Monday, July 21, 2025

Trail Wise News - July 21, 2025. Trail News and Events from Ontario and Canada. Join Today. Published regularly by Ontario Trails Council.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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provincial official shaking hands with mayor of sudbury on announcing funding for facility upgrades.


Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 


Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

 


 

ONTARIO TRAIL NEWS


In Ontario, arenas and community recreation complexes, libraries and even Tim Horton's are hubs for trails and trail based activity. In many northern communities cross country and snowmobile trails pass by or through these complexes. Their upgrades support trails and the trails ecosystem. Ontario Trails Council thanks the government of Ontario for making investments in northern recreation.
 

SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing over $12.6 million to protect jobs and support the construction of the new Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex in the City of Greater Sudbury, along with upgrades to other sports and recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — a provincewide initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

The government’s $10 million investment in the Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex in Greater Sudbury will help create a state-of-the-art facility featuring two NHL-sized accessible rinks, 18 changerooms, a multipurpose gymnasium, support spaces, daycare, administrative offices, a heated viewing area, cafĂ© and concession area and a public concourse. Designed to meet the needs of athletes, families and community members, the complex will also create jobs and support economic development as a community hub and world-class events hosting venue.

"Thank you to the Government of Ontario for this major investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Greater Sudbury. “This $10 million contribution will help us deliver a modern, inclusive and accessible facility that meets the growing needs of families, athletes and community members in Valley East and across Greater Sudbury. With strong provincial support, we’re building not just a sports complex, but a true community hub for generations to come."

In addition, the province is investing:

  • $1,000,000 to replace the aging refrigeration system at the Espanola Arena with a state-of-the-art CO₂ system. This upgrade will reduce energy consumption while ensuring continued service for residents.
     

  • $614,600 to support critical repairs of the Kashechewan Arena, including roof replacement, bathroom renovations and lighting and safety upgrades. These improvements will extend the life of the facility and create a safer, more welcoming environment for the community.
     

  • $585,250 for renovations at the Municipality of Markstay-Warren’s Multiplex to support expanded programming such as floor hockey, pickleball and Zumba, creating more opportunities for residents to stay active in their community.

  • $484,100 to replace the roof at Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena in the City of Temiskaming Shores, improving energy efficiency and extending the facility’s lifespan.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

 

Quick Facts

  • The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
     

  • Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
     

  • Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

 

Additional Resources

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

2025 Ontario Budget - A Plan to Protect Ontario

 

Ontario Trails Council appreciates the promotional work of Destination Northern Ontario
person hiking in the snow in northern ontario

Many of these events support communities that support trails!
Government of Canada invests over $4.5 million to enhance tourism across Northern Ontario
Canada.ca
... Ontario. Timmins Festivals and Events Committee $391,820. To help maximize ... outdoor spaces to support new tourism offerings in Northern Ontario.

Many rails became trails
POSTCARD MEMORIES: Trail one of few reminders of once-thriving railway
Bradford Today
One of the most notable exceptions is the Thornton-Cookstown Trans Canada Trail that follows the abandoned rail line between these two communities.

The outdoors is a great tourism experience
Canada's hidden gems: Quieter alternatives to tourist hotspots - pvtistes.net
pvtistes.net
... Canadian adventure to avoid overcrowding and overtourism ... If you want to escape the city for some outdoor adventures, try the Thunder Bay area.

60% of travellers prefer the outdoor experience.
Here are Nine Hiking Destinations for US and Canadian Tourists, What You Need To Know
Travel And Tour World
According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, over 60% of post-2020 U.S. travelers favor outdoor experiences, and hiking is now the top-booked ...

On our list of trails at Ontariotrails.ca
Vanderwater Conservation Area – Picnic by Limestone Rapids and Hike Through Mature Forests
To Do Canada
In total, the park offers 16 km of hiking and cycling trails, spread across four main trails. ... Canada Day · Thanksgiving · Halloween · Christmas

Congratulations Rouge Park. Great trails! We would appreciate your membership support at OTC!
The Government of Canada Celebrates Rouge National Urban Park's 10th Anniversary
Canada.ca
... heritage. Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice. The details are as follows: Date: Monday, July 21, 2025. Time ...

