Thursday, October 5, 2017

Ontario Trail News 05/10/17 Trailwise - Ontario Trail Activities, Trailhead Canada, Ontario Trails Updates, Projects and more!

chesney wilderness area from e. grafton
• Membership News • Books, Maps, Mugs and Tees
  • Trailhead Canada Updates • Trail News • Activity Updates 
Ontario Trails Council Celebrates a Year of Trail Projects!
This year in Ontario more than 41 trail projects totalling more than 30M dollars worth of work and expenditure are planned. Trails are built and maintained by community volunteers. In over 90% of all cases municipalities apply for funds and trail groups build or maintain the trails. This year's list is below.
Trail volunteers and trail project managers need to work together in order to make trails. Trails for walking, riding, cross-country skiing, sledding, cycling or mountain biking.
The Ontario Trails Council is pleased to have facilitated 100's of projects in Ontario over the last 10 years. Congratulations to all, we thank the federal and provincial government for their financial support of these projects.
Location
Trail Work
Federal $
Prov. $
Total
Toronto, City of
Improvements to Wickson Trail Park
39,759
39,759
119,275
Toronto, City of
Reconstruction of Gatineau Hydro Corridor Bike Path (Bike Plan Project 15)
670,000
670,000
2,046,000
Toronto, City of
Extension of Gatineau Hydro Corridor Bike Path (Bike Plan Project 16)
1,000,000
1,000,000
4,000,000
Toronto, City of
Extension of Finch Hydro Corridor East Bike Path (Bike Plan Project 7 & 18)
1,000,000
1,000,000
4,050,000
Toronto, City of
Extension of Finch Hydro Corridor West Bike Path (Bike Plan Project 5 Central)
1,000,000
1,000,000
3,800,000
Toronto, City of
Extension of Finch Hydro Corridor West Bike Path (Bike Plan Project 5 west)
1,000,000
1,000,000
3,200,000
Woolwich, Township of
Rehabilitation of Trans Canada Trail Link at St.Jacobs Farmers Market
28,314
28,314
84,950
West Elgin, Municipality of
Extension of West Elgin Recreation Trail
22,463
22,463
67,389
Wellington, County of
Improvements to County Forest Trail
110,000
110,000
330,000
Wellington, County of
Improvements to Stairways at Trestle Bridge Trail
10,000
10,000
30,000
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Improvements to Wildwood Conservation Area Lake Trail
11,056
11,056
33,167
Saugeen Shores, Town of
Construction of Trail to Connect Communities
15,000
15,000
45,000
Sarnia, City of
Expansion of Trail System
50,000
50,000
150,000
Leamington, Municipality of
Expansion of Leamington Trail
239,332
239,332
717,995
Lions Club of Elmira
Upgrading of Kissing Bridge Trailway
20,007
20,007
60,021
LaSalle, Town of
Construction of Vollmer Recreational Complex baseball diamonds, skateboard park and trails
1,000,000
1,000,000
3,000,000
Ingersoll, Town of
Extension of and Upgrades to Ingersoll Recreational Trails
24,933
24,933
74,800
Grey Sauble Conservation
Improvements to Bognor Marsh Conservation Area Recreation Trail
6,400
6,400
19,200
Grey Sauble Conservation
Improvements to Inglis Falls Conservation Area Recreation Trail
22,969
22,969
68,908
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
Rehabilitation of Cape Croker Snake Boardwalk
2,970
2,970
8,910
Chatham-Kent, Municipality of
Construction of Paincourt Pathway
81,688
81,688
265,939
Norfolk County
Improvements to Parkland and Trail
383,333
383,333
1,150,000
Lincoln, Town of
Upgrading of Lincoln Multi-Use Trail System
550,000
550,000
1,650,000
Niagara Falls, City of
Expansion of Millennium Recreation Trail
123,333
123,333
370,000
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority
Upgrading of East Mountain Trail
304,840
304,840
914,520
Burlington, City of
Upgrading of Recreation Trails
206,666
206,666
620,000
Brant Waterways Foundation
Upgrading of the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Multi-Use Rail Trail
476,198
476,198
1,428,594
Whitestone, Municipality of
Construction of Fitness Trails
19,571
19,571
58,713
Upsala Local Services Board
Upgrading existing bike and walking path
39,198
39,198
117,593
St. Joseph, Township of
Construction of 10th Side Road Trail
4,000
4,000
12,000
Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls, Township of
Construction of Aspen Trail System Boardwalk
36,667
36,667
110,000
Seguin, Township of
Upgrades to Rose Point Trail
40,000
40,000
120,000
Park to Park Trail Association
Upgrading of Shawnaga Connection Trail
38,486
38,486
115,457
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation
Improvements to Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Walking Trail
150,000
150,000
450,000
Dubreuilville, Township of
Upgrading of Multi-use Trail
41,667
41,667
125,000
Dokis First Nation
Expansion of Hiking Trails
51,633
51,633
154,900
Bracebridge, Town of
Extension of Manitoba Street Bike Path
120,416
120,416
361,248
Port Hope, Municipality of
Rehabilitation of Marina/River Boardwalk
165,000
165,000
495,000
Ottawa, City of
Replacement of Pathway Lighting in Bearbrook
23,516
23,516
70,549
Nation Municipality
Improvements to Pax Trail — Forest Park
8,676
8,676
26,029
Douro-Dummer, Township of
Upgrading of Johnston Forest Trail
17,209
17,209
51,628
9,155,300
9,155,300
30,572,785

