Mississauga.ca - City Hall - News Releases

"At today's meeting of Council, the City of Mississauga was recognized by Metrolinx as the Smart Commute Regional Employer of the Year.

'Today's recognition is especially meaningful as the Smart Commute program reflects our strategic goals and plans for the future,' said City Manager and CAO Janice Baker. 'The City will continue to support employees in choosing sustainable commuting options that reduce traffic congestion, improve health and lessen our impact on the environment.'"

Congratulations!

Snow days a special treat in my family - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA

"It's a snow day today! Yippee! Creeping around the house late last night, the howling wind and the blowing snow promised terrible road conditions for the morning. I became inexplicably happy.

I have encountered others who share my fondness for blizzards, closed roads, and shovelling out from under a two foot blanket of fresh powder. Why do some people feel sad or anxious when winter weather hits, and others feel a bit giddy? I have a theory that the joy is rooted in childhood snow days."

Got a snow day? Take up snowshoeing - see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=18&icon=snowshoeing.png

MS Walk Ontario - Every Step Matters - Make your step the one that ends multiple sclerosis: Don’t Stop Walking just because it’s Winter!

"For most of us in Ontario, the snow has arrived and the parkas have been taken out of the closet. But even though temperatures are dipping below freezing, there is no reason to stop walking! In fact, studies show that walking can chase away the winter blues. This article has some fantastic tips to keep in mind when taking strolls in the cooler weather. Ontario has some of the most beautiful landscapes for winter walking in North America.

The Ontario Trails website is a hub of information for winter walkers, as is hikeontario.com. Not only do they include activities listings but the Ontario Trails site also has maps which highlight trails specifically for hiking and walking."

Many thanks to our friends at MS Walk Ontario for honourable mention of our website - thanks! Merci!

A bridge, long awaited - Barry's Bay This Week - Ontario, CA

"After years of planning, waiting, fundraising, frustration, disappointment and hard work, the now-infamous Madawaska Bridge is finally open for business once again.

On Friday, Dec. 10, just after 1 p.m., Brenda Welsh, president of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant officially cut the ribbon, declaring the bridge once again open for recreational travel."

Cycling on Stone Road - Guelph Remastered

"The city is completing some truly innovative cycling facilities along Stone Road. Segregated bike lanes (also called a cycling track), sharrows and Guelph’s first bike box are designed to make it safer and easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to share the road."

North Bay hunters fined - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"Two North Bay hunters have been fined a total of $2,250 and one had his hunting licence sus-pended following an incident this fall.

A loaded rifle was located on a gun rack on the ATV. The OPP officer conducted a roadside breath test," according to the MNR."

Over $2,250 in fines and penalties assessed. Follow the rules regarding vehicles ORV's and firearms. Keep trails safe.

One Billion Bottles recycled - an Ontario success story - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

"Today, the One Billionth liquor container was returned to The Beer Store under the Bag it Back program, the Ontario government’s highly successful deposit return program for wine, spirit and beer containers sold through LCBO and Ontario winery retail stores.

The Bag it Back milestone was celebrated by a reception committee for the One Billionth Bottle made up of Ontario Environment Minister, John Wilkinson, The Beer Store President, Ted Moroz, and Executive Director of the Conservation Council of Ontario, Chris Winter. They were assisted in selecting the One Billionth Bottle by The Beer Store employee Victoria Trueman from the Bathurst and Dupont Beer Store who helps process incoming beer, wine and spirit containers every day."

Better recycled than sitting on a trail as a hazard!

Winter Cycling in Toronto. / Toronto Loft Blog: Passionate About Toronto Lofts

"There’s one major difference between BIXI Toronto and BIXI Montreal: BIXI Toronto operates all year long! Sure, the weather may be milder in Toronto, but cyclists in Ontario’s capital city must be given credit for their willingness to cycle through snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions, making the city “greener,” saving money, and generally staying active throughout the winter months."

For a fuller list of cycling routes in Toronto and other Toronto Trails see: or, using the map tool, select GTA as region, City of Toronto as sub region and then add cycling roads and paths - 52 different options!

Northern Ontario Investment Improves Job Outlook

The Township of Nipigon is looking at transforming an abandoned rail line into a tourist attraction to create jobs and promote economic development.
With support from the Northern Communities Investment Readiness (NCIR) program, Nipigon is studying the feasibility of developing a multi-use recreational trail on the decommissioned CN Kinghorn Rail Line that once linked Nipigon to Thunder Bay. Developing a trail system would broaden the tourism industry in the region.
The investment is part of the government's five-year Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario."

For more information contact:
Joanne Ghiz, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Mike Dunlop, NCIR Initiative, 807-475-1773

InsideHalton Article: Town gives Wynne earful on roadways

"The Town presented Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Minister Kathleen Wynne with a Christmas wish list of items during a recent one-on-one hour-long meeting.

Wynne, who was in town Dec. 3 for an evening event, met with Mayor Rick Bonnette, several councillors and Town staff, in response to the Mayor’s letter on the proposed MTO highways through Halton Hills, sent earlier this year.

