Ontario Trail News - Trailwise

 

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________________________________________________________________________________Trail Openings and EventsOntario Trails Council signs Green Declaration

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Niagara Trails Committee Moves ahead

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Saugeen Rail Trail Looks for Support

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Healthy Hikes - May 1-31, 2013

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Evergreen - Ride the RavinesPedal your way to a greener city! Celebrate Bike Month on Sunday, June 16 on our ride through Toronto’s ravines in partnership with Cycle Toronto and support Evergreen’s work to green our city and promote active living! Get started now. Online registration is quick and easy. Space is limited so register now to ensure you get to Ride the Ravines and support Evergreen’s work. Sign up as an individual or a team and collect pledges for a chance to win amazing prizes!

Registration fee is $25 per rider, and all riders are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $75 to ride. Be sure to stick around after the ride for refreshments and celebration, and to pick up any incentive prizes you may have won! Our lead community partner, Cycle Toronto, is offering its members a reduced registration rate of $20. Not a member of Cycle Toronto? Join today and register to ride for $40! Questions? Please contact Lauren North at lnorth@evergreen.ca or 416-596-1495 X 338.

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Waterfront Trail - Lake Erie Adventure 2013

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Simcoe County Looking for InputThe County of Simcoe has recently embarked on a Transportation Master Plan update whereby a “multi-modal” transportation network will be explored. The insight and knowledge of trail users is being sought to provide practical input in the study regarding active transportationand winter trail use. Could you please follow the links below and/or forward to those who may be interested in participating and offering user information on the online survey, as well as attendance at the upcoming public information centres.

Online Survey:
https://www.research.net/s/SimcoeTMP

Public Information Centre information:
http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/pln/trsplanupdate/index.htm

Thank you for keeping the TMP team updated on trails initiatives throughout the County.  If you require additional information, do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, Rachelle Hamelin TMP Project Co-ordinator & Planner III 
County of Simcoe, Planning Department
1110 Highway 26, Midhurst, ON L0L 1X0
Phone: (705) 726-9300 ext.1315
Fax: (705) 726-9832
Email: rachelle.hamelin@simcoe.ca

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100's of trail stories posted each week!

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More Provincial Parks closing

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Ontario Trails and Ontario Equestrian Federation launch horse survey

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Trail Questions1) Question: Road Trail Intersection Improvements. OTC was contacted by Saugeen Rail Trail. They have been invited to present at more Ministry of Transportation meetings. They want to know - when two lane highways are re-developed, have any of you been able to secure trailhead improvements at the crossings, by way of the re-development? If so, what did you get? Please e-mail Jeff Hemming at jaycee@bmts.com


2) Deadline Extended! to May 31st, 2013 - Support a Great Lakes Guardian Fund Grant. Great Lakes Guardian Fund applications due tomorrow. Last year OTC supported a Town of Deseronto CIAF Grant Application and the town got an $80,000 grant to re-develop their waterfront park and the Waterfront trail. As an OTC Member, Regional partner, or trail stakeholder would you consider writing a letter in support. E-mail me for our letter template you can use! Also please consider putting our OTC logo or OTC website as a link on your website!



3) Capital Funding for Trails - Please take a minute to complete the capital funding section of our survey. A s many communities head into the budget cycle other communities want to get an idea of the relative and comparative amounts communities of similar size are investing in their trails. Please go to:

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Trailhead Ontario - Updates

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

OTC Member? Discounts Apply

Holiday Inn discounted rooms!

Join trail advocates, organizations, speakers, builders, use groups, volunteers, planners and regulators as we discuss, learn and improve Ontario's Trails!
 

The Ontario Trails Council, and the Trailhead Ontario 2013 planning committee wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and sport in making this conference happen. We could not have a conference and sustain OTC without their assistance. For this we are grateful. Please attend Trailhead Ontario and hear all the latest developments on Tourism and Recreation from the MTCS!