Source: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/708.nsf/eng/h_00019.html


Join us for an autumn hike-a-thon in support of the Hamilton Burlington Trails Council!

Enjoy a 2km or 5km hike on the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens trails! The fun begins at the Alpine Tower at McMaster University. Following our walk, all hikers are welcome to a bonfire and marshmallow roast!This event is family and pet friendly!


Pledged donations will support these two HBTC initiatives!

The Regional Greenway Network
Imagine a network of trails, multi-use paths and bike lanes, providing a way for residents to engage in active transportation. HBTC is working on a way to safely and conveniently connect to natural, cultural and heritage areas, entertainment venues, businesses, schools, and transit hubs, from Hamilton to Burlington! Read more
Y.E.S. Trails 
The Youth Engagement Strategy is an ongoing project, striving to increase the number of youth spending time on trails. New outdoor opportunities, and training for communitee organizations are held to empower youth and their mentors to enjoy the benefits of healthy active living! Read more

Registration is free! A minimum pledge amount is required for hiking:
  • Minimum $75 for an Individual hiker
  • Minimum $100 Family group (two adults and up to three children who are up to 18 years of age)
  • Minimum $400 Team of 6 hikers
Please note, we will email you your pledge form and directions to the event headquarters within 24 hours of registering. You then arrive on the date of the event with your pledge forms and cash or cheque written out to "Hamilton Burlington Trails Foundation."
* HBTC has not for profit status but not charitable status. This being said, we are unable to issue tax receipts at this time. Through our fundraising efforts, we hope to one day be able to afford the fee for charitable status!
Are you a corporate group? Enter a team and we will be sure to feature your buisiness on our website and social media!
Are you a not for profit group or club? Get in touch with us to learn about how this fundraiser can act as a profit sharing event for your group! You can raise money for both your cause and ours at the same time!
Questions? Concerns?
Please contact admin@hamiltonburlingtontrails.ca

Ontario Trails News  - Login Functionality is back!

ontario trails login

Over 400 people have signed up over the years for this web page functionality. With so much of the available OTC information on trails really being front page facing, this back end material didn't offer much value added.

However OTC does have specifically targeted information that is based on our most frequent requests, so we've synthesized the important stuff into key links and access locations to assist your desire as a trail community to learn more.

Pleased review your login and link. Many of you may want to turn on the login functionality given the renewed access to information. Or if you have turned it off and you wish to be removed from this service let us know.



Ontario Trails simplifies your Membership Connection!Over the years the Ontario Trails Council has worked to provide services that give you value and results for your membership support. We are constantly working to improve services and your ability to easily provide feedback on our efforts.

In March the OTC Board endorsed moving to a more automated system of membership management, deciding to use the platform Memberplanet. More information on this can be found at Memberplanet.

The OTC is working to implement this system.  The ways to Memberplanet should make membership management easier include:

1) Account information accuracy
2) On-line membership renewal
3) Contact status updates
4) Group news

The membership planet platform provides all of these, including invoicing and receipt generation functions. So if you have an A/P department to report too, this should make your paper trail readily available to you!

