Friday, November 22, 2013

Ontario Trail News - about trail membership, trail services and snowmobling on Ontario Trails!

Ontario Trail Memberships - Annual Drive on Now

Once again its that time of year where we send out our membership invoices. We have made a modification for 2014.
  • Many groups have verbally committed to OTC for membership in 2013. If you did we are sending you an invoice that reflects this outstanding commitment.
  • Invoices are net 30, so we are sending earlier to avoid staff departure for the holidays, so they can be processed.
Recently we read an appeal by the Appalachian Trail to the community to help make its budget. They are $771,000 in need. In comparison the OTC needs your support - but collectively to make this years budget our goal is $24,000. Your act of renewal keeps us open and functioning. Across 140 members that is $171.42 per group. Please do your part and pay on time!

Benefits: real work through your membership support.
  • OTC Education Program - the trail strategy calls for sector training. Through OTC you have a mechanism
  • OTC Advocacy - the OTS consultations are the result of your Board at work
  • Trail Projects - from Georgian Bay to North Shore of Superior to the Guelph to Goderich Greenway we are assisting communities to have the trails they want.
  • Saving Trail - in Welland and Niagara we are saving the trail that was closed
  • Building Trail - we have assisted in the hands on building of trail in Eastern Ontario
  • Trails By Type - through our efforts use groups are better organized and this has led to the development of horse trails in Norfolk County for example
  • Trail Master Planning - because of our provincial conference the Oxford County is engaged in a trail planning exercise, and we have commented on that.
  • Weekly News Bulletins - Trailwise tells the rest of the trail community about what you are doing on your trails
  • Justifying your Trails - through the Trail Counts Program you can tell your community who uses your trail and how much they use it.

Snowmobile Week Riding - November 24-30, 2013

(Barrie, ONNovember 22, 2013) – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its member clubs are celebrating the coming sledding season during Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Ontario Week, November 24 to 30. The celebration starts as club volunteers are hard at work clearing, preparing and signing over 30,000 kilometres of OFSC trails. Although OFSC trails are not available for snowmobiling at this time, early indicators are very positive for a great 2014 snowmobile season ahead, with long-range forecasts predicting a cold, snowy winter and many parts of the province already having experienced below zero temperatures and early snowfalls. More Information Here

From the Clubs- go to the Ontario Snowmobile Trails FB Page and see the newsfeed, stories posted by Clubs there. Such as:




We have updated the host site surveys for 2014 and 2015. Thanks to the various organizations and locations that expressed an interest. 2015 still open for application. 2014 status will be reviewed by Conference Committee.
2015 Host Survey


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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Trail Consultations, Bruce Peninsula Park and more about Ontario Trails!

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of November 21, 2013
• Education • News • Updates • Sharing
•  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Bruce Peninsula Sets Record - Trails Of ValueTOBERMORY, ON, Nov. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Bruce Peninsula National Park has broken another visitor record as it welcomed over 284,000 visitors to the park between May and October 2013. This represents a 13% increase in visitation from 2012, and continues an upward trend that began in 2007. Over the past 6 years, annual visitation to the park has increased by over 60%.
The Bruce Peninsula is an incredibly rich and spectacular place to discover and enjoy what being outdoors is all about. In fact, the richness of the region is so abundant that in addition to Bruce Peninsula National Park, Fathom Five National Marine Park is also situated at the northern tip of the peninsula. Together, the two parks conserve approximately 268 km2 of land and water. On behalf of Canadians, Parks Canada protects and operates these incredible parks - internationally renowned for their breathtaking natural features.

More Information Here - Photo Credit - http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131119_C8761_PHOTO_EN_33563.jpg

Ontario Trails Promotes Input - Please share!

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, 2013http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf
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 two remaining dates of the consultation sessions:
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. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Members - Add our logo - OFSC did!
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has added our logo and link to it's home page. Last year nearly 1,000,000 unique visitors came to the OTC website to find your trail. Over 2,000,000 people visited our map site and various social media sites. By adding our logo and link to your page not only do you help connect people to our resources, but you help fund the OTC through advertising revenue received by web traffic. This has kept our annual dues at the cost of a tank of diesel for your truck 2x a year. Thanks for your consideration.

 

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Ontario Trail News - trail openings and events from all around Ontario's trails!

Trail Openings and Events
Brantford Trails
The County of Brant and City of Brantford have recently begun distributing a new Outdoor Adventures Map that focuses on Hiking, Cycling and Paddling routes in our area.  The map also highlights outdoor recreational areas such as golf courses, outdoor pools, picnic areas and fishing holes.  We welcome all visitors to Brant County and hope they enjoy the awesome outdoor activities featured on the map.

