CottageCountryNow Article: Snowmobile trail progress delayed in Muskoka Lakes

"MUSKOKA LAKES — A request to open a snowmobile trail hit a snag at a recent Muskoka Lakes committee meeting.

The 2.6 kilometre trail, known as the Oka Colonization Road, located west of Bala off of Tower Road, could provide a more convenient connection to the Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association’s 144 kilometre trail system, said association president Rene Leenaars.

Currently, riders must wait for Long Lake to freeze to connect across the trails, he said.

According to Leenaars, the Oka Colonization Road was used as a snowmobile trail from the 1960s until the 1990s, when there was a disagreement over landownership."

Saturday Nights at the Forest City Velodrome

"Local Tim Horton’s retail locations in London have stepped to the plate for the second year and will be sponsoring the Tim Horton’s “Always Fresh” Winter Nationals on Saturday January 29th.  The competition will be a timed 4 event Omnium format.  Racing will begin at Noon (tech guide will be soon available).  The FCV Youth racers with youth riders from Detroit coming to London to test their winter legs.  Cadet, Junior, Masters and Elite racers will be racing through out the afternoon and evening."

Thief drives off on stolen ATV - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA

"PERTH SOUTH — An ATV was stolen from a drive shed overnight New Year's Eve. The owner of the ATV, who lives on Perth Road 112 about 2 km southeast of Stratford, reported his dark green 2007 Arctic Cat ATV 650 stolen New Year's Day. It was likely taken between 10 p.m. New Year's Eve and 5 a.m. New Year's Day. The suspect used the ATV to leave the property, eastbound on Line 29. The ATV licence plate is 12SH6 and the VIN number is 4UF07ATV47T205167. Police are reminding ATV owners to park their machines in locked sheds or garages and to store the keys away from the machine."

Sledders fueled with enthusiasm - Midland Free Press - Ontario, CA

"For every Barrie resident wishing the snow would disappear there's an eager snowmobiler wishing it would stay.

After last year's extremely mild winter, avid snowmobilers hope the white stuff sticks around so they can hit the trails.

'If you think back to last year, we got a ton of snow at first, and then nothing after Christmas,' said Josh Grills, marketing manager for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs' (OFSC) Barrie area district. 'This year, we've had cold weather and snow before Dec. 1 and it's got people excited and ready to get out there.'"

Ontario Snowmobile Trails

TheRecord - Snowshoers ready to compete at Special Olympics

"In Waterloo Region, we share athletics, sports activities and competitions with a group of youth and young-adult athletes who participate under the banner Special Olympics Ontario Kitchener-Waterloo. Like other minor sports groups, the local chapter of Sports Olympics is a volunteer-driven organization. Since it was established in 1990, it has been dedicated to training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities."

Ontario Snowshoe Trails

Looking back at the last six months of 2010 - Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin - Ontario, CA

"Long-time parks and recreation director for the Town of Collingwood, Peter Dunbar, retires after 27 years. Dunbar tells the E-B he jumped at the opportunity to work for the town: 'It was the potential to have an impact,' said Dunbar. 'I have lots of friends in Toronto in the rec business, but going to Toronto would have meant being buried in a pile of bureaucracy. Here I had the opportunity to push the edge and try new ideas.' Under his direction, the recreation department evolved into the Department of Leisure Services, responsible for more than 20 parks -- including ball diamonds and soccer pitches --the arena, curling club, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and more than 70 kilometres of walking and cycling trails."

Trials have snow, skis, spuds | The Chronicle-Journal

"There will be lots of action during the three-day Haywood Noram cross country ski trials and it will be fairly easy on the environment.
The use of cutlery, cups, bowls and plates made from potato makes Thunder Bay the site of only the second green ski event ever held in Canada.
Organizing committee representative Jean Pendziwol said the compostable material is better for the environment although it costs more."

Ontario Cross-Country Trails

Select committee proposed to look into the safety of snowmobiles, ATVs, bicycles | www.kingsentinel.com | King Township Sentinel

"Oak Ridges — Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek has introduced a private member’s resolution to establish a select committee to investigate methods of reducing injuries and fatalities on non-automobile vehicles.

That would include bicycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. The select committee would be composed of members from all parties and regions, and would look into matters such as helmet legislation, age restrictions and safety training."

The OTC encourages all trail users to Trail Smart!

Select committee proposed to look into the safety of snowmobiles, ATVs, bicycles | www.kingsentinel.com | King Township Sentinel

"Oak Ridges — Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek has introduced a private member’s resolution to establish a select committee to investigate methods of reducing injuries and fatalities on non-automobile vehicles.