When you start the process you'll be directed to this window. We are working on updating existing members to the database. So if you are an existing member, just bookmark this information for reference. We'll send you reminders about renewing at renewal time, in late November each year.




Trailhead Canada Program Updates and More!
Trailhead Canada 2017 Itinerary
Wednesday November 22, 2017
7:30 am - 8:30 amRegistration and Breakfast
8:45 am - 9:00 amOpening Remarks: Opening Remarks Host - Louis Carpentier
Opening Remarks Event Co-Chairs, Patrick Connor, Wayne Terryberry
9:00 am - 9:45 amPlenary #1
Speaker Name: Mr. Akaash Maharaj
Position Title: CEO of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and former CEO Equine Canada
Presentation Title: An Understanding of Effective Governance and Policy Development at the National Level.
9:45 am - 10:15 amNetworking Break
10:15 am - 11:15 amNational Directions in Trails Tourism EDU-1
Location:
National Directions in Motorized Trails EDU-2
Location:
Speaker #1 Name: Michael Haynes
Position Title: Hiker Haynes
Presentation Title: Effective National Trail Marketing and Promotion Strategies

Speaker #2 Name: Liane Jordan, Co-ordinator of Certification, Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe (via Skype)
Position Title: Vice-President European Ramblers Association
Presentation Title: "Certification of hiking routes as 'Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe'"

Speaker #3 Name:Garth Potruff
Position Title: Owner Operator Grand River Outfitters
Presentation Title: The Introductory Impacts of "Floating Classrooms"

Moderator: Jane Murphy
Position Title: Principal, Terminus Consulting Inc.
Speaker #1 Name: Dave Millier, CEO Sentry Metrics
Position Title: President, Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
Presentation Title: Challenges and Opportunities for Dirt Bike Trails in Canada

Speaker #2 Name: Carolyn Richards,
Position Title: VP All Terrain Quad Council of Canada
Presentation Title: Understanding the Value of ATV'ing for Communities and for Sport

Speaker #3 Name: Dennis Burns
Position Title: CEO, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations
Presentation Title: Current Realities of Canada's 150.000+ Kilometers of Snowmobiling Trails

Commentator: Oksana Buhel (COHV)

Moderator: Wayne Daub
Position Title: CEO AQCC
11:15 am - 12:15 amNational Directions in Trail Management EDU-3
Location:
National Directions in Economic Development EDU-4
Location:
11:45 am - 12:30 pmSpeaker #1 Name: Veronique Pelletier and Michel Blais
Position Title: Parcs Canada, Trails and Visitor Experience Officers
Presentation Title: Introduction to Trail Information Management Systems and their Application to User and Vistor Experience

Speaker #2 Name: Terri LeRoux
Position Title: CEO Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Presentation Title: Developing an Inclusive Trail Master Planning Strategy

Speaker #3 Name: Deanna Cheriton, MA
Position Title: Supervisor, Greenspace Conservation, Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Presentation Title: Minimizing User Conflict through Apllied Management

Moderator: Alexandra Brodka, RPN
Position Title: Executive Director, Hamilton Burlington Trails
Speaker #1 Name: Jane Murphy-McCulloch
Position Title: Principal, Terminus Conculting Inc.
Presentation Title: Developing Quality Trails Products as Tourism Assets.

Speaker #2 Name: Paul Nopper, CDO
Position Title: Former CDO Madawaska Valley
Presentation Title: Trails and Power Sport Tourism as a Sustainable Economic Driver, The Madawaska Valley and Renfrew County Case Study.

Speaker #3 Name: AJ Strawson
Position Title: Executive Director, International Mountain Biking Association of Canada
Presentation Title: Mountain Biking, Infrastructure, Activity and Metrics, a Study on the Impacts of Mountain Biking to the Canadian Tourism Economy

Moderator: Patrick Connor, EDAC
Position Title: President Canadian Trails Federation
12:15 pm to 1:00 pmLuncheon
1:00 pm - 1:45 pmPlenary #2
Speaker Name: Dave Read
Position Title: CEO East Coast Trails
Presentation Title: Trails as Part of the Community Development Agenda
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmTrails Policies ED-5
Location:
Active Transportation EDU-6
Location:
Speaker #1 Name: Carol Oitment
Position Title: Policy Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (Ontario)
Presentation Title: Development in ontario trails, provincial trails act and the trails strategy

