Ontario Trails News - Ministry consultations, Cross Country Skiing and Snowmobiling Trails, and more from Ontario Trails!

Almost Finland: Onaping club turns 40NorthernLife.ca
The club's main trail system is located at Windy Lake and over the years the club has hosted manyevents at those trails — Ontario Championships, Ontario ...

See all stories on this topic »

Proposal could have serious impact on showmobile clubsTbNewsWatch.com Snowmobile clubs across Ontario are keeping a close eye on a proposal that could have a major impact on their trail systems. According to Tory MPP Jim Wilson ... See all stories on this topic » ___________________________________________________________________ Capital Trail Allocation/Change 2002-2013 Hi we are still trying to collect capital expenditure information on trails. If you don't have time to complete the survey perhaps you could send us a link to any financial statements and we could glean the information from your documents. execdir@ontariotrails.ca All responses are confidential. You are getting this share as an OTC Member. Please do not re-distribute. Thanks. We appreciate your support. Thanks ________________________________________________________________________________________ Contacted by Ryerson University. They require assistance with a survey on tourism and recreation business.The project asks recreation and tourismbusinesses about their opinions on barriers and issues regarding sustainability in Lake Simcoe Region. Detailed project information can be found here http://lnkd.in/dZ9yHTY The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete. The link to the survey is http://lnkd.in/d-jr-Qm . All information collected will be aggregated for confidentiality purposes and distributed on the website listed above _______________________________________________________________________________ Dear Trail Stakeholder, The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sector involvement with trails.  The Ontario Trails Strategy establishes five strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario and was developed in collaboration with other ministries and a wide range of stakeholders in the community.    The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is reviewing the Ontario Trails Strategy and are interested in knowing the key contributions your organization has made to support the implementation of the Strategy.  The information will be compiled in a summary report document that is intended to illustrate the progress and accomplishments that the province and its partners have made towards implementing the Ontario Trails Strategy since 2005.  The link below will bring you to a short survey for you to outline your organization’s key accomplishments under the five strategic directions.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ontariotrails The following link brings you to the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy for your reference.  The survey will close end of day on Friday November 29, 2013. http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf In addition, a Discussion Paper has been posted on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (EBR Registry Number: 011-9565) to support the renewal of the Ontario Trails Strategy.  We encourage you to submit your input and views as your feedback is important to the project.  The Discussion Paper will be posted until December 4, 2013. Thank you for your ongoing support. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Trail Consultation Survey On-Line A discussion paper for public comment is on the Environmental Registry  (Number: 011-9565). The public comment period closes on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.  Attached is a copy of the Discussion Paper. As you are aware, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be hosting regional consultation sessions, by invite only, on strengthening the Ontario Trails Strategy. Below are the locations and dates of the consultation sessions: November 18 – Ottawa November 19 – Ingersoll November 21 – Toronto November 27 – Thunder Bay November 28 – North Bay In addition, two provincial First Nation/Aboriginal organization engagement sessions as well as a meeting with the Métis Nation of Ontario will be scheduled. The next OTCC meeting will be Thursday, December 12, 2013.

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Place Revitalization and Hamilton Trails, plus snowmobiling and more from Ontario Trails!

News Release Taking the Next Step in Ontario Place Revitalization November 12, 2013 Province Announces Design Team for Urban Park and Waterfront Trail Ontario is another step closer to the revitalization of Ontario Place by selecting the design team that will transform approximately 7.5 acres of the east island into a vibrant urban park and waterfront trail. Chosen for their extensive local and international experience in planning and designing large waterfront projects, such as Toronto's Tommy Thompson Park and New York's Governors Island Park, LANDinc in partnership with West 8 will design the new green space. The province is inviting Ontarians to contribute their ideas and vision for the park and trail online or at one of four public meetings.  Once complete, the new urban park and waterfront trail will link to the existing 780 kilometre waterfront trail system -- stretching from Niagara-on-the-Lake to east of Cornwall. It will also give residents and visitors access to part of the waterfront that has been closed to the public for more than 40 years. Revitalizing Ontario Place into a world-class destination that attracts visitors and offers residents increased access to green space is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate. QUICK FACTS The first public meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The province is aiming to open the urban park and waterfront trail in time for the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Building the park and trail is the first step of revitalization and delivers on an important part of the new vision for Ontario Place — to create a public park and easy public access to the waterfront. The province is leveraging Waterfront Toronto’s expertise to manage the public consultations and the design process on the park and trail project.  _________________________________________________________________ LEARN MORE Provide your ideas and vision at the public consultations. Designing the Urban Park and Waterfront Trail at Ontario Place ____________________________________________________________________________________

