Ontario Trails - Ride, Hike, Paddle or Search Ontario Trails!

Bikers, hikers hit the trails | Your online newspaper for Brantford ...
Riders depart Optimist Club Park in Mount Pleasant during the Rail Trail Bike 'n' ... Stephen Bolton came out to ride the trails in memory of his mother on Sunday.
www.brantnews.com/news/bikers-hikers-it-the-trails/

Regent Park kids kick off bike month with new helmets - Toronto ...
Children from Regent Park were given a special gift to kick off bike month thanks to the donation of 500 new bike helmets. The helmets were handed out.
news.ca.msn.com/ontario/toronto/article.aspx?cp-documentid...


Meeting to introduce Sudbury to Sault cycling route - The Sudbury Star
Organizers behind the Lake Huron North Shore Cycle Route will hold a public ... - --Ontario---, Amherstburg - Amherstburg Echo, Bancroft - Bancroft this Week ...
www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3584977

Ciociaro Cycling Club Thursday night series
OurWindsor.ca
Cyclists of all ages and skill levels were out tearing up the track on Thursday evening, at the Ciociaro Cycling Club's bi-weekly racing series. by Dennis Pajot. ... They even built this track which is one of the best facilities in Ontario and Michigan ...
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Coroner's report on Ontario cycling deaths to be released Monday
Eight months after it was announced, the results will be released Monday from the provincial coroner's probe of cycling deaths in Ontario, from 2006 to 2010.
therecord.blogs.com/.../coroners-report-on-ontario-cycling-de...

Acquire news: Media Advisory: Governor General to Attend ...
This trail follows what was once considered the front lines between Canadian, British and American forces and their Aboriginal allies during the War of 1812.
news.morningstar.com/.../media-advisory-governor-general-to...

Test your knowledge of the War of 1812
Canada.com
The regiment walked on snow shoes for 52 days in the middle of winter to reach Quebec ... Lake Superior Lake Ontario Lake Erie Lake Huron Lake Michigan Lake ...

Grimsby peace garden links up
Niagarathisweek.com
The Grimsby garden is the sixth to officially link up to the trail, a legacy initiative of the BinationalTourism Alliance that links heritage, architecture ...

Uxbridge businesses want to open on holidays
durhamregion.com
Tourist attractions in Uxbridge include trail systems -- the township has been ... Under the Retail Business Holidays Act, all businesses in Ontario are ..

Shore is Nice: Toronto waterfront's best-kept secret
National Post
New employment promises to bring more activity to the neighbourhood even in the tourist-light ...The Martin Goodman Trail will be extended alongside, ...

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Trails Education Courses 2012

Trail Education Courses -  23 Sessions and Counting We have it all - 14 modules - and soon On-Line! Book Today.

Course Calendar  - click the link on the course name to download the flyer for that course!
Course Descriptions 

Register - click on your choice, register on-line

Website

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Courses are for information and knowledge exchange purposes only. All courses are offered on a first come first serve basis. Instructors reserve the right to limit class sizes. Courses may be offered more than once in the calendar year. Some minimum student levels are necessary to run certain courses, so offered courses may change without notice.

Parks and Recreation Ontario is pleased to launch the 2012 June is Recreation and Parks Month Campaign. This year's theme is Hike it or Bike it! It celebrates the abundance of walking, hiking and cycling trails across Ontario. 

Help to spread the word and keep Ontarian's active this summer.

• Put a link on your page to RecAndParksMonth.ca
• Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/#!/PROntario
• Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RecreationAndParksMonth
• Share information about Recreation and Parks Month in your newsletters. You can simply direct people to RecAndParksMonth.ca or to this short article about how to be involved: www.prontario.org/index.php?ci_id=7764
• Recreation and Parks Month is also Senior's Month in Ontario. PRO is pleased to be partnering with the Ontario Seniors' Secretariat.

If you would like more information, please email us at: jrpm@prontario.org.

Freedom Walk steps into town

YorkRegion.com

The cross-Canada walk that began in Vancouver stops at the York Region Administrative building June 21 and 22 before wrapping up in Toronto. With five men ...
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Riding an ATV? Then wear a helmet, says official
The Sudbury Star
By RITA POLIAKOV, THE SUDBURY STAR This is how Wayne Daub, the executive director of theOntario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs, sees ATV ...