Atv

Atv 2-up Legislation moving along


Barrie Trails


Gamiing Nature Centre



Kettle Creek Conservation

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Ministry undertakes community consultation on trails strategy about Ontario's trails

OTC Promotes Public Input - Share Please

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sectorinvolvement 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 o
rganization 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, 2013http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf
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. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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Monday, November 18, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Education, Cross Country Skiing and more from Ontario's Trails

Cross Country Skiing Trails - Onaping


Cross Country Skiing Trails - Thunder Bay

Performance Measures - Get Trail Educated!
We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.
 DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer ManagementView PDF
Business Planning and BudgettingView PDF
Regulation and LegislationView PDF
Ecosystem and Natural HeritageView PDF
Wilderness First AidView PDF
Food and NutritionView PDF
Marketing and PromotionView PDF
Health and SafetyView PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1View PDF
Trail Design (2 days)View PDF
Trail Risk ManagementView PDF
Trail Committee DevelopmentManual
Trail Steward- On Line LearningProgram
Trail Planning - On LineProgram
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Sunday, November 17, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Trail Counts - the way to find out how folks are using your Ontario Trail

Performance Measures - Trail Counts!
ontario trails counts
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!

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Saturday, November 16, 2013

Ontario Trail News - Snowmobiling and Dog Sledding and more from Ontario trails!

Snowmobile Permit Sales Set Record


Snowmobile Proposal could close trails


Snowmobiling Growing in Popularity

Trailhead Ontario - Hosts Needed

We have updated the host site surveys for 2014 and 2015.
If you and your organization wish to host in either 2014 or 2015 please complete the host surveys by November 15th, 2013.
2014 Host Survey  2015 Host Survey

Cycle Ontario Launches Survey about CycleON
Cycle Ontario (CO) is a private for profit organization that works to promote awareness of on-road/offroad riding and has created a network of relationships with cyclists, cycle shops, cycle advocacy organizations, tourism offices and cycle touristsAs an organization that caters to the cycling community, Cycle Ontario is interested in your feedback as it believes with some capacity improvements and structural re-alignments it can, and should be, the working voice of cyclists in Ontario. Take the Survey 

Marmora SnoFest
Dogsledding in Explorer's Edge


Kearney Dog Sledding On-Line
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Friday, November 15, 2013

Ontario Trails News - information on Hamilton Trail Court Case and Ministry Consultation about Ontario Trails


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

Hamilton found not liable in trail accident

Decision may change perception of liability for organizations operating trails in parks and hopefully will reduce overall perception of risk of operating trails. Also please see the snowmobile and Hydro One links and article below.

Incident occurred in October 2005 on escarpment near Scenic Drive

 
Hamilton Spectator
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 Escarpment.
Matthew Pierce, 17 at the time, suffered a fractured thigh bone, fractured wrist and cuts to his knee, face and leg when he fell about five metres into a ravine that is part of a park off Scenic Drive on the west Mountain.
He was hiking back from a lookout point with five friends, but veered off a marked trail onto a dirt path that he believed would take him back to Scenic Drive. The path ended at the edge of the ravine.
He was removed from the ravine by Hamilton firefighters and taken to Hamilton General Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He was in a wheelchair until the end of 2005 but progressed to a walker, crutches and then a cane, and was able to graduate from Grade 12 in June 2006.
The accident happened at about 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2005. Pierce and his father Robert sued the city, alleging Hamilton was in breach of its legal duties to prevent such accidents and make the park safe.
But Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph R. Henderson ruled the city met its duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act and that "most, if not all, of the responsibility for Matt's injuries must be attributed to Matt's own negligence."
The case was heard over seven days this fall, ending Sept. 18. Justice Henderson issued his 13-page ruling Oct. 17.
At issue was whether the city acted with reckless disregard in not preventing an accident such as the one that befell Pierce. The Act says "an occupier of premises owes a duty" to take reasonable care to see "that persons entering on ... the property" are "reasonably safe while on the premises."
It also requires the occupier not to create a danger with the intent to do harm.
The judge found the city had put up signs to mark two trails, and the path Pierce used was not marked.
"There is no suggestion that the city created a danger with the deliberate intent of doing harm or damage," the judge said.
He also found the city did not have any reports of a person falling into the ravine prior to Pierce's accident.
"Clearly, a specific warning sign was not warranted if the city was not aware of any unusual danger," Justice Henderson wrote.
The judge noted Pierce walked to the lookout point with the guidance of a friend who knew the terrain. When they returned, he "exacerbated his negligence by choosing to leave the person who had led him into the wooded area ... Matt's decision to venture out on his own in the dark in unfamiliar territory that he knew would consist of uneven terrain in a natural state surely was the main cause of his injuries."
Councillor Terry Whitehead, chair of the community services committee, which oversees city parks, was pleased with the decision.
"It's impossible to bubble wrap everything," he said.
"The city does the best it can."
905-526-3351 | @dandundas
OTC Promotes Public Input - Share Please

The Ontario Trails Strategy was launched in 2005 as a framework to help guide public, not-for-profit and private sectorinvolvement 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 o
rganization 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, 2013http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf
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. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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