“We had an whole array of items to discuss,” Bonnette told The Independent & Free Press."

A few trails now open - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

"A few select sections of snowmobile trails are now available on a limited basis for early season riding.

These Early Season Priority (ESP) Trails are a project initiated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), in co-operation with its districts, clubs and volunteers, to provide permit holders with their first riding opportunities before Christmas.

Typically, the entire OFSC system trails may not be fully open until January."

For a full referral to other snowmobile clubs see:

Daytripper Supported Expedition, Ontario’s Wild Lakelands Jackson Kayak

"Canada is clearly blessed with some of the most expansive lake districts in North America… no better example sits a super simple 45 minute drive from our home here in Almonte Ontario… the Frontenac Lake System.  In all about 400 square kilometers of lakes… about 25 in all and all set up with wilderness camping; camping only accessible by boat.  Each site is about 20 minute paddle from each other and depending on the weekend, you rarely ever see anyone.  Late this summer the family and I decided on a 5 day expedition into the middle!  With a 6 and 9 year old, though used to wilderness camping, this still was a logistical challenge."

For a fuller referral service to canoe and kayak routes please see:

Grand River Valley's "Hiking Classroom"

"Many people hike the forests of Southern Ontario, but have no idea of what is there. In the Grand River Valley there is a beginner’s “hiking classroom” that teaches identification of trees and edible plants. These guided hikes are 2-4 hours, using the Carolinian Forests as the classroom.

During the hike, the guides teach as they come across different plants and trees. On each plant they talk about how to identify, edible or medicinal values and other uses. Learning from these guides is very hands-on, with tasting, smelling and feeling included."

Humber Bay, River Valley and Marshes « The Lake Ontario waterfront trail

"The soft, large-diameter ripples were unusual on the cold, still water over at the western front at Humber Bay. But right then, there was a fresh ripple expanding from the bubbling that was slowly becoming visible on the water surface. And then, the red-necked grebe dove out of the water, literally spear-like thanks to its gorgeously sharp beak that is unlike most common waterfowl."

Horse-Canada.com | Your Horse Source | Archives » Equine Canada’s Recreational Trail Riders Gain National Voice

Horse-Canada.com | Your Horse Source | Archives » Equine Canada’s Recreational Trail Riders Gain National Voice: "Equine Canada is pleased to announce Jack de Wit has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Trails Federation, enhancing and strengthening Equine Canada’s voice for recreational trail riders across the country."

Congratulations! From your friends at OTC.

Marmora Changes Committee Structures

In an effort to better serve the public and "reflect the intent of the Municipal Act" council's committee structure will be revamped, acclaimed Reeve Terry Clemens announced at the inaugural meeting Tuesday.

"In order to allow elected officials to have every opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of each and every issue, they are charged with making decisions on … I have decided to bring forward some fairly significant changes to our committee structure," he added

The trails committee and Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance will become part of economic development.

CottageCountryNow Article: $35,000 for snowmobile trails

"PARRY SOUND - Christmas has come early for snowmobilers in the District of Parry Sound.
After years of tight budgeting, the Parry Sound Snowmobile District (PSSD) is able to splurge after receiving $35,000 of provincial funding to repair and redesign several high traffic trails.
Very soon, repairs will begin on the Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) “C” section between Highway 124 North to C104D. Furthermore, the trail at Conger Creek will be converted to dry land and a 2-kilometre detour of the TOP “C” trail between Black Road and Rankin Lake Road will be rerouted."

Donation to go toward ATV - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA

"JOYCE CASSIN Northumberland TodayEnbridge goes above and beyond to help emergency services. Steve Rankin, Enbridge operations supervisor for the St. Lawrence area, right, presented a cheque for $6,250 to Port Hope fire chief Rob Collins as Councillor Dave Turck (second from left) and Deputy Mayor Jeff Gilmer looked on. The fire department needs $12,500 to purchase and outfit an all terrain vehicle to use fighting fires and conducting wilderness rescues."

OFSC - Early Season Priority Trails

Winter’s off to a great start across Ontario and a few select sections of snowmobile trails are already available on a limited basis for early season riding. These Early Season Priority (ESP) Trails are a project initiated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), in cooperation with its districts, clubs and volunteers, to provide permit holders with their first riding opportunities before Christmas. Typically, the entire OFSC system trails may not be fully open until January.

ESP Trails are located within driving distance of the 401 corridor, are localized segments not yet linked or connected to most other trails, and are shown as “Limited” (Yellow) on OFSC Trail Status Reports (www.ofsc.on.ca). The first ESP Trails to open are in the Barrie/Collingwood area of OFSC District 8, but others are also scheduled to come on line very soon.

Trail Surveys On-line

One way we can figure out what is going on in trails is to hear from you. What trails are being built? What new plans for trail could use money? What types of trails? How are they constructed? Where are they being used?

This is important information to an organization like the OTC. What trails remain to be logged on the map or main web site? Who is funding these developments? Is more community support needed? Who is being denied access? What is the economic and health benefit of your trail to your community?

So we are interested in what your opinion and answers are to these questions and more. Take a few minutes and offer your insights to us at: