Morning Round Up - March 19, 2011

Conservation Ontario Flood Portal

Conservation Authorities issue flood messages in local Conservation Authority watersheds on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources. MNR is responsible for areas outside the jurisdiction of Conservation Authorities.

For Provincial Flood Information, please visit the Ministry of Natural Resources Flood Information Website. On this site you will see MNR's current flood messages and tips on what you can do before, during and after a flood.

Trail Smart


Brant Tract won’t be home to turbines

Bruce County councillors have turned down a request to lease one of the county's premier recreational woodlands for industrial wind development.

Councillors accepted a request by Chris LaForest, the county's director of planning, to decline a proposal from Elexco Ltd. on behalf of its client, Pattern Ontario Wind Development, to lease the entire 850-acre Brant Tract County Forest as an industrial wind energy park.

"Department staff have evaluated the proposal and it is felt that the proposal is not consistent with the initial intent of the agreement forest program, nor is consistent with the managed forest objectives adopted by the county," LaForest said after a meeting of the agriculture, tourism and planning committee in Port Elgin Thursday.

See OTC President Chris Laforest at Trailhead Ontario


Fun Summer Horseback Riding Camp Right in the City!!!

Summer Day Camp at Royale Equestrian Centre will provide a fun and safe environment for children to lean new skills, grow as individuals, benefit from physical activity, establish new relationships, build self-confidence and experience the magic of horses!

Spots are limited to 15 students per session.

Activities Will Include:

Grooming
Daily Riding Lessons
Stable Management
Riding Activities
Theory
Practical Lessons
Crafts/Games
BBQ or Pizza and Riding Presentation for Parents on Friday

Ottawa Area Trails
Ontario Equestrian Federation
Ontario Equestrian Trails


Rock Formations in Ontario Sunset Country

The rocks up here take many shapes and forms. Constant weathering from waves, heat from the sun and from ice and frost work together in creating a menagerie of nature.

Northwestern Ontario Trails

Ontario Trails Youtube Page



Get outdoors in Ontario this spring

"'We've brought the cottage shoreline to the city with our paddling demonstration pool featuring canoeing, kayaking and even rowing presentations,' Sheffield said.

'Happy Camper' Kevin Callan will demonstrate solo canoeing skills while paddler Mike Ormsby performs the canoe ballet with his boat dancing to music on the water.

Ed Begley Jr. of Planet Earth's TV series, Life with Ed, will tell cottagers how green practices can save money as well as saving the planet (March 26, 1 p.m.).

The show features 450 exhibitors along with the Cottage Dock Party for beer and wine sampling, tasty treats from the Cottage Kitchen, building and design tips and activities for children."

Ontario Canoe and Kayak Trails
ORKCA
Canoeroots

Born to Be a Trail Runner - NYTimes.com

Born to Be a Trail Runner - NYTimes.com: "These events are trail races governed by three rules: no fees, no awards, no whining. Distances are typically 50 kilometers or 50 miles, but vary according to a race director’s whims or ability to borrow his buddy’s GPS device. There are no lotteries, no expos, no qualifying times, no triple-digit entry fees subsidizing multimillion-dollar “running clubs.” No one will urinate on you from the upper span of the Verrazano Bridge, and you won’t shiver for hours in a corral before the starting gun. Everyone charges off as equals, Braveheart-style."

Ontario Running Trails
Get Out There

ADVENTURES IN GEOCACHING WORKSHOP

Tuesday March 22 and 29,7.00pm to 9.00pm

This workshop is a basic introduction to geocaching. Our workshop objective is to provide sufficient understanding of geocaching, the background and the concepts for participants to geocache independently.
Cost: $20 includes a Muskoka Trails Hip Clip Maps, $5 donated to the Muskoka Trails Council.

Plus you will receive a handout with geocaching locations within parks & trails in Gravenhurst. Pre-registration required. Call Judy at 705-687-6774 x 22

Location: Gravenhurst Youth Centre

Canadian Trails Federation at Trailhead Ontario

Trailhead Ontario is pleased to announce the full participation of The Canadian Trails Federation at Trailhead Ontario 2011. The CTF is a national organization made up of organizations that function more or less like The Ontario Trails Council. Recently the CTF was a full participant in the National Trails Coalition, and at the National Roundtable on Trails, in Banff last November. The members of the CTF will be participating in two meetings. The annual general meeting is held on April 18, 2011, and there will be a round table of national organizations on Tuesday afternoon. For Ontario based organizations this represents a real opportunity to network out of province on issues such as Heritage 1812 trail initiatives, construction, use, and management of trails. Find CTF on facebook

Sudbury Parks Department - Trails Closure Advisory

We have received the following information from the City Park's Department:

The trail between South Bay Road and Moonlight Beach will be closed due to bridge construction and will re-open mid summer 2011.

