Thursday, October 4, 2012

Ontario Trails - The best fall colours anywhere - See them at Ontario Trails Facebook Page.

A beautiful autumn scene from Spencer Gorge in Dundas (Hamilton). Thank you to CONE for the nice share.

Fall in the Spencer Gorge.
 _____________________________________________________

Thanksgiving perfect for Northumberland
CANOE
COBOURG -- "Whenever people ask 'where's Northumberland County?' I say, 'do you know the Big Apple you can see from the 401? That's it,'" says Eileen Lum, the region's tourism manager. The huge landmark -- next to the Big Apple restaurant, where you ...
See all stories on this topic »


Alternate funds sought for trail development
Northumberland Today
Initially, the committee was looking for Hamilton Township (through which the trail passes between the two towns) to take the lead in development of the Bob Carr road allowance on township property running from County Road 2 to Lake Ontario, she said ...
See all stories on this topic »



________________________________________________________________ 

Ontario bird sanctuary is a delight to visit
Vancouver Sun
In the winter, there are 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails along with snowshoeing and hiking. How do I get there?


Hiking Blue Mountain | Ontario | Travel | Ottawa Sun
Q: We wanted to hike Blue Mountain and heard about some trails there.
www.ottawasun.com/2012/09/27/hiking-blue-mountain 


_________________________________________________________________

Jarvis bike lanes to be removed by end of year
Globe and Mail
Toronto's Jarvis Street bike lanes will be ripped out as planned after a last-ditch attempt to save the controversial cycling route failed at city council Tuesday. Council voted 19-24 against a motion that would have spared the lanes. “What this ...
See all stories on this topic »


Oakville cancer survivor happy to be cycling for life
InsideHalton.com
The two-day, more than 200-kilometre cycling event between Toronto and Niagara Falls raises funds for personalized cancer medicine research at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. While the ride isn't until June 8-9, 2013, the launch of the sixth ...
See all stories on this topic »


Removing Jarvis Bike Lanes is Unprincipled | Toronto Standard
Justin Robertson: Even a non-cyclist can see the absurdity of this decision.
www.torontostandard.com/the-sprawl/jarvis-bike-lanes


Local cyclists exhibit need for speed, tweed - the newspaper
Last year, Tweed Ride Toronto event focused their efforts in the Pedal Powered Hope Project, increasing cycling resources in Malawi. The project sent bikes to ...
www.thenewspaper.ca/.../894-tweed-ride-toronto-takes-to-the-... 




View Map
Hi everyone,

Another very important meeting to highlight the need for mountain bikers to voice their wish for mountain biking (think Bike Park) to be included in the master plan.


Please spread the word!

The City of Toronto is hosting a public meeting where you can learn more about the Beare Road Park Master Plan project, and provide your input on its new Master Plan.
We invite you to join us at the first public meeting.

Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, 40 Sewells Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3G5

RSVP is appreciated but not required. If you are able to attend please RSVP by email to tbosco@toronto.ca

At the meeting on October 11, the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation project team will give a presentation that includes background information about the site and the existing conditions. Parks Canada will also be at the meeting to provide an update on the neighbouring proposed Rouge National Urban Park and their consultation process.

The City of Toronto will specifically be seeking feedback regarding the vision that users and residents have for the park, guiding principles that should influence park design, and the consultation process. Other public meetings will follow as the plan progresses.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please request any additional accommodations necessary when you RSVP. We look forward to meeting with you.


 MEDIA ADVISORY-FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012

2012 Beaver Valley Bike Ride
Supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
   
WHEN: October 5th, 2012, Ride starts at 7:00am sharp (Rain or Shine)
  
WHERE: Dearcroft Montessori School, 1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON L6J 1L3

HIGHLIGHTS
The Beaver Valley 180 represents the true spirit of group rides!

View Map

This ride traverses Southern Ontario departing from Oakville and arriving over 180 km later in Beaver Valley.

Riders in the "Beaver Valley 180" recognize their good fortunes and the importance of supporting others in their goals.  This ride began with 5 guys having fun and is now an event with over 70 elite riders supporting Special Olympics Ontario athletes in order that they may realize their dreams.
  
The BV180 continues to support The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics athletes in order that they may realize their dreams. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is  the most important fundraising entity for Special Olympics programs around the WORLD. In the four years has raised over $430,000. The goal for 2012 is $130,000.
 _____________________________________________________________


http://beseenbesafe.simcoecountytrails.net

__________________________________________________________


MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE EVENT CALENDAR

Trail Education

Our event calendar shows weekly adjustments to our course offerings. It also provides links to course information, in PDF flyer format, registration, and location of course through a google map or other means.





