"CORNWALL (Staff) -- A number of local groups will be among 491 Ontario non-profit and charitable organizations to share in $35.7 million in Ontario Trillium Foundation funds.
The Hon. Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture, said these groups address local needs, enhance employment and economic potential, and improve the quality of life in their communities.
'Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation contributes to building economic and social resilience in communities across the province by helping many charitable and not-for-profit groups build constructive partnerships and networks,' said Chan."
We hope that more good can come to trails - in October the Ministry of Tourism and Culture provided much needed $3 million to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) - the OTC currently has a request in for a much more modest amount spread over 18 activities and 41,000 km of trails. Thanks to those communities supporting our request - including the OFSC!
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, December 1, 2010
Dunnville campground named Ontario's best - Dunnville Chronicle - Ontario, CA
"'We do a lot of day tripping,' said McKay. 'We offer day passes and family passes, and we're targeting Toronto' and other areas, she added.
In addition to swimming, wagon rides, nature trails and other activities make it a prime family vacation spot.
'This year, we've expanded and done kids' birthday parties and weddings. People came in and loved having their kids on the beach and playing in the arcade. They spent a fun-filled day outside.'"
Congratulations - trails help make the whole camp experience fun!
In addition to swimming, wagon rides, nature trails and other activities make it a prime family vacation spot.
'This year, we've expanded and done kids' birthday parties and weddings. People came in and loved having their kids on the beach and playing in the arcade. They spent a fun-filled day outside.'"
Congratulations - trails help make the whole camp experience fun!
‘Lofty’ four-season living in Collingwood | New Homes & Condos | Toronto Sun
"Set behind an elegant entrance gate feature, this exciting new neighbourhood is located just off Hwy 26 on Cranberry Trails Dr. East, minutes outside of downtown Collingwood. Nestled in a lush forested enclave, the community is right on The Collingwood Trail, part of the famous Georgian Trail network which extends Collingwood to Meaford.
Most residents can look out over forest or trail views from their own terraces or take advantage of the exclusive Wyldewood Club amenities … a private year round heated outdoor pool and the convenient change house.
Wyldewood is in the heart of Ontario ski and golf country, embracing the best of the great outdoors in an enviable four season lifestyle. It is minutes to Blue Mountain with dozens of downhill and cross-country trails in winter and even more trails for mountain biking and hiking in spring, summer and fall."
Trails are one of the preferred amenities in communities - over 530 communities in Ontario have a trail.
Most residents can look out over forest or trail views from their own terraces or take advantage of the exclusive Wyldewood Club amenities … a private year round heated outdoor pool and the convenient change house.
Wyldewood is in the heart of Ontario ski and golf country, embracing the best of the great outdoors in an enviable four season lifestyle. It is minutes to Blue Mountain with dozens of downhill and cross-country trails in winter and even more trails for mountain biking and hiking in spring, summer and fall."
Trails are one of the preferred amenities in communities - over 530 communities in Ontario have a trail.
580 CFRA News Talk Radio
"More than 50 area groups are receiving a boost from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Foundation is awarding more than $2.3 Million dollars to the organizations to help them with everything from purchasing equipment, to expand their programs and hire new people."
Ontario Trails Council applied for a Trillium grant to provide skills development in the are of trail building - which if you view trails as an outdoor recreational infrastructure (like well resourced arenas and pools) is in need of a review and upgrade process. Wish us luck. Over 20 communities have written OTF with a direct letter of support - Thanks
The Foundation is awarding more than $2.3 Million dollars to the organizations to help them with everything from purchasing equipment, to expand their programs and hire new people."
Ontario Trails Council applied for a Trillium grant to provide skills development in the are of trail building - which if you view trails as an outdoor recreational infrastructure (like well resourced arenas and pools) is in need of a review and upgrade process. Wish us luck. Over 20 communities have written OTF with a direct letter of support - Thanks
Olympia Cycle & Ski blog: Events: The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure
"Looking for motivation to train over the winter? Here's something that came across the wire recently:
Discover the WOW Factor - the Wonderful Ontario Waterfront - by cycling the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.
The 4th edition is taking place and we thought your members might like to join us on our 8 day, 740 km (460 mile) bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada, to the Ontario/Quebec border from July 2-9, 2011."
Check out this and over 1600 other trail events at:
Discover the WOW Factor - the Wonderful Ontario Waterfront - by cycling the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.
The 4th edition is taking place and we thought your members might like to join us on our 8 day, 740 km (460 mile) bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada, to the Ontario/Quebec border from July 2-9, 2011."
