"Work has started in south Ottawa to add almost 8 km to the National Capital Greenbelt Pathway.
The three-metre wide pathway is being constructed in the Pine Grove sector of the greenbelt. The 7.7 km extension, funded through Infastructure Stimulus Fund, is being added to the already existing 23 km.
The extension will run from the corner of Russell Road and Ramsayville Road to midway between Bank Street and Albion Road, and will incorporate existing trails and forest access roads.
The pathway is designed to maintain the rustic look of a farm lane, but is meant for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and cycling."
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
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Crank the Shield ride report - Event News - BIKEmagic
"Now in its third year CTS has been hailed as eastern North America’s favourite mountain bike stage race. The distance isn’t what we have come to expect in multi-day events – between 54km and 76km a day and climbing is no more than 1200m climbing per stage. The format is a typical rally style race with different camps on different nights starting and finishing at Haliburton Forest, which is about 220km north of Toronto."
Ontario Parks Insider
"A tour around Georgian Bay is no small feat; it is one massive body of water. Its size not only creates its own weather but several distinctively Georgian Bay experiences. Here is a small taste of some great fall experiences that can be found around our “sixth Great Lake” - Georgian Bay."
Thanks to Ontario Parks Insider for publishing our logo and a link to our trails resources - OTC
Thanks to Ontario Parks Insider for publishing our logo and a link to our trails resources - OTC
Ontario Festivals|Backus Heritage Conservation Area|Backus War of 1812 Re-enactment
"Mr. Backhouse's Mill...
On Saturday, September 11th I was lucky enough to take the drive to Backus Heritage Village in Backus Heritage Conservation Area for the Backus War of 1812 Re-enactment. It was a beautiful sunny September day with over 300 re-enactors present to participate in this great annual event. Backus Heritage Village is a pioneer village in Port Rowan, with more than a dozen buildings. This village is home of the Backhouse mill; this is one of the only grist mills not burned down during the War of 1812."
On Saturday, September 11th I was lucky enough to take the drive to Backus Heritage Village in Backus Heritage Conservation Area for the Backus War of 1812 Re-enactment. It was a beautiful sunny September day with over 300 re-enactors present to participate in this great annual event. Backus Heritage Village is a pioneer village in Port Rowan, with more than a dozen buildings. This village is home of the Backhouse mill; this is one of the only grist mills not burned down during the War of 1812."
Release: Mayoral Candidates Join Cycling Advocates for Morning Commute by Bicycle | Toronto Cyclists Union
"Yvonne Bambrick, the Toronto Cyclists Union’s Director of Communications led today’s 20 person ride with the assistance of Toronto Police. The 30 minute ride, which stayed within the downtown core, allowed candidates to experience almost the full range of scenarios faced on a daily urban commute by bicycle. The ride took candidates on arterials with bike lanes, without bike lanes, on roads with construction, roads scarred by utility cuts, on minor arterials, and on side streets, though because of time constraints, candidates did not experience the less welcoming suburban cycling environment where traffic speeds are higher and few if any cycling facilities currently exist."
For a full list of riding opportunities in the GTA see:
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/
For a full list of riding opportunities in the GTA see:
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/
Rocco Rossi unveils promising bike plan
"Today's announcement on the other hand is far more promising. While it's still ambitious given Toronto's existing bike lane network, it'd be the type of infrastructure development that could drastically increase the ease and safety by which cyclists travel without sending traffic into gridlock.
The chief characteristic of the plan is that Rossi's bike lanes would all feature a curb to separate cyclists from traffic. Now this is something that cyclists have wanted for years, so when mayoral candidates who are down in the polls suggest plans of this nature it doesn't necessarily inspire much hope that they'll come to fruition. Sarah Thomson, for instance, has also announced her intention to create such bike lanes, in her case on Richmond, Adelaide, and University Avenue."
The chief characteristic of the plan is that Rossi's bike lanes would all feature a curb to separate cyclists from traffic. Now this is something that cyclists have wanted for years, so when mayoral candidates who are down in the polls suggest plans of this nature it doesn't necessarily inspire much hope that they'll come to fruition. Sarah Thomson, for instance, has also announced her intention to create such bike lanes, in her case on Richmond, Adelaide, and University Avenue."
Ontario Equestrian Federation - horse.on.ca - PageInsider.com
"Ontario Equestrian Federation
Committed to providing leadership and support to the individuals, associations and industries in Ontario's equine and equestrian community. Offering calendar of upcoming shows and competition, clubs, riding programs, news, membership, and links."
Committed to providing leadership and support to the individuals, associations and industries in Ontario's equine and equestrian community. Offering calendar of upcoming shows and competition, clubs, riding programs, news, membership, and links."
The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA | UR Kingston
"Choose one of three bicycle trips or hike. Pledge forms are available from the CRCA office, the CRCA website or the Cataraqui Trail website. If you collect $25.00 or more in pledges, you will receive a free lunch coupon and ticket for a prize draw. Lunch will be available at the Chaffeys Locks Community Hall.
For more information, call (613) 546-4228 ext. 304 and leave a message and your contact information. Or visit www.rideau-info.com/cattrail//."