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Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario

Special Presenter:

• Tourism development includes trails. Trail packages, trail experiences, trail destinations. One such trip is hiking. Hear about "A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK"
  
  Please join Trailhead Ontario as we present Author Loreen Niewenhuis as she talks about her experience circumnavigating, on foot - the waterfront trails of the Great Lakes! In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked the perimeter of Lake Michigan and wrote the bestselling book, "A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH".
  
  In 2012, she took another long journey, covering 1000 miles of shoreline touching all five Great Lakes. The book about this latest adventure, "A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK",explores the entire Great Lakes system.
  
  In this presentation, she will take you along the shores of all five Great Lakes and many of the waterways connecting them. In words, photos, and video, you’ll explore the geology, hydrology, and natural history of the largest system of fresh water lakes in the world. She will also illuminate the threats to this massive ecosystem: invasive species, pollution, destruction of wetlands, and the gradual warming of the lakes.
  
  Niewenhuis speaks with the authority of an expert as she has a M.S. degree in the biological sciences. She raises important questions about preserving our wild places and protecting the fragile ecosystems on which we all depend.
• International Trail development panel - hear trail association professionals from the states of Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and New York as we convene a panel on cross border trails tourism, promoting the Great Lakes Basin. Hear how trails are developed, managed and promoted by our counterparts just across the Ontario/USA Border.

• Local Initiatives - Kawarthas Northumberland are promoting trails and trails activity in new and exciting ways. Working with trail groups is the cornerstone of the RTO8 trails development agenda. Come and hear how Kawarthas Northumberland is working with Trent University, Fleming and the Trans Canada Trail on the development of regional initiatives such as, heritage trails, provincial trails day (June 1st) and a variety of other seasonal marketing initiatives for trails and trail towns.
• We would welcome your support, rates are reasonable and it would be great to have a few provincial trail organization booths at the conference.

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Kawarthas Northumberland - Trail Events





































 

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Program Snapshot

Trail Risk Management - June 11-12, 2013

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the elements associated with managing risks related to trail planning, development and management.

Topics will include: 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
• Risk Assessment Assignment to work on at home with guidance from the instructor.This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the elements associated with managing risks related to trail planning, development and management.

Instructor: Matt Cruchet
Matt Cruchet founded Direct Bearing Incorporated as a vehicle to help organizations navigate risk. Matt’s strengths lie in operational assessment where he uses his experience in the not-for-profit, youth-service, adventure travel, natural resources and emergency planning industries to evaluate and manage risk. Matt is a recognized outdoor risk management expert, consultant, author and speaker.
Direct Bearing Incorporated has also worked with over 100 other organizations ranging from youth service groups, camps, natural resource companies, adventure tourism.
 

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Time Limited? - Register Here

Select 1, 2, 3 or 4 Day Participation options
 

Ticket Type	Price	Fee
Conference and Education Package - Paypal	CA$315.88*	CA$9.12
Conference and Education Session Package - Pay by cheque	CA$357.50*	CA$9.95
Conference Registration - Paypal	CA$169.63*	CA$5.37
Training - Risk Management	CA$203.76*	CA$6.24
One Day Registration - Conference Only	CA$96.51*	CA$3.49
Display Booth	CA$257.86*	CA$7.63
Display Booth - discount	CA$171.58*	CA$5.42
Display Booth - Non-Profit - Provincial	CA$171.58*	CA$5.42
Display Booth - Provincial Non-profit - discount	CA$128.20*	CA$4.30
Display Booth - Local, small non-profit	CA$42.15*	CA$2.10
Display table - literature only	CA$20.59*	CA$1.54
Ordered Ticket at door - Conference	CA$169.63*	CA$5.37
Ordered Ticket at Door - Education	CA$194.01*	CA$5.99
Ordered Ticket at Door - Conference and Education	CA$365.55*	CA$9.95
Ordered Ticket at Door - One Day Only - Conference Only	CA$100.00	CA$3.49
Coffee Break Support	CA$194.01*	CA$5.99
On-Line Great Lakes Panel - Northern Residents Only - Webinar - Pay by Paypal	CA$35.00	CA$1.87
On-Line - Adventure Tourism - Northern Residents Only - Pay by Paypal	CA$35.00	CA$1.87

