Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Ontario Trails Council - Nominate your volunteers for an award for work on an Ontario Trail!

Ontario Newsroom Ontario Newsroom
 
News Release

Ontario to Celebrate Dedication of Local Volunteers

March 20, 2013

Ontario Government Honouring Volunteers in Ceremonies Across the Province

The new Ontario government is celebrating the commitment and outstanding contributions of the more than 10,000 volunteers at 52 Volunteer Service Award ceremonies across the province.
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recognize people of all ages for continuous service to an organization. Certificates and trillium pins will be awarded for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 or more years of service. Youth will also be recognized for two or more years of volunteer service.
The first ceremony will kick off in Stratford on March 20, where 119 volunteers will be recognized. The final ceremony will be held in Toronto on June 27.
Recognizing the good work volunteers contribute to the province supports the new Ontario government's efforts to build strong communities and a fair society.
 

QUICK FACTS


LEARN MORE

 

QUOTES

"Ontario’s volunteers are one of our province’s greatest assets. They are role models for all of us. I’m delighted to celebrate their dedication, hard work and outstanding leadership with Volunteer Service Awards."
 — Michael Coteau, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration


CONTACTS

Indira Naidoo-Harris
Minister’s Office
416-325-6205
Elizabeth Meneses Del Castillo
Communications Branch
416-314-7725 Elizabeth.MenesesdelCastillo@ontario.ca
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
http://www.ontario.ca/citizenship
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Trail Counts
 
EVER WONDERED WHO IS USING YOUR TRAIL AND WHEN? LOOKING FOR MORE THAN JUST A STATIC COUNT OF TRAIL ACTIVITY? TELL OTHERS ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF PERSON IS USING YOUR TRAIL, WHAT MAKES YOUR TRAIL A POPULAR DESTINATION...AND MORE!


WE HAVE YOUR ANSWER.
Utilizing smartphone technology trail users can now complete a short survey that:
  • Logs in the trip
  • Single counts individual users
  • Consolidates results for centralized reporting
  • Consultation on survey content.
  • We ask your questions - the facility manager asks what they want to know!
  • Allows for separate trail counting
  • Multi-season operation
  • 24/7collection
  • Identifies quality of trail experiences
  • Provides you feedback loop
Wherever there is a smartphone signal, and YOUR trailhead you could be gathering and collecting additional information that will make for a better trail! Got great trails? Get the feedback that keeps you in the know!
LOW MAINTENANCE
Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.
LOW COST
$50.00 per trail per year (max 3 trails) includes:
  • Decal design
  • Decal Printing - max 6 sheets, various size decals
  • More decals option (fee charged)
  • Survey Set-up
  • Survey reports
  • All system maintenance
  • Regional Comparisons
  • Seasonal variances
  • Trail differentiations
  • Use patterns

PACKAGES
OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!
  • Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
  • Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
  • Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
    • TBD
We've kept the price low - comparible pairs of static counters, that provide no demographic or qualitative information start at @$750.00 a pair, per trail - at OTC we are maintenance free, so operating cost is never an issue! Get information on your rural trails - save on gas, training, maintenance and get better connected to your customer: THE TRAIL USER!


VARIOUS DECAL SIZES TO MEET YOUR NEEDS!
8 decals per sheet - each decal is @4.5" (W) X 1.12" (T) or 11.43cm (W) X 2.8cm (T)
4 decals per sheet - each decal is @ 6" (W) X 1.75" (T) or 15.24cm (W) X 4.44cm (T)
2 decals per sheet - each decal is @ 9" (W) X 2.25" (T) or 22.86cm (W) x 5.72cm (T)



NETWORKED TRAIL TRAFFIC SERVICE - 
Do you have a trail that comes into your area from somewhere else? Is it managed by someone other than you? Ever want to know how much trail traffic was passing through, staying. or going away from your place - on your trail? Trails network and they cross jurisdictions. How much maintenance are you doing for traffic that comes from someone else's trail? We can answer that! Watch this space for our Trillium Trail (C) Decal. It is designed specifically for trail networks
OTHER FACILITIES?
Do you have a trail that comes into park, runs around the arena or pool and you'd like to know more about cross flow and traffic integration? Ontario Trails can offer this same method to integrate additional feedback from your other recreation facilities as well - producing for you a comprehensive report on traffic, quality of experience at your arena, pool or tourism destination - giving you a sense of aggregate operation and our 4 F's - "fit, flow, funding and function."