For more information, call (613) 546-4228 ext. 304 and leave a message and your contact information. Or visit www.rideau-info.com/cattrail//."
Helmets for kids, thanks to lawyers - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA
"Local lawyers are helping provide sport helmets to more than 260 area children.
It's a project of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association's Helmets on Kids Campaign and was announced Tuesday at the Children's Safety Village at Belleville's police station Dundas and George Streets.
Local businesses participating include Bonn Law Office, Fleming Garett Sioui, Pretsell Cavanaugh Lawyers, and O'Flynn Weese LLP, as well as the Belleville and Trenton Rotary Clubs and JB Printing."
It's a project of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association's Helmets on Kids Campaign and was announced Tuesday at the Children's Safety Village at Belleville's police station Dundas and George Streets.
Local businesses participating include Bonn Law Office, Fleming Garett Sioui, Pretsell Cavanaugh Lawyers, and O'Flynn Weese LLP, as well as the Belleville and Trenton Rotary Clubs and JB Printing."
The Town of Oakville to Receive 2010 PRINCE OF WALES PRIZE for Municipal Heritage Leadership - Press Release - Digital Journal
"In keeping with His Royal Highness' commitment to architecture, the environment, and inner-city renewal, The Prince of Wales agreed in 1999 to lend his title to the creation of a prize to be awarded annually to the government of a municipality which has demonstrated its strong and sustained commitment to the conservation of its historic places.
The Town of Oakville has been committed to conserving its heritage resources for over six decades. It acquired and preserved its first heritage building in 1948, began a plaquing program in 1957, and incorporated heritage policies Official Plan in 1962, putting Oakville on the map as a leader in building preservation. In the 1970s, Oakville was quick to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new Ontario Heritage Act; designating and today it has designated over 120 properties and three conservation districts."
The Town of Oakville has been committed to conserving its heritage resources for over six decades. It acquired and preserved its first heritage building in 1948, began a plaquing program in 1957, and incorporated heritage policies Official Plan in 1962, putting Oakville on the map as a leader in building preservation. In the 1970s, Oakville was quick to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new Ontario Heritage Act; designating and today it has designated over 120 properties and three conservation districts."
No rush to cycle downtown | Toronto Votes 2010 | News | Toronto Sun
"The Toronto Cyclists Union encouraged mayoral candidates to get a taste of what it’s like to commute on two wheels during the morning rush.
Joe Pantalone and Rocco Rossi were the only two major mayoral candidates who made it out to Chinatown on Monday to ride with other cyclists. Pantalone, who never learned to ride a bicycle, was chauffeured around the 30-minute downtown route in a flowered rickshaw by campaign flack Mike Smith.
“I was born in Italy and, the age of 13, I was brought by my parents to Canada, and I was barely learning (the bicycle) then,” Pantalone said. “Never had a bike here and never learned. After the election and after the people of Toronto do me the honour of electing me mayor, I will learn to ride.”"
Joe Pantalone and Rocco Rossi were the only two major mayoral candidates who made it out to Chinatown on Monday to ride with other cyclists. Pantalone, who never learned to ride a bicycle, was chauffeured around the 30-minute downtown route in a flowered rickshaw by campaign flack Mike Smith.
“I was born in Italy and, the age of 13, I was brought by my parents to Canada, and I was barely learning (the bicycle) then,” Pantalone said. “Never had a bike here and never learned. After the election and after the people of Toronto do me the honour of electing me mayor, I will learn to ride.”"
Youth Canoe Building Programs….Building More Than Just A Canoe � Reflections On The Outdoors Naturally
"Out of curiousity, I did an online search of canoe building programs that are geared to youth, including inner city youth. I thought I would share some of what I found as examples of youth oriented programs:
Greenmont Farms, http://greenmontfarms.com/canoe_project.shtml
Greenmont Farms, http://greenmontfarms.com/canoe_project.shtml
The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA | UR Sudbury
"The Naughton Trails will close to cycling traffic for the season of 31 October 2010. The Walden Mountain Bike Club will also conclude it's riding activites for the season. The bridges and signs along the ski trails will be removed and put into storage for the winter. The closures are necessary to to keep bikes off of the mtb and ski trails during the wet fall weather. This will also mark the start of the preparations for the ski season by the Walden XC Ski Club.
Cyclers are asked to abide by the closures to preserve the trail systems as riding in wet weather causes damage to the trail surface."
Cyclers are asked to abide by the closures to preserve the trail systems as riding in wet weather causes damage to the trail surface."
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cycling survey results online - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
"A survey peddled to council hopefuls by Cycle Chatham-Kent shows there's plenty of support for increasing active transportation.
John Sigurjonsson, a member of the advocacy group, said so far 28 of the council nominees have responded to the survey.
'The percentage of those who checked the 'I will support' box is encouraging,' he said."
To view the survey results, visit www.cycleck.ca and click on "candidate positions."
John Sigurjonsson, a member of the advocacy group, said so far 28 of the council nominees have responded to the survey.
'The percentage of those who checked the 'I will support' box is encouraging,' he said."
