Trail Blazers-Explorers of Southern Ontario, Canada | Facebook

"Hi this is Johnny Welsh and the reason for this group is to get friends together and enjoy the wonders of Southern Ontario which includes historical landmarks, hiking trails and anything else we can enjoy as a group of friends."

Conservation Authority looking at levy increase - Community Press - Ontario, CA

"Marmora - The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority is set to circulate a draft 2011 budget to its member municipalities that would, if passed, increase its general levy by 4.9 per cent.

The proposed budget would increase the overall levy from $337,456 in 2010 to $354,007 in 2011. The levy on member municipalities pays for nearly half of the $757,882 budget. Other sources of revenue include an Ministry of Natural Resources operating grant of $116,741 and $109,200 in source protection planning funds."

LankaWeb – The Travels of a Journalist—48- CAMPING AROUND ONTARIO-MINNESOTA BORDER, WE EXPLORE NATIONAL PARK ACCESSIBLE BY WATER

"WHEREAS the main access to most national parks is by automobile or by foot, the primary access to the 218,054-acre Voyageurs National Park is via water.  Because Voyageurs NP lies to the west of the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota, “the Land of 10,000 Lakes,” this peculiar feature should come as no surprise. Many people visited the park by canoe and kayak.

These canoeists, kayakers, other boaters and fishermen found the park an aquatic haven. The (Sinhala-sounding) Kabetogama Peninsula, which lies entirely within the park and makes up most of its land area, is accessible only by boat. Others rented houseboats. Established as a national park in 1975, the Voyageurs (named after the French-Canadian fur traders) attracted an estimated 220,650 people in 2007."

For a fuller list of canoe routes in Ontario see;

Trail to be safe, more accessible - Trenton Trentonian - Ontario, CA

"Over the next year, the grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will be used to apply the final limestone surface to more than three kilometers of the northern section of the trail, which connects the trail from Glen Ross to Batawa.

Wooden decking on the Cold Creek bridge will be replaced by tread-safe metal decking, increasing safety for pedestrian use and reducing the need for costly annual maintenance requirements.

'The trail provides a healthy lifestyle opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, while protecting the environment and ecosystem of the communities along the trail,' said Gray. 'We are thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's support of our community's health and well being.'"

For a complete list of rails in the Quinte region see:

Skate Across Toronto: Samuel Smith Park — Toronto’s wonderful new skating trail | Posted Toronto | National Post

"“We haven’t skated in a couple of years,” confesses Mr. Heinz, lacing up. “My skates are so uncomfortable I have to have a good reason to put them on.”

The new Colonel Sam Smith Ice Trail, my friends, is a good reason. The City of Toronto, thanks in part to the work of Councillor Mark Grimes, has given a $2-million early Christmas gift to its residents, and it is glorious."

For a full list of Toronto Trails see:

ATV crash leaves man in hospital - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"At 2 a.m. on Dec. 17, OPP officers responded to a report about a collision on the ATV trail in South Glengarry. The police found that Scott Waldrif, 25, was operating a 2008 Honda ATV heading westbound when he went off the trail and hit a tree. The reason is still under investigation. Waldrif was brought to the Cornwall hospital with serious injuries."

Be careful out there, especially in winter weather! see:

Shows and Events

"The 53rd annual Toronto International Boat Show, Canada's largest marine marketplace, runs Jan. 8-16 at the Direct Energy Centre's Exhibition Place.

Special attractions of the show include an indoor lake that takes more than six days to create. More than 1 million gallons of Lake Ontario water will flood Ricoh Coliseum.

Shows with wakeboarders and wakeskaters will take place on the lake and attendees can get out on the water free and ride an inflatable boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboat. Other activities at the lake include Duma the waterskiing and boat-driving dog; personal watercraft, boat-handling and stand-up paddle boarding demonstrations; and canoe and kayak seminars."

For more events like this see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-news-events-2/ and select trade shows

MyKawartha Article: OPP snowmobile safety tips

"With winter weather in full force, Peterborough County OPP is now responding to snowmobile-related incidents.

Here are some snowmobile safety tips from the OPP to ensure everyone's snowmobile experience is safer and more enjoyable."

Read more to see tips!

Ski trails are open at Circle R Ranch - Londoner - Ontario, CA

"While many Londoners may be tired of shoveling from the record snowfall of last week, there are others who are jumping for joy as the fluffy stuff blankets the ground.

The Circle R Ranch Touring Centre, for instance, has opened some of its cross-country ski trails much earlier than anticipated.

'This is the earliest ski season that we can ever remember,' said Joan Russell, of the family-owned business. As of last weekend, some of the beginner trails were open and Russell was hoping for colder weather to provide a perfect base for the other runs."

For a fuller list of Ontario Cross Country Ski Trails see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=4&icon=xcountry.png

Latest Edition of Trailwise Available

Latest edition of Trailwise in circulation. Download your copy today! Dernière édition de Trailwise en circulation. Téléchargez votre copie dès aujourd'hui!

Snowmobile trails not open yet (OPP Report) - Goderich Signal-Star - Ontario, CA

"The Huron OPP has been advised by members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs that people have been observed trespassing on the trails. In an effort to ensure safety for all, the OPP is helping to ensure that the message goes out that none of the trails are open yet for public use. Entering the trails at this time is considered to be trespassing, and charges will be laid. There is a serious safety issue for those travelling on the trails prior to them being opened. In addition, private property can be damaged by premature use."

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