Ontario Parks Improves Reservation Service

We have heard from many Ontario Parks customers that our reservation service needs to improve. As of November 1, 2010, we have obtained a new reservation service provider and are taking action to improve the service to the standard of excellence that you have come to expect from Ontario Parks. We expect to have the new reservation system operational in early 2011.

OFSC Launches New Website

High tech is improving the Ontario snowmobiling experience as riders receive even more value for their permit dollars. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has launched its totally revamped, super-easy to navigate and content-rich website at www.ofsc.on.ca. High tech features include many snowmobiling firsts, such as the interactive trail guide, visual trail status reports and iSnowMobile, the new OFSC iPhone App.

WO AGM - Nov.6, 2010 in Peterborough

"The Whitewater Ontario AGM will take place on Saturday, November 6th at Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough which is the same location as last year. Our meeting will start at 10a.m. and conclude by 1:00p.m. in order for us to attend the Canoe Ontario AGM which is being held in the same location."

The Rideau Trail, one hike at a time

"Looking for a challenge? May I suggest taking a walk -- a long walk. A walk that cannot be completed in a day or two, but can be completed in segments. The Rideau Trail that connects Ottawa to Kingston is truly one of Ontario's best-kept secrets.

We chose to tackle the trail by walking on a morning or an afternoon, or one day at a time. This hike will bring you through provincial parks, over beaver dams, through marshes, across meadows, along road allowances, up and over stiles (which are an arrangement of steps that allow you to go over fences) and along trails and escarpments."

Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Trail project marks completion - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

"A ceremony was held in Mount Pleasant on Saturday to mark the completion of the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Trail project. The trail is part of the Trans-Canada Trail."

TheSpec - Deer hunt begins on Monday

"Ontario’s controlled deer hunt starts Monday and Halton police and other agencies are getting ready for the five-day hunt.

The shotgun hunt in the Milton and Halton Hills area ends Nov. 5.

Halton police Sergeant Brian Carr says police, the Ministry of Natural Resources, municipal bylaw enforcement from Milton and Halton Hills as well as Conservation Halton are ready.

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 5 hunting will be allowed from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset"

Outdoor Enthusiasts of Ontario: Satellite Imagery Tells All

"In about 6 months from now the ice will have been and gone on most Algonquin Park lakes. One of the tools I like to use to watch for ice conditions are the satellite images from MODIS. The most recent clear picture of Algonquin shows an array of colour still present in the woods."

Interesting tip regarding imagery. Thanks

Twitter / Conservation Ontario: RT @LowerTrent: We're offi ...

"We're officially unveiling our new trail at Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area today! http://bit.ly/bQOwwY #StepIntoNature"

This trail is fully supported by the local community - OTC was a t some planning meetings and NTC support helped to. Congratulations

At-risk youth fixing up bicycles – Toronto Sun | Bike News

"At-risk youth fixing up bicycles
Toronto Sun
The teen is one of a half-dozen kids working on bikes in the old Alberta Cycle building on 118 Avenue. They're the last crop of participants in a program ..."

Toronto Good news story gets coverage in UK.

OPP step up ATV training for quicker response and enforcement - Timmins Times - Ontario, CA

"The popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is beginning to show up in ways that many riders don't expect. More and more injuries, and deaths, are occurring as more Northerners use the popular machines, not just to travel in remote areas, but also at their camps, cottages and in rural areas of Timmins.

It has prompted the Ontario Provincial Police to respond. Not only are police issuing more public awareness safety messages, but also they're also in the process of ensuring more of their officers can respond to off-road incidents involving ATVs."

It would also be wise to put money into training and a tax recapture to rehabilitate riding areas, as well as building specific riding areas in communities where riders can ride.

GuelphMercury.com - Life - Cycling world spinning with new developments

"From Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, residents, various community stakeholders and those who pass policy will participate in these half day workshops. The featured presenter is Gil Penalosa, an internationally renowned ‘livable city’ adviser and executive director of the non profit organization 8-80 Cities. ( www.8-80cities.org).

The immediate objective following these consultations, is to create a county wide active transportation plan, not only incorporating cycling but walking and trail connectivity. I would urge all who are passionate about creating vibrant and healthy communities to attend one of these workshops. They’re free. Final scheduling is almost complete and for time and locales, feel free to email me at the address below."