Be sure to use our array of press or other flyers to circulate to your local papers or possible attendees. All available for use - call - 877-668-7245 or 519-941-8911, or 1-866-560-7783
________________________________________________________
  
Ontario Trails Mobile App
__________________________________________________________________
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL E-NEWS - Every Friday

    • Local Trail News 

    • Trail Education Program

    • Trail Heros

    • Trailhead Ontario

    • Activity and User Updates

     View it Here
_____________________________________________________________
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Ontario Trails - City of Thunder Bay Supports Pilot Project, New trail Openings all on Ontario Trails


City Pilots Ontario Trails Activity Project
October 2 2012 In a collaborative effort with the Ontario Trails Council the City of Thunder Bay Parks Division has initiated an innovative trail use survey ...
www.thunderbay.ca/Page14588.aspx


_______________________________________________________________________

Ontario Calls for National Transit Plan

October 2, 2012

Ontario Government Pushes for Innovative Solutions

Ontario is asking the federal government to develop a national plan for public transit and increase overall infrastructure funding to boost productivity and create jobs.
These recommendations are part of Ontario's submission to the federal government's long-term infrastructure plan. Ontario is calling for urgent investment in core economic infrastructure which includes transit.Investing in transit infrastructure projects delivers immediate economic benefits, from increasing manufacturing jobs to savings billions lost because of gridlock. Increased federal investment is also required in other types of core economic infrastructure such as:
  • highways, roads and bridges
  • public transit
  • border crossings and gateways
  • water and wastewater systems 
Other recommendations include streamlining many of the administrative requirements for federal infrastructure funding, and stimulating more private sector innovation through the use of alternative financing and procurement funding models, which shift some of the risks associated with complex infrastructure projects onto private sector partners.
Investing in infrastructure is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs for Ontarians and strengthen the economy. A strong economy protects the services that mean the most to families - health care and education.

How about a national trails plan? You know in support of the trails strategy?
______________________________________________________________________

Niagara Bike Summit 2012: Cycling in Niagara - Ontario Health ...
Welland, Ontario October 4-5, 2012. The Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee ( RNBC), in partnership with Share the Road Cycling Coalition and the City of ...
www.ohpe.ca/node/13642


Bike Helmet Debate Heats Up
Raise the Hammer (blog)
Earlier this year, the Ontario Coroner's Report on Cycling strongly recommended a provincewide "complete streets" policy that provides for the safety of all street users - pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists - instead of ...
See all stories on this topic »


View Map
Canadian Cyclist - Ontario University Cup MTB Race 3
Canadian Cyclist Online. The source for Canadian cycling news and information including mountain bike and road bike tours, adventure biking features, ...
www.canadiancyclist.com/cycling4women_news.php?id...


Ride your bicycle — but stay safe and don't break the law
St. Catharines Standard
Whether considering the purchase of a new bike, or performing maintenance on an old one, riders should remember a bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. “This means that as a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities ...


Do you feel safe cycling on the streets of Niagara?
Welland Tribune
Katie Versluis: “I've been cycling as my main mode of transportation over the summer and found the city less than friendly towards cyclists. Putting aside the fact that most of our main roads don't even have bicycle paths, (Ontario Street is a death ...

______________________________________________________________


View Map
Hi everyone,

Another very important meeting to highlight the need for mountain bikers to voice their wish for mountain biking (think Bike Park) to be included in the master plan.

Please spread the word!

The City of Toronto is hosting a public meeting where you can learn more about the Beare Road Park Master Plan project, and provide your input on its new Master Plan.

We invite you to join u
s at the first public meeting.

Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, 40 Sewells Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3G5

RSVP is appreciated but not required. If you are able to attend please RSVP by email to tbosco@toronto.ca

At the meeting on October 11, the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation project team will give a presentation that includes background information about the site and the existing conditions. Parks Canada will also be at the meeting to provide an update on the neighbouring proposed Rouge National Urban Park and their consultation process.

The City of Toronto will specifically be seeking feedback regarding the vision that users and residents have for the park, guiding principles that should influence park design, and the consultation process. Other public meetings will follow as the plan progresses.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please request any additional accommodations necessary when you RSVP. We look forward to meeting with you.