TORONTO 2015 Sport Legacy Fund Plan announced by TO2015 ...DigitalJournal.com

Cycling Canada and Cycling Ontario are also opening offices at the facility. "The TORONTO 2015 Games will be a game changer for Canadian summer athletes ...

See all stories on this topic » Exercise may help prevent depression later in lifeWXIA-TV Researchers at the University of Toronto analyzed 26 years' worth of studies and concluded that even low levels of movement - walking or gardening for 20 or ... See all stories on this topic » End of the line in sight for velodromeDelhi News Record The velodrome has a history of playing host to racing competitions sanctioned by the Ontario Cycling Association. The velodrome's existence reflects the ... See all stories on this topic » Proposal could have serious impact on showmobile clubsTbNewsWatch.com Snowmobile clubs across Ontario are keeping a close eye on a proposal that could have a major impact on their trail systems. According to Tory MPP Jim Wilson ... See all stories on this topic » Hamilton not liable for Toronto teen's late-night escarpment fallCambridge Times The City of Hamilton has been found not liable for an accident that injured a Toronto teenager in 2005 while he was walking in a city park on the Niagara ... See all stories on this topic »

Ontario Trails News - Trail Survey's require your input about Ontario Trails!

Contacted by Ryerson University. They require assistance with a survey on tourism and recreation business.The project asks recreation and tourism businesses about their opinions on barriers and issues regarding sustainability in Lake Simcoe Region.


Detailed project information can be found here http://lnkd.in/dZ9yHTY
The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete.
The link to the survey is http://lnkd.in/d-jr-Qm .
All information collected will be aggregated for confidentiality purposes and distributed on the website listed above

_______________________________________________________________________________

Dear Trail Stakeholder,

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sector involvement with trails.  The Ontario Trails Strategy establishes five strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario and was developed in collaboration with other ministries and a wide range of stakeholders in the community.   

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is reviewing the Ontario Trails Strategy and are interested in knowing the key contributions your organization has made to support the implementation of the Strategy.  The information will be compiled in a summary report document that is intended to illustrate the progress and accomplishments that the province and its partners have made towards implementing the Ontario Trails Strategy since 2005. 

The link below will bring you to a short survey for you to outline your organization’s key accomplishments under the five strategic directions. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ontariotrails

The following link brings you to the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy for your reference.  The survey will close end of day on Friday November 29, 2013.

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf

In addition, a Discussion Paper has been posted on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (EBR Registry Number: 011-9565) to support the renewal of the Ontario Trails Strategy.  We encourage you to submit your input and views as your feedback is important to the project.  The Discussion Paper will be posted until December 4, 2013.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Ontario Trails News - news from around Ontario's Trails, from the Ontario Trails Council

Canadian cyclist Ryder Hesjedal admits to 'mistakes ... - Toronto Star

Hesjedal finished second at the 2003 world mountain biking championships and would have won gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens had he not suffered a ...

See all stories on this topic » Home News Health benefits to active transportation system... insideTORONTO.com The city's health authority recently launched WALK CYCLE MOVE, a series of public consultations taking place throughout Toronto. The first meeting was held ... See all stories on this topic » Conservation Authority names this year's Environmental Heroes Bay Today The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA's 10 member municipalities. See all stories on this topic » ____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Great tips

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Summer Games events threatened by county voteWindsor Star (blog) Officials with Sport Alliance Ontario will be in Windsor next week to help determine which ...Triathlon and mountain biking are two others among about 22 events ... See all stories on this topic » National News: Minister Shea Welcomes Applications For ... NorthumberlandView.ca OTTAWA, Ontario – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, ... phase of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trail Survey's from Ontario Trails Council and the MTCS

Dear Trail Stakeholder,

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sector involvement with trails.  The Ontario Trails Strategy establishes five strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario and was developed in collaboration with other ministries and a wide range of stakeholders in the community.   