Check out this and over 1600 other trail events at:
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Issues Flood Safety Bulletin :: NorthumberlandView.ca :: A View Like No Other
"The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises residents that a low pressure system will be moving through Southern Ontario beginning Tuesday morning. Precipitation amounts of 20-50mm are forecast to fall before the system pushes out of the region on Wednesday.
If the current forecast holds, our region may experience periods of heavy rainfall and significant runoff to streams and rivers. While higher than normal stream flows are expected, no flooding is anticipated at this time. Under these conditions, stream banks and slopes will become slippery and dangerous. The GRCA is advising watershed residents to use extreme caution around bodies of water and stay well back of stream banks and flowing water. Please alert any children in your care of these dangers."
If the current forecast holds, our region may experience periods of heavy rainfall and significant runoff to streams and rivers. While higher than normal stream flows are expected, no flooding is anticipated at this time. Under these conditions, stream banks and slopes will become slippery and dangerous. The GRCA is advising watershed residents to use extreme caution around bodies of water and stay well back of stream banks and flowing water. Please alert any children in your care of these dangers."
Mad River Canoe: A Huck Finn Journey in Southern Ontario
"You don't have to travel miles to get a wilderness experience. You can get up in the morning... drive an hour or so... and then there you are... out on a river doing it! But best of all... you can be in your own bed at night. This is an inexpensive day trip with minimum traveling... what could be better?
Take a guided rafting trip on the Grand River near Paris, Ontario to experience one of the best learning adventures around. You can travel down the river in total safety... paddling skills aren't required... size and age doesn't matter... and you can be right in the middle of it all... without getting wet!
On these rafting trips you can shoot the splash of swifts or leisurely float across pools. Everyone can jump out and swim when they want, even drink from freshwater springs."
Take a guided rafting trip on the Grand River near Paris, Ontario to experience one of the best learning adventures around. You can travel down the river in total safety... paddling skills aren't required... size and age doesn't matter... and you can be right in the middle of it all... without getting wet!
On these rafting trips you can shoot the splash of swifts or leisurely float across pools. Everyone can jump out and swim when they want, even drink from freshwater springs."
Paddle Canada and Level 6 Partners to Offer Deals to Instructors - PaddlingInstructor.com - Canoe and Kayak News, Paddling News, Free Kayak and Canoe Teaching Resources
"Paddle Canada just announced a new membership perk for instructors. In partnership with Level 6 instructor members can now get 40% off all regularly priced items in the catalogue. That’s a pretty solid deal.
For those not in the know, Level 6 have been around since 1997. Based out of Ottawa Ontario, they produce a wide range of items from dry suits, to safety gear, to actual fashionable items that your non-paddling friends would wear.
'We know what it is like to be an instructor and understand the challenges it can have.' says Tyler Lawlor, co-owner of Level 6, 'Increased participation in paddling starts with great instructors, and we want to provide an opportunity for each instructor to achieve their best ."
For those not in the know, Level 6 have been around since 1997. Based out of Ottawa Ontario, they produce a wide range of items from dry suits, to safety gear, to actual fashionable items that your non-paddling friends would wear.
'We know what it is like to be an instructor and understand the challenges it can have.' says Tyler Lawlor, co-owner of Level 6, 'Increased participation in paddling starts with great instructors, and we want to provide an opportunity for each instructor to achieve their best ."
Monday, November 29, 2010
ATVs stolen in Norfolk - Simcoe Reformer - Ontario, CA
"Crime Stoppers is seeking tips from the public to help solve the theft of an ATV in the former Houghton Township.
Sometime between 8 a.m. on Oct. 30 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 9 a green 2005 Kawasaki Prairie ATV was stolen from a property on County Rd. 23 in Norfolk.
Crime Stoppers are also looking for tips to help solve the theft of an ATV and motorcycle in the Windham area."
Sometime between 8 a.m. on Oct. 30 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 9 a green 2005 Kawasaki Prairie ATV was stolen from a property on County Rd. 23 in Norfolk.
Crime Stoppers are also looking for tips to help solve the theft of an ATV and motorcycle in the Windham area."
Stories from the Trail » TCT and Parks Canada Host Trail Roundtable
"From November 23-25, Trans Canada Trail and Parks Canada brought together 49 trail community stakeholders for the National Trail Leadership Roundtable.
This event, held in Banff, Alberta, provided a forum to discuss the future of trail development, management and sustainability in Canada. The participants from across Canada identified common areas of agreement and challenges, and the need for increased collaboration, including a forum for future discussion.
A working group was formed to move the discussions forward and engage the national trail community. A report will be developed outlining the discussions, including a more detailed account of the issues and next steps. It will be circulated to Roundtable participants and the trail community, and will be posted on TCT’s website."
We hope this effort produces some tangible results - Ontario well represented.
