account)
Opinion: Snakes and turtles make us nervous in Toronto (Includes first-hand account): "On this walk, I went from Cherry Beach and Clarke Beach Park along the Martin Goodman Trail to Tommy Thompson Park and back. Cherry Beach is an interesting spot since three major park areas can be seen from here: Cherry Beach/Clarke Beach Park itself, Tommy Thompson Park and Ward's Island of the Toronto Islands.
Cherry Beach and the Martin Goodman Trail are located along the shores of Lake Ontario. Although this has not quite been realised yet, the goal is to make the entire shoreline of Lake Ontario accessible to the general public. Even now, it is already possible to walk/bike for several dozen kilometres along the shoreline on dedicated trails."
Cherry Beach and the Martin Goodman Trail are located along the shores of Lake Ontario. Although this has not quite been realised yet, the goal is to make the entire shoreline of Lake Ontario accessible to the general public. Even now, it is already possible to walk/bike for several dozen kilometres along the shoreline on dedicated trails."
Monday, April 12, 2010
More speakers added to an exciting line-up of presenters
OTC Confirms - Doug Cota of Cycle Ontario, Oxfam Trailwalkers, Canadian Cancer Society "Run for the Cure"; Don Ross from National Geographic's Award Winning Frontenac Arch Biosphere as speakers to Trailhead Ontario - more to follow!
Taking A Journey Through Life.....One Paddle Stroke At A Time - ontrails@gmail.com
In the case of canoeists/adventurers/writers/photographers/lecturers (and married couple) Joanie and Gary McGuffin, that journey has taken them quite far indeed. Their website is http://www.garyandjoaniemcguffin.com/.
Who are the McGuffins? Let their own words from their website describe who they are, http://www.garyandjoaniemcguffin.com/mcguffins/about/?cur=CAD:
For us dreams for journeys have begun in many places. We have found them tucked between the pages of good books, lying within the brushstrokes on an artist's canvas, in the stories our parents and grandparents told, or while pondering the origins of spearpoints and ancient pottery shards found on age old campsites. Dreams come to us at night when we are sleeping. But it is the work by day where we begin turning our dreams into reality.
Dreams are also the creation of projects related to the protection, preservation and restoration of wilderness. We are particularly involved in organizations devoted to the Lake Superior watershed: the Lake Superior Conservancy and Watershed Council, the Lake Superior Land Trust Partnership, and The Lake Superior Alliance and Lake Superior Waterkeeper.
Who are the McGuffins? Let their own words from their website describe who they are, http://www.garyandjoaniemcguffin.com/mcguffins/about/?cur=CAD:
For us dreams for journeys have begun in many places. We have found them tucked between the pages of good books, lying within the brushstrokes on an artist's canvas, in the stories our parents and grandparents told, or while pondering the origins of spearpoints and ancient pottery shards found on age old campsites. Dreams come to us at night when we are sleeping. But it is the work by day where we begin turning our dreams into reality.
Dreams are also the creation of projects related to the protection, preservation and restoration of wilderness. We are particularly involved in organizations devoted to the Lake Superior watershed: the Lake Superior Conservancy and Watershed Council, the Lake Superior Land Trust Partnership, and The Lake Superior Alliance and Lake Superior Waterkeeper.
Check out the Great Videos of things to Do in Georgian Bay
Of course for all trails you'll want to check out the OTC Video page: http://www.youtube.com/ontrails
Pelee Island, Canada - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Pelee Island, Canada - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "A big-city person is bred to have, shall we say, certain concerns. So when I asked a resident whether I needed to lock my bicycle -- because touring 10,000 rural acres in the middle of Lake Erie by car sort of misses the point -- her giggle gave me a start.
'Oh, dear, no,' she said. 'I've lived here my whole life, and I've never taken my keys out of my car.'
'So no one will steal it?'
'If they do, this is an island -- there's nowhere to go,' she said. 'You could just go to the ferry and wait for it.'
Good point.
When it turned out my bike had brake issues, I asked another local about renting a replacement. He said the only rental shop was way at the other end of the island -- a whole three miles -- and told me to just take his. So not only will they not steal your bike on Pelee Island, they'll give you theirs!"
'Oh, dear, no,' she said. 'I've lived here my whole life, and I've never taken my keys out of my car.'
'So no one will steal it?'
'If they do, this is an island -- there's nowhere to go,' she said. 'You could just go to the ferry and wait for it.'
Good point.
When it turned out my bike had brake issues, I asked another local about renting a replacement. He said the only rental shop was way at the other end of the island -- a whole three miles -- and told me to just take his. So not only will they not steal your bike on Pelee Island, they'll give you theirs!"
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