Kayaking along the Rideau Canal
Montreal Gazette
Over the years, I have done a fair number of long-distance canoe and kayak trips. Most of them have been on northern lakes and rivers in Ontario and Quebec, ...
See all stories on this topic »

Riding happily into the older years
National Post
... they are shown laughing transporting their mountain bikes to a sunny site ... 2012 retailing conference in Toronto about marketing to aging consumers.

Hot on the trail
The Kingston Whig-Standard
K&P Trail advocate Douglas Knapp believes city council has been ... of eastern Ontario as it snaked its way from the shores of Lake Ontario to the Ottawa River.
See all stories on this topic »

Trailhead Ontario Day 3 - June 20, 2012

Managing Risk for Trails

Training Overview


The purpose of this module is to expose participants to the principles of risk management and to demonstrate risk assessment tools participants can use to manage risk as they apply to trail design, construction and maintenance. Participants will walk away with a broad understanding of risk management related to trails and the knowledge to undertake specific risk assessments of their home trail environment.

This 10 hour workshop will run over an evening and the following day. Participants should be prepared for outdoor activities as this course includes practical elements such as trail inspections – depending on the workshop location this may include moderate walking or hiking. The class size is capped at 12 participants to maximize experiential learning opportunities.

The course includes a follow up activity focusing on local implementation of the risk assessment process. Coaching and consultation is included in the course package to assist participants transfer the workshop principles to real-life application.

Teaching Methodology


Recognizing participants will be coming from a range of backgrounds and education levels the course will be delivered using a number of adult learning strategies and teaching methods including:
• Group discussion
• Lecture with supporting visual aids
• Small group activities
• Applied knowledge sharing
• Practical in-field activities
• Case studies

Workshop Topics
Introduction and Overview
Developing a Risk Management Framework The Canadian and Ontario Legal Systems Negligence and Liability
The Law and Trails
Insurance and the Transfer of Risk
Occupational Health and Safety
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) HIRA Application on the Trail
On the Trail Again - take away risk assessment assignment

Supporting Resources
Managing Risk eBook
Trails Risk Assessment Template
On the Trail Again Assignment Resource Package
Follow-up email and phone support for local implementation
Managing Risk for Trails Workshop Schedule*

Day One – Evening Session (June 19, 2012)

1830 – 1900 Introduction and Overview

1900 – 1945 Developing a Risk Management Framework

1945 – 2000 Break

2000 – 2130 The Canadian and Ontario Legal Systems


Day Two - June 20, 2012

0830 – 0930 Negligence and Liability

0930 – 1000 Exercise/Discussion***

1000 – 1015 Break

1015 – 1100 The Law and Trails

1100 – 1130 Insurance and the Transfer of Risk

1130 – 1200 Occupational Health and Safety

1200 – 1300 Break

1300 – 1400 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

1400 – 1500 HIRA Application***

1500 – 1515 Break

1515 – 1645 HIRA Exercise/Case Study***

1645 – 1700 On the Trail Again - take away risk assessment assignment

1700 – 1730 Wrap up & Course Evaluation

Copyright Direct Bearing Inc, 2012
For more information see: http://ontariotrails.on.ca/courses

Trailhead Ontario June 19 2012, Day 2

DAY 2 – Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Location: Elm Hurst Inn and Country Spa and Off-site

