"TORONTO, Nov. 17 /CNW/ - Barrie residents woke up this morning to a mountain of self-propelled outdoor recreation possibilities as Mountain Equipment Co-op™ (MEC), Canada's largest co-operative and leading outdoor retailer, opened its fourteenth store. The new store is located at 61 Bryne Drive, just west of Highway 400 at Essa Road.
'MEC exists to provide our members with quality clothing and equipment to support a broad range of self-propelled outdoor activities,' said David Labistour, CEO, MEC. 'The new Barrie store is uniquely positioned to serve the members of Simcoe County, who have nature's playground in their own backyard, as well as Ontarians who frequent the area to pursue their outdoor recreation interests.'"
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, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sustainable Cobourg offers cycling plan initiatives - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA
"COBOURG -- A detailed cycling plan from Sustainable Cobourg, if adopted under Cobourg's Transportation Master Plan, could make Cobourg a cycling destination, its members say.
The two-part, 50-page submission provides an overview, complete with a map, building on existing cycle routes, including the Waterfront Trail.
It includes specific proposals for the following:
* Installation of Share-the-Road signs;
* Conversion of arterial roads using Road Diet design;
* Adding bike lanes;
* Identification of 'hot spots'; and
* Conducting a study for additional bicycle parking,' states the group's document.
'Our proposals are low-cost -- for the most part just signage and paint -- and will transform Cobourg into one of the most cyclable (safe, efficient, from anywhere to anywhere) towns in Ontario, if not North America!'"
The two-part, 50-page submission provides an overview, complete with a map, building on existing cycle routes, including the Waterfront Trail.
It includes specific proposals for the following:
* Installation of Share-the-Road signs;
* Conversion of arterial roads using Road Diet design;
* Adding bike lanes;
* Identification of 'hot spots'; and
* Conducting a study for additional bicycle parking,' states the group's document.
'Our proposals are low-cost -- for the most part just signage and paint -- and will transform Cobourg into one of the most cyclable (safe, efficient, from anywhere to anywhere) towns in Ontario, if not North America!'"
Planning a Canoe Trip In Ontario?-Canoeroots Magazine | Canadian Canoes, Canoeing Country, River Trips, Canoe Camping, Fishing
"Ontario Parks is overhauling their reservation system and the changes could effect you. Find out what's happening."
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
TheSpec - QEW walkway provides missing link between city’s...
"From its clay-red hue to its slanted steel arch, the new pedestrian bridge spanning the QEW and Red Hill Creek was designed to reflect the city and capture its unique character.
And in just a few weeks, Hamiltonians will be able to see the city’s new landmark firsthand, as construction on the project wraps up.
“The community has been waiting a long time for this,” said Marco Oddi, senior project manager for the public works department. “Hamilton has some wonderful trail systems and this was always the missing link.”
Unlike other areas of the city, such as Cootes Paradise and Dundas, the heavily industrial east end has long been alienated from green space, separated from the Lake Ontario waterfront by old landfills and a tangle of high-speed roadways."
And in just a few weeks, Hamiltonians will be able to see the city’s new landmark firsthand, as construction on the project wraps up.
“The community has been waiting a long time for this,” said Marco Oddi, senior project manager for the public works department. “Hamilton has some wonderful trail systems and this was always the missing link.”
Unlike other areas of the city, such as Cootes Paradise and Dundas, the heavily industrial east end has long been alienated from green space, separated from the Lake Ontario waterfront by old landfills and a tangle of high-speed roadways."
News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA
News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA: "Aone-day workshop on planning trail events is being offered by the Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Coalition.
The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.
Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.
Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."
The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.
Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.
Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Cyclists not impressed with roundabout - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA
"COBOURG -- Cyclists who are members of Sustainable Cobourg have informed the Town of Cobourg they are not happy with the new roundabout on D'Arcy Street.
'We have expressed our displeasure,' Rick Nonnekes told Northumberland Today.
He is the president of Sustainable Cobourg.
'It's another example where they don't talk to us,' added cyclist and Sustainable Cobourg member Richard Tyssen.
At issue, say the cyclists, is that there is no way for them to ride through the roundabout, such as with a cycle lane. The only option available is to get off their bikes, they said."