This helps make links across the G2G - loved doing your trail audit in 2014-15
New pedestrian bridge proposed to replace Middlebrook Bridge - EloraFergusToday.com
EloraFergusToday.com
Calling the bridge a safe connector to the G2G railway system, Cottontail Road Trail, Elora-Guelph Trail, Grand Valley Trail, Trans-Canada Trail ...
 
This is quite an adventure!
The Hudson Bay Girls: Kayaking 1900km Through the Heart of Canada - Explorersweb »
Explorersweb »
... canoe guides, wilderness medical technicians, and trail maintenance foremen in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Provincial Park. Olivia Bedsoe ...
 

Membership Update

 

City of Waterloo Trails
 

Renewed this week. The City of Waterloo manages their trails through Christopher Hodgson, P.Eng. the Manager, Active & Autonomous Transportation at Transportation Services a department of the Integrated Planning & Public Works, facilitating Active Transportation and Trails.Waterloo has over 150 km of off-road and multi-use trails. We have installed trail counters at several points along our trail network.


Thank-you for your renewal!

 





Monday, July 14, 2025

Trail Wise News - July 14, 2025. Trail News and Events from Ontario and Canada. Join Today! Click here for more information on OTC Programs, Services and even more Trail News!

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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two bike riders on a trail participating in a trail ride the voyageur 200


Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 


Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

 


 

ONTARIO TRAIL NEWS


Trails in Ontario happen through the generous donation of land, money and time. Thank you to the Goettier Family Foundation!
Goettlers makes $50K donation for heritage trail restoration - Niagara Now
Niagara Now
The restoration of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail continues to gain ground, with the team about halfway to finishing the entire trail, and a ...
Fun fact - last year the OYC ED went to Niagara on the Lake at the request of the St. Catharines and Lake Rotary Club in support of this trail!

Wild fire smoke is having far reaching impacts.
Wildfire smoke impacting Timmins and area - TimminsToday.com
Timmins Today
Environment Canada says people should limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports and activities. "You may experience ...

We think highly of this park and the Town of Mono and its trails as well.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – Discover Towering Cliffs, Ancient Cedars, and Canyon Trails at ...
To Do Canada
The year-round park is a popular hiking destination with certain trails also open to cycling. ... Canada Day · Thanksgiving · Halloween · Christmas

Get your Canada Strong Pass today!
Here's how to visit Ontario's national parks and museums for free this summer
Streets Of Toronto
The Canada Strong Pass allows Canadians and ... This historic military post defended Upper Canada against American attacks during the War of 1812 ...
 
Congratulations Wilderness Tours on your anniversary!
Wilderness Tours celebrates 50th anniversary | The Eganville Leader
The Eganville Leader
... outdoor adventure companies in not only Ontario, but Canada and beyond. Joe Kowalski's Wilderness Tours began operations on the Ottawa River at ...

No end in sight for unrelenting heat
Multi-day heat warning in effect for southern Ontario | INsauga
INsauga
Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of day. Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave children or ...

Check out this page on Reddit for some quality tips for hiking in the heat.
https://www.reddit.com/r/hiking/comments/1c79ldr/tips_for_hiking_in_the_heat/
More warnings about heat.
Environment Canada issues widespread multi-day heat warning, including Kingston region
Kingstonist News
Environment Canada suggests planning and scheduling outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. “Limit direct exposure to the sun and ...

There are also great trails put on the ground by the Oxford County Trails Council
There's an epic 31-stop cheese tour just two hours from Toronto
Toronto Life
It's the 10th anniversary of the Oxford County Cheese Trail, a dairy-drenched 31-stop self-guided tour two hours southwest of Toronto. The official ...

Join this event today!
Lock And Paddle 2025 Returns To The Peterborough Lift Lock On July 19 - Kawartha 411
Kawartha 411
PETERBOROUGH-Parks Canada is once again inviting paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to one of the most unique paddling events in the country — Lock ...

