Sunday, November 21, 2010

Charges against naked walker dropped

"[Some members of the community] might not think it's appropriate, or they might think it's not moral, but it's not indecent in the sense that it causes anybody any harm," said the man's Toronto-lawyer Gleb Bazov.

The man was initially also charged with nudity in a public place but that charge was withdrawn earlier this year.

Bazov said the court's decision sets an important precedent.

"It is a landmark case in the sense that the law has been applied to nudists and naturists. Now there is a clear pronouncement that a naturist is not engaging in an indecent act."

Learn more about Ontario's Conservation Areas

Close to home and across the province, Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities own and protect over 135,000 hectares (350,000 acres) of natural lands and offer more than 250 Conservation Areas for you to explore and enjoy. These Conservation Areas offer a wide range of natural experiences. If you’re looking for a place where you can appreciate nature, get some exercise and learn about our environment, there’s an adventure waiting for you at a nearby conservation area!

Cyclists welcome new bridge

Paved shoulders on O'Reilly's Bridge give members of the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club something to smile about.

Saturday, more than 40 cyclists utilized the bridge to go on their 70-kilometre cycling route and it's the day John Swart has been anxiously awaiting.

The new $2.8-million bridge opened last Friday at 5 p.m.

During their official cycling season, the 316-member touring club rides from March 15 to Oct. 31.

During the off-season, members gather under the Winter Fanatics name and tackle routes ranging from 40 to 70 kilometres.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Glencoe Snowmobilers Celebrate - December 18th

On December 18th, downstairs at the Glencoe Legion, we will be holding our 1st annual Family Christmas Pot Luck Supper. You are welcome to come at 6pm with supper at 6:30pm. We ask that you bring a main dish and a desert to share with others. We hope to make this a very informal evening. Come out and meet this years executive and see what things we have planned for the coming season and the coming years. If you are unable to come for the meal, drop by later as we will be there till 10pm.

E-mail Gord Walker: gordwalker1966@hotmail.com

The 2010 Cycling Celebration - November 20, 2010

The 2010 Cycling Celebration is now just over 48 hours away and is sure to be the biggest bash of the OCA season.

Doors open at 6pm with snacks and a pizza dinner afterward followed by the awards presentations. Come out and celebrate the top athletes, organizers, volunteers and more of the 2010 season. This event will also feature some incredible silent auction items and raffle prizes so be sure not to miss out.

Location: The event is being held at the Cool Brewery which is located at 164 Evans Ave. in Etobicoke. Tickets are available by contacting the OCA office directly or by purchasing your ticket(s) on the Ontario Cycling Association website by clicking HERE. Online ticket purchases ends at noon on Friday. Tickets are also available at the door Saturday night. (Note all prices below include HST) All tickets purchased at the door on Saturday are CASH ONLY.

Ontario Professional Planners Institute recognizes Oakville Planning

“Council’s vision for Oakville is to be the most livable town in Canada and so how we manage growth in our town is a priority in reaching that goal,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

“Our planning services staff met the challenge to create a new official plan that truly expresses the vision our community has for carefully controlled growth. These awards acknowledge that hard work and we are appreciative of the recognition.”

The policies for the Kerr Village plan were built on years of revitalization planning, the community vision from the 2004 Kerr Village Revitalization Study and extensive consultation with neighbourhood residents and business owners.

The North Oakville Secondary Plans Implementation Strategy includes a completely new set of standards and procedures that address zoning, urban design, roads, transit, parking, trails, sustainability and parks.

For a fuller list of trails in Oakville see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?closesttown=Oakville

Sarnia-Lambton to develop Heritage District

"Lambton County could soon be home to Ontario's first working industrial heritage conservation district.

A county council standing committee voted today to back creation of the district covering historic oil fields straddling Oil Springs and Enniskillen Township.

Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the district would give the two local councils power to preserve important physical features — such as jerker lines and pump houses — remaining from the the birth of North America's oil industry.