'We have expressed our displeasure,' Rick Nonnekes told Northumberland Today.
He is the president of Sustainable Cobourg.
'It's another example where they don't talk to us,' added cyclist and Sustainable Cobourg member Richard Tyssen.
At issue, say the cyclists, is that there is no way for them to ride through the roundabout, such as with a cycle lane. The only option available is to get off their bikes, they said."
ATV riders suspended - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA
"Police are reminding local motorists that ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) are not permitted on county roadways for recreational use, after a pair of three-day suspensions were handed out in St. Clair Township over the weekend.
Lambton OPP say officers stopped two ATVs traveling on Hill Street in Corunna near the railroad tracks, Sunday evening.
It was determined that the two male operators had been drinking and both showed a 'warn' on a roadside breath test."
Lambton OPP say officers stopped two ATVs traveling on Hill Street in Corunna near the railroad tracks, Sunday evening.
It was determined that the two male operators had been drinking and both showed a 'warn' on a roadside breath test."
5 Peaks Trail Running Series at Terra Cotta - event in Ontario - MyOntarioInfo.com
"5 Peaks is the premier trail running company in Canada. Our goal is to provide an exciting atmosphere, a challenging course, a competitive field, and an amazing off road experience, all while practicing & promoting sound environmental ethics."
Headwaters Communities in Action - Active transportation meeting
Many thanks to the Headwaters Communities in Action Committee for having me as keynote speaker on Saturday past. Dufferin County has supported an Active Transportation Plan. The Ontario Trails Council supports this type of organization and local government support to physical activity, trail development and wellness. Follow the link for more information.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Rattray Marsh « The Lake Ontario waterfront trail
"It was a nice sunny morning. Sometimes watching a huge body of water glisten makes that realization set in a little differently. The trip to Rattray Marsh offered me my first glimpse of Lake Ontario.
The wooded area itself felt like a dry thicket. No smell of moisture in the soil. Somehow, having grown up in India, the idea of a marsh is like the mangroves of the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Humid, oppressive. Five foot-tall trees with expanded umbrellas of juicy, green leaves. Not like the Rattray Marsh. Here, it was warm, hot even, but breezy. No indication of moisture hung in the air. Tall, relatively thin-stumped trees, with dry branches jutting out in random directions before getting lost in the leafy confines of a neighbouring tree. And the forest floor covered in broken logs, ferns, and other grasses of varying heights."
The wooded area itself felt like a dry thicket. No smell of moisture in the soil. Somehow, having grown up in India, the idea of a marsh is like the mangroves of the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Humid, oppressive. Five foot-tall trees with expanded umbrellas of juicy, green leaves. Not like the Rattray Marsh. Here, it was warm, hot even, but breezy. No indication of moisture hung in the air. Tall, relatively thin-stumped trees, with dry branches jutting out in random directions before getting lost in the leafy confines of a neighbouring tree. And the forest floor covered in broken logs, ferns, and other grasses of varying heights."
County Cycling Trails, Welcome Cyclists, ATV and Snowmobile Trails- Eastern Ontario
"The County Trails - The County Trails in Lennox and Addington include nearly 600 kilometers of looping routes where you never retrace your path, yet are able to end where you began. While you explore these trails you experience the history, natural beauty, and serenity of the heart of the Land O' Lakes tourist region.
Stretching northward from the shore of Lake Ontario, the County Trails are well-maintained on county and select local roadways. As you travel, you will pass through rolling landscapes, towns, villages, and historical destinations commemorating the settlements of the United Empire Loyalists. You will see farmland where cattle graze, then minutes later witness a quick transition to rugged Canadian Shield. Evergreen and granite blend to offer the beauty that the Canadian Group of Seven artists painted over and over again.
Some trails are more challenging than others but all of our trails are well marked, easily accessible, and promise to be exciting. Whether you are in your car, walking, biking, or in-line skating, The County Trails are an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a day-long or extended excursion."
Stretching northward from the shore of Lake Ontario, the County Trails are well-maintained on county and select local roadways. As you travel, you will pass through rolling landscapes, towns, villages, and historical destinations commemorating the settlements of the United Empire Loyalists. You will see farmland where cattle graze, then minutes later witness a quick transition to rugged Canadian Shield. Evergreen and granite blend to offer the beauty that the Canadian Group of Seven artists painted over and over again.