To view the survey results, visit www.cycleck.ca and click on "candidate positions."
Orillia hears call for sustainability - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA
"In autumn 2008, the Trails for Life committee presented a report to city council requesting that the city make a strong push toward improving active transportation infrastructure.
As part of the city's 2010 capital budget process, city council approved funds to hire a consultant to prepare an active transportation plan. The city has now hired MMM Group, a very prestigious active transportation consultancy group, to write an active transportation plan for Orillia. The plan will be presented to council in spring 2011.
MMM Group has developed pedestrian and cycling master plans in many Ontario municipalities -- previous studies include the York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, Town of Oakville Active Transportation Master Plan, Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation Plan, and the Guelph City Wide Trail Master Plan."
At OTC we encourage master plans, and fully inclusive master plans we hope council looks at all possible uses in developing their future trails.
As part of the city's 2010 capital budget process, city council approved funds to hire a consultant to prepare an active transportation plan. The city has now hired MMM Group, a very prestigious active transportation consultancy group, to write an active transportation plan for Orillia. The plan will be presented to council in spring 2011.
MMM Group has developed pedestrian and cycling master plans in many Ontario municipalities -- previous studies include the York Region Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, Town of Oakville Active Transportation Master Plan, Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation Plan, and the Guelph City Wide Trail Master Plan."
At OTC we encourage master plans, and fully inclusive master plans we hope council looks at all possible uses in developing their future trails.
Weekly Wrap-Up: Queens Park Grand Prix and Bixi hits 600 | Biking Toronto
"It’s taken only 8 weeks for Bixi Toronto to sign up 600 people to annual memberships! They need to sign up 1000 by Nov. 30… so they’re already 60% there, however there is still concern that we won’t reach 1,000 subscribers: “Our biggest problem is that people think [Bixi] is already happening, so they don’t need [...] Related Photos"
400 to go - by Nov 1!
400 to go - by Nov 1!
Cyclists must not hog the road | Wheels.ca
Cyclists must not hog the road | Wheels.ca: "I truly feel compassion for Eleanor McMahon as no one should have to ever face such a tragic and senseless loss as she has.
In truth, the photograph of Eleanor that ran with this story is just plain scary. From a legal perspective, she is doing nothing wrong as she had full rights to the lane that she was photographed in. The reality is that she is approximately thirty inches (one metre) too far/too close to the centre of the lane."
We have been advocating for cycling and safe cycling for years and we wish Share the Road the Best. See: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/bike-smart/
In truth, the photograph of Eleanor that ran with this story is just plain scary. From a legal perspective, she is doing nothing wrong as she had full rights to the lane that she was photographed in. The reality is that she is approximately thirty inches (one metre) too far/too close to the centre of the lane."
We have been advocating for cycling and safe cycling for years and we wish Share the Road the Best. See: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/bike-smart/
Perfect time for Timmins to take a hike - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA
"A lot of time and effort is spent keeping up Timmins' trail system. Now, residents of Timmins are being encouraged to experience the trails themselves.
After a successful first go last year, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation are once again teaming up to bring Hiking Day to Timmins.
The event is part of Ontario Hiking Week, which takes place in southern Ontario later in the year. But with the North's unpredictable weather, organizers felt it was better held earlier in the fall."
For more information on hiking week see: http://www.hikeontario.com/OntarioHikingWeek.htm
For places to take a hike see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=12&icon=hiking.png
After a successful first go last year, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation are once again teaming up to bring Hiking Day to Timmins.
The event is part of Ontario Hiking Week, which takes place in southern Ontario later in the year. But with the North's unpredictable weather, organizers felt it was better held earlier in the fall."
For more information on hiking week see: http://www.hikeontario.com/OntarioHikingWeek.htm
For places to take a hike see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=12&icon=hiking.png
GuelphMercury.com - Travel - Travel: Getting high on Ontario’s fall colours
"Want a great view of the fall colours in Ontario? Try hiking to the top of Ishpatina Ridge in Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park north of Sudbury.
At 693 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point of land in the province and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding terrain, says the Ontario Parks blog.
There are numerous vantage points in Ontario suitable for viewing fall colours from on high."
At 693 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point of land in the province and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding terrain, says the Ontario Parks blog.
There are numerous vantage points in Ontario suitable for viewing fall colours from on high."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Outdoors in Ontario: Know About Ticks and Lyme Disease - Articles Inventory
"There’s an awful lot of “outdoors” in Ontario. And good weather leads to camping, hiking, picnics or even a day at the beach. Just a little bit of preparation will make sure that Lyme disease doesn’t sideline your summer outdoor adventures
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). These ticks cannot fly, but settle on tall grasses and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. Lyme disease can have many symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms in its early stages or, if left untreated, to more serious symptoms affecting the central nervous system, brain or even heart."
We encourage all persons to be aware of the environment you are going into.
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). These ticks cannot fly, but settle on tall grasses and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal passing by. Lyme disease can have many symptoms, ranging from flu-like symptoms in its early stages or, if left untreated, to more serious symptoms affecting the central nervous system, brain or even heart."
We encourage all persons to be aware of the environment you are going into.
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