We will provide you with updates as we receive them.

Visit Rainbow Routes for alternative trail adventures.
Sudbury Area Trails
Northeastern Ontario Trails

Morning Round-Up: 11 Articles of Interest

Fingers still crossed for federal 1812 funding
Sault Star
Caputo said those applications do not include whatever funding local Parks Canada facilities may receive for their own War of 1812 activities. The federal government did initially put up money for a new Heritage Discovery Centre at the Old Stone House ...
See all stories on this topic »
Trails of 1812
Discover 1812
Trails of 1812 - Facebook


Sparrow Lake – good to ride?
I have a vacation planned (July) at a Sparrow Lake resort and wondered if anyone would recommend bringing the mountain bike along? Any challenging/technical trails? And, are big cats/bears an issue? What about flies and mosquitoes (are they unbearable)?
Ontario Mountain Bike Trails
IMBA


March Hike for Dog Rescue
Date: March 20, 2011
Time: 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM Price range: Free
We will meet in the parking lot of Marie Curtis Park (off of Lake Shore Blvd. West and 42nd street) for 12:00 PM. Parking is free!
Some of the raffle prizes include;
- A beautiful gift basket from Pet Stuff full of doggie treats and toys
- A gorgeous Fit-A-Bull dog collar
- Stop K9 Profiling t-shirts
- A box of dog treats
Toronto Trails
Toronto Parks, Recreation and Forestry


Last Call: 1st Annual Kawartha Lakes Kayak Bass Tourny
This is a final call for any kayak/canoe anglers wishing to participate in our upcoming Bass Tournament on August 13th 2011. Cost: $50
Location: Pigeon River, Omemee ONTARIO
Sponsors: Kayak Angler Magazine, Nucanoe, www.brucestacklebox.com, The Grand Experience Restaurant etc etc
First Prize: 10' Nucanoe Angler Kayak
Prizes for all anglers! This is a friendly competition.
It will be a great day. Provincial Park is located on site for out of towners!!
Ontario Canoe and Kayak Trails
ORCKA


Ontario Nature Greenway Coordinator
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature. We have a network of more than 140 affiliated nature organizations across Ontario and a staff of 20. Ontario Nature's 80-year history of protecting nature in the province provides the foundation for our current priorities. These include conserving an interconnected system of greenways and waterways in southern and eastern Ontario, protecting Ontario's boreal forest, protecting and recovering endangered species, and connecting people with nature through meaningful volunteer experiences and information on Ontario's wildlife and habitats.

The Greenway Program Coordinator will work with staff and partner groups to coordinate the planning and implementation of Ontario Nature's efforts to conserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems throughout southern and eastern Ontario. Key to success is an ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of partners within the not-for-profit, government and private sectors.
Ontario Hiking and Walking Trails
Hike Ontario


Nature In Deed new resource for rural living
Rural landowners now have a place to turn for comprehensive information about rural living and land management. The Lanark County Stewardship Council, with input from former Environmental Education of Ontario chair Elise Houghton, partnered with several non-government organizations and the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop a web portal linking rural landowners to practical information. Nature In Deed (www.natureindeed.com) was recently launched.
Ontario Trails
Nature Indeed


March snowmobile fatalities can be prevented
OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are concerned about an increase in fatal snowmobile incidents this March. While the number of deaths investigated by the OPP has seen an overall decline to date this season, five tragedies in the past couple of weeks indicate that sledders are not adjusting their riding habits to the late season conditions. The causes of these tragic deaths are common, predictable and preventable, given that alcohol or excessive speed has played a direct role in nearly every fatal incident investigated by police.
Ontario Snowmobile Trails
OFSC


Vertical Aim
Ice climbing guidebook for Ontario Ice Climbers. Covers some of the most common ice crags in southern Ontario.
Ontario Ice Climbing Trails
Ontario Climbing Trails

Toronto Sun ski columnist Lori Knowles explores Ontario ski resorts offering both alpine & cross country skiing...
“You know, Lori,” a friend reminded me recently, “not all parents like to downhill ski.” I’d been extolling the virtues of the ski life, marvelling at what a fabulous, all-inclusive winter family sport skiing can be, when she dropped that bomb on me.“I’m willing to take the kids skiing because they like it,” she continued, “but I don’t want to ski myself. I’d much rather do something else.” Ontario Ski Trails (that's why we list ski reports on our website - they also have X-xountry!)