Some trails are more challenging than others but all of our trails are well marked, easily accessible, and promise to be exciting. Whether you are in your car, walking, biking, or in-line skating, The County Trails are an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a day-long or extended excursion."
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Off-leash dogs worry Quinte Conservation - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA
"Quinte Conservation is concerned about off-leash dogs at the Belleville non-profit organization conservation area, said general manager Terry Murphy.
The area is home to the popular Pooch Path -a 0.6-kilometer off-leash trail. Murphy said dogs must be leashed in the parking lot and on the other six kilometres of the trail.
'Dog owners who don't leash their pets in the parking lot and on the trails are making it very dangerous for other users of the Conservation Area,' said Murphy. 'Off-leash dogs have been a problem around the parking lot and office as well as on hiking trails. We've had recent complaints that large off-leash dogs are frightening other users of the trails.'"
OTC says - keep your dogs on a leash, unless you are in a solely dedicated dog park.
The area is home to the popular Pooch Path -a 0.6-kilometer off-leash trail. Murphy said dogs must be leashed in the parking lot and on the other six kilometres of the trail.
'Dog owners who don't leash their pets in the parking lot and on the trails are making it very dangerous for other users of the Conservation Area,' said Murphy. 'Off-leash dogs have been a problem around the parking lot and office as well as on hiking trails. We've had recent complaints that large off-leash dogs are frightening other users of the trails.'"
OTC says - keep your dogs on a leash, unless you are in a solely dedicated dog park.
Sudbury Sports News - Larry Berrio brings spotlight to snowmobiling in Sudbury
"Larry Berrio has been an avid snowmobiler for as long as he can remember. He can remember times in the past when Sudbury was a mecca of snowmobiling activity.
However, in the past decade, the activity has died down considerably. So the country music recording artist came up with an idea to revive the enthusiasm in the winter sport.
The Big Deal is a snowmobile poker run set to take place Feb. 19, 2011 on the paths of the Sudbury Trail Plan, ending with a dinner and concert by Berrio at the Garson Arena.
“Snowmobiling is a sport that's very popular in northern Ontario,” he said. “(The Big Deal) is going to be a big thing for Sudbury, let alone northern Ontario.”"
However, in the past decade, the activity has died down considerably. So the country music recording artist came up with an idea to revive the enthusiasm in the winter sport.
The Big Deal is a snowmobile poker run set to take place Feb. 19, 2011 on the paths of the Sudbury Trail Plan, ending with a dinner and concert by Berrio at the Garson Arena.
“Snowmobiling is a sport that's very popular in northern Ontario,” he said. “(The Big Deal) is going to be a big thing for Sudbury, let alone northern Ontario.”"
News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA
"A one-day workshop on planning trail events is being offered by the Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Coalition.
The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.
Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.
Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."
The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.
Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.
Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."
On the trail to funds, awareness - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA
"Calling all walkers, runners, bikers, inline skaters and cross- country skiers.
A march to promote a multi- use trail system (MUT) within natural areas starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Central secondary school track. It will follow T.J. Dolan Dr. into the T.J. Dolan Natural Area and along the proposed pathway of the multi-use trail. The march will end back at Central.
A citizens' group, calling itself the MUT council, is hoping to raise both awareness and funds to create paved trails in the park system."
A march to promote a multi- use trail system (MUT) within natural areas starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Central secondary school track. It will follow T.J. Dolan Dr. into the T.J. Dolan Natural Area and along the proposed pathway of the multi-use trail. The march will end back at Central.
A citizens' group, calling itself the MUT council, is hoping to raise both awareness and funds to create paved trails in the park system."
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Urban Country - Bicycles Are Transportation: Safe Left Turns for Bicycles
"Left turns are one of the most dangerous manoeuvres to execute on a bicycle in North America. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case. Many cities have engineered infrastructure to make left turns safe and comfortable for bicyclists.
But here in Toronto – and most other cities in North America – turning left legally is unsafe.