Speaker #2 Name: Tennessee Trent
Position Title: BC Trails Manager, Recreation Site and Trails BC
Presentation Title: Development of BC Recreation Trails Policy


Moderator: Robert Ramsay
Position Title: CEO Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council
Speaker #1 Name: Julia Barnes
Position Title: Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Presentation Title: Developing a Provincial Cycling Network

Speaker #2 Name: Louis Carpentier
Position Title: Vélo Québec
Presentation Title:

Speaker #3 Name: Rob Barnes (Invited)
Position Title: Managing Director, Ecology Ottawa
Presentation Title:

Moderator: Bruce Devine
Position Title: Manager, Greenspace and Pathways, National Capital Commission, Ottawa
2:45 pm - 3:00 pmNetworking Break
3:00 pm - 4:00 pmRisk Management EDU-7
Location:
Trail Building & Development EDU-8
Location:
Speaker #1 Name: Jeff Jackson
Position Title: Algonquin College
Presentation Title: Trail based User Safetry Systems; assessing and applying risk management tools to trails

Speaker #2 Name: Barb Sczctza
Position Title: Frank Cowan Company
Presentation Title: Best Practices in Trails Risk Management: Underwriter and Broker Perspectives.

Speaker #3 Name: Patrick Connor CAE
Position Title: Canadian Trails Federation
Presentation Title: Understanding Trails Risk and Mitigating Issues for Safe Trails

Moderator: Mark Schmidt
Position Title: Parks Canada
Speaker #1 Name: Zane Davies
Position Title: TREADscape
Presentation Title: The Path to Effective Trails

Speaker #2 Name: Valerie Govette
Position Title: Mont Tremblant MTB Trails Resort
Presentation Title: Developing Trails in Resort Evironment

Speaker #3 Name: Richard Grover
Position Title: Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative (A2A)
Presentation Title: A Trail Runs Through It, protectig the place we love through outdoor recreation and education

Moderator: Louis Carpentier
Position Title: CEO Velo Quebec
4:00 - 5:30RECESS
5:30 pm - 6:30 pmJane Koepke -Carcross Taglish Mountain Bike Trails

Appreciation for People, the Land, and Heritage; an Opportunity for Trails 
6:30 pm - 9:30 pmDinner + Social
Trailhead Canada 2017 Itinerary
Thursday November 23, 2017
8:00 am - 8:45 amRegistration and Breakfast
8:45 am - 9:00 amOpening Remarks
9:00 am - 9:45 amPolicy WG-1
Location:
Active Transportation and Trails WG-2
Location:
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Facilitator: Paul Ronan,
Position Title: CEO Ontario Parks Association
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Moderator: Louis Carpentier
Position Title: CEO Velo Quebec
9:45 am - 10:30 amRisk Management WG-3
Location:
Trail Building and Design WG-4
Location:
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Facilitator: Patrick Connor, CAE SSA
Position Title: President Canadian Trails
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Moderator: Zane Davies
Position Title: Treadscape Trail Builders
10:30 am - 11:00 amNetworking Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pmTourism and Marketing WG-5
Location:
Mixed Use Trails WG-6
Location:
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Facilitator: Jane Murphy
Position Title: Terminus Consulting
Delegates are invited to register to shape policy directions
Moderator: Wayne Daub
Position Title: All Terrain Quad Council of Canada
12:00 PMLuncheon
1:00 pm - 3:00 pmReport back and collection of action items from caucus groups- Moving towards a national trails
strategy. Facilitator: Jane Murphy, Principle, Terminus Consulting
3:00 pm - 3:15 pmClosing Remarks Host City - Louis Carpentier
Closing Remarks Event Chairs,
Patrick Connor, Wayne Terryberry

*Subject and content may change based on availability.

OTHER TRAILHEAD CANADA NEWS

1) We are pleased to have added Mr. Bruce Devine, Senior Manager, Facilities and Programs; Gestionnaire principal, Installation et programmes, National Capital Commission, as a participant and a session moderator.

natikonal capital commission logo
2) Be sure to nominate somebody you know for a CTF-FNS Award! Canadian Trail Awards

Eventbrite - Trailhead Canada 2017
Make the Trailhead Canada Logo your Profile Pic!
Making the logo your profile pic shows your support for trails!