Use trails before snow is gone

Algonquin Highlands's trails coordinator is reminding the public that the township's ski and snowshoe trails are still open and is encouraging people to take advantage of them before it's too late.

"Last year, the snow was gone March 1," Mark Coleman told the Times late last week. This year, however, is a different story. "We've got a considerable snow base still."

The township operates 25 kilometres of ski trails and 15 kilometres of snowshoe trails near the Frost Centre, where its trails office is located.

Snowshoe Smart

Ontario Snowshoe Trails

Ideas for March Break

Wings of Spring: This annual birdwatching festival at Rondeau Provincial Park, southeast of Chatham, takes place March 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rondeau is an annual rest stop for thousands of Tundra swans and ducks making their way north to traditional breeding grounds. Wings of Spring activities suit all ages and include birdhouse building, crafts, waterfowl viewing stations along the bay, a bird-of-prey show, artisans and a barbecue lunch.

Waterfowl Weekends: Presqu'ile Provincial Park, south of Brighton, is also on a major migratory route. As many as 10,000 birds representing 25 different species of ducks, geese and swans are expected to make a rest stop in Presqu'ile Bay. Volunteer naturalists and telescopes will be positioned at various viewing hides around the park on Waterfowl Weekend, March 19 to 20. The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be the focus of the indoor activities with duck displays and children's activities.

Ontario Trails Activities

You could win a handlebar bag!

Beginning Thursday March 17th and every Thursday until the end of October, 2011, Cycle Ontario will be drawing a name for one of these handy waterproof handlebar bags.
To be entered in our weekly draw is as easy as 1-2- 3 ...

Register as a member of our cycling community (it's FREE)
Upload your Avatar to your personal page in the community
Make at least one contribution to the community such as add a picture, link a video, say something on your wall, add an event or any other custom addition to your profile.

Once you have accomplished these three easy tasks you will be entered in the weekly draw and remain eligible throughout the duration of this promotion.

Video explanation here or for assistance email us at cycleontario@gmail.com

Ontario Cycling Trails
Cycle Ontario

Niagara Region Bike Map - Cycling App

The Region's Bike Map (updated 2011) has details about multi-use trails, bike paths and information on all the back roads in the region. It is good for recreational, tourist or utilitarian bicyclists.

The map includes information on road conditions (paved vs. unpaved), bicycle facilities (bike lanes), traffic conditions and location of hills is presented.

Many bike shops and tourist information centers in Niagara region have copies of the bike map available, as well as our headquarters.

The map is not available online as its large size (2 1/2 feet x 3 1/2 feet) makes it impossible to print out on normal printers.

We also distribute copies at major bike shows in Southern Ontario.

Niagara Region Trails
Ontario Cycling Trails

Pukaskwa National Park of Canada

Orientation sessions must be completed by each backcountry visitor. An online pre-orientation may be completed . To reserve your trip, call 807-229-0801.
The Coastal Hiking Trail is Ontario’s premier wilderness hiking experience. These 60 kms of Lake Superior’s wild north shore will transform even the most seasoned backpacker.

Ontario Backpacking and Camping Trails
Parks Canada

Vehicles the main threat on Iron Horse Trail?

“How can we expect motorists to be mindful of a major path crossing if they cannot see it?” asks Druker.

As Geoffery Moull remounts his bicycle, he says that it’s not the trail itself that sometimes makes him worry for his safety, but rather the many places where his ride is interrupted by a street.

“I just wish I didn’t have to dismount at every road,” Moull says. “I think that’s where dangers are.”

So he diligently straps on his helmet and continues his ride, concerned more about accidental dangers than sinister ones.

