"More bike paths and bike-friendly infrastructure -- and maybe even a lot more cyclists -- could be in Windsor's near future.
After being told the city they represent fits the same cycling profile as bike-mad Holland, councillors on Monday night voted unanimously to pursue Windsor's designation as Canada's first 'Bicycle Friendly Community.'
First, Windsor has to be assessed and rated according to an evaluation that has seen hundreds of communities across the United States qualify for the title."
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
Friday, October 1, 2010
The future of BWG Trails - Bradford Times - Ontario, CA
"The statistics support the importance of trails. Seven out of 10 Canadian adults ranked walking as their top physical activity. For youth under 19, trail-supported activities like walking, jogging, running and bicycling were #1.
Those statistics helped guide the new Bradford West Gwillimbury Trails System Master Plan, which was recommended for approval in principle by Council on September 21.
The Master Plan provides a guideline for the development of an interconnected trail system that will link parks, commercial areas, workplaces and residents, and appeal to a wide range of users, year-round.
Stated goals include the promotion and encouragement of healthy outdoor activity, and the enjoyment of the Town's natural, cultural and recreational features, while preserving the environment and providing opportunities for stewardship. ."
Those statistics helped guide the new Bradford West Gwillimbury Trails System Master Plan, which was recommended for approval in principle by Council on September 21.
The Master Plan provides a guideline for the development of an interconnected trail system that will link parks, commercial areas, workplaces and residents, and appeal to a wide range of users, year-round.
Stated goals include the promotion and encouragement of healthy outdoor activity, and the enjoyment of the Town's natural, cultural and recreational features, while preserving the environment and providing opportunities for stewardship. ."
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
"First, the Act currently favours the development of hard technologies, such as water efficient cooling towers and advanced water treatment technologies. It is less explicit about supporting the type of natural or ‘green’ technologies that define sustainable communities. Supporting techniques such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban forests and wetlands would not only improve the livability of our cities, it would also conserve water, reduce water pollution and ease the pressure on aging infrastructure. At the same time, it would create opportunities for a myriad of new entrepreneurial businesses and services involved in the design, manufacture and installation of these innovative techniques.
Second, in order to transform the culture of water use in Ontario, all Ontarians need to be involved and working together to improve our collective water stewardship. The province should therefore work with cities such as Hamilton to institute a comprehensive public education campaign.
Lastly, the Act needs to ensure that clear targets for water conservation are established at provincial and municipal levels and establish a transparent process to report on progress in meeting these targets to all Ontarians."
Second, in order to transform the culture of water use in Ontario, all Ontarians need to be involved and working together to improve our collective water stewardship. The province should therefore work with cities such as Hamilton to institute a comprehensive public education campaign.
Lastly, the Act needs to ensure that clear targets for water conservation are established at provincial and municipal levels and establish a transparent process to report on progress in meeting these targets to all Ontarians."
durhamregion.com | Ajax considers canoe and kayak rentals at Rotary Park
"The already popular Rotary Park may soon offer even more recreation options with the addition of canoe and kayak rentals.
Currently there is a boat launch at Rotary Park which members of the public use to access Duffin's Bay and Lake Ontario for canoeing and kayaking. Ajax also holds canoeing camps there for children.
In January, council asked staff to come up with a feasibility report on allowing canoe and kayak rentals at the site.
'We thought it might be a good location for a vendor to set up a canoe and kayak rental,' said Howie Dayton, Ajax's director of recreation and culture."
Making recreation more accessible is a sensible first step in improving health. OTC
Currently there is a boat launch at Rotary Park which members of the public use to access Duffin's Bay and Lake Ontario for canoeing and kayaking. Ajax also holds canoeing camps there for children.
In January, council asked staff to come up with a feasibility report on allowing canoe and kayak rentals at the site.
'We thought it might be a good location for a vendor to set up a canoe and kayak rental,' said Howie Dayton, Ajax's director of recreation and culture."
Making recreation more accessible is a sensible first step in improving health. OTC
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mother Nature provides ideal weather for hikers - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA
"With winter inching ever more near, Mother Nature gave Timmins residents a break with a sunny day to walk the city's trails.
Dozens of people came out with their children and dogs to walk some of the 45 kilometres of trails maintained by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) Sunday morning.
Hiking Day, put on in partnership with the MRCA and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation, is designed not only to promote the trails, but ensure people feel comfortable walking them."
Dozens of people came out with their children and dogs to walk some of the 45 kilometres of trails maintained by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) Sunday morning.