This event, held in Banff, Alberta, provided a forum to discuss the future of trail development, management and sustainability in Canada. The participants from across Canada identified common areas of agreement and challenges, and the need for increased collaboration, including a forum for future discussion.
A working group was formed to move the discussions forward and engage the national trail community. A report will be developed outlining the discussions, including a more detailed account of the issues and next steps. It will be circulated to Roundtable participants and the trail community, and will be posted on TCT’s website."
We hope this effort produces some tangible results - Ontario well represented.
OTC Website - Winterized
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Mad River Canoe: Southern Ontario's Best Kept Secret - a Local Whitewater Rafting River
"The Grand River Rafting Company of Southern Ontario offers guided whitewater rafting for everyone on the Nith River near Paris. The little known Nith offers one of the best whitewater experiences in Southern Ontario and is one hour west of Toronto, fifteen minutes off Highway 403.
The whitewater rafting trips are 3 to 4 hours in length culminating with a 3 kilometer run of splash. The whitewater rafting trip starts in the hamlet of Canning. About half ways down the rafts pull over at Bus Beach for lunch and a washroom break... and then on to the final destination, Bean Park on the Grand River in Paris."
The whitewater rafting trips are 3 to 4 hours in length culminating with a 3 kilometer run of splash. The whitewater rafting trip starts in the hamlet of Canning. About half ways down the rafts pull over at Bus Beach for lunch and a washroom break... and then on to the final destination, Bean Park on the Grand River in Paris."
Saturday, November 27, 2010
ATV'ers - Ontario Conditions
"I lost a trail through conservation property today. Nothing to do with snowmobilers/horsey riders/nature seekers/cyclist or bird watchers. We're all good. Lost it due to ATV's. Or to be more specific, 'what if ATV's start using this trail?'
ATV damage at present...nope but in several other areas of our trail system , yes.
Actually we lost (gave it up) another trail two weeks ago due to ATV/mud truck damage.
This one had no damage or threat of.
Oh, did I mention the possible rare/threatened fern they found yesterday.
So lose intersection 64 north to 62 and east to 48 off our trails..just the start of changes
intersection 122 has moved 2 km west, trail re-route to south and north
During my conversation with the land use property mgr from the conservation authority I was advised of the serious nature of the situation in our area. The Wiarton Trailblazers have one of the most scenic views in this end of the world (Skinners Bluff) and due to ATV infridgement and damage the Wiarton club might lose this trail.
There is a trend here - write the OFATV and the EOTA, they work with ATV'rs in the affected area. OTC works with Conservation Ontario to try and save riding areas in conjunction with conservation land managers.
ATV damage at present...nope but in several other areas of our trail system , yes.
Actually we lost (gave it up) another trail two weeks ago due to ATV/mud truck damage.
This one had no damage or threat of.
Oh, did I mention the possible rare/threatened fern they found yesterday.
So lose intersection 64 north to 62 and east to 48 off our trails..just the start of changes
intersection 122 has moved 2 km west, trail re-route to south and north
During my conversation with the land use property mgr from the conservation authority I was advised of the serious nature of the situation in our area. The Wiarton Trailblazers have one of the most scenic views in this end of the world (Skinners Bluff) and due to ATV infridgement and damage the Wiarton club might lose this trail.
There is a trend here - write the OFATV and the EOTA, they work with ATV'rs in the affected area. OTC works with Conservation Ontario to try and save riding areas in conjunction with conservation land managers.
Regulatory over-kill - ever try to build a trail?
"Management of Ontario’s land planning system is assigned to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) under the Provincial Policy Statement which, in turn, awards Planning Act veto power to the incumbent Minister of that agency. The Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources each maintain separate land planning departments as well but their policies can be modified or silenced by MMAH Ministerial order, an open-ended license in which Ontario land use planning is ultimately left to the discretion of a single individual.
To this administrative muddle are added interventions of sub-agencies like Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities and numerous Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). When promoting private property restrictions the latter faction, professional lobbyists often funded by the Ontario government, invariably claim “stakeholder” status."
Ever try to build a trail? - E-Mail your MPP tell them you 1) want a Trails Act and 2) that you support the Ontario Trails Strategy to get focus through the Ministry of Health Promotion, Sport and Recreation so we can reduce this regulatory process so it's effective and sensible. Thanks
To this administrative muddle are added interventions of sub-agencies like Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities and numerous Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). When promoting private property restrictions the latter faction, professional lobbyists often funded by the Ontario government, invariably claim “stakeholder” status."