Ontario Cycling Trails
Bike Smart

Evalyn Parry Goes Through the SPIN Cycle

Despite such innocent beginnings, it's hard to imagine another object that is currently as divisive as a bicycle. A bike helmet under one's arm is regarded as much of a political statement as a check on a ballot. It makes someone "eco-friendly" or "self-entitled," "health-conscious" or "shark bait," "progressive" or "a left-wing pinko," all depending, of course, on whether or not one actually regularly rides a bike. But in SPIN, Parry, a lifelong biker and unabashed pedal-pusher, broadens the breadth of roles a bicycle can play, in both a historical and personal sense, to a scope we never thought possible: to her, a bike is an agent of physical and social mobilization, a metaphor for shopping and commercialization, a confidante, a trusty steed, a memory bank. The Bicycle is a costar in her life, and a costar in the show, too.
About Ontario Cycling Trails
Ontario Cycling Trails

Event Volunteers Wanted, Sat May 28, Kortright Centre for Conservation, GTA, Ontario

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Position: Event Volunteers Wanted!
Organization: Toronto and Region Conservation http://www.ourgreenerside.ca
Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, GTA/Woodbridge, Ontario

On Saturday, May 28th, 2011, Toronto and Region Conservation and York Region will be presenting the 3rd annual Our Greener Side Celebration at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge.

We need your help to make it a success! If you enjoy:
* Educating people on how to become eco-friendly, sustainable citizens
* Helping to make a difference to the environment
* Spending time outdoors giving back to the community

Ontario Trails
Conservation Ontario

Boy gets cornea, wants to thank donor's family

Five months ago 11-year-old Brandon Singh lost sight in his left eye after being hit by a tree branch. The Grade 6 Scarborough student was out walking in October when he turned his head to speak to his brother and a tree branch punctured his left eye, rupturing it. The branch stopped just millimetres from entering his brain.

Following four surgeries to save the eye, Singh got news on Valentine’s Day that a cornea had been donated. He got the transplant at Sick kids on Feb. 15. Singh has no clue who the donor family is, but he has written them a note of thanks.

Hike Smart - watch your surroundings!

Eddie's ready for 35th St. Paddy's walk

When Eddie Williams made his first St. Patrick's Day walk, Pierre Trudeau was prime minister of Canada, Henry Winkler ruled TV-land as Fonzie and teenager Wayne Gretzky played for the OMJHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Much has changed since 1977, but one thing has remained consistent: Eddie has continued to do his annual walk.
Ontario Hiking and Walking Trails
Hike Ontario

Get Out There - Event Marketing Seminar

At a session on event marketing put on by Get Out There - the principles of marketing that apply to event marketing extend to all sorts of marketing initiatives: print, media, social media, resource allocation.

"This has benefits, but it takes resources and a longer term commitment. But its doable for your organization regardless of size and budget!"

To learn how this can apply to you come and hear Marissa Schroeder at Trailhead Ontario.
Get Out There
Ontario Trails

Ontario Trail News - March 16, 2011

Cycling Enthusiast Passes Away - "Coulier‚ a champion cyclist and creator of several well-known velodromes, died at 92 early Monday morning. "He was an inventor, an innovative man right into his 80s," remembered George Van Damme, a fellow Tillsonburg cyclist.

Coulier is responsible for crafting the World Championship and Montreal Olympic velodromes. The former competitive cyclist, however, stumbled into velodrome creation by chance." Our condolences to friends and family.
Article

Group wants to bring big cycling event to Belleville - "Craig Fagan, vice-president of events and sponsorships for Midweek Cycling Club, told city council his group wants to bring the Canadian Road Cycling Championships and Festival to the region next summer. The event, which would include charity rides, a community bike parade and community rides, would bring 700 to 800 cyclists to the region."
Article
Ontario On-Road Cycling Trails
Ontario Cycling Association


Ramsay Lake Building Near Completion - "Plans to build a Northern Water Sports Centre on the south shore of Ramsey Lake are nearing completion, including the all-important fundraising component, says project manager Dan Kaltiainen. Project partners include the Sudbury Canoe Club, Sudbury Rowing Club, Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival and the City of Greater Sudbury.