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Patrick at 877-668-7245
execdir@ontariotrails.ca
*Shipping and handling extra
** Colour print extra

_________________________________________________________________________________

Trailhead Ontario 

 

Trailhead Ontario Website Trailhead Ontario Registration - Early Bird Ends April 1, 2013
Our Plan for 2013 – "From Recreation to Tourism" There are a lot of new trails and trail tourism partnerships in RTO8. The Ontario Trails “Trailhead Ontario 2013″ Committee is  is pleased to announce the Holiday Inn Waterfront Peterborough as the location of our conferencing. Site locations for our trail education program are being determined now.  

 NATURAL/ HISTORIC SITES When you’re entering the region from any direction the noticeable feature that differentiates Peterborough from other Cities or Counties in Ontario is the distinct rolling hills.  These hills, while beautiful when full with fall foliage, have a unique history behind them.  When the last ice age was receding, it left behind large pockets of sediment, which it picked up while proceeding to grow and freeze everything in its path.  These pockets of sediment are what create the rolling hill effect you see now.  The leftover hills are called Drumlins and Peterborough is home to one of the largest Drumlin fields in Canada.  The reason is unknown, however when traveling along the trails or the roads, makes sure you keep an eye out for the next hill and think about how it really was created. Become a Trailhead Ontario Presenter - tell us about yourself!

________________________________________________________________________________________

Our mobile app voted one of 12 Must Have for Living in Rural Ontario by Ruralist.ca





















Ontario Trail Projects - this page details our work in 32 areas of Ontario.
Ontario Trails Council liaise with the province, and through membership input we conduct a variety of surveys and create reports that guide decision makers at all levels - these include:
  • Trail Priorities
  • Accessibility
  • Land Use Planning
  • Ontario Cycling Route Commentary
  • Use of Maintenance Vehicles on Trails
  • Community Development
  • Event Planning for Trail Groups
  • Safe Trails Manual
  • Regional Tourism Trail Inventory RTO12

And more. We can get you to a significant trails audience.

 ______________________________________________________________________
Ontario Trail Council Membership

Membership renewals for 2013 started going out December 1st, 2012. Thanks to the 77+ organizations that have renewed so far!

On behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits.
 

THANKS! MERCI! 
join otc

_________________________________________________________________________________

The Ontario Trails Council Appreciates the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Ontario Trails Council - Trails Activity and More about Ontario Trails!

Jane's Walk 2013 - City of Toronto
Walking/Hiking. Links. Tourism Toronto. Visitor services. Historic sites. Attraction highlights. Public transit. Green P Parking. Road restrictions. Event planning ...
wx.toronto.ca/...nsf/.../de904f246020831d85257b30006a1b8...

 _________________________________________________________________________________
If you are looking for a bicycle mechanic...
Charles Alexander Moffat 2:56pm Mar 19
If you are looking for a bicycle mechanic training course you might consider the Quadra Bike Mechanic School (see http://quadrabikeschool.blogspot.ca/). Its waaaaaaay out in BC, but hey, its a 5 week intensive course that will feel like a training course / vacation at the same time.
And in the meantime check out my site too, http://bicyclemechanic.blogspot.ca/ :)
Quadra Bike School - Professional Bicycle Mechanic Training
quadrabikeschool.blogspot.com
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Hiking Buddies!

Added by Heather, Hiking Buddy Organizer

Saturday, April 13, 2013
10:00 AM
Needs a location
Coming soon!
Will you attend?


CROW'S PASS
If you like rolling hills, discovering new places and the laughter of your buddies then join us for our first group hike through Crow's Pass.  It's a beautiful section of the woods.

If it's sunny and warm, bring a place mat, yes a pl...
Learn more
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
 Albion Hills Conservation Authority:
ontario trail education

New Course:

Trail Risk Management with Direct Bearing - April 9, 10, 2013 - Albion Hills Conservation

Algonquin College:
algonquin college trails education
__________________________________________________________________________________ Ontario Trail Council Membership

Membership renewals for 2013 started going out December 1st, 2012. Thanks to the 77+ organizations that have renewed so far!

On behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits.
 

THANKS! MERCI! 

join otc

_________________________________________________________________________________


The Ontario Trails Council Appreciates the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Ontario Trails - Jane's Walk, Trail Education Courses, Algonquin College, and more on Ontario Trails!

Jane's Walk 2013 - City of Toronto
Walking/Hiking. Links. Tourism Toronto. Visitor services. Historic sites. Attraction highlights. Public transit. Green P Parking. Road restrictions. Event planning ...
wx.toronto.ca/...nsf/.../de904f246020831d85257b30006a1b8...

 _________________________________________________________________________________
If you are looking for a bicycle mechanic...
Charles Alexander Moffat 2:56pm Mar 19
If you are looking for a bicycle mechanic training course you might consider the Quadra Bike Mechanic School (see http://quadrabikeschool.blogspot.ca/). Its waaaaaaay out in BC, but hey, its a 5 week intensive course that will feel like a training course / vacation at the same time.
And in the meantime check out my site too, http://bicyclemechanic.blogspot.ca/ :)
Quadra Bike School - Professional Bicycle Mechanic Training
quadrabikeschool.blogspot.com     
 ________________________________________________________________________________

Hiking Buddies!
Added by Heather, Hiking Buddy Organizer
Saturday, April 13, 2013
10:00 AM
Needs a location
Coming soon!
Will you attend?
CROW'S PASS
If you like rolling hills, discovering new places and the laughter of your buddies then join us for our first group hike through Crow's Pass.  It's a beautiful section of the woods.

If it's sunny and warm, bring a place mat, yes a pl...
Learn more
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
 Albion Hills Conservation Authority:
ontario trail education

New Course:

Trail Risk Management with Direct Bearing - April 9, 10, 2013 - Albion Hills Conservation

Algonquin College:
algonquin college trails education
__________________________________________________________________________________ Ontario Trail Council Membership
Membership renewals for 2013 started going out December 1st, 2012. Thanks to the 77+ organizations that have renewed so far!

On behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits.
 

THANKS! MERCI! 
join otc

_________________________________________________________________________________

The Ontario Trails Council Appreciates the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Trailwise - weekly in your email - sign up today!

Ontario Trails NewsMarch Break offers Trail Entertainment

ontario parks
ontario trails at conservation ontario

conservation ontario

ontario trails events
Make sure you get out on an Ontario Trail this March Break!
More information on activities at Ontario Trails Events
2013 Call for Applications
Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund
Ontario is providing grants to help communities take action to protect and restore their corner of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.
This is the second call for applications under the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. Grants are available for projects that take place in Ontario within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The basin includes: Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, the St. Lawrence River, the Ottawa River, their connecting channels, and their watersheds. Examples of projects that could qualify include:
  • Planting trees to restore stream banks
  • Protecting and restoring sensitive and degraded natural habitats by managing the flow of storm water runoff
  • Protecting traditional harvesting areas from invasive species by using traditional ecological knowledge
You can receive a grant of up to $25,000 grant for your project. Smaller projects are also encouraged. Applications for funding will be accepted until April 26, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. Information on the fund, including the application guide, form, frequently asked questions and 2012 grant recipients, is available at ontario.ca/GreatLakesFund.

ontario sport and recreation community fund

Ontario Trails Builds New PartnershipThe Ontario Trails Council, through letter and direct representation has worked on the trails risk management and liability file since 2002. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recent efforts by the OTC to reach out to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) are appreciated by AMO.

"since 2007, liability premiums have increased by 22.2% and are among the fastest growing municipal costs.  Total 2011 Ontario municipal insurance costs are $155.2 million. Liability premiums make up the majority of these expenses at $85.5 million.  Property taxpayers are paying this price." AMO Insurance Study 2011

Since 2007 the OTC has written joint letters of support with AMO, the Federation of Municipalities of Northern Ontario (FONOM) and Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA).

"The heavy insurance burden and legal environment is unsustainable for Ontario’s communities. Despite enormous improvements to safety, including new standards for playgrounds, pool safety, (trails), and better risk management practices, municipal insurance premiums and liability claims continue to increase."

We will continue to support AMO efforts and are currently looking into offering a trail insurance program because over 80% of OTC Membership is municipally based, and municipalities represent at least half of the liability for Ontario's trail inventory of 88,000km. Tort reform is needed and Ontario lags behind North American trends in legal system reform.

