Watch for Flooding on Trails!Excepted from Mississauga.com
Heavy rainfall and high water over the last couple of days have certainly left a mark along the Lake Ontario and Credit River shoreline in parts of Mississauga.
According to Environment Canada, it was a large and strong Texas low that brought significant rainfall to much of Southern Ontario Sunday and Monday.
There were reports of flooding in some areas that experienced thunderstorms along with the heavy downpours and winds.
As of 6 p.m. Monday, more than 41 mm had fallen in Toronto and more showers are expected Tuesday.
But the damage had already been done in some spots like St. Lawrence Park in Port Credit.
Waves along the shoreline and high water had shifted and cracked stone walkways and dislodged fencing.
Parts of the popular neighbourhood waterfront trail had been taped off to pedestrians Monday.
Credit Valley Conservation warns localized flooding is more common this time of year and warned the public to be careful around fast-moving water.
East Don Ravine Trails Closed
Excerpted from the Toronto Star - If you want to go for a spin up the Lower Don Trail, you’d better be prepared for some headaches until at least July. City officials say construction on the trail, originally slated for completion last fall, won’t be finished until July.
That means a major section of the trail between Riverdale Park and Pottery Rd. remains inaccessible. “It’s a little extreme,” said cyclist Barbara Sless, standing in front of the fenced-off closure on Saturday.
MORE >>>>>>>>>
Town of Kincardine Bike Race for Trails
The new
Tour of Kincardine Cross-Town Bike Race is a chance to showcase the community trail system on two wheels.
The Sunday, May 21, 2017 event will start at 10 a.m. at Kincardine's north pier and feature a 22.5km route in an entirely "intra-town system" with a variety of challenging terrain for cyclists.
Organizer Shane Hotchkiss said the inaugural event started off out of his love for Kincardine Trail System.
"I think they are unrecognized as a good venue for cyclists, so this event can help showcase them," said Hotchkiss. "The event route uses the trails and the best features of the town. I hope that local cyclists will discover the trail as a viable cycling option as well as use the route to challenge each other through participation in this local event."
GWWRTC commenting on Cycling Strategy on the Environmental Registry
Members of the Guelph Waterloo Wellington Regional Trails Committee met last week to review the Identification of the Cycling Network Phase of the Province's cycling strategy and they will be submitting recommendations on behalf of GCAT and GWWRTC. They will discuss in more detail at the meeting on the 10th. In addition Bill Mungall, OTC Board member writes - I am making some comments on behalf of GHTC. Jennifer Juste from the City of Guelph will also be making a submission. Great to see the members of the RTC working all together on letting the province know what they need and expect from the strategy.
Interested in trails as part of the network? Submit your comments here -
EBR Registry Number: 013-0190
Trailhead North Nipigon!
The Ontario Trails Council wishes to thank all the participants and supporters who helped make Trailhead North 2017 a big success. Since last year the Nor'wester Hiking Association, the Voyageur Trail Association, with the Township of Nipigon, have made ready 7 trails in the Nipigon Area for trail use.
We wish to thank the Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Stihl Power Equipment, as well as all the participants who took time from their schedules to learn more about trails, trail programs and education through the Trailhead North event!
Trailhead Headwaters May 10, 2017!
Look Who's coming to the Headwaters Trails Summit on May 10 - Register Now!
Our communities are growing and we need to grow our trails too. Recreation and outdoor spaces are vital in what makes us healthy. It's about Community Well-Being!
The Summit will be an opportunity for stakeholders, interested groups, businesses and residents to come together to discuss and learn about all things Trail in Headwaters.
Experts are joining us from across Ontario:
- Rail Trail Development: with a presentation from Chris Lee who is on the Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail Committee
- Dufferin County Active Transportation and Trails plan (DCATT): Jay Cranstone from MMM Group and Patrick Connor from Ontario Trails Council will detail the Trails masterplan model and as it applies to Dufferin.