That would include bicycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. The select committee would be composed of members from all parties and regions, and would look into matters such as helmet legislation, age restrictions and safety training."

The OTC encourages all trail users to Trail Smart!

Trails need more snow - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"New Year's Eve rain served its purpose and outdoor enthusiasts are now crossing their frigid fingers for a moderate blanket of snow to cover up the blemishes.

We have a good base now, it's nice and hard,' said Mark Thomas, trail director at the North Bay Nordic Ski Club on Northshore Road.

But we need a few centimetres to cover up the rocks and bare spots ... there are some holes, some icy spots.'"

TheSpec - Natives and the right to hunt

"Many HCA directors have had extensive interviews with Spectator reporters on this matter and selected quotes offered from these seem to show some members think Miazga overstepped his bounds, and should have consulted with HCA’s board of directors and the public before doing anything. At first glance, Miazga seems to look like a loose cannon and his board looks like they are disconnected from his actions.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Miazga did not give the Haudenosaunee people the right to hunt in Dundas Valley. Indeed, he cannot give them that right. They already have it."

'Sno fun on the trails - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA

"There's no business like snow business. What was supposed to be a traditional Northern Ontario winter has been interrupted and is causing headaches for local ski and snowmobile trail operators.

After nearly three weeks of optimal cross-country skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge in Goulais River, a three-day mild spell that began last Wednesday 'just did us in,' said manager Jamie Martin Monday."

Let's hope northern conditions improve soon - OTC

Thunder Bay Tourism Partners: Trans Canada Trail Ontario Retains New Trail Intern

"Tourism Thunder Bay is part of a regional community partnership working with the Trans Canada Trail Organization to connect Northwestern Ontario's vast geography through multi use trail development. This is an exciting regional partnership that has evolved over the past two years and demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the tourism values that trail infrastructure can bring to the region.

One project is looking at the abandoned Kinghorn rail line between Thunder Bay and Nipigon for conversion to a multi season, multi use trail that will improve local recreational and tourism opportunities."

…a Recreational and Sea Kayaking Club based in Chesterville, Ontario | The Spare Paddle

"…for great kayak paddling in the eastern Ontario triangle of  Ottawa – Kingston – Cornwall;  Contact the Chesterville Kayak Club

http://www.chestervillekayakclub.com"

Ontario Canoe and Kayak Water Trails

Cycle Toronto: The Great Sharrow Debate

"Sharrows are a sorry substitute, a poor compromise, and an illusion of safety and progress." - Blog opinion

Live Right Now

A great idea! - at OTC appreciate the research that has gone into identifying the problem and glad we are prepared to assist you with a trail activity to make you part of a healthier Canada!

Ontario Trails Live Right Now Profile - Join today!

Discover Ontario Family Day Weekend And March Break

"For Family Day, Ontarians can hit the slopes in Central Ontario, snowshoe in Algonquin Park, or snowmobile in Algoma. They can go ice fishing in Northwestern Ontario's Sunset Country or take in Ottawa's Winterlude Festival and skate the Rideau Canal. The whole family can also visit one of the many galleries, museums and festivals across the province."

OR they could use Ontario Trails Map to find a location to get active in their own backyard!!

GREG OUTDOORS: Sledding into new year - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"While local trail-making weather has fluctuated greatly in the past 20 or so years, it doesn't mean snowmobiling is losing its popularity.

The sport is best appreciateddby utilizing the 14,000 kilometres of trails across Ontario, not to mention thousands more in Quebec.

'Trail passes are a bit expensive, but once you buy one you can travel all over the province.

32,000km, and at $180 per season, that's just .0056 cents a kilometer! Passes are not that expensive given the value they represent

'To me, that the funniest thing, going to places (far) or just 10-15 minutes away, into the wilderness.

'It's adventurous, you're exploring.'"

Searchmont Offers Big Time Skiing, Affordable Lift/Lodging Packages - OnTheSnow

"Located just above Sault Ste. Marie on the Canadian side, caters to both Ontario and Michigan skiers and snowboarders with its big 750-foot vertical drop and affordable lift and lodging packages.

The packages start from $154 CA ($151.75 US) per person, based on double occupancy for a two-night stay and two days of skiing and riding. It includes free night skiing weekends. Follow the link below to book a stay or for more information."

Ontario Downhill Resorts with Trails

Terry Lynn Johnson’s Debut: Dogsled Dreams « Northwriter

"I know from first-hand experience that this is an exciting read that will get under your skin in a good way if you like experiencing adventure through a twelve year-old’s eyes."

Ontario Dog Sled Trails