Check this out for Fido before you trail!
Thousands of private dog parks now available for rent across Canada with Sniffspot
WTNH.com
Sniffspot hosts are sharing fields, beaches, hiking trails, indoor dog parks and more. Founded in 2018 by David Adams, Sniffspot was a solution to ...
 



Ontario Trails Council encourages the Economic Developers Council of Ontario


Storms are reshaping and costing many trail closures because cleanup costs are not covered in management budgets.
BACK ROADS BILL: Storm reshapes Ontario park as experts predict forest's future
SooToday.com
Scott hopes to continue to observe the changes over time along the park's Forestry Research Partnership Trail and the Permanent Sample Plot ( ...

In other March storm cleanup news...(its July!)
March ice storm cleanup continues across Simcoe County trails - CTV News
CTV News
... trails across Simcoe County remain closed on Wed. July 9, 2025 ... Newfoundland town experiences surge in whale watching tours, creating ...

Another new trail! Thanks TRCA!
New Bridge, Trail to Connect Stouffville's Madori Park and Ken Betz Court
Bullet Point News Stouffville
The three-metre-wide pathway will extend from Madori Park's existing paved trail ... Canada, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Five trees ...

Glad to see ongoing forums about conservation issues.
Willowbank to host open house for future heritage conservation students
Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
... Restoration Arts has grown to become Canada's leading institution for heritage conservation education. As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2026 ...

When you are in St. Thomas check out their great trails as well.
New exhibit in St. Thomas explores legacy of global icon — Jumbo the elephant - CBC
CBC
It's the subject of the new Jumbomania exhibit at the Elgin County Heritage Centre in St. ... ©2025 CBC/Radio-Canada. All rights reserved.

We appreciate the membership support of the City of Toronto. Signed the Ontario Trails Strategy with Minister Jim Watson there in 2005
That time Toronto's popular wetland park was just a giant hole in the ground - blogTO
blogTO
Nothing beats a day spent at Toronto's Evergreen Brick Works, complete with hiking trails, beautiful ravines, a boardwalk around wetlands, ...
 


Monday, July 7, 2025

Trail Wise News - July 7, 2025. Trail News and Events from Ontario and Canada. Join Today! Click here for more news and information about Ontario Trails programs and services.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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View it in your browser.
trail etiquette yield to sign


Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 


Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

 


 

ONTARIO TRAIL NEWS


Get your Canada Strong Pass today!
Here's how to visit Ontario's national parks and museums for free this summer
Streets Of Toronto
The Canada Strong Pass allows Canadians and ... This historic military post defended Upper Canada against American attacks during the War of 1812 ...
 
Ducks Unlimited does this all over Ontario. Thank you Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Canada Conserves Essential Wetland Within Ontario's Georgian Bay ...
Ducks Unlimited Canada
“Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, we are helping to conserve natural spaces close to growing communities — places where ...
 
MEC makes a difference.
Why more Canadians are turning to MEC this summer - PressReader
PressReader
... Canadian trails via partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian ... Trans Canada Trail ( the world's longest multi- use trail system). MEC ...
 
Glad they saved the trails!
Final Ontario Place redevelopment plans unveiled, creating thousands of construction jobs
Ontario Construction News
... Ontario trillium; The Mainland, which includes walking and cycling paths and a new entrance near Exhibition Station; The Marina, featuring open-air ...
 
Congratulations on your effort to open new trail! Opens July 11, 2025
Looking to add a new trail to your mix? Bonnechere River trail opens soon in Renfrew
Inside Ottawa Valley
... hiking trail. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW. The trail showcases the scenic ... events to celebrate Canada Day. Jun 24, 2025. OB. Olivia Barrett is a ...
 
We love the Marsh Trail!
Ontario park with a vibrant blue and green lake is known as one of Canada's most remarkable sights
Toronto.com
To get a further look into the park, you could also stroll through one of its three hiking trails. Marsh Trail is seven kilometres long and winds ...
 
We have this trail listing at Byng Island Conservation Trail
Byng Island Conservation Area: Make the Best of Your Trip to the Park With ... - To Do Canada
To Do Canada
Along with the country's largest outdoor pool, the park has many other activities to plan for on a day trip. This could include renting canoes or ...
 
