Ontario Trail News - Trail News from all around Ontario's trails!

Development News - Ontario Place Park and Trails

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Education News - Second Program starts Feb 4th!

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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

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

Ontario Trails Council Website

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Snowmobile trails groomed, readyManitoulin Expositor ... Snowdusters Snowmobile Club is pleased to report that all of the Island's Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club's (OFSC) trails are officially open ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ More obesity, diabetes in less walkable areas: studyToronto Star Rates of obesity and diabetes are 33 per cent higher in outlying parts of Toronto that are not walking-friendly, new research shows. A study by St. See all stories on this topic » Canadian Researchers Say Neighborhood Conducive to Walking ...E Canada Now Researchers out of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto released the results of a study that suggest they can accurately predict risk levels for obesity and ... ___________________________________________________________________ King of the mountainOrillia Packet & Times The dedicated cyclist was crowned both provincial and national mountain-bike champion (age 40 to 44, expert division), was the Ontario Cup ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________

Ontario Trails News - News from all around Ontario Trails!

Ontario Trails on Facebook - Like Us and Share!

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Cross-country skiing is the way to go in Ontario's winter weatherHamilton Spectator

It is not everyone's favourite mode of travel, for sure. It's too much like life at times, long uphill climbs and the hard-won easy ride down ending far too ...

See all stories on this topic » _________________________________________________________________________________ Record numbers for Summerstown snowshoe raceSeaway News CORNWALL, Ontario - In spite of the inclement weather forecast, the rain held off long enough for the 2nd annual Summerstown Forest Dion ... See all stories on this topic » _________________________________________________________________________________ Town wants Province to get serious about cyclingBrampton Guardian Council voted recently to endorse a Share the Road Cycling Coalition initiative that asks the Ontariogovernment to allocate one per cent of the ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ How To Walk On Ice Without Breaking Your BonesHuffington Post Canada This graphic, posted on Reddit with the words, "Avoid slipping on ice by walking like a penguin! ...B&W in the Leeside neighborhood of Toronto. See all stories on this topic » _____________________________________________________________________

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

Ontario Trails Council Website

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New demos at Toronto boat showChatham Daily News Visitors can try Water Walkers – walking on water inside a durable clear ... GoodLife Fitness has opened a souped-up gym inside Toronto Pearson ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ Flood Watch Issued For Windsor & Essex CountywindsoriteDOTca The Essex Region Conservation Authority's Tim Byrne says frozen ground conditions, a snow pack that is holding a water equivalency of between ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ Stay Off Snowmobile TrailsBayshore Broadcasting News Centre Stay Off Snowmobile Trails ... The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs says riders could destroy the trails with the rain and mild temperatures. See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ Carl Hnatyshyn, Special to The Free PressLondon Free Press Dangerous ice: Across Southwestern Ontario, the common theme among the region's conservation authorities is to use caution and steer clear of ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________ Snowshoeing race gaining in popularityStandard Freeholder ... Summerstown Forest Trails. The field would have almost reached 70 for the first event of the 2014 Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series, ... See all stories on this topic » _______________________________________________________________________

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