"'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,' stated Ontario Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan in a news release.
The Kenora Trails Committee will receive $68,000 for the next stage of development on the Rotary Trail. The grant will fund the extension of the paved nature trail along Rabbit Lake to Garrow Park.
According to city parks supervisor Barb Manson, the extension will create a fully accessible, paved loop from Nairn Avenue to the Kenora Rowing Club to provide the elderly, infirm and wheelchair bound with an enjoyable outdoors experience along the scenic woodland walkway."
Congratulations Kenora! Thanks Trillium Foundation.
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, December 3, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Rainfall warning continues
"A rainfall warning for the Ottawa region remained in effect Wednesday morning, more than 24 hours after it was issued by Environment Canada, and was expected to continue until 6 p.m.
A strong low pressure system moving north of Lake Superior into northeastern Ontario is forcing a large area of rain over Eastern Ontario. Brisk southerly winds in advance of the low and a cold front extending from the low south through Toronto are pumping up plenty of moisture originating from the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, the rain is expected to be heavy at times through the morning, the forecaster says."
Be careful out there on the trails when its extra wet.
A strong low pressure system moving north of Lake Superior into northeastern Ontario is forcing a large area of rain over Eastern Ontario. Brisk southerly winds in advance of the low and a cold front extending from the low south through Toronto are pumping up plenty of moisture originating from the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, the rain is expected to be heavy at times through the morning, the forecaster says."
Be careful out there on the trails when its extra wet.
Win the Ultimate Canadian Canoe Adventure
"Ontario is the perfect playground for outdoor adventurers and one of the top destinations for Canoeing and Kayaking. With 330 parks covering more than nine million hectares, 400,000 lakes and rivers to explore and the longest network of canoe and kayak routes in the world, you’ll be in your element.
Ontario Tourism has teamed up with Windows on the Wild to offer you the chance to win the ultimate Canadian canoe adventure in Ontario, Canada."
We are posting this for all the Canadians with a relative in England, whom you may want to see a trail. Send them this link.
Ontario Tourism has teamed up with Windows on the Wild to offer you the chance to win the ultimate Canadian canoe adventure in Ontario, Canada."
We are posting this for all the Canadians with a relative in England, whom you may want to see a trail. Send them this link.
Back to Nature Initiative Moving Ahead
Two years ago, a group of individuals representing over 30 organizations from the youth, planning, environment, recreation, health and education sectors, gathered for a weekend of discussion at Royal Botanical Gardens. Our common concern was the growing disconnect between children and the natural world, and we explored ideas on how we might work together to build capacity within our organizations and sectors so that more of Ontario’s children have access to play and learning outdoors. At the end of the meeting, RBG agreed to secure funding to help build and mobilize an Ontario-wide Back to Nature network that would facilitate multi-sectoral collaboration and raise awareness on this issue.
In 2009, we struck a collaborative partnership with Parks and Recreation Ontario and Ontario Nature, to prepare an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation to fund the short-term strategic actions noted in the Back to Nature report. Today we are pleased to share the happy news that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has approved funding to support a two-year Back to Nature Network project.
In 2009, we struck a collaborative partnership with Parks and Recreation Ontario and Ontario Nature, to prepare an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation to fund the short-term strategic actions noted in the Back to Nature report. Today we are pleased to share the happy news that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has approved funding to support a two-year Back to Nature Network project.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Group divides up St. Williams trails - Tillsonburg News - Ontario, CA
"A big step in the management of the St. Williams Conservation Reserve was taken this summer when the council in charge of the sprawling property divided up its trail system among assorted user groups.
Word of these changes is only now filtering down to the community level.
The nearly 2,000-acre property has been divided into four quadrants, with the dirt section of South Walsingham Concession Road 6 serving as the north-south diving line.
ATV riders and dirt bikers retain access to the trail network in the northwest quadrant. Hikers, bird watchers and horseback riders have access to the trail system in the southwest and southeast quadrants south of Concession Road 6.
No trail system is allowed in the northeast quadrant adjoining Forestry Farm Road because it is home to a significant wetland and numerous rare species.
The decision brings to a close 10 years of sometimes acrimonious debate over who has the right to use the former St. Williams Forestry Station and its extensive network of trails."
Word of these changes is only now filtering down to the community level.
The nearly 2,000-acre property has been divided into four quadrants, with the dirt section of South Walsingham Concession Road 6 serving as the north-south diving line.
ATV riders and dirt bikers retain access to the trail network in the northwest quadrant. Hikers, bird watchers and horseback riders have access to the trail system in the southwest and southeast quadrants south of Concession Road 6.
No trail system is allowed in the northeast quadrant adjoining Forestry Farm Road because it is home to a significant wetland and numerous rare species.
The decision brings to a close 10 years of sometimes acrimonious debate over who has the right to use the former St. Williams Forestry Station and its extensive network of trails."
Ontario signs on with Mississauga to redevelop old Lakeview site - 680News
"The province has reached an agreement with the city to ensure the 160-acre property is turned into something that benefits the community.
The plant shut down five years ago and was demolished three years ago, and now the community is ready to reclaim the land.
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion said there's incredible potential.
'This is the last piece of Mississauga,' Mayor McCallion said. 'We have an opportunity here second to none to do something very different.'
Locals would like to see cafes, recreational trails and maybe some waterfront condos.
'To do whatever is necessary to make a community fit together that's walkable,' Jim Judge, president of the Lakeview Ratepayers Association, said. He added that the land will finally be put to good use."
Lakeview could use some trails, even as a beautification project.
The plant shut down five years ago and was demolished three years ago, and now the community is ready to reclaim the land.
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion said there's incredible potential.
'This is the last piece of Mississauga,' Mayor McCallion said. 'We have an opportunity here second to none to do something very different.'
Locals would like to see cafes, recreational trails and maybe some waterfront condos.
'To do whatever is necessary to make a community fit together that's walkable,' Jim Judge, president of the Lakeview Ratepayers Association, said. He added that the land will finally be put to good use."
Lakeview could use some trails, even as a beautification project.
Local groups share in $35.7 million in Trillium grants - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA
"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 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!
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
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