The proposal goes to county council Nov. 24."

For trails in the area see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?closesttown=Sarnia

http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?closesttown=Petrolia

http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?closesttown=OilSprings

It's all about balance, says riding school vet

"Everything is possible with a soft, balanced seat."

Dr Gerd Heuschmann, head veterinarian of the German National Riding School, reiterated this mantra many times during the annual "Balance in Motion" Equine Symposium at the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus, in Ontario, Canada.

Dr Gerd Heuschmann explains his training techniques to demo rider Lauren Mulrenin, a certificate student at University of Guelph-Kemptville Campus and her thoroughbred horse Finn. © Helen MacGregor
The symposium was hosted by the students in the first year of the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management degree programme in equine management as part of their event management course."

For a complete list of riding opportunities in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/equestrian/

Thursday, November 18, 2010

YorkRegion Article: First steps in pathway to link pond, park

"A pathway connecting Toogood Pond and Bob Hunter Memorial Park is in the works as part of Markham's cycling and pathways and trails master plans.

The project has evolved from a multi-use pathway connecting the western and eastern reaches within the Milne Dam Conservation Park to extend west-east from Toogood Pond to the Rouge Park trails and the crossings of the Rouge River.

'It's a long route with multiple interests,' the town's director of engineering, Alan Brown, said.

He said where the pathway would end at Bob Hunter park and any property acquisition will be looked at later.

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath described the project as 'one of the most exciting things' council will work on next year."

GuelphMercury.com - Life - Teens take ‘canoe trip on wheels’

"Multi-day canoe trips and more modest overnight bicycle trips have long been staples offered to students in the outdoor education program at Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute. However, teachers Paul Denoon and Wade Schwark recognized the timing was right to ratchet up the time spent on bicycles.

In previous years, Denoon said, a rental truck carrying all necessary camping gear would meet the students for the evening. It was agreed this year — to provide the additional satisfaction gained from independent travel — the students would pull all the required gear for three days and two nights of cycling. “It is the equivalent of a canoe trip on wheels,” Denoon said. Cargo trailers would be the beasts of burden.

Katie Gad, another Centennial teacher, with the inspirational off-site Community Environmental Leadership Program known as CELP, referred her colleagues to Wike Trailers on Regal Road in Guelph."

For more information on cycling trails in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=6&icon=cyclingroadsandpaths.png#

CyclingMagazine.ca » Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Ontario

"Whether you’re looking for wide-open countryside vistas on a road ride, undulating free flowing singletrack, or maybe a loop around one of the many small lakes in the area, Peterborough County offers enough diversity to put a smile on any rider’s face. The rolling drumlin style hills make for great cycling while showcasing the beautiful views and pleasant weather of the summer and early fall months.

The city of Peterborough is located 140 km east of Toronto and 200 km west of Kingston. Peterborough County consists of several smaller surrounding towns including Lakefield and Apsley to the north and Norwood, Havelock and Douro to the east. The roads in and around the city are well maintained. Motorists in the area are used to seeing spandex clad cyclists spread over the countryside and are generally considerate when overtaking small and large groups of riders. The Peterborough County Cycling Map does an excellent job of highlighting the best roads to ride. The map was a recent project by a group of local cyclists and the result is a well-designed tool that highlights the major information for riders such as road surface, climbs, traffic activity and rail trails in the area. Copies are available at the Kawartha tourism office, many information stations and at local bike shops."

For a fuller list of cycling trails in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=6&icon=cyclingoff.png

Millennium Trail expansion - Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA

"Another section of the Millennium Trail, stretching 1.4-kilometres along the Hydro Canal connecting Morrison St. to Thorold Stone Rd., is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

The $370,000-budgeted project, funded equally by the municipal, provincial and federal government through an infrastructure fund, provides a multi-use paved trail for people to walk, cycle, jog and rollerblade in the city's natural green spaces and corridors.