Congratulations Kitchener! See the great Kitchener Trails here
Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure
CityNews Kitchener
The federal Heritage Department counted 8,000 people attending the afternoon ceremony. ... “I'm proud to be Canadian and standing strong for Canada ...

 


Ontario Trails Council encourages the Economic Developers Council of Ontario


Thanks Toyota for sharing stories about the outdoors.
Toyota Canada Teams Up with Top Influencers to Inspire Canadian Adventures
Autosphere
Now is the perfect time to explore and celebrate the outdoors. Looking for ideas? Toyota Canada has partnered with top outdoor and adventure ...
 
Balsam Lake is a wonderful spot
What to Do at Balsam Lake Provincial Park for a Memorable Trip - To Do Canada
To Do Canada
Here are the top activities and ways to make the best of your trip—paddle, hike, swim, relax, and explore local eats! Balsam Lake's Nature Trails. The ...
 
Be careful in the heat when out of doors
Health Unit Issues Extreme Heat Warning - Middlesex-London Health Unit
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Keep shades or drapes drawn ... Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a ...
 
Some solid tips here. Thanks Toronto Star.
So you're going camping in Ontario. A survival guide — for first-timers and veterans - Toronto Star
Toronto Star
Hiking the Great Wall as a child was gruelling. But it got me out of a dark ...
 
Know before you go!
Air quality warning issued for parts of Ontario due to wildfire smoke | INsauga
INsauga
Health risks increase as smoke levels rise. Individuals are urged to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, events, ...
 
Thank you for working to save the turtles.
How this Caldwell First Nation youth is helping to save turtles in Point Pelee | CBC News
CBC
The program — a partnership between Caldwell First Nation and Parks Canada — entails "listening to reports about turtles on the road, we also ...
 
Hope everyone in Thunder Bay had a great time!
Thousands celebrated Canada Day on the Waterfront - TBNewsWatch.com
TBNewsWatch.com
“Thunder Bay's got lots of places for mountain biking, and we have lots for kayaking, mountain biking, hiking. ... News · Submit a news tip · Dougall ...
 

The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk management



Monday, June 30, 2025

Trail Wise News - June 30, 2025. Trail News, Events, Advocacy and Membership! Join Today! Click the title for all this week's trail news, OTC programs and services.

 

Ontario Trails Council - a provincial charity working for the development, use, management and preservation of trails and trail based activity.
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canadoan f;ag turned 60 this year picture of Canadian flag


Ontario Trails Council is a charity, led by a volunteer board of directors, that promotes the use, management, development, and preservation of trails and trail-based activities in Ontario. 


Please consider supporting us through a donation or a membership. Thanks.

 


 


ONTARIO TRAIL NEWS

 

TORONTO — Ontario is taking action to enhance the effectiveness of the province’s conservation authorities, which will create consistency, reduce costs and drive faster outcomes for the communities they serve. These changes will support the government’s commitment to protect Ontario’s economy by speeding up critical infrastructure and housing development, while safeguarding the environment. To lead these efforts, Hassaan Basit, a well-respected and non-partisan leader with deep experience with local conservation authorities, will serve in a newly created role as the Chief Conservation Executive, effective August 4, 2025.

“Our government recognizes the vital role that Ontario’s conservation authorities play in watershed management and protecting communities from natural hazards,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I am looking forward to leading our government’s efforts to bring common sense conservation principles to the role of conservation authorities and this newly created role under Hassaan’s leadership will support these efforts across the province.”

Since 2019, Ontario has been working to improve the operations of conservation authorities to better ensure they have the required tools to protect the communities they serve, through legislative and regulatory changes that have significantly improved governance, oversight, transparency and accountability of conservation authorities, while streamlining decision-making processes.

“I’m honoured to join the Province of Ontario at this pivotal moment for conservation,” said Hassaan Basit, newly appointed Chief Conservation Executive. “Over my 20 years in the conservation sector, I’ve learned that effective flood protection is not just about safeguarding the environment — it’s about enabling prosperous, sustainable communities. Conservation authorities were created to strike that balance, and they have worked for decades to protect people and property while supporting economic prosperity. As we move forward, modernization is essential to ensure they remain focused, effective, and ready to meet Ontario’s growing needs — whether it’s mitigating flood risks, enabling housing supply or supporting long-term resilience.”