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Trailhead Ontario is supported by:
 

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Regional Trail Profile

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So it looks like it's going to be an exciting time in Peterborough - join us - mark the date June 9-12, 2013 in your calendar NOW!
Hotel Reservations and Event Location

More information? Go to - Trailhead Ontario
Call Patrick at 1-877-668-7245 or
Vanessa Twiddy at 905-373-8752 | www.rto8.com | 

Ontario Trails appreciates the support of:
Regional Tourism Organization 8
Ontario Trillium Foundation

Trailhead Ontario - Ontario's Trail Conference

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

OTC Member? Discounts Apply

Holiday Inn discounted rooms!

Join trail advocates, organizations, speakers, builders, use groups, volunteers, planners and regulators as we discuss, learn and improve Ontario's Trails!

The Ontario Trails Council, and the Trailhead Ontario 2013 planning committee wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and sport in making this conference happen. We could not have a conference and sustain OTC without their assistance. For this we are grateful. Please attend Trailhead Ontario and hear all the latest developments on Tourism and Recreation from the MTCS!

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New for 2013 - Northern and Remote Link-Up

Northern and Remote Communities (only): please note that for a small fee you can participate in the two interactive sessions on-line:

Monday at 1pm est - Great Lakes Trails Panel - with Minnesota, Ohio, New York and Michigan Trails
Tuesday 1pm - Adventure Tourism with Author Loreen Niewenhuis and Author Hap Wilson.

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Mapping Panel - the best way to assist trail users or trail tourists is through effective communication. One popular way is through maps. Maps assist in telling folks the length of a trip. They tell trail users about trail location, amenities such as accommodation, restaurants, fuel, supplies camping, etc. that are on or near the trail.

Maps and map technologies are changing at lightening speed. Google maps, map integration, handheld maps, topographical maps, mash-ups, waterproof, gps - all these are new and innovative techniques that communicate the destination and the experience to the local user or the traveler.



More and more municipalities are producing local maps by activity and trail to assist these out-bound adventurers.
Our mapping panel has brought together some of Canada's and Ontario's finest map producers for a discussion on their product lines, their market segments and the new techniques they are bringing to market.



So whether you are a trail user or a trail manager producing maps - you'll want to attend this session!


 

Ontario Trails News - Land Issues, Trails and more!

Trailhead Ontario

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Helping Small, Rural and Northern Municipalities Build Roads and Bridges

The new Ontario government plans to create a fund of $100 million for 2013 - 2014, to help small, rural and Northern municipalities build roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

The government recognizes the unique needs of these communities and the importance of high quality infrastructure in all areas of the province. This would also help support the local economy and construction jobs across Ontario. 

This investment would be the first step of a comprehensive transportation plan for rural and Northern Ontario. Making sure every part of the province can move with ease is part of the government's plan to create jobs and build a prosperous and fair Ontario.

http://www.moi.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure/building_together/progress_update.asp 

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This spring, we invite you to help to create a Big Picture Legacy for the Carolinian Zone.
As you know, this ecoregion is an irreplaceable national treasure. Yet cumulative impacts threaten ecological services that are fundamental to the health of this region.
Thanks to you, Carolinian Canada has a Big Picture strategy for ecosystem health in southwestern Ontario. Our Biodiversity Hotspot Plans, established with a community of leaders address immediate threats and specific critical actions for thriving landscapes.
The Coalition Board is, therefore, establishing a Big Picture Legacy Circle to connect conservation-minded allies to act quickly and efficiently for ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A strong circle of Friends will make things happen for this region. You can join the circle:

• As a Visionary Patron by pledging $1,000, $5,000 or more
• As a Sustaining Sponsor by contributing $250
• As a Long-time Friend by contributing monthly $10, $20 or $30 or annually $100
• As a Legacy Friend by planning a bequest or memorial donation.