Hiking Day, put on in partnership with the MRCA and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation, is designed not only to promote the trails, but ensure people feel comfortable walking them."
A Paddler’s Guide to Ontario’s Lost Canoe Routes
"Take the path less traveled along lesser-known waterways. Some of the routes featured in this book are little known; some haven't been documented for as long as 50 years. The 15 trips range from two to eight days, involve all types of water, and are suitable for canoeists of all skill levels.
Trips include: - Wabakimi Provincial Park - Steel River Loop - Chapleau and Nemegosenda Rivers - Wakami Lake Loop - Ranger Lake Loop - Dunlop Lake Loop - Lac aux Sables/Bark Lake Loop - Nabakwasi River Loop - Four M Circle Loop - Tatachikapika River - Chiniguchi River - Temagami's Canton Lakes - Marten River Provincial Park - South River - York River"
Trips include: - Wabakimi Provincial Park - Steel River Loop - Chapleau and Nemegosenda Rivers - Wakami Lake Loop - Ranger Lake Loop - Dunlop Lake Loop - Lac aux Sables/Bark Lake Loop - Nabakwasi River Loop - Four M Circle Loop - Tatachikapika River - Chiniguchi River - Temagami's Canton Lakes - Marten River Provincial Park - South River - York River"
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
On-line Cycling Petition goes live today.
Later today the OTC will be posting an on-line link to Norm Miller MPP petition advocating the province to support on-road cycling lanes. In the meantime the OTC has posted the notice in the following places. Please support on-road cycling lanes.
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/about-the-otc/trail-services/trail-surveys/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=802539420
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5992864599&ref=search
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ontario-Trails/60275102757?ref=search
http://twitter.com/#!/ontrails
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?id=22501984
http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/about-the-otc/trail-services/trail-surveys/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=802539420
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5992864599&ref=search
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ontario-Trails/60275102757?ref=search
http://twitter.com/#!/ontrails
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?id=22501984
The outdoors is still calling | Life | London Free Press
"“Fall is a fantastic time to go for a cycling getaway. The air is a little cooler, allowing cyclists to stay comfortable and explore further afield on their bicycles. Furthermore, the train ride is an experience in itself,” says manager Peter Lipscombe. Check out Biketrain.ca and Viarail.ca."
For a full list of trails for cyclists, near the train or in your backyard see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/
For a full list of trails for cyclists, near the train or in your backyard see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/
Bruce Trail Day | Bruce Trail
"Bruce Trail Day is an annual event celebrating Canada's oldest and longest footpath, hosted by the Bruce Trail Conservancy and each of its nine Bruce Trail Clubs.
Bruce Trail Day 2010 is also a celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity.
Together with our sponsor, Ontario Power Generation, each Club of the Bruce Trail Conservancy is hosting free guided hikes and family activities to help you explore the Bruce Trail and discover the amazing variety of life along the Niagara Escarpment."
For a full list of the 1,000's of hiking trails in Ontario, on protected lands, public lands and conservation areas see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/
Bruce Trail Day 2010 is also a celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity.
Together with our sponsor, Ontario Power Generation, each Club of the Bruce Trail Conservancy is hosting free guided hikes and family activities to help you explore the Bruce Trail and discover the amazing variety of life along the Niagara Escarpment."
For a full list of the 1,000's of hiking trails in Ontario, on protected lands, public lands and conservation areas see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/
Group proposes trail system - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA
"A runner and cyclist who also enjoys cross-country skiing is calling on interested Stratford citizens to rally and raise funds that will provide an impetus for city council to move forward on a multi-use trail system.
Darcy Trefiak wants like-minded supporters to join in a Nov. 13 'march' for a multi-use trail system starting from the track at Stratford Central secondary school at 1 p.m."
Darcy Trefiak wants like-minded supporters to join in a Nov. 13 'march' for a multi-use trail system starting from the track at Stratford Central secondary school at 1 p.m."
Mississauga.ca - City Hall - News Releases
"The City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), officially opened the Etobicoke Creek Trail September 24, 2010.
“The City’s Cycling Master Plan identified that residents want more trails and we are proud to be able to deliver with the opening of the Etobicoke Creek Trail,” said Mayor Hazel McCallion. “This trail will provide links to neighbouring cities and benefit the community around it.”"
“The City’s Cycling Master Plan identified that residents want more trails and we are proud to be able to deliver with the opening of the Etobicoke Creek Trail,” said Mayor Hazel McCallion. “This trail will provide links to neighbouring cities and benefit the community around it.”"