 MEDIA ADVISORY-FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012

2012 Beaver Valley Bike Ride
Supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
   
WHEN: October 5th, 2012, Ride starts at 7:00am sharp (Rain or Shine)
  
WHERE: Dearcroft Montessori School, 1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON L6J 1L3

HIGHLIGHTS
The Beaver Valley 180 represents the true spirit of group rides!

View Map

This ride traverses Southern Ontario departing from Oakville and arriving over 180 km later in Beaver Valley.

Riders in the "Beaver Valley 180" recognize their good fortunes and the importance of supporting others in their goals.  This ride began with 5 guys having fun and is now an event with over 70 elite riders supporting Special Olympics Ontario athletes in order that they may realize their dreams.
  
The BV180 continues to support The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics athletes in order that they may realize their dreams. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is  the most important fundraising entity for Special Olympics programs around the WORLD. In the four years has raised over $430,000. The goal for 2012 is $130,000.
_____________________________________________________________________

http://beseenbesafe.simcoecountytrails.net

__________________________________________________________

TRAIL BUILDING - OCTOBER 3-4, 2012

The Ontario Trails Council and the Ontario Trails Education Program, in conjunction withInternational Mountain Bicycling Association (ON) are pleased to announce the decison to offer the highly recognized and nationally respected IMBA Trailbuilding Program, as part of its Trail Education Course offerings in Ontario. We are currently working to hold our first course on October 3-4. Please save the date.

ontario trails edcuation courses

Daniel Scott from IMBA writes, "Students will come away with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of trail design for both hard surface and naturally surfaced trails of various user types. A working knowledge of the design process from the planning phase to ground proofing trail alignments will be both discussed and experienced with examples and a field exercise which will include using field measurement equipment and flagging a trail alignment for construction."


Program elements include:

IMBA will provide for a two day workshop educating on the following elements
• Sustainable Trail Design – Making sure it lasts using various techniques:
• 5 Elements of Sustainable Design - Micro trail design - the fundamentals for bench cut
• Bench cut Trail vs. Raised Tread Trail - when is each appropriate
• 13 Steps to Trail Planning - Macro trail design - how one trail fits within a larger system
• Art of Trail Design - User psychology and design theory in the natural landscape
• Trail Closure & Rehabilitation - Mitigating reroutes & closures through design & signage
• Advanced Design & Construction Techniques – Building in challenging locations:
• Wooden Structures - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Rock Armouring - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Technical Trail Features - Designing trail features specific to various user groups
• Turns - Climbing, In sloped & Switchback - which turns is appropriate for who & where?

Or contact: Graham Burke, Ontario Trails Council
course@ontariotrails.ca
________________________________________________________
  
Ontario Trails Mobile App
__________________________________________________________________
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL E-NEWS - Every Friday

    • Local Trail News 

    • Trail Education Program

    • Trail Heros

    • Trailhead Ontario

    • Activity and User Updates

     View it Here
_____________________________________________________________

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Ontario Trails - Stay Dafe on Trails, in the Wilderness or at Home on Ontairo Trails

View Map
Exercise boosts memory after stroke
Zee News
Toronto researchers found that the proportion of stroke patients with at least mild cognitive impairment dropped from 66 per cent to 37 per cent during a research study on the impact of exercise on the brain. "People who have cognitive deficits after ...
See all stories on this topic »


Woman sexually assaulted at gun point near Don Mills and Finch
Global Toronto
TORONTO - Toronto police are looking for a suspect after a woman was sexually assaulted at gun point while walking her dog on Sunday evening. According to police a male approached the woman in a park in the Don Mills Road and Finch Avenue East ...
See all stories on this topic »

_____________________________________________________________________

Bike trails for Fall foliage near Toronto - Toronto Forum ...
On TripAdvisor's Toronto travel forum, travelers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Bike trails for Fall foliage near Toronto".
www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g155019-i55-k5802617-Bi...


View Map
Hi everyone,

Another very important meeting to highlight the need for mountain bikers to voice their wish for mountain biking (think Bike Park) to be included in the master plan.

Please spread the word!

The City of Toronto is hosting a public meeting where you can learn more about the Beare Road Park Master Plan project, and provide your input on its new Master Plan.

We invite you to join u
s at the first public meeting.

Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, 40 Sewells Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3G5

RSVP is appreciated but not required. If you are able to attend please RSVP by email to tbosco@toronto.ca

At the meeting on October 11, the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation project team will give a presentation that includes background information about the site and the existing conditions. Parks Canada will also be at the meeting to provide an update on the neighbouring proposed Rouge National Urban Park and their consultation process.