Here’s why: In order to make a legal left turn on a two-way street in Toronto, you must first merge from your normal riding position on the right side of the road to the left-most lane. This in itself can be dangerous and is unnecessary."
But here in Toronto – and most other cities in North America – turning left legally is unsafe.
Here’s why: In order to make a legal left turn on a two-way street in Toronto, you must first merge from your normal riding position on the right side of the road to the left-most lane. This in itself can be dangerous and is unnecessary."
From Marshmallow Man to Ironman: Victoria Rail Trail (Lindsay to Haliburton, Ontario)
"The Victoria Rail Trail is an abandoned railway which has been transformed into a 90km recreational trail.
The main section runs from Lindsay to Haliburton along the former Victoria Railway right-of-way. There is another southern section that runs from Lindsay down to Bethany.
Along the way the trail crosses old railway trestles, goes by abandoned stations, and there's even a model railway museum in Kinmount. It's neat stuff if you are a train geek!"
The main section runs from Lindsay to Haliburton along the former Victoria Railway right-of-way. There is another southern section that runs from Lindsay down to Bethany.
Along the way the trail crosses old railway trestles, goes by abandoned stations, and there's even a model railway museum in Kinmount. It's neat stuff if you are a train geek!"
Award for trails promotion - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
"A promotional campaign showcasing 20 hiking trails and birding opportunities within the Grand River watershed, spearheaded by an area tourism consortium, has received an Ontario Tourism award for marketing initiative.
The Trails Take Flight promotion, aimed at linking the compatible activities of hiking and bird-watching, was produced in 2009 by Grand River Country, a partnership of municipalities along the Grand River, as well as the GRCA.
A campaign 'microsite' and brochure provided maps, detailed trail routes and descriptions, listings of bird species and birding trails adjacent to the Grand River.
The successful marketing campaign doubled visits to the main website at www.grandrivercountry.com.
The campaign was recently recognized at an annual Ontario Tourism Awards gala in Huntsville. The municipal marketing partnership of Grand River Country received an award for the best marketing initiative under $25,000."
The Trails Take Flight promotion, aimed at linking the compatible activities of hiking and bird-watching, was produced in 2009 by Grand River Country, a partnership of municipalities along the Grand River, as well as the GRCA.
A campaign 'microsite' and brochure provided maps, detailed trail routes and descriptions, listings of bird species and birding trails adjacent to the Grand River.
The successful marketing campaign doubled visits to the main website at www.grandrivercountry.com.
The campaign was recently recognized at an annual Ontario Tourism Awards gala in Huntsville. The municipal marketing partnership of Grand River Country received an award for the best marketing initiative under $25,000."
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure | Bike Events T.O.
"Date: Saturday, July 2, 2011 - 08:30 - Saturday, July 9, 2011 - 12:30
A fully supported recreational bike ride on Ontario's Waterfront Trail. Visit all 41 communities connected together by the 730 Waterfront Trail stretching along the Canadian Shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Ride though wetlands, white pine forest stands, fields, meadows and vibrant cities and quaint heritage towns. Tour carries luggage from town to town while you ride. Communities warmly welcome participants at rest stops and overnight stays. This is not a fundraiser but there is a registration fee to cover operational costs. Can't do eight days? Try the 6-day option leaving from Toronto on July 4th."
A fully supported recreational bike ride on Ontario's Waterfront Trail. Visit all 41 communities connected together by the 730 Waterfront Trail stretching along the Canadian Shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Ride though wetlands, white pine forest stands, fields, meadows and vibrant cities and quaint heritage towns. Tour carries luggage from town to town while you ride. Communities warmly welcome participants at rest stops and overnight stays. This is not a fundraiser but there is a registration fee to cover operational costs. Can't do eight days? Try the 6-day option leaving from Toronto on July 4th."
The Healing Benefits Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding
"The motion of a horse rhythmically and gently moves the rider's body in a manner that mimics the sensation of walking. For riders with physical disabilities, this has been shown to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. Riders demonstrate improved pelvic and spine mobility, better postural control, enhanced range of motion, and increased physical stamina. Horseback riding provides physical independence and freedom along with trust and friendship between the rider and horse for increased self-confidence."
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