The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak. Be sure to follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OntarioTrails Donations and Memberships always appreciated! https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/content/support/join-ontario-trails-council
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Easter Ontario Wildlife Viewing
Easter weekend 2010 may be the new “open the cottage” weekend…. a traditional event that signals the unofficial start to summer for many Ontario cottage owners. Ontario residents who don’t have a cottage will start with a spring road trip to take in the sights and sounds of wildlife, Easter fun activities for kids, and a maple syrup festival or visit to a pancake barn for the annual spring tonic of fresh maple syrup.
Police chase ATV through Mitchell - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA
Police chase ATV through Mitchell - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA: "The driver of an ATV faces criminal charges after a chase with police through the streets of Mitchell.
Perth OPP said an officer on patrol Tuesday afternoon spotted an ATV with two male riders, one of whom was not wearing a helmet.
Police said the officer activated the emergency lights on the cruiser and siren as the ATV traveled through residential streets."
More and more it makes more sense to permit trails and have these folks ride in safe trail areas, as an alternative to roads where they get into trouble themselves, or could cause trouble for others. We realize this is not the majority of atv riders, however in the one month this blog has been up this is the 4th reported atv conflict incident. That being we have also reported on 1 snowmobile tragedies, 1 canoeist drowning and one incident of a cyclist riding into a lake, and the work of the OTC on a daily basis to ensure road cyclist safety.
Perth OPP said an officer on patrol Tuesday afternoon spotted an ATV with two male riders, one of whom was not wearing a helmet.
Police said the officer activated the emergency lights on the cruiser and siren as the ATV traveled through residential streets."
More and more it makes more sense to permit trails and have these folks ride in safe trail areas, as an alternative to roads where they get into trouble themselves, or could cause trouble for others. We realize this is not the majority of atv riders, however in the one month this blog has been up this is the 4th reported atv conflict incident. That being we have also reported on 1 snowmobile tragedies, 1 canoeist drowning and one incident of a cyclist riding into a lake, and the work of the OTC on a daily basis to ensure road cyclist safety.
Call to end ORCA short-sighted at best - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA
Call to end ORCA short-sighted at best - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA:
"Re 'Council wants to scrap agency' (March 25) -
Conservation authorities deserve more support, not less. The motion by Asphodel-Norwood Township to dissolve ORCA is short-sighted at best. It should concern us all that their council's motion is linked to the ill-informed lobbying efforts of the Peterborough County Landowners Association; a self-serving group that has little concern for the general public interest."
"Re 'Council wants to scrap agency' (March 25) -
Conservation authorities deserve more support, not less. The motion by Asphodel-Norwood Township to dissolve ORCA is short-sighted at best. It should concern us all that their council's motion is linked to the ill-informed lobbying efforts of the Peterborough County Landowners Association; a self-serving group that has little concern for the general public interest."
wawa-news.com - MNR Conservation Officers Remind People of Changing Ice Conditions
wawa-news.com -
MNR Conservation Officers Remind People of Changing Ice Conditions: "Conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources are reminding people that ice conditions can change rapidly – especially given the recent temperature extremes.
Extreme caution must be used when venturing onto the ice, including checking local ice conditions before heading out. Recently, two men plunged through weak ice on their all terrain vehicles on an isolated lake north of Dubreuilville, Ontario. There were no injuries. Conservation officers noticed two large holes in the ice while conducting a helicopter aerial enforcement patrol, descended and located the men waiting on the side of the lake.
Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles during the spring can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles."
MNR Conservation Officers Remind People of Changing Ice Conditions: "Conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources are reminding people that ice conditions can change rapidly – especially given the recent temperature extremes.
Extreme caution must be used when venturing onto the ice, including checking local ice conditions before heading out. Recently, two men plunged through weak ice on their all terrain vehicles on an isolated lake north of Dubreuilville, Ontario. There were no injuries. Conservation officers noticed two large holes in the ice while conducting a helicopter aerial enforcement patrol, descended and located the men waiting on the side of the lake.
Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles during the spring can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles."
City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - Survey
Call for Participants�
The City of Toronto is working with the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) and the Clean Air Partnership (CAP) to evaluate cycling conditions on College Street between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave before and after the installation of a new bicycle pavement marking application – and we need your help.
View PDF map of area.
What will I need to do?