Canadian Running CANADIAN TRAILS: On its Own Merritt
"It may not offer much in the way of mountain views, but the Merritt Trail has something else going for it - history.
Though much of it is wedged between a four-lane highway and what appears to be an irrigation ditch, the Merritt Trail is actually an 11K-long museum. Located in the heart of post-industrial St. Catharines, the stone dust trail follows the route of the first and second Welland Canals - the 19th -century waterways that bypassed Niagara Falls and carried schooners and early steamboats up the 100-metre-high Niagara Escarpment."
For a full list of Ontario Running trails see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/running/
Though much of it is wedged between a four-lane highway and what appears to be an irrigation ditch, the Merritt Trail is actually an 11K-long museum. Located in the heart of post-industrial St. Catharines, the stone dust trail follows the route of the first and second Welland Canals - the 19th -century waterways that bypassed Niagara Falls and carried schooners and early steamboats up the 100-metre-high Niagara Escarpment."
For a full list of Ontario Running trails see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/running/
Local Police Briefs - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA
"ATV RIDERS FOUND
Greater Sudbury Police found three cold but healthy ATV riders who were lost in a wooded area in Hanmer early Monday morning.
Greater Sudbury Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a call from the two men and one women about 2:30 a.m. The group were driving ATVs at about 10:30 p.m. in the wooded area between Bodson Drive and Radar Road when they got stuck. They were unable to move the ATVs and called police on a cellphone."
ATV Smart - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/hike-smart/
Greater Sudbury Police found three cold but healthy ATV riders who were lost in a wooded area in Hanmer early Monday morning.
Greater Sudbury Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a call from the two men and one women about 2:30 a.m. The group were driving ATVs at about 10:30 p.m. in the wooded area between Bodson Drive and Radar Road when they got stuck. They were unable to move the ATVs and called police on a cellphone."
ATV Smart - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/hike-smart/
Local Police Briefs - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA
"HIKERS LOST AND FOUND
Two local hikers who went missing on the A.Y. Jackson Lookout trails were found in good health by Greater Sudbury Police on Sunday evening.
The men were hiking on the trail, beside Highway 144 between George Street, Onaping Falls and New Cobden Road. In the early evening, after leaving the trail system a short distance, they became lost and could not find any trail markers. The men called police by cellphone."
Hike Smart - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/hike-smart/
Two local hikers who went missing on the A.Y. Jackson Lookout trails were found in good health by Greater Sudbury Police on Sunday evening.
The men were hiking on the trail, beside Highway 144 between George Street, Onaping Falls and New Cobden Road. In the early evening, after leaving the trail system a short distance, they became lost and could not find any trail markers. The men called police by cellphone."
Hike Smart - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/hike-smart/
Bikers, runners to hit the trails - Kenora Daily Miner and News - Ontario, CA
"Trail bikers and runners will swarm Mount Evergreen Wednesday, Sept. 29, for St. Thomas Aquinas' fourth annual cross-country event.
The run is still accepting participants and is open to students between Grade 7 and 12 in Northwestern Ontario. It kicks off at noon with the Grade 7/8 girls and boys 2.4-kilometre run.
The junior high school girls will follow with a 3.6-kilometre run, followed by a junior boys five-kilometre trek.
The senior girls and boys will run about seven kilometres each, setting the stage for the seven-kilometre mountain bike race, divided into Grades 7/8 and high school divisions."
The run is still accepting participants and is open to students between Grade 7 and 12 in Northwestern Ontario. It kicks off at noon with the Grade 7/8 girls and boys 2.4-kilometre run.
The junior high school girls will follow with a 3.6-kilometre run, followed by a junior boys five-kilometre trek.
The senior girls and boys will run about seven kilometres each, setting the stage for the seven-kilometre mountain bike race, divided into Grades 7/8 and high school divisions."
Hiking Day highlights excellent trail system inTimmins - Timmins Times - Ontario, CA
"Sunday was Hiking Day in Timmins and according to organizers it was a perfect day to show off the quality of the trails network in the city.
A few dozen hardy citizens arrived at the Hersey Lake Conservation Area Sunday to take part in guided hikes, to learn about Timmins-Porcupine Search and Rescue and to get updated on the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise program"
A few dozen hardy citizens arrived at the Hersey Lake Conservation Area Sunday to take part in guided hikes, to learn about Timmins-Porcupine Search and Rescue and to get updated on the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise program"
CBC News - Ottawa - Greenbelt extension construction underway
"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 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."
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."
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