Ontario Trail News - news about the people and places that make up Ontario's Trails

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Trail Heros Know somebody that works hard on trails? If so nominate them to be an Ontario Trails "Trail Hero!" We'd be happy to review your recommendations and acknowledge in a small way their contribution to trails in your community. Trail Blog Every day trails are news! Every day we blog about trails. In communities all over Ontario trails are big news, for cyclists, runners, canoe or horses, every day we capture in one spot all the trail news - local, provincial or national! Join today! Trail Leaders! Become a trail development leader. Join Ontario's first ever series of 14 trail education courses in the development and management of trails. Designed for both volunteers and professionals. Next On-line Course begins January 14th. Topic - Trail Stewardship. Register today - registration is open 24/7   Join OTC The Ontario Trails Council is a nonprofit charitable organziation, established in 1988, that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails. With over 130 organizational members and 25 individual supporters the OTC continues to grow! Support trails in Ontario - join the OTC Learn an Activity Our website contains information on over 2,600 trails, and a description for nearly 2,000. Learn about the places where you can bike, cross country ski, climb or any of another 15 activities. We are linked to over 130 organizations and a variety of provincial groups that can help you learn an activity or become better at one you already love!   Add Your Event We post trail or outdoor events on trail specific facebook pages, the main OTC facebook page, and the event section of the OTC website. You can send us your event and we'll post it to these extensive networks. Each week we reach over 20,000 people, so if you want your event known, a bit better, send us the information. Be a Friend of Trails We invite all trail users to support the work of the Ontario Trails Council. As a registered charity we do our community work based on the support of member organziations, individuals and some government grants. We do the work, in the end for the individual families and folks that use the trails every day. Please consider supporting us as your thanks for your trails. Thank you.   Member Requests 1) Algonquin College program on-line   2) OTC Mobile App - for iProducts and Windows 3) Post Photos to Pinterest 4) OTC on Foursquare 5) Safe Trails Manual 6) OTC Youtube Channel 7) Ontario Trails Maps 8) Enabling Change Program 9) OTC Board 2012-13 Jack De Wit - PRESIDENT Ontario Equestrian Federation 905-655-4666 cndhrsman@bellnet.ca Dan Andrews - Secretary/Treasurer      TrailADE Consulting 705-927-8648 trailadecanada@gmail.com Paul Ronan Ontario Parks Association 647-991-9444 paulronan@rogers.com Frieda Baldwin Huronia Trails and Greenways 705-245-1005 frieda.baldwin@rogers.com Wayne Daub Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs 519-500-3715 w-daub@rogers.com Igor Hoogendoorn International Mountain Biking Association 855-255-4094 ext.108 igor.hoogendoorn@imba.com Tim West Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs 705-739-7669 twest@ofsc.on.ca Kirsten Spence Northern Ontario Representative 807-889-0602 trailsgirl@gmail.com Jeff Muzzi Manager, Forestry Services, Renfrew County 613-633-9683 JMuzzi@countyofrenfrew.on.ca Patrick Connor Ex-officio - Executive Director Kingston 613-396-3226 execdir@ontariotrails.ca We currently have 2 vacancies on the OTC Board. If you are interested please e-mail Jack De Wit to discuss. cndhrsman@bell.net Disclaimer The ideas, opinions, re-posting of news, editorials and content contained in this newsletter are not necessarily the ideas or opinions of the OTC Board or staff. This news is intended for informational purposes only. OTC Event Planning Guide Call 877-668-7245 OTC Trail Committee Manual Call 877-668-7245 Ontario Trails Membership 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. This past week we received a renewal from Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Sault Ste. Marie Thank you very much for your support! THANKS! MERCI!         The Ontario Trails Council is a charitable organization, incorporated in 1991, that promotes the creation, development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario. Surveys and Networking! Don’t forget to join anyone of the following information tools: Be sure to get a copy of the latest OTC E-bulletin (circulation 880+) - here Join one of our facebook pages (>6000 friends) - here Add your trail - here Complete a survey - here Twitter to or at us (12840 followers) - here Join the blog - here Join Trail Counts - here Take an On-Line Education Course - here WINTER HIKES!

Ontario Trail News - Trail News from all around Ontario's Trails

Activity News - Click the pic for more on each Activity!

ATV'ing

Cross Country Skiing

Algonquin Highlands is offering an introduction to xc skiing
Cross Country Ski Instruction
When:   10:30am – 12:30pm. Every Thursday from February 6 to 27 
Where: Frost Centre 20130 Hwy 35 (map)
Cross country ski instruction for beginners or to refresh your skills with instructor Joleen Thomas
at the beautiful Frost Centre trails. 4 week session on Thursdays from February 6 to 27
Time: from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Equipment is provided or bring your own. Space & equipment is limited.
Advance registration is required. Cost is $20 for the 4 week session.
Contact: 7057669968 drc@algonquinhighlands.ca 
or www.algonquinhighlands.ca
This program is being subsidized by the Government of Ontario.
 

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Cycling

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Cycling/Trail Maps

Spring 2014 will see new editions of the popular Ontario Recreational Trail Map Series in print and on line, and the opportunity for businesses and organizations to appear on these maps at a very low cost.

You will receive an additional discount totalling 10% if you act before January 17. Your choices are:

• Basic listing - $95 - includes your location on print and on line versions, with on line link to your website
• Listing plus on line ad - $195 - includes ad on on line version
• Card size ad - $495
• Half panel ad (double card size) - $895
• Full panel ad (4 times card size) - $1695
• Back cover (full panel size) - $2995
• Back flap (full panel size) - $2495

All of the ad options include your location on print and on line versions, with on line link to your website. Ads appear on print and on line versions. Try our mobile profile! Only a small additional charge. Tap anywhere on the map on your smartphone and receive news, pictures... even watch videos of the trails!