Ontario Trails All Year Long! 
Add an Ontario Trail Logo to your website! 
Ontario Trails WeekOntario Trail DayOntario Trail Count
Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed.

Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!
1. Log in Your Event  - Event spreadsheet.
2. Add your event to our event calendar -  add it here.
3. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below)
elliot lake trails survey
4. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. Get your decal here - 
We've checked the links, if something isn't working simply give us a call - 613-484-1140. We'll be adding these links to the various relevant trail pages in your regions and RTO's/DMO's over the upcoming year!

5. Send us your Trails video - we'll be posting content on-line at https://goo.gl/Fy2bIL and we'd be happy to add to our trails tube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ontrails
Missing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Ontario Trail News 28/09/17 Trailwise - Ontario Trail Activities, Trailhead Canada, Ontario Trails Updates, Projects and more!

greenwater provincial park events photo from Ontario Parks
• Membership News • Books, Maps, Mugs and Tees
  • Trailhead Canada Updates • Trail News • Activity Updates 
Ontario Trails Council Members Celebrate Trails!
Our membership drive is all year long. We want to thank the groups that have indicated they will be renewing because they believe in the work we are doing at OTC! In the last couple of weeks and going forward we have:

Town of Orangeville

orangeville trails map


The Town of Orangeville has twenty kilometres of multi-surface trails.  The trails system currently links to the Island Lake Conservation Area.




Carolinian Canada Coalitioncarolinian canada eco-trail

Carolinian Canada's Deep South EcoTrail Network

EcoTrails are places to connect...

nature, community and a healthy future.

Explore local treasures.  Share with neighbours.  Grow Wild for healthy habitats.

EcoTrail hosts who own and manage trails and wayside stops in this growing network invite you to visit. 

Each EcoTrail celebrates the unique nature of Canada's deep south.
Spot a turtle.
Visit a showcase garden.
Add your story.
Take-home an idea for your backyard.
Tread lightly, and you'll come away more firmly rooted with a sense of place.
Our EcoTrail Network is starting to grow across Carolinian Canada.
Explore EcoTrails across Carolinian Canada
Visit one of our pilot EcoTrails
Share Your Trail
Learn more about adding your trail to the EcoTrail Network


University of Windsor
The conversion of Sunset from car traffic to foot traffic is continuing on the UWindsor Campus.
Construction crews have completed new sidewalks and landscaping in front of the Chrysler hall complex leading towards Wyandotte Street and are now working on the area between Lambton Tower and Wyandotte.
Included in the finished space is new “learning pods”. These will provide space for students to sit, work on projects or enjoy a snack. They feature different seating arrangements, plus and lighting for night time.

Photo credit windsornewsdotca
univeresity of windsor trails


National Capital CommissionThis is nature at its most accessible — a band of green encircling Ottawa from west to east. Head out and explore the Greenbelt for yourself!

History

The Greenbelt is 20,000 hectares of green space, including farms, forests and wetlands. It was created in the 1950s to protect the rural land bordering the Capital from urban sprawl. It has since become the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world. Most of the Greenbelt (14,950 hectares) is owned by the NCC.
ncc-ccn greenbelt

Over the years we have worked on all trails behalf in Ontario. Everyday we make a difference for trails somewhere in Ontario.
Please review our recent note to the membership at the 2017 AGM

