Monday, June 10, 2013

Trailhead Ontario - Last reminder!

June 9-12, 2013 - Peterborough

Our Last Reminder for 2013!

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. Please attend and give a warm welcome to Ontario Assistant Deputy Minister Phil Malcolmson who will be joining Craig Stewart, and Carol Oitment in discussing new initiatives and supports for Ontario's trails!

We could not have a conference and sustain OTC without their assistance. For this we are grateful.

Our thanks to our Wine and Cheese Reception Hosts - Kawartha Northumberland Tourism at the:
June 9, 2013 - 6-8pm!

New for 2013 - Northern and Remote - Link-Up: Sign Up and we'll hook you 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.

Signage Information - We have three different signage companies presenting on the latest techniques and innovations they have brought to market for use in making trails safer, easier to use and that promote wayfinding for tourists!

McCarthy Signs

Fontasy Signs

Tour-Mate

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!

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 our internet 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.

Kawarthas Northumberland - Trail Events

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.

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

Trailhead Ontario is supported by:

Regional Trail Profile

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

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Ontario Trails News - Activity, Trail Development, Trail Tourism, all happening on Ontario Trails!

10 injured in Ontario buggy crash
Sun News Network
... some of them seriously, when the horse-drawn buggy they were riding in ... The situation is not uncommon in many Southwestern Ontario communities, ...

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Cycling The Niagara River Recreation Trail: Ice Wine, War of 1812 ...
Gadling
They were on a wine tasting tour that brought them to several area vineyards mostly via the Niagara River Recreation Trail (NRRT) a 35-mile trail that hugs ...

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Parks and recreation celebrated this month
InsideHalton.com
... encouraging residents to visit the local parks, trails and bikeways. In celebration of recreation and parks month, which is recognized across Ontario, ...

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Guelph Outdoor Preschool takes the classroom to the meadow
Toronto Star
This is the setting of Ontario's first licensed outdoor preschool, scheduled to open this month on the sprawling pastoral grounds of the Ignatius Jesuit ...

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Minnetonka man dies while canoeing in Quetico; wife rescued
West Central Tribune
Seventy-five-year-old Elaine Barber and her 78-year-old husband, Dick, were on a three-week wilderness trip when their canoe overturned Sunday in the rapids of the Basswood River in Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. Elaine Barber swam to shore and ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Feeling Congested? Cycle Toronto Rides with Chief Planner ...
Join this ride as part of City of Toronto Feeling Congested? consultation process. Meet at noon at the fountain at City Hall. Location: City Hall. 100 Queen Street ...
cycleto.ca/.../feeling-congested-cycle-toronto-rides-chief-plan...

protected bike lanes | I Bike Toronto
If all goes well Richmond and Adelaide will have protected cycle tracks by the end of next year. We don't get many chances like this in Toronto where we missed ...
www.ibiketo.ca/category/tags/protected-bike-lanes

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Missing ATV and trailer
Quinte News
Sometime overnight suspects stole a red ATV with the Ontario plate 40YH8 and a black utility trailer with the Ontario plate C5865W.

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Funding helps rebuild Short Hills trails
Welland Tribune
Members of the ShortHills Cycling Club trail crew work on a section of trail at Short Hills Provincial Park in St. Catharines Saturday morning. The club was given a $14,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to purchase a trailer and equipment. Dan ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first
Globe and Mail
In Toronto – where huge transit plans threaten to overshadow simpler solutions for moving people, the mayor trumpets a pro-car line, and pedestrian collisions have been largely consistent for years – walking advocates and city staff are watching ...
See all stories on this topic »

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario and more!

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 our internet 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.

Kawarthas Northumberland - Trail Events

Program Snapshot

Trail Risk Management - June 11-12, 2013

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.

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

Trailhead Ontario is supported by:

Regional Trail Profile

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

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Friday, June 7, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Trailhead Ontairo June 9-12, 2013

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!

Our thanks to our Wine and Cheese Reception Hosts - Kawartha Northumberland Tourism at the:
June 9, 2013 - 6-8pm!

New for 2013 - Northern and Remote - Link-Up: Sign Up and we'll hook you 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.

Fontasy Signs

Tour-Mate

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

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Track Building, Trail Development and Bike Month Updates

Bicycle tourism is the wave of the future, businesses told
Windsor Star
For the first time, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is bringing about 200 bike enthusiasts from the U.S., Ontario, Quebec and Alberta to the area in August to ride along Lake Erie. The supported cycling tour starts in Lakeshore and runs through ...
See all stories on this topic »

Thorold Wins Award from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition
What's On Thorold
Back row, left to right - Judy Socha (member TATAC, Dale Robinson, Chair, TATAC; Gloria Leahey and Beate Wolf, TATAC members. Front row, left to right: Sean Dunsmore, Engineer—City of Thorold; Mayor Ted Luciani, and Justin Jones of the Share the ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Local skier eyes World Cup
The North Bay Nugget
Local cross-country skier and Chippewa High School student, Liam Patterson, 17, ... Earlier this year he was named to the Ontario ski team.

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Urban expert calls walking key feature
London Free Press
He's the author of Walking Home: the Life and Lessons of a City Builder, and helped redesign the Regent Park neighbourhood in Toronto that's made it a thriving example of the kind of mixed use every city wants. Where the North American dream was once a ...
See all stories on this topic »

Media Advisory - Lace Up for the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes 2013
Wall Street Journal (press release)
TORONTO, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - This year marks the largest fundraising goal ever of reaching $8 million in total donations and pledges supporting the TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes. It is expected that more than 45,000 people across Canada in over 70 ...
See all stories on this topic »

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DIY cycle shop rolls out
Simcoe.com
The full volunteer crew of the Firebird D.I.Y. Community Cycle bike repair shop celebrated its grand opening at the corner of Toronto and Simcoe streets June 1. The organization, which originated at Barrie Central Collegiate, moved to the green space ...
See all stories on this topic »

Community bike ride at St. James Park on Saturday
insideTORONTO.com
Toronto cyclists are being invited to take part in a ride to push for protected bike lanes along Richmond and Adelaide streets. Cycle Toronto is holding a community ride starting and ending at St. James Park at the corner of Jarvis and Adelaide.
See all stories on this topic »

Like shoes, a bike has got to fit
TheChronicleHerald.ca
TORONTO — Pain induced by cycling can be a roadblock for many in hopping on a bike, and Andrew McGregor wants to alleviate the problem — one he once lived with himself. Having raced when he was younger, McGregor said he quit because it hurt too ...
See all stories on this topic »

June is Bike Month in Durham Region
durhamregion.com
The Welcome Cyclists Network is a program certifying and promoting bicycle-friendly businesses and cycle tourism across Ontario. These designated businesses ensure they offer basic amenities to accommodate cyclists, such as secure bike storage, healthy ...
See all stories on this topic »

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BREAKING NEWS: Ontario Municipal Board dismisses Canadian Motor ...
Bullet News Niagara
FORT ERIE – The Ontario Municipal Board has dismissed an appeal by a conservation group of an earlier decision in favour of the $400-million Canadian Motor Speedway project. The decision, a copy of which was sent to the Town of Fort Erie this morning, ...
See all stories on this topic »