"Various forms of proportionate liability have been enacted by all of Ontario’s competing Great Lakes states and in 38 other states south of the border.  Many other common law jurisdictions are also pursuing reform. It is time for Ontario to do the same."


association of municipalities of ontario legal reform


Performance Measures - Trail Counts!
ontario trails counts

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.


Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!
  • Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
  • Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
    • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
  • Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
    • TBD
Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks


Trailhead Ontario - Updatestrailhead ontario

Join us for three days of trail discussion and trail development. We welcome a new list of speakers to Trailhead Ontario  this year, please come to Peterborough to meet:
  • Brent Feldman ED of Minnesota Parks And Trails Council - our NW friend in trails, hear how they do trails!
  • Nancy Krupiarz ED of Michigan Trails and Greenways Association - our St. Clair River friend in trails, learn about their cross border initiatives!
  • Fontasy Signs - new techniques prolong sign life, interpretive signs serve tourists, learn the latest!
  • John Hobbs - Ontario Geocachers Association - we search, we spend - we'd like to do it near you!
  • Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport - updates on their strategy for trails.
  • Trail Education - at least three modules in development - including Universal Trail Assessment Process - learn how to build trails for AODA compliance.
Watch the program space for more detail. Early Bird closes May 1, 2013

our favorite placeThe Lang-Hastings Trans Canada Trail is one of the newest additions to the trail network in Peterborough County. The trail extends from Keene Rd. to the old bridge in Hastings. This trail connects the south-eastern corner of the county to all the communities and into the City of Peterborough. With the designation as a section of the Trans Canada Trail, this trail is perfect for the average walker, cyclist or horseback rider. It is 33km in length and formed from packed limestone, creating a solid base enjoyable for a leisurely stroll. The trail leads you by many streams, around Drumlins and hugs the Trent-Severn Waterway for a few kilometers, allowing you to take in a variety of scenery along the route. The trail links to the Trans Canada Trail continuing east past Hastings and through Campbellford, allowing for extended trips throughout the countryside of Ontario.

Cross Country Trails
kamview nordic centre
kamview nordic centre

Dog Sled Trails
ontario dog sled trails
ontario dog sled trails

Snowmobile Trailsontario snowmobile trails

ontario snowmobile trails

Snow-shoeing Trailsontario snowshoe trails
explore the bruce on snowshoe

Ontario Trails MembershipOn behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits.

Thanks to NEW Member Huron County for taking out a membership, and to Ontario Federation of Trail Riders and the National Capital Commission for renewing this week.

THANKS! MERCI! join otc
 
 

Local Trails NewsAlbion Hills Conservation Authority:
ontario trail education

New Course:

Trail Risk Management with Direct Bearing - April 9, 10, 2013 - Albion Hills Conservation

Algonquin College:
algonquin college trails education

ATV:
georgian bay country

Gananoque:
gnanoque trails

Haliburton Highlands:
haliburton forest reserve

Humber Arboretum:
humber arboretum march break

Lake Erie:
great waterfront trail adventure


Lanark County:
lanark county trails


Port Loring:
tornados resorts


Southwestern Ontario:
carolinian canada landowner training

Trail Management Guides

Ontario Trails Council - Regional Trail Development Guide: developed in partnership with the Trans Canada Trail, this guide helps communities develop trail stakeholder committees. Once formed these committees help to:
  • Mitigate Trail Use Conflict
  • Seek Funds
  • Encourage Use
  • Work to reduce Trespass
Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245

Ontario Trails Council - Safe Trails Guide: developed with the support of the Ministry of Health Promotion, this guide includes recommended best practices on:
  • Code of Conduct
  • Permits
  • Trail Maintenance/Development
  • Qualifications to Develop Trail
  • Reporting
  • Trail Audits
  • Forms
  • Waivers/Assumption of Risk
Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245 

Ontario Trails Council - Event Planning Guide -perfect for the trail group planning to develop trail or hold a fund raising event to support an activity or a trail project. Content includes:
  • Event Ideas
  • Attracting Volunteers
  • Promotion
  • Critical Path to the Event (6 month step by step, from idea to event!)
Want a copy or a seminar? Contact OTC - 877-668-7245