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is reviewing the Ontario Trails Strategy and are interested in knowing the key contributions your organization has made to support the implementation of the Strategy.  The information will be compiled in a summary report document that is intended to illustrate the progress and accomplishments that the province and its partners have made towards implementing the Ontario Trails Strategy since 2005. 

The link below will bring you to a short survey for you to outline your organization’s key accomplishments under the five strategic directions. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ontariotrails

The following link brings you to the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy for your reference.  The survey will close end of day on Friday November 29, 2013.

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf

In addition, a Discussion Paper has been posted on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (EBR Registry Number: 011-9565) to support the renewal of the Ontario Trails Strategy.  We encourage you to submit your input and views as your feedback is important to the project.  The Discussion Paper will be posted until December 4, 2013.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

-- 

Patrick Connor C.A.E., S.S.A.
E.D., Ontario Trails
Recipient QEII Jubilee Medal 2012

Tel: (613)-396-3226

Ontario Trails Council
Ontario Trails Maps
Trailhead Ontario

Ontario Trail News - hiking, biking, riding, hundreds of Ontario trail events, add yours today!

Ontario Trail Events

Ontario Trail News - from the Ontario Trails Council, Ontario Trail Surveys from MTCS

Dear Trail Stakeholder,

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sector involvement with trails.  The Ontario Trails Strategy establishes five strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario and was developed in collaboration with other ministries and a wide range of stakeholders in the community.   

The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is reviewing the Ontario Trails Strategy and are interested in knowing the key contributions your organization has made to support the implementation of the Strategy.  The information will be compiled in a summary report document that is intended to illustrate the progress and accomplishments that the province and its partners have made towards implementing the Ontario Trails Strategy since 2005. 

The link below will bring you to a short survey for you to outline your organization’s key accomplishments under the five strategic directions. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ontariotrails

The following link brings you to the 2005 Ontario Trails Strategy for your reference.  The survey will close end of day on Friday November 29, 2013.

http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf

In addition, a Discussion Paper has been posted on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (EBR Registry Number: 011-9565) to support the renewal of the Ontario Trails Strategy.  We encourage you to submit your input and views as your feedback is important to the project.  The Discussion Paper will be posted until December 4, 2013.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

-- 

Patrick Connor C.A.E., S.S.A.
E.D., Ontario Trails
Recipient QEII Jubilee Medal 2012

Tel: (613)-396-3226

Ontario Trails Council
Ontario Trails Maps

Trailhead Ontario

Ontario Trail News - 100's of trail events from all over Ontario, add yours today!

Ontario Trail Events

Ontario Trails News - submit your on-line information before the OTCC re-convenes, and more to do on Ontario trails

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013

• Education • News • Updates • Sharing •  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus. The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy. The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario. The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others. Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group. Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming. The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping. Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit. Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC. During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful. When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing. When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider. When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism. When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes. The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.

Ontario Trail News - 100's of current events on Ontario Trails! Add yours today.

Add Your Event!

Ontario Trails News - water spyder worth repeating this post, it's so innovative for trails!

Trail Openings and Events

From Members/Financial SupportersExplorers' Edge

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Severn River

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Spartan Race

2014 Location needed - see bottom this newsletter

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Orangeville Trails

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Kinghorn Rail Trail

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Georgian Bay Coast Trail

Ontario Trail News - Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee to meet on trail issues, thanks to Ontario Trails Council

• Education • News • Updates • Sharing •  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus. The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy. The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario. The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others. Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group. Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming. The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping. Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit. Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC. During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful. When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing. When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider. When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism. When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes. The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.