Ever try to build a trail? - E-Mail your MPP tell them you 1) want a Trails Act and 2) that you support the Ontario Trails Strategy to get focus through the Ministry of Health Promotion, Sport and Recreation so we can reduce this regulatory process so it's effective and sensible. Thanks
Apparelyzed - THERE are TRAILS FOR YOU!
Snowmobile Trails closed due to ATV's
Dear Editor,
Once again it's time to think about preparing snowmobile trails for the coming season.
Unfortunately, we have a problem this winter. Because of illegal trespassing activities by ATV riders, landowners have permanently closed the Bluewater Snomobile Club trail from Sobeys to Intersection 321.
This closure affects the snowmobilers from the centre and south end of Kincardine. It also has a large impact on businesses servicing trail users, including Holiday Inn Express, Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza, Crossroads Esso, McDonald's and Best Western Governor's Inn.
Many may say, "Just reroute the trail," but the Bluewater Snowmobile Club and the OFSC work very hard to gain permission to cross landowners' property. This is done by contacting the landowner, obtaining signed permission to cross the property, insuring the landowner against property damage and agreeing to removal of trail at the season's end.
We ask all ATV'rs to ATV Smart -
Once again it's time to think about preparing snowmobile trails for the coming season.
Unfortunately, we have a problem this winter. Because of illegal trespassing activities by ATV riders, landowners have permanently closed the Bluewater Snomobile Club trail from Sobeys to Intersection 321.
This closure affects the snowmobilers from the centre and south end of Kincardine. It also has a large impact on businesses servicing trail users, including Holiday Inn Express, Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza, Crossroads Esso, McDonald's and Best Western Governor's Inn.
Many may say, "Just reroute the trail," but the Bluewater Snowmobile Club and the OFSC work very hard to gain permission to cross landowners' property. This is done by contacting the landowner, obtaining signed permission to cross the property, insuring the landowner against property damage and agreeing to removal of trail at the season's end.
We ask all ATV'rs to ATV Smart -
Go Snowmobiling Week - On Now!
Dave Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada, says Ontario snowmobilers can look forward to a good winter, and that forecast sets the celebratory tone for Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week which runs from November 22 to 28. This annual launch of winter by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) invites Ontarians to discover the many social, health and recreational benefits of snowmobiling, including the world’s largest recreational trail system.
As its name implies, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making ride plans and preparing sleds and gear. Sled dealers and snowmobile clubs across Ontario are marking Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week with open houses and other special events. Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the last full week for purchasing Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits at the pre-Dec. 1 fee of $200. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.
For more information on snowmobiling and a range of other winter trail activities as well check out -
As its name implies, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making ride plans and preparing sleds and gear. Sled dealers and snowmobile clubs across Ontario are marking Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week with open houses and other special events. Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the last full week for purchasing Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits at the pre-Dec. 1 fee of $200. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.
For more information on snowmobiling and a range of other winter trail activities as well check out -
HCIA meets to discuss progress on trails agenda
It all began in 2007 when Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) identified five priorities vital to the development of the area’s trails system.
Now three years later, the HCIA Trails Working Group met at the Community Living Dufferin (CLD) building in East Garafraxa on Nov. 13, to gain a sense of the progress that’s been made.
“Some of the priorities have moved really well. They are really taking care of themselves,” explained Chris Broom, chair of the HCIA working trails group. “Do we need to look at other things? That is where we are right now — evaluating what our next set of priorities will be.”
Those original five priorities, including the creation of a link from Island Lake Conservation Area to Orangeville, a trail around that conservation area, a rail trail from Orangeville to Shelburne, developing cycling lanes in Dufferin County, as well as crafting a trailway from Island Lake to Terra Cotta, are beginning to take shape.
For a copy of the Ontario trails presentation to the committee e-mail Ontario trails - ontrails@gmail.com
Now three years later, the HCIA Trails Working Group met at the Community Living Dufferin (CLD) building in East Garafraxa on Nov. 13, to gain a sense of the progress that’s been made.
“Some of the priorities have moved really well. They are really taking care of themselves,” explained Chris Broom, chair of the HCIA working trails group. “Do we need to look at other things? That is where we are right now — evaluating what our next set of priorities will be.”
Those original five priorities, including the creation of a link from Island Lake Conservation Area to Orangeville, a trail around that conservation area, a rail trail from Orangeville to Shelburne, developing cycling lanes in Dufferin County, as well as crafting a trailway from Island Lake to Terra Cotta, are beginning to take shape.
For a copy of the Ontario trails presentation to the committee e-mail Ontario trails - ontrails@gmail.com
TRCA hosts Free seminar on Energy Savings
Head to Goodwood Community Centre, 268 Highway 47, Goodwood Ontario, Monday November 29, 7-9Pm for a free Toronto Region Conservation Session on Managing energy costs this winter.
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