The City of Toronto will specifically be seeking feedback regarding the vision that users and residents have for the park, guiding principles that should influence park design, and the consultation process. Other public meetings will follow as the plan progresses.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please request any additional accommodations necessary when you RSVP. We look forward to meeting with you.


 MEDIA ADVISORY-FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012

2012 Beaver Valley Bike Ride
Supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
   
WHEN: October 5th, 2012, Ride starts at 7:00am sharp (Rain or Shine)
  
WHERE: Dearcroft Montessori School, 1167 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON L6J 1L3

HIGHLIGHTS
The Beaver Valley 180 represents the true spirit of group rides!
View Map

This ride traverses Southern Ontario departing from Oakville and arriving over 180 km later in Beaver Valley.

Riders in the "Beaver Valley 180" recognize their good fortunes and the importance of supporting others in their goals.  This ride began with 5 guys having fun and is now an event with over 70 elite riders supporting Special Olympics Ontario athletes in order that they may realize their dreams.
  
The BV180 continues to support The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics athletes in order that they may realize their dreams. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is  the most important fundraising entity for Special Olympics programs around the WORLD. In the four years has raised over $430,000. The goal for 2012 is $130,000.

__________________________________________________________________
 Kayak fishing ? - Ontario OUT OF DOORS Community
Just moved home from 6 years of living/working in Texas and kayak fishing is huge out there for both fresh and saltwater species. Moved into our new place in ...
forums.oodmag.com/showthread.php?t=49142

__________________________________________________________________
OFAH and OCOA promote a safe and responsible hunting season NorthumberlandView.ca For Ontario hunters, fall signals the beginning of big game hunting opportunities in the province. Together, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) want to wish all Ontario hunters ...See all stories on this topic »


http://beseenbesafe.simcoecountytrails.net

__________________________________________________________

TRAIL BUILDING - OCTOBER 3-4, 2012

The Ontario Trails Council and the Ontario Trails Education Program, in conjunction withInternational Mountain Bicycling Association (ON) are pleased to announce the decison to offer the highly recognized and nationally respected IMBA Trailbuilding Program, as part of its Trail Education Course offerings in Ontario. We are currently working to hold our first course on October 3-4. Please save the date.

ontario trails edcuation courses

Daniel Scott from IMBA writes, "Students will come away with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of trail design for both hard surface and naturally surfaced trails of various user types. A working knowledge of the design process from the planning phase to ground proofing trail alignments will be both discussed and experienced with examples and a field exercise which will include using field measurement equipment and flagging a trail alignment for construction."


Program elements include:

IMBA will provide for a two day workshop educating on the following elements
• Sustainable Trail Design – Making sure it lasts using various techniques:
• 5 Elements of Sustainable Design - Micro trail design - the fundamentals for bench cut
• Bench cut Trail vs. Raised Tread Trail - when is each appropriate
• 13 Steps to Trail Planning - Macro trail design - how one trail fits within a larger system
• Art of Trail Design - User psychology and design theory in the natural landscape
• Trail Closure & Rehabilitation - Mitigating reroutes & closures through design & signage
• Advanced Design & Construction Techniques – Building in challenging locations:
• Wooden Structures - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Rock Armouring - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Technical Trail Features - Designing trail features specific to various user groups
• Turns - Climbing, In sloped & Switchback - which turns is appropriate for who & where?

Or contact: Graham Burke, Ontario Trails Council
course@ontariotrails.ca
________________________________________________________
Kent: Traffic blitzes needlessly punitiveToronto Sun
If the argument for fining drivers is the simple mantra that “it's the law” then why aren't people who cycle on Toronto sidewalks prosecuted with the same vigor. There is a Toronto bylaw prohibiting riding a bicycle with tire size over 61 centimetres ...
See all stories on this topic »
________________________________________________________
 
From Alan Medcalf - Cruising through my email drop of cycling news hits from around the world, this one caught my eye.  It's an article from New Zealand highlighting work being done on one particular cycling trail to make a loop of it accessible to wheelchairs (albeit "off road" wheelchairs), in order to allow more people access to that particular trail's unique outdoor experience.

This is the type of example we could hold up to show trails stewards how they can expand their trails' experiences to those with accessibility challenges.