- Regional Trail Committee Discussion: Patrick Connor of OTC with Alex Brodka- Administrator of the Hamilton Burlington Trail Council on the possible development and implementation of a Dufferin Regional Trail Committee.
- Economic Impact of Trail Development: Kirsten Spence - Trans Canada Trail and Park to Park Trail Association, with Patrick Connor. Detailing economic recapture tools.
- Developing Interpretive Signage: Implementation of Interpretive Signage with AODA Compliance Standards (TBD)
- Headwaters Trails Connectivity: Roundtable discussions of priorities identified by Headwaters citizens, project opportunities, and possible next steps.
Cost to attend this full day event
(lunch included with all tickets):
$75.00 ~ Organization representatives (Trails, Municipal, Recreation, etc). This ticket also allows you to attend all sessions and profile your organization with literature handouts and/or a table display. A table will be provided and your organization promoted where possible.
$50.00 ~ Ontario Trails Council members. Attendance for all sessions.
$25.00 ~ General Admission: Public and non-OTC Members: Attendance for all sessions.
Registration is now open. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, or are interested in participating, please get in touch by email.
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Sincerely,
Shirley Boxem
Headwaters Communities in Action
action@headwaterscommunities.ca
519-925-0347 |
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Trailhead Headwaters is supported by:
Ontario Trails Council meets with All of Government at Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Meeting
OFTR Membership Required to Ride in Limerick Forest
The end result will be that off-road motorcyclists riding in Limerick Forest this year will require an OFTR membership in addition to being quiet, licensed, and insured. The new requirement for OFTR club membership will position the BMA to more actively manage and maintain (and possibly expand) the single track trail system in Limerick Forest for the benefit of all riders.
The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville (UCLG), owner of the Limerick Forest, has agreed to work with organizations representing off road motorcycles and all terrain vehicles on the implementation of a two year pilot program for the development, use, and management of trails in Limerick Forest. The BMA, supported by the OFTR, and the Johnstown ATV Club, supported by the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles (OFATV), are actively working with the Forest Manager to implement the program for the 2017 and 2018 riding seasons.
MORE INFORMATION>>>>>>>>>
Trail Deaths on the Rise
We ask all trail users to use approved trails and operate your equipment in a safe fashion. Excerpt from the St. Thomas Times-Journal April 25th, 2017.The Ontario Provincial Police has released statistics that reveal 2016/2017 was the worst in 14 years for snowmobile deaths. There were a total of 26 fatalities with 12 deaths in February alone in OPP jurisdictions. People between the ages of 45 and 64 accounted for 65 per cent of the death toll at 17.
Off-road vehicle deaths were close behind with 22 fatalities, making it the highest in 10 years in 2016. The majority of the deaths were linked to alcohol and drugs or people who weren’t wearing a helmet.
Water-related deaths were at a three year high in 2016 on OPP patrolled waterways with 23 deaths in 19 incidents. Seven of those incidents involved non-motorized vessels like canoes and kayaks. Nineteen of those deaths were people who were not using a Personal Floatation Device or not using one correctly. Alcohol was a factor in eight of the incidents.
MORE>>>>>>>>
Ride Safe - Take a Clinic
Provincial Celebration of Trails Week!
For the first time Ontario is recognizing the trails that offer so much of us so much enjoyment, by declaring a Celebration of Trails Week. Send us your event!
Celebration of Trails Week is taking place in Ontario May 29 to June 4 this year.
This week is designed to showcase outdoor lifestyles, recreational activity and the diversity of trails that Ontario has.
Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!
Whether you paddle, ride, walk, bike, hike, climb or get fit on your favourite trail, the Celebration of Trails Week is your chance to coordinate an event to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Ontario's 2600+ trails!
Be sure to log in your event here!
Event spreadsheet.
To add your event to our event calendar
add it here.
Be sure to also celebrate International Trails Day!At both Canadian Trails and Ontario Trails we are interested in knowing who is hosting an event as part of this celebration of trails.
International Trail
s Day is an annual celebration of trails, trail development and the healthy lifestyle they encourage. It is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June.