Complete an online survey about your experience cycling on College St, between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave, on one day in April and one day in June. For more use link.
The City of Toronto is working with the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) and the Clean Air Partnership (CAP) to evaluate cycling conditions on College Street between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave before and after the installation of a new bicycle pavement marking application – and we need your help.
View PDF map of area.
What will I need to do?
Complete an online survey about your experience cycling on College St, between Lansdowne Ave and Manning Ave, on one day in April and one day in June. For more use link.
canoeing Ontario - Trip Reports — Adventure Canoe Forum
I really love this type of travel; it gets you back into some really wild country; you can be as alone as you want....
Last year I managed to get out on 7 or 8 good trips... In�August we visited Killarney Provincial Park for 8 days;
just busy organizing the trip for August 2010 right now..
We went to the northwest corner of the park, not accessible by road, so we had to paddle in, staying on Crown�land
outside the park on our first and last nights....
Last year I managed to get out on 7 or 8 good trips... In�August we visited Killarney Provincial Park for 8 days;
just busy organizing the trip for August 2010 right now..
We went to the northwest corner of the park, not accessible by road, so we had to paddle in, staying on Crown�land
outside the park on our first and last nights....
Clubbing and the Bruce Trail
An adventure along the Bruce Trail is every experienced hiker’s vision of an exciting challenge that’s filled with exuberance, awesome sights and captivating wildlife. It’s a thrill that is open to everyone who enjoys being one with nature and hiking along the longest marked trail in Canada.
The Bruce Trail covers over 1100 kilometres of main and side trails that run along the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a pedestrian path that's mixed with hills and gullies, dips and rocks, landscaped paths and creek crossings. But if you don’t know where you’re going, it can be your worst nightmare.
The solution? Join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.
As a member of this hiking club, you’ll learn all about the paths that incorporate the Bruce Trail - where they lead, what to expect and the challenges that lie ahead. You can be part of a guided hike or you can take the map and go it alone. You can take long hiking trips or just a one or two hour walking adventure."
The Bruce Trail covers over 1100 kilometres of main and side trails that run along the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a pedestrian path that's mixed with hills and gullies, dips and rocks, landscaped paths and creek crossings. But if you don’t know where you’re going, it can be your worst nightmare.
The solution? Join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.
As a member of this hiking club, you’ll learn all about the paths that incorporate the Bruce Trail - where they lead, what to expect and the challenges that lie ahead. You can be part of a guided hike or you can take the map and go it alone. You can take long hiking trips or just a one or two hour walking adventure."
Tips for spring running in Toronto
With promises of warmer weather and brighter hours after work, Toronto is reclaiming its title of 'a city within a park'. The metropolis is beginning to blossom into an athletic playground once more, with runners taking over sidewalks and trails.
If you have been logging miles on a treadmill all winter, it is time to get outside once more. Put the gym membership on hold, look up a running route and hit the pavement to see what the city has to offer. Before you jump into your new fitness regime, make sure you are going about it in a safe and intelligent way."
If you have been logging miles on a treadmill all winter, it is time to get outside once more. Put the gym membership on hold, look up a running route and hit the pavement to see what the city has to offer. Before you jump into your new fitness regime, make sure you are going about it in a safe and intelligent way."
City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - New and upgraded Multi-Use Trails
City of Toronto: Cycling in Toronto - New and upgraded Multi-Use TrailsIn July 2009 Transportation Services was awarded funding through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program to develop multi-use trails within hydro and rail corridors across the City. These projects will be managed as a joint initiative between Transportation Services, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Bruce Penninsula Mountain Bike park closed for renovations
Wiarton, ON. Eastern Canada’s first mountain bike adventure park will be closed until mid-summer.
Staff will be performing renovations consisting of: removing all wooden man- made technical trail features, trail improvements to create an "easier" cross county loop through the property and the construction of a pump track to replace technical/skills progression area. In part, the renovations are required due to insurance costs associated with wooden (man made) technical trail features.
The pump track and rugged cross-county riding trails shall become significant assets of this multi-use County operated trail system. The County believes that the changes will offer new and exciting challenges, and that the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Park will remain as an iconic trail destination.
The Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park is part of a County-wide commitment, creating multiuse trail systems within portions of the 12,000+ acres of Bruce County Forest. Other trail systems open are:
The Brant Tract - Paisley
The Lindsay Tract - Miller Lake
The Carrick Tract - Mildmay
For up-to-date trail conditions please consult www.mtbthebruce.com .