In 1999, the canoe and rowing clubs moved into anew, shared space on Elizabeth Street in Bell Park. While the modern building was welcome, not long after both clubs helped found the hugely popular Dragon Boat festival and the three organizations quickly outgrew the space."
Ontario Canoe Routes
Sudbury Area Trails


Get Out There Magazine - "Two new mtn biking festivals are coming to Ontario this summer. First up the low-key, grassroots Toronto MTB Fest on June 11th which will celebrate the famous Don Valley trails followed by the Mountain Bike Ontario Festival “Trail Blazing” at Kelso on July 16th aimed at growing the sport. Looking forward to checking both of these out." http://www.mtbonfestival.com/
Ontario Off-Road Trails
IMBA


Vaughan Mills, Ontario is offering a free Healthy Strides Walking Club from 7-10am daily. Any age is welcome and just for signing up you will receive a free gift. They call it a “Pampering gift” so I am guessing it is very nice. You can also log your laps to earn points to receive other wonderful prizes like water bottles, sweaters and even shoes!! How awesome is that?!?!
Ontario Trails
Hike Ontario


Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo will run June 10 to 12, 2011 at the Iron Horse Equestrian Complex south of Milton, Ontario. The world class lineup of clinicians this year will include Wayne Roycroft, the recently retired coach of the Australian Equestrian Team, which has won eleven Olympic medals including Olympic golds in eventing in 1992, 1996, and 2000.

“Mr. Roycroft was the Australian coach for 22 years and has been the Chairman of the FEI World Eventing Committee,” said Lorie Jocius, President of Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to have someone with Mr. Roycroft’s credentials offering clinics here in Canada.”
Ontario Equestrian Trails
Ontario Equestrian Federation


Ontario Snowmobiling - "BSM Technologies Inc. ("BSM" or the "Company") (TSXV: GPS), a leading provider of remote monitoring, fleet management, fleet diagnostics and automated vehicle security systems, today announced that it has been awarded contracts with a combined value of approximately $1.2 million over three years with two major coordinating bodies for organized snowmobiling in Canada. BSM's Sentinel FM asset tracking solution will be installed on 810 trail grooming machines operated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ).

"The unique nature of snowmobile trail grooming makes it an obvious candidate to benefit from our asset monitoring solution," said Aly Rahemtulla, President and CEO of BSM. "For safety reasons, it is very important to know the location of operators, who typically work alone in rural areas where cellular communications may not be available. Our technology also provides the ability to optimize grooming practices for increased efficiency and enhanced quality as well as the ability to monitor which trails have been recently groomed."
Ontario Snowmobile Trails
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

Dog-Sledding in Ontario - video added to youtube


Eastern Ontario Farmers Urged to Conserve - "South Nation Conservation group wants farmers to resist the urge to cut trees for new farmland. Sun breaks through the clouds to illuminate farm fields in the Ottawa Valley. South Nation Conservation group wants farmers to resist the urge to cut trees for new farmland. South Nation Conservation is making the pitch at the 84th annual Ottawa Valley Farm Show at Lansdowne Park, after the group received $100,000 from the provincial government to help farmers assess and manage their forested parcels of land. The watershed that South Nation looks after runs from Plantagenet to Brockville and about 30 per cent of it is forested."
Trees Ontario
Eastern Ontario Trails


Kayaking "Kayaking is the easiest sport to learn. And the shallow depth of the Grand River makes it a great place for new Canadians to try it. Because the current is moving but gentle... beginners can safely learn kayaking without fear. The Grand River is located near Paris Ontario. In spite of being one hour from Toronto, the wilderness setting of the Grand River Valley is amazing. It is a paddle through a forest landscape with overlooking bluffs and an abundance of birds. The wildlife is there, but one must develop the scouting skill to see them.

These 3 hour kayak lessons start out on the land. Everyone is fitted with a life jacket, paddle and assigned to a boat. Before launching there is instruction on the different strokes, how to get in the kayak and simple ways to get out if the kayak tips."
Ontario Canoe and Kayak Trails
ORCKA

Morning Round Up

Walking Reduces Snoring: A Canadian sleep expert has claimed that getting out of your chair more often could help reduce snoring, the New York Post reported. Douglas Bradley, director of the Toronto Research Institute’s Sleep Research Laboratory, has linked excessive sitting to sleep apnea, a condition where a sleeping person’s throat collapses, stopping breathing and interrupting sleep.
Sleep Expert - walking can reduce snoring

Canoe Video shows trip to Ontario
Youtube Posting

OFAH Hosts Major Conference: Outdoor enthusiasts from across the province are gathering in Mississauga this week for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters' (OFAH) 83rd Annual General Meeting and Fish & Wildlife Conference. This year, the conference is going interactive, with livestreaming and an email Question and Answer session. Back by popular demand, the conference is teaming up with the Toronto Sportsmen's Show (TSS), making it a terrific March break destination for the entire family.