Every dollar you pledge will be multiplied for greater impact. You can target innovative programs that focus on Carolinian Canada biodiversity hotspots:

• Ecosystem Recovery catalyzes critical actions for 500+ rare species and habitats
• Erie Coastal Stewardship EcoTrail engages new allies in treasuring Canada’s south coast
• Grow Wild! motivates and assists stakeholders in priority habitat actions
• Landowner Leaders inspires landowners to save, steward and seed habitat
• Carolinian Student Interns research stewardship with Universities

Carolinian Canada urgently needs your help to sustain biodiversity in the face of rising environmental stresses and severe cutbacks.

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Canoe Heads for Kids: Sparking a Change
OurKids.net (blog)
Canoe Heads for Kids will see over 100 participants embark on an urban canoe trip, with the goal of supporting underprivileged children to attend overnight summer camps in Ontario through Amici Camping Charity. campforcanoeheads2 300x225 Canoe ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Trailhead Ontario

Ontario Trail News - MNR Bear Advisory, Saugeen Rail Trail Petition, East Side Canal Trail Peitition and more Ontario Trail News!

A bicyclist's guide to Toronto: Where to go and what to avoid
Globe and Mail
Make sure your bike itself is safe. Cycle Toronto uses the reminder ABC — standing for the correct amount of Air in the tires, properly functioning Brakes and a clean and lubricated chain. There is plenty of information available online, but get a ...
See all stories on this topic »

OTC Member Saugeen 
Rail Trail requests OTC Member and public support for their trail petition. Please see http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/newsletters

See petition at bottom of page.

Beware of bears: MNR
The Chronicle Journal
While enjoying the area's campsites, lakes, forests and hiking trails, ... The MNR and Ontario Parks can provide general information about recent campsite ...

Outdoor Visitor Maps IncreasingBayshore Broadcasting News Centre
A familiar concept is helping visitors to Ontario's West Coast find their ... Barill says there are both stand-alone outdoor displays, and indoor maps that ... 


 
First annual Clinton River Canoe Classic
Royal Oak Daily Tribune
“The expert classes will draw the best canoeists in Michigan and Ontario,” Witte said. “But the recreational kayak class is a great fun race.

MEC Bikefest Toronto
blogTO
Seminars and clinics, bike demos and activities for kids will be staged throughout the event. MEC Bikefest is hosted by Mountain Equipment Co-op, ... 

 



 

Provincial, regional, national, locat trail organziations - save a trail - sign petition

Reasons people (not necessarily all from the area - like the East Side Canal Trail).
Reasons for signing - Please consider joinimg these folks with your support http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/mayor-barry-sharpe-and-welland-city-council-renew-the-welland-lease-on-the-welland-portion-of-the-east-side-canal-trail

Charles Levere ST CATHARINES, CANADA
I walk along this trail many times throught the year

Jo-Ann Kinnear PORT ROBINSON, CANADA
I use this trail all the time with my two sons, age 8 and age 5. It would be a great disappointment if we didn't have the east side of the canal to enjoy the outdoors!!

sean snedden BEAMSVILLE, CANADA
myself, my daughter, my son, my girlfriend, and her two children all use this trail on a regular basis for trail riding, we operate properly licensed and insured off road bikes, its an amaxzing family outdoor activity for which the opportunities are sadly shrinking

Frank Hagar STONEY CREEK, CANADA
Maintaining a place where people can enjoy the city and participate in some physical activity.

Julie Desilets NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA
There are very few places a family can go in the area to enjoy their offroading recreational time. It's been a wonderful way for my daughter and I to see nature, have adventures and allows her to also enjoy a common enjoyment with her father. Not many girls have that. Let us continue to legally enjoy the Eastside Trail System. Not just us but the many other families we have come across who also enjoy spending time in this way.