For trail information and media enquiries, please contact:
Chris Hughes, Manager of Tourism
County of Bruce
Box 129
578 Brown Street
Wiarton, ON.
NOH 2TO
1-800-268-3838
519-270-0749 mobile
chris@explorethebruce.com
Staff will be performing renovations consisting of: removing all wooden man- made technical trail features, trail improvements to create an "easier" cross county loop through the property and the construction of a pump track to replace technical/skills progression area. In part, the renovations are required due to insurance costs associated with wooden (man made) technical trail features.
The pump track and rugged cross-county riding trails shall become significant assets of this multi-use County operated trail system. The County believes that the changes will offer new and exciting challenges, and that the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Park will remain as an iconic trail destination.
The Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park is part of a County-wide commitment, creating multiuse trail systems within portions of the 12,000+ acres of Bruce County Forest. Other trail systems open are:
The Brant Tract - Paisley
The Lindsay Tract - Miller Lake
The Carrick Tract - Mildmay
For up-to-date trail conditions please consult www.mtbthebruce.com
For trail information and media enquiries, please contact:
Chris Hughes, Manager of Tourism
County of Bruce
Box 129
578 Brown Street
Wiarton, ON.
NOH 2TO
1-800-268-3838
519-270-0749 mobile
chris@explorethebruce.com
Volunteers Accomplish Great Things - South Kent
The South Kent Trail Volunteers showcased the viewing stand at Erieau Marsh Trail, ... Prince of North Buxton St. James Presbyterian Church, Chatham Ontario ...
Hub Trail Expanding
The first steps are being taken to develop "spokes" to connect more non- motorized trail routes to the Hub Trail. A public open house will be.
It's Valid Treatment - Kids and Horses
"Activities that combine both rhythm and balancing such as horseback riding, sitting on a ball, or swinging help stabilize a disordered sensory system. ...
Klepper Supports Coast Cleanup
Klepper Folding Kayaks supports the ‘Clean up the Coast’ Contest organized by Wavelength Magazine. Retailers, kayak clubs, rowing clubs, yacht clubs and paddlers register your Clean up the Coast event and get a chance to win prizes and make our waters clean and fun. Among the great prizes are a set of Klepper Sunglasses and a desk Model Klepper Aerius II with two model paddles, perfect for the office to make you dream of paddling!
“Wavelength Magazine’s Clean up the Coast Contest joins the largest volunteer activity in the world with 400,000 participants cleaning up shorelines in 2009, removing 6.8 million pounds of trash” explains Gerhard Schedel from the Klepper manufacturing facility in Rosenheim Germany. He continues “at Klepper we handcraft kayaks under tight German environmental laws and create a product that will last several generations – we know the importance of protecting the environment”. Approximately 80% of trash found in oceans comes from land, even from far away in-land via creeks and streams, as opposed to dumping at sea. The trash, especially plastics, just accumulates in Oceans. In the Pacific Ocean there is a ‘garbage patch’ estimated to be the size of Texas. It is mostly made-up of plastics that don’t re-enter the natural lifecycle, they just break down into smaller pieces and injure or kill fish, birds or wildlife and eventually enter the human food chain.
Get involved and WIN! Register your Clean up the Coast activity on the Wavelength Magazine website at www.wavelengthmagazine.com/clean/ ! And when we paddle – let’s bring trash back home to recycle, compost and dispose of properly.
“Wavelength Magazine’s Clean up the Coast Contest joins the largest volunteer activity in the world with 400,000 participants cleaning up shorelines in 2009, removing 6.8 million pounds of trash” explains Gerhard Schedel from the Klepper manufacturing facility in Rosenheim Germany. He continues “at Klepper we handcraft kayaks under tight German environmental laws and create a product that will last several generations – we know the importance of protecting the environment”. Approximately 80% of trash found in oceans comes from land, even from far away in-land via creeks and streams, as opposed to dumping at sea. The trash, especially plastics, just accumulates in Oceans. In the Pacific Ocean there is a ‘garbage patch’ estimated to be the size of Texas. It is mostly made-up of plastics that don’t re-enter the natural lifecycle, they just break down into smaller pieces and injure or kill fish, birds or wildlife and eventually enter the human food chain.