See: http://www.nzcycletrail.com/news-media/cycle-trail-upgrade-benefit-wheelchair-users 
________________________________________________________
  
Ontario Trails Mobile App
__________________________________________________________________
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL E-NEWS - Every Friday

    • Local Trail News 

    • Trail Education Program

    • Trail Heros

    • Trailhead Ontario

    • Activity and User Updates

     View it Here
_____________________________________________________________

Enhanced by Zemanta

Monday, October 1, 2012

Ontario Trails - Walking can help Parkinson's Symptoms - and more on Ontario Trails

View Map
Walking to beat 'can help Parkinson's symptoms'
Nursing Times
Where did the story come from? The study was carried out by researchers from the Universities of Pittsburgh, Toronto, British Columbia and Cambridge, and was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The study was ...
See all stories on this topic »


The Wellington Advertiser - Club joins Ontario Hiking Week
Club joins Ontario Hiking Week. GUELPH. The Guelph Hiking Trail Club is getting ready to hit the trails in support of Ontario Hiking Week, from Oct. 1 to 7.
www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail...

______________________________________________________________

Plan a canoe trip in Ontario cottage country – explore
This trip through the province's scenic fall landscape is sure to appeal to novice and expert paddlers alike.
explore-mag.com/.../plan-a-canoe-trip-in-ontario-cottage-coun...


OFAH and OCOA promote a safe and responsible hunting season NorthumberlandView.ca For Ontario hunters, fall signals the beginning of big game hunting opportunities in the province. Together, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) want to wish all Ontario hunters ...See all stories on this topic »

http://beseenbesafe.simcoecountytrails.net

__________________________________________________________

TRAIL BUILDING - OCTOBER 3-4, 2012

The Ontario Trails Council and the Ontario Trails Education Program, in conjunction withInternational Mountain Bicycling Association (ON) are pleased to announce the decison to offer the highly recognized and nationally respected IMBA Trailbuilding Program, as part of its Trail Education Course offerings in Ontario. We are currently working to hold our first course on October 3-4. Please save the date.

ontario trails edcuation courses

Daniel Scott from IMBA writes, "Students will come away with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of trail design for both hard surface and naturally surfaced trails of various user types. A working knowledge of the design process from the planning phase to ground proofing trail alignments will be both discussed and experienced with examples and a field exercise which will include using field measurement equipment and flagging a trail alignment for construction."


Program elements include:

IMBA will provide for a two day workshop educating on the following elements
• Sustainable Trail Design – Making sure it lasts using various techniques:
• 5 Elements of Sustainable Design - Micro trail design - the fundamentals for bench cut
• Bench cut Trail vs. Raised Tread Trail - when is each appropriate
• 13 Steps to Trail Planning - Macro trail design - how one trail fits within a larger system
• Art of Trail Design - User psychology and design theory in the natural landscape
• Trail Closure & Rehabilitation - Mitigating reroutes & closures through design & signage
• Advanced Design & Construction Techniques – Building in challenging locations:
• Wooden Structures - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Rock Armouring - intro to various techniques and how to design for users types
• Technical Trail Features - Designing trail features specific to various user groups
• Turns - Climbing, In sloped & Switchback - which turns is appropriate for who & where?

Or contact: Graham Burke, Ontario Trails Council
course@ontariotrails.ca
________________________________________________________
Kent: Traffic blitzes needlessly punitiveToronto Sun
If the argument for fining drivers is the simple mantra that “it's the law” then why aren't people who cycle on Toronto sidewalks prosecuted with the same vigor. There is a Toronto bylaw prohibiting riding a bicycle with tire size over 61 centimetres ...
See all stories on this topic »
________________________________________________________
 
From Alan Medcalf - Cruising through my email drop of cycling news hits from around the world, this one caught my eye.  It's an article from New Zealand highlighting work being done on one particular cycling trail to make a loop of it accessible to wheelchairs (albeit "off road" wheelchairs), in order to allow more people access to that particular trail's unique outdoor experience.

This is the type of example we could hold up to show trails stewards how they can expand their trails' experiences to those with accessibility challenges.


See: http://www.nzcycletrail.com/news-media/cycle-trail-upgrade-benefit-wheelchair-users 
________________________________________________________
  
Ontario Trails Mobile App
__________________________________________________________________
ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL E-NEWS - Every Friday

    • Local Trail News 

    • Trail Education Program

    • Trail Heros

    • Trailhead Ontario

    • Activity and User Updates

     View it Here
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
 
Enhanced by Zemanta