Mr. Basit is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Burlington. Prior to this, Mr. Basit was President and CEO of Conservation Halton, where he led initiatives in flood risk management, environmental restoration, sustainable development, and outdoor recreation. During this time, Mr. Basit also chaired a provincial working group that advised government on the implementation of key changes to improve the ability of conservation authorities to protect Ontario’s water, land and natural resources. He holds an Executive MBA in Digital Transformation and a Governance Certification from McMaster University, a Master of Science in Science Communication from Queen’s University Belfast, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Political Science from the University of Toronto.

Additional Resources

Learn about conservation authorities

Find your local conservation authority or visit a conservation area
 

Media Contacts

Alexandru Cioban
Minister's Office
Alexandru.Cioban@ontario.ca

Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
Gary.S.Wheeler@ontario.ca
416-314-6666

 



Ontario Trails Council encourages the Economic Developers Council of Ontario

 

Canada Day Celebrations - London, Ontario. (London is an OTC Member)
Here's how to celebrate Canada Day in London all weekend long | CBC News
CBC
Those planning to head outdoors may want to pack an umbrella alongside their sunscreen and water bottle as Environment Canada is forecasting a ...


Canada Day in Burlington (Burlington's Membership is Pending)
What's open and closed in Burlington on Canada Day? - Inside Halton
Inside Halton
The city offers a free Canada Day shuttle from Burlington Centre Parking Lot (outside Old Navy), beginning at noon. The shuttle operates on a ...


Canada Day!
Celebrating Happy Canada Day: A National Festivity - Info Petite Nation
Info Petite Nation
Many people took advantage of the long weekend to participate in outdoor activities, showcasing the spirit of adventure that is deeply woven into ...


Long Point Conservation is a great place to spend Canada Day!
Looking for something fun to do Canada Day long weekend? Why not check out ... - NorfolkToday.ca
NorfolkToday.ca
The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is reminding campers that nightly spots are available this Canada...


This Canada Day - get out to a local park trail.
Family-friendly Canada Day activities and fireworks coming to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
Town of Oakville
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration, culture, and community spirit! Canada Day at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park is proudly ...


In NW Ontario? - check this Canada Day Events news out!
Where to celebrate Canada Day in northwestern Ontario | CBC News
CBC
... Ontario have all kinds of events planned for Canada Day 2025. (Dave ... Elsewhere, Thunder Bay Metre Eaters will be holding a Canada Day trail run at ...


In Windsor-Essex?, check out these Canada Day Events
What to do on Canada Day in Windsor-Essex
CTV News
You can feed birds, hike 5-kilometres of trails in Kennedy Woods, walk along the Storyboard Trail, visit the Jack Miner Museum, tour the Jack Miner ...


Thunder Bay on Canada Day
Open and Closed: Thunder Bay over the Canada Day long weekend – July 1, 2025
NetNewsLedger
Canada Day on the Waterfront & Fort William Historical Park. Open & bustling ... All City parks, beach areas, trails, including Centennial Park ...


Thanks INsauga! - a complete listing of Ontario Cities and Towns
What's OPEN and CLOSED Canada Day July 1 in all Ontario cities and towns - INsauga
INsauga
Parks and trails will be open, as will some recreation centres. The Wet'n'Wild water park is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Commuters should note ...
 

Get out on a Hamilton Trail - we appreciate the generous support of the City of Hamilton at OTC!
Things to do in Hamilton this Canada Day weekend | CBC News
CBC
Outdoor pools open for the season, the Big Bounce Canada comes to town ... outdoors and stay cool. Here's a list to help you make the most of the ...


Tottenham Celebrations on Canada Day!
Canada Day celebrations at Tottenham Conservation Area - The Hamilton Spectator
The Hamilton Spectator
It's time to celebrate our nation, heritage, and culture when Canada Day takes place on Tuesday, July 1.
 

The Ontario Trails Council works with Intact Public Entities on trail risk management