Jeff Claydon, a landscape architect with the city, said the area, known as section four, includes a small parking space at the intersection of Portage Rd. and Morrison St. The city installed a new chain-link fence along the Hydro Canal."

Sudbury Sports News - OFSC encourages snowmobilers to get ready for winter

"Ontario snowmobilers can look forward to a good winter, according to Dave Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada. That forecast sets the celebratory tone for Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week, Nov. 22 to 28.

This annual launch of winter by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) invites Ontarians to discover the many social, health and recreational benefits of snowmobiling, including the world’s largest recreational trail system."

OFTR - The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders

"Toronto Motorcycle Show - Volunteers Needed
Fri Dec 10, 2010 - Sun Dec 12, 2010

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e34zm07vggl4e4l8/a011kggnlgoeu/questions

A mountain of outdoor opportunities rises in Barrie, ON - Press Release - Digital Journal

"TORONTO, Nov. 17 /CNW/ - Barrie residents woke up this morning to a mountain of self-propelled outdoor recreation possibilities as Mountain Equipment Co-op™ (MEC), Canada's largest co-operative and leading outdoor retailer, opened its fourteenth store. The new store is located at 61 Bryne Drive, just west of Highway 400 at Essa Road.

'MEC exists to provide our members with quality clothing and equipment to support a broad range of self-propelled outdoor activities,' said David Labistour, CEO, MEC. 'The new Barrie store is uniquely positioned to serve the members of Simcoe County, who have nature's playground in their own backyard, as well as Ontarians who frequent the area to pursue their outdoor recreation interests.'"

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Sustainable Cobourg offers cycling plan initiatives - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA

"COBOURG -- A detailed cycling plan from Sustainable Cobourg, if adopted under Cobourg's Transportation Master Plan, could make Cobourg a cycling destination, its members say.

The two-part, 50-page submission provides an overview, complete with a map, building on existing cycle routes, including the Waterfront Trail.

It includes specific proposals for the following:
* Installation of Share-the-Road signs;

* Conversion of arterial roads using Road Diet design;

* Adding bike lanes;

* Identification of 'hot spots'; and

* Conducting a study for additional bicycle parking,' states the group's document.

'Our proposals are low-cost -- for the most part just signage and paint -- and will transform Cobourg into one of the most cyclable (safe, efficient, from anywhere to anywhere) towns in Ontario, if not North America!'"

Planning a Canoe Trip In Ontario?-Canoeroots Magazine | Canadian Canoes, Canoeing Country, River Trips, Canoe Camping, Fishing

"Ontario Parks is overhauling their reservation system and the changes could effect you. Find out what's happening."

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

TheSpec - QEW walkway provides missing link between city’s...

"From its clay-red hue to its slanted steel arch, the new pedestrian bridge spanning the QEW and Red Hill Creek was designed to reflect the city and capture its unique character.

And in just a few weeks, Hamiltonians will be able to see the city’s new landmark firsthand, as construction on the project wraps up.

“The community has been waiting a long time for this,” said Marco Oddi, senior project manager for the public works department. “Hamilton has some wonderful trail systems and this was always the missing link.”

Unlike other areas of the city, such as Cootes Paradise and Dundas, the heavily industrial east end has long been alienated from green space, separated from the Lake Ontario waterfront by old landfills and a tangle of high-speed roadways."

News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA: "Aone-day workshop on planning trail events is being offered by the Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Coalition.

The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.

Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.

Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."

Monday, November 15, 2010

Cyclists not impressed with roundabout - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA

"COBOURG -- Cyclists who are members of Sustainable Cobourg have informed the Town of Cobourg they are not happy with the new roundabout on D'Arcy Street.

'We have expressed our displeasure,' Rick Nonnekes told Northumberland Today.

He is the president of Sustainable Cobourg.

'It's another example where they don't talk to us,' added cyclist and Sustainable Cobourg member Richard Tyssen.


At issue, say the cyclists, is that there is no way for them to ride through the roundabout, such as with a cycle lane. The only option available is to get off their bikes, they said."