Windsor Essex Parkway construction to disrupt trails

"WINDSOR, Ont. — Cyclists, runners and nature lovers who use the network of trails in the Spring Garden nature area can expect some temporary disruptions or detours as the $1.6-billion Windsor-Essex Parkway is built, but the payoff will be worth it, a Ministry of Transportation spokesman said Tuesday.

To the left and right of the highway linking the 401 to a new downriver bridge will be 20 kilometres of trails designed with bridges and tunnels so you can start at Howard Avenue and make it all the way to Malden Road, 11 kilometres, without ever having to cross a street. And this new trail system will be linked at a number of points to the city’s existing trail system, known as the West Windsor Recreationway."

OCMC Enduro and Pot Luck

"OCMC CLUB ENDURO AND POT LUCK DINNER

November 6th, 2010
Sandaraska Park
Invite: Members and non members
Club Enduro Nov 06 11am start at Sandaraska park at LaBarn
Length: 65 nice km
Lloyds rules, no time keeping at all, 4 timed sections
Entry Fee: $25 big bikes $15 small bikes
Pot luck dinner after
Dustin - Enduro info 905-986-44379(W) 705-277-3548(h)
Diana - Dinner info 705-277-3548"

Aggressive cyclists break the law - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA

"I 'share the road' with bicyclists whenever possible, including slowing down if it isn't safe to pass. However, the cycling community must somehow deal with some of their own, if this campaign is to succeed.

On June 12, I was stopped in the left turn lane at 10th. St. E. and 3rd Ave. E., waiting to turn to go west. The light turned green, but I didn't proceed. I watched a fit looking man (in his 30s or 40s) with a dark beard on a bicycle, wearing a helmet, run the red light in front of me. He then drove up between the two lanes of stopped traffic. He reached the 10th St. and 2nd Ave. E. intersection just as the light turned green, and then did a quick right turn, in front of the first vehicle in the right lane, and went north on 2nd Ave. E.

If somehow a car driver was able to do this, I would have been able to get a licence number, and vehicle description and contact police. All I could do was watch in amazement. Two of us that day 'shared the road' with that cyclist, and restrained our lawful driving actions to accommodate his unlawful actions."

Each user is a public face of his or her activity - OTC

The City Cyclist: 2011 Ontario Provincial Election

"On September 29, 2010 I emailed each of the four main political parties regarding there position on a all-ages bike helmet law. Of those who have responded, here is what they had to say:

**I re-emailed those who have yet to respond on October 21**

Liberals:(paraphrasing) Cyclists over 18 are encouraged to wear helmets but are not required to by law.
Conservatives:
NDP:'That is not a priority for our Caucus'(9/29/10)
Greens:"

Kayak paddling instructions - Fall Sports Themed Vacations in Ontario

"If you haven't traveled to Ontario, Canada, fall is the best time to go there. This place is considered as a thrilling water wonderland where you can enjoy outdoor experiences no matter how young or old you are. You can go for fall sports themed vacations if you want and you can even take your friends and family with you."

RETIREDRAGON - trail trip in Toronto

"Yesterday, Marcia and I took the transit to the far reaches of 'Scarberia'....almost to the Metro Zoo.

Not only were we in another postal code, but, it seemed to us like a different world, as we traveled on the # 86 Bus to Sheppard and Meadowvale.
[It should be noted here that it took Marcia an additional bus and subway ride, in order to meet me at the station]
After that, we still had to transfer to another bus to arrive at 1749 Meadowvale Road (The Pearse House)."

Flickr: Exploring Southern Ontario Hiking Trails

For some really nice photos of Southern Ontario Hiking trails check out this location.

ATVs tearing up trails - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA

"Sarnia police intend to crack down on off-road vehicle riders breaking the law by driving on one of the city's more popular trail systems.

Complaints have been received about prohibited all-terrain vehicles at the Perch Creek Habitat Management Area, where they are becoming a safety hazard, said Sarnia police Const. Bill Baines"

We ask that all atv riders join a club, get trained to ride and by a trail pass to repair damage on and off trails. - OTC

Pedal - Canada's Cycling Magazine

"October 27, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) - Ride with Rendall will be putting on a weekend of cyclocross racing in Ottawa on November 13-14 (the weekend after the Canadian Nationals). It will be two separate days of racing ; each day with a separate..."