Wednesday, October 6, 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."

Elementary school runners hit the trails - Woodstock Sentinel Review - Ontario, CA

"Elementary school runners hit the trails"

Simcoe Article: Horseshoe adds horses

"Horseshoe Resort has announced an addition to its stable of year-round outdoor activities – horseback riding.
A trail winding through 3.5 km of the surrounding Copeland Forest – hailed by the Ontario Trails Council as “one of the loveliest forests in Southern Ontario” – accentuates the serenity and natural beauty of the region.
“The guided tours, which can accommodate between two and five riders at a time, take visitors on a leisurely ride through lush undergrowth and wildflowers, past towering pines and oaks, along the fringes of the resort’s Valley golf course. The scenic circuit takes approximately one hour to complete,” officials noted in a media statement."

For a full listing of equestrian riding opportunities in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/equestrian/

For a full list of equestrian trailhead locations see:
http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=9&icon=equestrian.png

Fall Hiking Trails in Algoma - Algoma Country, Northern Ontario

"Ontario can boast over 88, 000 km of recreational trails suited to hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers and equestrians. Because of our cultural heritage, many of these walking and hiking trails follow routes used by aboriginal and European explorers; other trails were formed from abandoned rail lines and logging cuts."

For a full list of some 1900 trailheads see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html then select your region of interest!

Whitewater Ontario: AGM - Rapid, The Whitewater Kayaking and Canoeing Magazine

"This years Whitewater Ontario AGM will be at Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough, Ontario, same location as last year. The meeting will run from 10:00 a.m. till 1:00p.m. For further details please visit www.whitewaterontario.ca"

Collingwood Active Transportation Plan: MPP Norm Miller Calls for Paved Highway Shoulders

"Staff were made aware of the following September 8, 2010 press release and are including it here for your information. It is for a private member's bill to require a minimum one metre paved shoulder on certain highways to improve public safety."

10 KM Of New Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Opens In Cramahe Township :: NorthumberlandView.ca :: A View Like No Other

"King City, ON - The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, in partnership with the Oak Ridges Trail Association and Cramahe Township, celebrate another significant step in extending the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail at the Once Around the Ridge event being held on October 21, 2010 in Castleton, Ontario. Ten kilometers of new trail have been created through beautiful Cramahe Township providing a major new greenspace opportunity for hikers to enjoy. This represents a major extension of the trail, which now has an east /west connection completed across the entire Oak Ridges Moraine."

For more Oak Ridge Morraine trails see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-regions/greater-toronto-area/?CFID=5288151&CFTOKEN=75243917&jsessionid=f0307b473609c0e3e31bdf38190143556186#

Jetsettersblog Spectacular Fall Foliage In Ontario, Canada

"The fall foliage season in Ontario, Canada, which reaches its peak from mid-September to early October, is the ideal time for enjoying the great outdoors in the province.

This year Ontario experienced the perfect conditions for breathtaking fall foliage. As a result of the wet spring and warm summer, visitors to Ontario will witness a resplendent display of crimson and gold foliage this autumn."

For a full list of trailheads see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html

I am interested in starting a hobby in hiking. I love in Canada (ontario) How do i start? | Be A Mountaineer

"Im interested in doing “light” leisure walking. What equipment do I need besides a good pair of hiking boots?

Dog's first time wearing hiking booties http://migre.me/1toGy"

Magnetawan Getaway Ontario: Magnetawan Trails in the Almaguin Highlands

"Magnetawan is located in the Almaguin Highlands near Algonquin Provincial Park and north of Huntsville, Muskoka. Magentawan has four great trails that you can enjoy throughout the year."

Employment Opportunities at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

RE: Employment Opportunities at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

The OFSC currently has two exciting employment opportunities at our Barrie Office: 1) Director of Operations is a permanent full time senior staff position, and 2) Tourism Product Development Field Consultant is a temporary full time contact staff position. Full details on both opportunities are available on the OFSC web site at http://www.ofsc.on.ca/AboutUs/AvailableJobs.asp.

Since knowledge of the broad business environment that the snowmobile industry typically operates in would be an important asset to candidates for both opportunities, we are asking our business contacts to pass along this note to persons they feel might be qualified.

Ontario Cyclist

Ontario Cyclist: "Three people walking in an Ontario park were hit by lightning a few months ago and are in hospital. In Canada alone, 10 people will die and 160 are injured by lightning each year.

Bike safety is important when bike touring as well. We often cycle when its raining and providing you have good gear such as a Gore-Tex jacket and waterproof panniers you just ride out the storm, no problem. However if there is lightning strikes in the area sitting on bicycle is a risk, the metal frame and skinny bike tires conduct electricity and will not insulate you."

Friday, October 1, 2010

Suspect charged with brazen theft of ATV

"A 24-year-old man is facing charges after an ATV was pushed away from a business on Main Street in Alexandria in broad daylight on Wednesday. 'It was bold, yeah, for sure,' said Const. Pete Robertson, spokesman for the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police. The business owner, also the owner of the ATV, noticed the vehicle was missing shortly after it was pushed away and called police at about 10:30 a.m. After an investigation, police determined a man had removed it sometime around 10 a.m. Robertson said the 2011 Honda ATV was found about 500 metres away from the residence of the suspect, who was arrested Thursday."

Lon's Article Directory Outdoors in Ontario: Know About Ticks and Lyme Disease

"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."
Furthermore, he also explains how to protect yourself from tick bites when you are outdoors in Ontario. To learn more about Lyme disease, visit www.ontario.ca/lyme

InsideHalton Article: Region challenges you to walk more with program launch

"Walk more, drive less — that’s the message the Region is sending to residents as it launches the iCANwalk challenge.

Partnering with Green Communities Canada, Halton Region is asking residents to make a pledge to walk, bike or use any other form of active transportation, instead of using cars, for one month.

Residents who sign up for the challenge at www.icanwalk.ca are eligible to win prizes including urban poles, a pedometer, an iPod Nano or Canada Walks merchandise."

Spinning our wheels on bike lanes - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

"In the past year, Jacob Schwenk has paid the city twice to ride his bicycle on Welland Ave.

The first time, in late 2009, Schwenk the taxpayer paid for new bike lanes -- later removed due to complaints from local businesses -- on the busy street between Grantham Ave. and Neilson Ave.

Soon after, Schwenk the cyclist paid again: a $60fine for riding on the sidewalk.

'Yeah, I know it's illegal. It's not like I want to be on the sidewalk, deking around people,' he said. 'But this section (of Welland Ave.) is just too dangerous. I'm not going to ride a foot away from a transport truck with no separation.... I feel like $60 is kind of a hefty fine for trying to protect myself.'"

Windsor urged to be premier cycling city

"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 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. ."

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."

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