This is a special introductory offer and is available for 6 months. Book as soon as possible - the print run will be in early March and all mapping will be updated for a second run and booking opportunity in August. Our map series is endorsed by the Ontario Trails Council, Ontario By Bike (formerly Welcome Cyclists Network) and the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs. 

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Dog Sledding

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Heritage Trails

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Horse Trails

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Ice Climbing Trails

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Parks

Snowmobiling

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Snowshoeing

 

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Winter Hiking

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Winter Survival

Ontario Trail News - News from all around and about Ontario's Trails!

We Welcome Our New Members!Cycle Ontario

To inspire cyclists of all ages to explore the landscapes and history of Ontario for fun, fitness and self discovery.

We have just rebuilt our site from the ground up to better serve our visitors, cyclo tourists and our valued sponsors.  We are busy adding a wide selection of cycling content and links as quickly as possible.   Thank you for visiting, please come again soon.

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Ontario Federation of 4 Wheel Drive Recreationists

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We Thank Our Renewing Members!Mattagami Conservation Authority

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Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs

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Kolapore Wilderness Trails Association

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Essex Region Conservation Authority

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Pan Am Path - Toronto

Ontario Trail News - News from all around Ontario Trails!

Development News - North Dumfries RFP

The Township of North Dumfries is seeking the services of an experienced trail consultant to work with the Township of North Dumfries Recreation Services staff to prepare a Trails/Cycling Master Plan for the Township of North Dumfries. RFP Here

This Request for Proposal, RFP 0114, Trails/Cycling Master Plan for the Township of North Dumfries, shall be governed by the Township of North Dumfries’ Purchasing Policy.

For more information contact Frank Prospero, Director of Recreation  519-632-8800 ext. 101  or email  fprospero@northdumfries.ca 

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Education News - Winter Program starts Jan 14th!

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Trail News

Update to Ontario Ministry Tourism, Culture and Sport OSRCF FundingPlease note that due to the busy holiday season and recent weather challenges in the province, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has extended the deadline for Provincial project ‘Letter of Intent’ (LOI) applications by one week to Thursday January 23, 2014 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). This revised LOI deadline does not affect the deadline of February 20, 2014 for Full Provincial applications (by invitation) or for Local/Regional applications.

The grant is designed to facilitate:

·         increases opportunities for participation in sport and recreation by developing new programs or increasing access to existing programs to encourage individuals to become more active and keep those who are, engaged throughout their lives

·         supports implementation of physical literacy as a foundation for lifelong physical activity among individuals enabling them to make healthier activity choices

·         strengthening of the community sport and recreation sector by providing training in areas such as coaching, youth development, and volunteer development to provide enhanced service and quality programming

For more information on the 2014-15 Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, please visit Grants Ontario.

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Ontario Ministry Announces Grant Funding - Enabling Change Program

The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) is pleased to announce the call for expressions of interest for this year’s round of EnAbling Change Projects. Each year the ADO sets different strategic funding priorities based on upcoming Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements and the compliance needs of targeted sectors. English link      En Francais Link

This year’s funding priorities are:

1. Accessible Websites and Web Content: The web accessibility requirements will transform how Ontarians with disabilities find and use information. Accessible websites and web content are critical to reaching our goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025. This year, EnAbling Change will support projects that promote understanding and compliance with accessible website requirements.
2. Support compliance and reporting in 2014: All across Ontario, organizations are making changes to make their business practices accessible. A key element of meeting AODA requirements is filing compliance reports with the Government of Ontario. This year, EnAbling Change will support projects to increase compliance reporting in private and not-for-profit sectors.

Application period opens: November 29, 2013 Application period closes: January 31, 2014

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Ontario Trails Council Membership Annual Dues - Due Now
 

Be A Friend of Trails Savings on conference/seminar registration Weekly e-bulletins Trailwise Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $25.75 + $3.38 = $29.13 (includes 13% HST)

Student Weekly editions of the OTC newsletter  Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings   * must provide student verification $20.60 + $2.67 = $23.27(includes 13% HST)

Organizational Members - 180+
Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. See the list!

Benefits - too numerous to list see our webpage for more info!
 

PRICING - Buy fax, credit card or mail (all include 13% HST)

Yearly Rates		Base	HST	Total
Small <200 td="" trail="" users="">		$103.00	$13.39	$116.39
Medium 200:5000 users		$257.50	$33.47	$290.97
Large >5000 users		$772.50	$100.42	$872.92

 

Ontario Trails News - trail news and trail information from all around Ontario's trails!

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OPP report 5 fatal snowmobile collisions province-wideLOCAL2 Sault Ste. Marie

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) provide designated trails that are marked, mapped, maintained and patrolled for the safety and ...

See all stories on this topic » ________________________________________________________________________ Snowshoeing in CanadaCANOE In Northern Ontario, you can find the perfect wilderness escape at ... Gros Morn National Park, NFLD, offers snowshoeing trails along the coast of the ... See all stories on this topic » ________________________________________________________________________ Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Issues Watershed ...NorthumberlandView.ca The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is notifying watershed residents that a low pressure system will be passing through Southern Ontario ... See all stories on this topic » ________________________________________________________________________ City committee votes against electric bikes in designated lanesThe Globe and Mail Toronto's bicycle lanes remain the preserve of those using their own power after a city committee chose not to heed staff advice to open them up to ... See all stories on this topic » ________________________________________________________________________