An Ontario Trails Council Update

Incorporated in 1991, the OTC is a registered charity promoting the management, use, preservation and development of recreational trails in Ontario.
The OTC offers a variety of trail related services that it has developed over the years to meet the needs of its members:
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Trail Representations – on website and Social media
  • Trail Website – 1.2 million unique visitors per year, 5 million trail trips planned, in top 3% of websites worldwide.
  • Ontario Trails Social Network – over 80,000 followers.
  • Trailwise Newsletter – weekly distribution, 1100 municipal and organization subscribers.
  • Trail Programs and Services – education certification program Algonquin College and trail auditing, Georgian Bay Coast and G2G
  • Trailhead Trail Conferences and Learning Symposiums – since 2002 OTC has run 12 provincial level conferences, and over 200 community symposiums on trails.
  • Trail Management and Master Plans – Ottawa Valley, Kinghorn, GBCT
  • Regional Trail Council Management Model and Development – in 52 Ontario Counties and Cities, including North Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
  • Government Relations and Regulations – OTC is lead in creating an environment with the Province that saw the Province take our concerns seriously enough to implement or adjust:
    • Ontario Trails Strategy 2005
    • Active 2010 – we endorsed and facilitated grants thorough this process
    • Ontario Trails Strategy Implementation Plan 2014
    • Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee 2006-17
    • Community in Action Fund Grant Stream 2011
    • Ontario Government Recognizes OTC as OTCC Co-Chair 2008-17
    • Ontario Trails Act - 2016
    • Ontario Woodlot Act preservation 2007
    • Line Fences Act modification 2004
    • Trillium Trail Network 2011
    • Conservation Act Recommendations 2015
    • National Trails Coalition 2008-2017
    • Premier Wynne 9-point Commitment to Trails 2014
    • Ontario Government declares OTC as Lead Partner 2011
    • Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2007, 2010, 2013
    • Municipal Act Trail Inventory 2009 + MNR LIO Trails Q/A 2007-11
    • MNR + MNRF Forestry Road and Access Policies – 2005, 2009, 2014
    • Ontario Realty Corp Rail Trail Inventory and Policy 2007, 2011
The Ontario Trails Council has grown in scope and function since 2002. At that time, the OTC received an 18-month Ontario Trillium (OTF) grant to support its growth in governance, branding and membership.

In 2002 the OTC had 32 members, not all were paying.

The OTC accomplished its growth and development goals such that it was a key lead organization in persistent recommending to the Province of Ontario that there was a need for an Ontario Trails Strategy, supporting legislation and trail friendly regulation. Members of OTC had requested this since 1976.

In 2005 the OTC secured another 4-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

In 2010 the OTC secured another OTF Grant to develop its professional trails certificate program. This 14- module program was developed by trail professionals from the OTC and fully vetted and certified by Algonquin College. Ontario Trails Council trains people in the community and on-line through Algonquin College and Ontario Parks Association.

Over the years the OTC has written or supported community leaders seeking grant support or grant funds:
  • The Wounded Warrior supported Horses Heal Canada Program in Campbellcroft
  • Kinghorn Rail Trail Project
  • Georgian Bay Coast Trail
  • Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail
  • Hamilton Burlington Trails Committee
  • Pan-Am Path
  • Prescott-Russell Rail Trail
  • Frontenac Biosphere Reserve
  • Renfrew County Rail Trail
  • VMUTS
We have written grants for members or supported member requests for well over $2.5 million in grants from a variety of granting organizations. These grants are for others – not the OTC.

Additionally, since 2005 the OTC has been a member of the Canadian Trails Federation. In 2007, our Executive Director worked through the CTF as its VP to partner with the COHV and CCSO to create the National Trails Coalition. This OTC work led to the NTC trail funding program in 2009-11, and 2014-16.

Through this grant program we supported more than $83 million invested in 734 trail projects. Our Executive Director was seconded (2014-2016) as National Project Administrator for 120 of these projects, and in 2008-12 was an NTC Director to their Board, offering top level national leadership to the organization.

OTC, therefore, had a lead position on the 474 projects of all types, snowmobile, ORV and NM in 2009.

The OTC CEO is currently President of the Canadian Trails Federation and Chair of the National Trails Coalition, so OTC continues to influence national directions and we are hopeful of renewed funding for trails at the National level.Many grants were approved through this partner process, with OTC involvement in 2009-11 and 2014- 16 for grants more than @3,000,000 for Ontario’s trails. We commend OTC Recipients for their work and finding the matching funds.

In closing, the OTC is an organization that has grown in influence in the sector, both in Ontario and across Canada. Many provinces emulate our work, and appreciate our leadership. We now have over 200 - member organizations, and we appreciate the support of big cities, community trail organizations, other provincial federations and associations, and local clubs. to name a few. Government at all levels respects our input.
We have made 100’s of communities better through our efforts.
As we head into another year we are working on:
  • A New Strategic Business Plan
  • Trails Tourism Reports – RTO6 and Province Wide
  • Non-Motorized Masterplans
  • Trail Classification with Cowan Insurance and the MTCS
  • First Nations Relations
  • Trailhead Canada
  • Ontario Trails Strategy
Thank you.