Get involved and WIN! Register your Clean up the Coast activity on the Wavelength Magazine website at www.wavelengthmagazine.com/clean/ ! And when we paddle – let’s bring trash back home to recycle, compost and dispose of properly.
Greenbelt Road trip to Badlands
On Friday I was on a mini road trip out and about in the Peel Region of Ontario's Greenbelt as part of my job. We had identified some locations for the placement of our Greenbelt road signs and now that the snow is gone, I was checking them out to make sure they were still viable. Being a definite Toronto downtowner and not owning a car, it's a rare occasion when I make it out of the city. It's one of the things that I love about my job actually, that it gives me the opportunity get out beyond the expanse of concrete and Toronto-centrism (of which I am totally guilty at times too) and experience some of the many other fabulous things that this province has to offer.
Guindon Park Cornwall - To Open to Equestrians
The biggest news in the local horse community is the decision by the City of Cornwall to open Guindon Park to equestrian riders.
For those not familiar with this facility, it encompasses 500 acres of parkland just west of Cornwall off Highway 2/ Vincent Massey Drive.
In the summer it offers about 15 kilometres of hiking, and now horseback-riding, trails and in the winter, 12 kilometres of cross-country skiing. It is closed to motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc) and bicycles are relegated to the bike paths.
For those not familiar with this facility, it encompasses 500 acres of parkland just west of Cornwall off Highway 2/ Vincent Massey Drive.
In the summer it offers about 15 kilometres of hiking, and now horseback-riding, trails and in the winter, 12 kilometres of cross-country skiing. It is closed to motorized vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc) and bicycles are relegated to the bike paths.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Let's Clean Up Those Trails!
MAKE EVERYDAY AN EARTH DAY IN OAKVILLE Clean up a park, a ravine, lakefront of Lake Ontario, the shores of a creek, a trail, or any green space in your neighbourhood and tell us about your successes! Thank you very much! ...
Win a Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack--free contest - Renfrew County Sports Goods For Sale - Kijiji Renfrew County
win a Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack--free contest - Renfrew County Sports Goods For Sale - Kijiji Renfrew County: "Visit Facebook---search for Whitetailriver Blue Goose Outfitters and click on the 2010 Rocky Outdoor Gear Backpack contest---retail value approx 24.97--prize includes shipping to winner by Canada Post with delivery confirmation"
OFTR - The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders
OFTR - The Ontario Federation of Trail RidersSpring rides are a great temptation. We are cooped up all winter and you have probably been out in the garage talking to your motorcycle assuring your steed that it will soon be back outside in the fresh air enjoying the forest trails.
Times have changed and we need to avoid the urge to go flop around in the mud until the ground has had time to thaw and dry out. The damage is much more severe in March and April than in the summer months.
Limerick Forest
Simcoe County Forests
Larose Forest
are all CLOSED until the forest managers tell us it is OK to ride.
Times have changed and we need to avoid the urge to go flop around in the mud until the ground has had time to thaw and dry out. The damage is much more severe in March and April than in the summer months.
Limerick Forest
Simcoe County Forests
Larose Forest
are all CLOSED until the forest managers tell us it is OK to ride.
Cycle Race - Flamborough April 2
Hello Friends and Fans of Cycling! Right now, bike racers across Ontario are registering for the very first race of the 2010 Ontario Cup series -- and the Hamilton Cycling Club is thrilled to be its host once again. The home-grown classic known as the Good Friday Road Race will take to the drumlins of Flamborough on Friday, April 2. Somehow, we've kept this party on two wheels going for 58 years.
The Good Friday Road Race is a race that attracts some of the highest-caliber amateur road cyclists to the Hamilton area each spring. The course is a 18.5km loop with 150 metres of climbing covering roads such as Brock, 5th Concession, Middletown Road, 6th Concession, Westover Road and Safari Road. The course includes five drumlins of up to 40 metres high. It follows the rules of the Ontario Cycling Association.
The Good Friday Road Race is a race that attracts some of the highest-caliber amateur road cyclists to the Hamilton area each spring. The course is a 18.5km loop with 150 metres of climbing covering roads such as Brock, 5th Concession, Middletown Road, 6th Concession, Westover Road and Safari Road. The course includes five drumlins of up to 40 metres high. It follows the rules of the Ontario Cycling Association.
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