Time	Planned Program	Planned Program
9:00 – 10:30am	SAY YES to Trails This plenary session will provide examples from trail leaders who have achieved trail development in the face of competing challenges. Bring your local clerk and a counsellor! This session will teach them about the value of trails and why,  SAYING YES to TRAILS works for these communities and how they can say it more at home! Opening Remarks - Warden Don McKay, Zorra-Tavistock Invited Speakers: Kathryn Kielstra, Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Chatham-Kent Jay Cranstone, B.Sc., MLA,  O.A.L.A, C.S.L.A., Senior Landscape Architect, MMM Group Richard Hui, Transportation and Community Planning, York Region Moderator: Damian Bradley, Ontario Trails Council the new Ontario Recreational Policy and it’s impact on Trails – The re-alignment of tourism destination marketing organizations and their implementation of a trail tourism economy inspired sessions on Trail Tourism – bring your Town Clerk and a Staff to our roundtable. A must session for elected officials and staff. Understand the importance of trails to your community.  They will learn about the economic, health, and social benefits of trails, how to create jobs, safer communities and have a healthier population when they SAY YES to TRAILS!
10:40-12:00am	Rouge Park – Canada’s First Urban Wilderness Park Invited Speakers: Diana Smyth, Trail Coordinator, Rouge Park Mike Bender, Manager of Conservation Lands, Toronto Region Conservation Authority Louis Lavoie, Manager, External Relations, Parks Canada Bob Barnett, Executive Director, Escarpment Biosphere Reserve Moderator: Cathy Bingham, Director, Carolinian Canada Coalition We heard about the challenges and opportunities of creating an urban wilderness park.We heard from Diana about on the ground developments, from Mike about the policy implications of managing a wilderness park in an urban area, from Louis about support from the national level as we discussed the unique aspects of this wilderness in an urban setting. Bob assisted by providing a review   of this park development in a provincial context.
1:00 – 3:00pm	Trails Tourism – A cohesive RTO approach Invited Speakers: Beth Potter, Executive Director, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Jeff Bangs, Trillium Trails and Ontario Tourism Laura Peddie, Explorers Edge, RTO12 Trails Tourism Report Dan Andrews, Our Favorite Place, RTO8 Trails Tourism Napier Simpson, RTO 4 Moderator: Cathy Bingham, Oxford County Trails Council Working with leading trails and tourism experts the panel explored the variation in trail tourism products across Ontario. We also introduced various trail products, assessments, valuations and development from the national support, provincial Ministry support and RTO resourcing levels. All 13 RTO’s are different. Not all regions provide similar products or services. We agreed to work with partners to develop a more cohesive response to trails tourism in Ontario!
6:00 – 9:00pm	Trails Training and Skill Development with Direct Bearing @ Carriage House An excellent first evening, providing a legal and legislative overview to trails management in Ontario.

Trailhead Ontario Day 1 June 18, 2012

SUNDAY JUNE 17 Wine and Cheese Reception hosted by Town of Ingersoll @6:30pm – at Centennial Park Many thanks to Mayor Ted Comiskey, Warden Don McKay and too all the great folks at the Oxford Heritage Cheese Museum for their excellent hospitality and support of Trailhead Ontario. There were many speeches, kind remarks and the Director of the Museum provided insight to the history of cheese making in the County and its importance to Canada. J L Kraft learned how to make cheese here before going to the USA to create the Kraft Corporation.