Ontario Trails News  - Login Functionality is back!

ontario trails login

Over 400 people have signed up over the years for this web page functionality. With so much of the available OTC information on trails really being front page facing, this back end material didn't offer much value added.

However OTC does have specifically targeted information that is based on our most frequent requests, so we've synthesized the important stuff into key links and access locations to assist your desire as a trail community to learn more.

Pleased review your login and link. Many of you may want to turn on the login functionality given the renewed access to information. Or if you have turned it off and you wish to be removed from this service let us know.



Ontario Trails simplifies your Membership Connection!
Over the years the Ontario Trails Council has worked to provide services that give you value and results for your membership support. We are constantly working to improve services and your ability to easily provide feedback on our efforts.

In March the OTC Board endorsed moving to a more automated system of membership management, deciding to use the platform Memberplanet. More information on this can be found at Memberplanet.

The OTC is working to implement this system.  The ways to Memberplanet should make membership management easier include:

1) Account information accuracy
2) On-line membership renewal
3) Contact status updates
4) Group news

The membership planet platform provides all of these, including invoicing and receipt generation functions. So if you have an A/P department to report too, this should make your paper trail readily available to you!

When you start the process you'll be directed to this window. We are working on updating existing members to the database. So if you are an existing member, just bookmark this information for reference. We'll send you reminders about renewing at renewal time, in late November each year.



You'll be asked to complete profile questions and you'll end up with a distinct member profile, like the one below.

You'll be asked to complete the purchase by selecting your membership level.

You'll be asked to provide any additional information -

At this point checkout by Paypal.
If you prefer the old way, the forms and the sending of information is still available at any of the following pages:

BENEFITS
JOIN
PARTNERS
TESTIMONIALS



Trailhead Canada Program Updates and More!

The Planning Committee is pleased to announce a growing and stronger program for trails through Trailhead Canada! we wish to thank the Canadian Trails Federation for their financial support of the event.



OTHER TRAILHEAD CANADA NEWS

1) We are pleased to have added Mr. Bruce Devine, Senior Manager, Facilities and Programs; Gestionnaire principal, Installation et programmes, National Capital Commission, as a participant and a session moderator.

natikonal capital commission logo

2) And that the Canadian Trails Federation has committed $8,000.00 each towards Trailhead Canada!

3) Be sure to nominate somebody you know for a CTF-FNS Award! Canadian Trail Awards

4) Watch the website for program updates! Itinerary

5) Check out the Presenters. World Class!

Early Bird Discounts end September 15th, 2017 - Trailheadcanada.com

Eventbrite - Trailhead Canada 2017



Make the Trailhead Canada Logo your Profile Pic!
Making the logo your profile pic shows your support for trails!




Share the logo on your website - show your support for Canadian Trails!

Eventbrite - Trailhead Canada 2017

Support Trails - Order your ball caps, mugs or OTC Shirt now! Quantities are limited.

ontario trails council books, maps, hats and tees

Ontario Trails All Year Long! 
Add an Ontario Trail Logo to your website! 
Ontario Trails WeekOntario Trail DayOntario Trail Count
Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed.

Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!
1. Log in Your Event  - Event spreadsheet.

2. Add your event to our event calendar -  add it here.

3. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below)

elliot lake trails survey


4. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. Get your decal here - 
We've checked the links, if something isn't working simply give us a call - 613-484-1140. We'll be adding these links to the various relevant trail pages in your regions and RTO's/DMO's over the upcoming year!

5. Send us your Trails video - we'll be posting content on-line at https://goo.gl/Fy2bIL and we'd be happy to add to our trails tube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ontrails
Missing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you.

News And Events 
Trailhead North 2018 - Sault Ste. Marie

Home

In Spring of 2018 trail enthusiasts and supporters are headed to Sault Ste Marie for two days of meetings and lively discussion about all types of trails.
Our hosts invite you to join us to hear stories from wood and river, hill and valley. We will be talking about the great adventures we share and how to get more folks to love the outdoors the way we do.
April 26, 27th (at least) 2018
REGISTRATION COMING SOON

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.

value of trail survey 2017

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!