The annual OFAH conference attracts hundreds of delegates, and runs from Thursday, March 17 through Saturday March 19 at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre in Mississauga. The main conference gets underway Thursday afternoon and the youth delegates arrive Friday morning. Speakers, awards and free admission to the TSS all day Saturday round out the OFAH event.
OFAH Conference Announcement

Eastern Ontario Conservation News: One of many highlights - South Nation Conservation will be hosting their 2011 Annual General Meeting Thursday, March 24th in the Watershed Room, 38 Victoria St., Finch, Ontario. 12:30 p.m. light lunch, 1:00 p.m. meeting. Guest Speaker will be Mr. Don Pearson, General Manager for Conservation Ontario. This meeting is open to all interested persons. R.S.V.P. before Thursday, March 17th, 2011 by phoning 1-877-984-29-48 or e-mail your R.S.V.P to info@nation.on.ca
Eastern Ontario Conservation News

Local Farmer Tree Hero: Amherst Island, just west of Kingston, claims to be the "Gem of Lake Ontario" renowned for its tranquility and peace, bird watching, bicycling, music concerts, crafts, and much more. Local resident Steve Hart along with Trees Ontario and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, hope to add one more attribute to that list – home to acres of beautiful trees and forests.

Achieving this goal isn't going to be easy. Amherst Island is an un-friendly home for trees. The island is overrun by voles (field mice), rabbits and deer. All three feast on tree seedlings and eat the bark of the more mature trees leaving a trail of devastation. The limestone-based Island is also home to shallow and nutrient-poor soil that is covered with fields of hay and tall grasses. The fields rapidly choke and kill newly planted seedlings.
Trees Ontario

About the Georgian Bay Coastal Trail: A rugged coastal hiking trail alongside the east coast of Georgian Bay from Bayfield Inlet to Point Grondine has been planned and is under construction within the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. The Georgian Bay Coast Trail will allow hikers to explore the coastline of Georgian Bay for over 123 km.

In the near future, hikers will use water taxis in some areas and get their feet wet in others, as they walk through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trail is scheduled to open in 2012.
News Article

Creating that value proposition to sell your business or destination is essential to increased visitation and sales. Airlines do it with rewards programs and the always-enticing seat sale. Destinations do it by offering something unique and different that the consumer can’t get at home. Give people great memories and they will be your number one sales people. It also never hurts to have a finely tuned message, a great website, and an endorsement in the travel section from a major daily newspaper to drive you business.

BC Hughes: Trailhead Ontario speaker, has teamed up with some of Canada’s most creative and skilled advertising craftspeople to deliver results for your campaign. Since we live and breathe all aspects of the tourism supply chain, we understand your product and target audience like no other. We deliver world-class campaigns that produce results.
Website

Maple Syrup Season Underway: It's finally here. Although maple syrup season is running a little late this year, Ontario's maple sap has finally begun to flow.
Blog Link

Water Warnings - this one is regional but it applies in warmer areas of province:
Clarington residents are being warned to stay away from creeks and rivers due to high water levels caused by recent weather conditions.

The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority is asking all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams.

A high water safety bulletin remains in effect for the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority watershed. The majority of watershed in the area have received between 30-40mm of rain, which began with 5-10cm of snow on Tuesday. Warm temperatures have since caused snow cover to melt.
Article

Ottawa plans $100-million celebration of War of 1812

The Conservative government is planning a $100-million national celebration to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 next year.

It is understood that the current plans for the commemoration include re-enactments of famous battles, the repair of monuments and plaques, a new visitor centre at Fort York in Toronto, a documentary, a national essay-writing competition and a dedicated website. Dean Del Mastro, the parliamentary secretary for Canadian Heritage, confirmed the government is keen to make the bicentennial a major event. He said the Prime Minister and Heritage Minister James Moore are intent on making sure the significance of the anniversary isn't missed.

"It is going to be something that will unite Canadians and foster a greater understanding of our history," he said. "The country's borders were established by the outcome of the war. It was a big moment in our history and a lot of Canadians don't know a lot about it."

Discover 1812

Trails of 1812

Binational Partners