DAY 1 – Monday, June 18, 2012
Location: Elm Hurst Inn and Spa

Time	Planned Program	Planned Program
8:00 – 8:20am	Opening Remarks: Warden Don McKay, Oxford County - Many thanks to Warden Don McKay for his welcoming remarks and his recognition that provincial conferences such as Trailhead Ontario are a real benefit to places like Oxford County. The \warden expressed his hope that folks had a chance during the work of the event to get out and enjoy the many magnificent trails of Oxford County. Mayor Ted Comiskey, Mayor of Ingersoll Many thanks to Mayor Comiskey for the kind remarks and the note of appreciation from the Town of Ingersoll who was pleased to sponsor the event at the beautiful Elm Hurst Inn and Spa
8:20 – 9:00am	The Ontario Trails Strategy – Renewed Mandate Carol Oitment, Project Manager; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Larry Ketcheson, CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario. John Lohuis, BA, MBA, CMMIII; Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Moderator: Damian Bradley, Chair Trillium Trail Education Program This session provided up to date information on the status of the 2007 Ontario Trails Strategy, and its relationship with the Recreational Framework, re-written in 2011. Carol Oitment re-affirmed that trails are supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and they have the mandate for both implementation and support of recreation and trails. Our panel led the way in detailing the policies pf Park and Recreation Ontario and Canada how PRO and CPRA lend support to trails in Ontario.
9:00 – 10:00am	Carolinian Canada Coalition: Planning the Erie Coast Stewardship Eco Trail Invited Speakers: Michelle Kantor, Executive Director, CCC Trail Moderator: Cathy Bingham, Past-Director, CCC Trail Participants heard how the Carolinian Canada partnership network is protecting and restoring the last of the Carolinian Forest across southwestern Ontario, an area under great pressure. We heard how to balance landscape protection with diverse land uses and interests. Michele told the group how this unique trail concept is stewarding rare species and coastal health while promoting enjoyment of Canada’s south coast through green tourism strategies.
10:10 – 11:00am	Trails Education – About the OTC Program Invited Speakers: Jane Trakalo, Program Development, Algonquin College Graham Burke, Facilitator, Ontario Trails Education Program Moderator: Damian Bradley, Chair Trillium Trail Education Program We heard how to become a trail development leader! Launching in Ontario – first ever series of 14 courses in the development and management of trails. Designed for both volunteers and professionals. Participants learned more about the various program elements, the calendar of courses, how we select the content, on-line learning options and more.
11:00 – 11:50am	Towards a Provincial Cycling Strategy Invited Speakers: Michael Canzi and Robert Dolezel, Sustainable Transportation Office, Ministry of Transportation Doug Cota, President, Cycle Ontario Howard Pulver, President, Bike-On Tours Moderator: Alan Medcalf, Board Member, Ontario Trails Council In 2011 the Ontario Ministry of Transportation initiated a cycling data collection project.  The intent of the project was to gather best practice information from both within the province and around the world on the various considerations that need to be taken into account should Ontario wish to develop a provincial cycling route network.  The project also collected data on bicycle route networks across the province, such as selected municipal and tourism focused routes, in order to get a better understanding of where people are currently cycling for recreational purposes. In this session the Ministry, and some of our leading Cycling Partners discussed best practices learned through the completion of this project.
12:00 – 1:00pm	Luncheon – Grand Ballroom Ontario Trails Council AGM – Heritage Room We elected a new Board for more information please see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/become-a-member/board-of-directors
1:00 – 2:00pm	Provincial – National Trails Panel With Remarks from – Minister of Tourism and Culture, The Honourable Michael Chan Invited Speakers: Robert Ramsay, Director, Canadian Off-Highway Vehicles John Cushing, President, Canadian Trails Federation Moderator: Wayne Daub, All Terrain Quad Council of Canada Once again the OTC appreciates the support of the Canadian Trails Federation and The National Trails Coalition as Bob Ramsay from NTC and John Cushing from CTF reported on their efforts nationally in Ottawa, and across all 13 territories and provinces, as they work to implement, improve and provide funding for trail development. Both Bob and John provided insight for groups that require a few more dollars to get that project off the ground, or for folks who are just interested in how other provinces do trails, as they work to secure more funds in 2013
2:00-2:50pm	Regional Trail Initiatives CASO Line Project - with Kathryn Kielstra, Chatham Kent Trails The Kissing Bridge Trailway: A Downpayment on the Guelph to Goderich Greenway – with Chris Gosselin, Planner, Waterloo Region Guelph Trans Canada Trail –Rail with Trail Design and Construction – with Amanda Gebhardt, Landscape Architect, MMM Group Moderator: Patrick Connor, Ontario Trails Council In this session we profiled 3 projects of regional significance. All of these projects shared details on how they are improving regional tourism visitations, regional heritage, are opening regional lands for trail use and promote the regional sense of trails – networks and connectivity. This is important.  Each of these projects provided a different angle on trail type and pathway to project completion. We learned about how these types of trail are benefitting the region and how you may get a similar project underway in your region.
3:15 – 4:30pm	Northern Trail Projects Nipigon Rail To Trail - with David Shepherd, Facilitator, Kinghorn Rail Trail Project Path of the Paddle - with Kirsten Spence, Trans Canada Trail Ontario Some feedback indicated these were the best sessions of the day! Vast spaces, 100’s of kilometers at a stretch, limited resources, no people, no infrastructure – Northern Ontario is different and so are the demands on trail implementation organizations. We heard about Path and Paddle and the Kinghorn Rail Trail leadership describe the immense space, community support and they way they are building trails in the North.
5:00 – 9:00pm	Warden’s BBQ 6:00pm to 8:00pm Elm Hurst Carriage House Thanks to Oxford County for the BBQ!	Canadian Trails Federation Annual General Meeting – Heritage Room The meetings was held, for more detail contact the CTF