Started by the American Hiking Society in 1992, trails Day has spread to encompass all forms of recreational trail usage in more than a dozen countries worldwide.
It promotes public awareness of and appreciation for trails and the people who build & maintain them.
List Your Canadian Event Here
- It promotes public awareness of and appreciation for trails and the people who build and maintain them.
- Builds partnerships among trail groups, businesses, and public land managers.
- Encourages cooperative efforts among different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners.
You only have to log it in once on the national site, OTC monitors this site as part of its voluntary contribution to the national organization so we'll copy it to our inventory if it's based in Ontario!
The public is encouraged to join in the celebration by attending one of the community events listed at
www.internationaltrailsday.com.
With content from
Leisure Information Network
Ontario Trails Council looking for a Strategic PlannerIn order to remain as a leading provider of trail related services to our members, the Ontario Trails Council has worked for a number of years to secure support for our revitalization.
Since 2004 the OTC has worked in support of Ontario Trails and the Ontario Trails Strategy. Perhaps you have noticed that our sustainability has been noted as a deliverable of the Ontario Trails Strategy Action Plan?
To that end we have worked for over a year to secure funds to retain a Strategic Business Plan Consultant.
Please find an RFP for circulation to professionals in the strategic planning process you may know, as well as to groups you work with through your trails councils or committees.
https://goo.gl/oPVoIY
We need your input!In 2015 we secured 101 respondents to our "The Value of Trails - Measuring the Economic Impact of Trails Survey." We've added 18 more to the 2017 updates.
We have a ways to go.
Click through the screen capture below to access the survey.
There are many metrics to measure in determining the economic impact of trails, and tourism in just one factor. In order to accurately represent a closer economic impact of trails we are requesting your speedy response to our Call to Action for Your Input to our Value of Trails 2017 survey.
With your help we will make an even stronger case for trails and the supports you require to provide a top notch experience at each of your trail destinations. We are also accepting new responses!
Many Thanks!
Event notice: Ride the GARTRide the Goderich-Auburn Rail Trail on June 4th to celebrate Trails Week in Ontario; meet at the trailhead on Harbour Street, Goderich at 1 p.m. for a leisurely ride. Sponsored by Active Transportation Goderich, and the Maitland Trail Association. More information -
Ride the Gart
Trailhead Canada - Topics Listed On-Line!Below you'll see page 7 of topics open for discussion at the event. Click through to the main website to find 7 pages of topics we are planning to explore over the event. Check the site for
presenter applications you can download or complete on-line. Thanks.
Be sure to check out the 7 pages of topics up for presentation.
https://trailheadcanada.com/topics/
Remember to Donate!
Trail Development Posting - Kitchener - links to more information!
Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks!
"The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province. Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is
the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."
- Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council
Membership Benefits
INFORMATION AND FUNDING
- OTC Trails and Event page representation
- Representation on OTC trails maps
- Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people
- Fund Development through grant writing, grant support
ACCESS AND INFLUENCE
- Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport
- Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee
- Office services and networking support
BEST PRACTICES
- Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange
- Access to Professional Development sessions
- Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops
TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS
- Access to Trail Insurance Broker
- Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network
- Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution
2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC
CATEGORIES
Become a "Friend of Trails"
- Savings on conference/seminar registration
- Monthly e-bulletins
- Access to OTC trails database
- Great gift price!
- Savings on trail literature/maps
$26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST)
Benefits to Student
- Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise
- Access to OTC trails information
- Conference and selected literature savings
- * must provide student verification
$21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST)
Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks,
trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units
and other trail-related supporting organizations.
| Base | HST | Total |
Small Non-profit,
Small Organizations | $109.27 | $14.20 | $123.47 |
Conservation Authorities,
Medium Municipalities,
Counties, Regional
Tourism Organizations | $273.18 | $35.51 | $308.69 |
Municipalities,
Provincial Level
Organizations
>5000 users | $819.54 | $106.54 | $926.0 |
