"The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises residents that a low pressure system will be moving through Southern Ontario beginning Tuesday morning. Precipitation amounts of 20-50mm are forecast to fall before the system pushes out of the region on Wednesday.
If the current forecast holds, our region may experience periods of heavy rainfall and significant runoff to streams and rivers. While higher than normal stream flows are expected, no flooding is anticipated at this time. Under these conditions, stream banks and slopes will become slippery and dangerous. The GRCA is advising watershed residents to use extreme caution around bodies of water and stay well back of stream banks and flowing water. Please alert any children in your care of these dangers."
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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Mad River Canoe: A Huck Finn Journey in Southern Ontario
"You don't have to travel miles to get a wilderness experience. You can get up in the morning... drive an hour or so... and then there you are... out on a river doing it! But best of all... you can be in your own bed at night. This is an inexpensive day trip with minimum traveling... what could be better?
Take a guided rafting trip on the Grand River near Paris, Ontario to experience one of the best learning adventures around. You can travel down the river in total safety... paddling skills aren't required... size and age doesn't matter... and you can be right in the middle of it all... without getting wet!
On these rafting trips you can shoot the splash of swifts or leisurely float across pools. Everyone can jump out and swim when they want, even drink from freshwater springs."
Take a guided rafting trip on the Grand River near Paris, Ontario to experience one of the best learning adventures around. You can travel down the river in total safety... paddling skills aren't required... size and age doesn't matter... and you can be right in the middle of it all... without getting wet!
On these rafting trips you can shoot the splash of swifts or leisurely float across pools. Everyone can jump out and swim when they want, even drink from freshwater springs."
Paddle Canada and Level 6 Partners to Offer Deals to Instructors - PaddlingInstructor.com - Canoe and Kayak News, Paddling News, Free Kayak and Canoe Teaching Resources
"Paddle Canada just announced a new membership perk for instructors. In partnership with Level 6 instructor members can now get 40% off all regularly priced items in the catalogue. That’s a pretty solid deal.
For those not in the know, Level 6 have been around since 1997. Based out of Ottawa Ontario, they produce a wide range of items from dry suits, to safety gear, to actual fashionable items that your non-paddling friends would wear.
'We know what it is like to be an instructor and understand the challenges it can have.' says Tyler Lawlor, co-owner of Level 6, 'Increased participation in paddling starts with great instructors, and we want to provide an opportunity for each instructor to achieve their best ."
For those not in the know, Level 6 have been around since 1997. Based out of Ottawa Ontario, they produce a wide range of items from dry suits, to safety gear, to actual fashionable items that your non-paddling friends would wear.
'We know what it is like to be an instructor and understand the challenges it can have.' says Tyler Lawlor, co-owner of Level 6, 'Increased participation in paddling starts with great instructors, and we want to provide an opportunity for each instructor to achieve their best ."
Monday, November 29, 2010
ATVs stolen in Norfolk - Simcoe Reformer - Ontario, CA
"Crime Stoppers is seeking tips from the public to help solve the theft of an ATV in the former Houghton Township.
Sometime between 8 a.m. on Oct. 30 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 9 a green 2005 Kawasaki Prairie ATV was stolen from a property on County Rd. 23 in Norfolk.
Crime Stoppers are also looking for tips to help solve the theft of an ATV and motorcycle in the Windham area."
Sometime between 8 a.m. on Oct. 30 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 9 a green 2005 Kawasaki Prairie ATV was stolen from a property on County Rd. 23 in Norfolk.
Crime Stoppers are also looking for tips to help solve the theft of an ATV and motorcycle in the Windham area."
Stories from the Trail » TCT and Parks Canada Host Trail Roundtable
"From November 23-25, Trans Canada Trail and Parks Canada brought together 49 trail community stakeholders for the National Trail Leadership Roundtable.
This event, held in Banff, Alberta, provided a forum to discuss the future of trail development, management and sustainability in Canada. The participants from across Canada identified common areas of agreement and challenges, and the need for increased collaboration, including a forum for future discussion.
A working group was formed to move the discussions forward and engage the national trail community. A report will be developed outlining the discussions, including a more detailed account of the issues and next steps. It will be circulated to Roundtable participants and the trail community, and will be posted on TCT’s website."
We hope this effort produces some tangible results - Ontario well represented.
This event, held in Banff, Alberta, provided a forum to discuss the future of trail development, management and sustainability in Canada. The participants from across Canada identified common areas of agreement and challenges, and the need for increased collaboration, including a forum for future discussion.
A working group was formed to move the discussions forward and engage the national trail community. A report will be developed outlining the discussions, including a more detailed account of the issues and next steps. It will be circulated to Roundtable participants and the trail community, and will be posted on TCT’s website."
We hope this effort produces some tangible results - Ontario well represented.
OTC Website - Winterized
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Mad River Canoe: Southern Ontario's Best Kept Secret - a Local Whitewater Rafting River
"The Grand River Rafting Company of Southern Ontario offers guided whitewater rafting for everyone on the Nith River near Paris. The little known Nith offers one of the best whitewater experiences in Southern Ontario and is one hour west of Toronto, fifteen minutes off Highway 403.
The whitewater rafting trips are 3 to 4 hours in length culminating with a 3 kilometer run of splash. The whitewater rafting trip starts in the hamlet of Canning. About half ways down the rafts pull over at Bus Beach for lunch and a washroom break... and then on to the final destination, Bean Park on the Grand River in Paris."
The whitewater rafting trips are 3 to 4 hours in length culminating with a 3 kilometer run of splash. The whitewater rafting trip starts in the hamlet of Canning. About half ways down the rafts pull over at Bus Beach for lunch and a washroom break... and then on to the final destination, Bean Park on the Grand River in Paris."
Saturday, November 27, 2010
ATV'ers - Ontario Conditions
"I lost a trail through conservation property today. Nothing to do with snowmobilers/horsey riders/nature seekers/cyclist or bird watchers. We're all good. Lost it due to ATV's. Or to be more specific, 'what if ATV's start using this trail?'
ATV damage at present...nope but in several other areas of our trail system , yes.
Actually we lost (gave it up) another trail two weeks ago due to ATV/mud truck damage.
This one had no damage or threat of.
Oh, did I mention the possible rare/threatened fern they found yesterday.
So lose intersection 64 north to 62 and east to 48 off our trails..just the start of changes
intersection 122 has moved 2 km west, trail re-route to south and north
During my conversation with the land use property mgr from the conservation authority I was advised of the serious nature of the situation in our area. The Wiarton Trailblazers have one of the most scenic views in this end of the world (Skinners Bluff) and due to ATV infridgement and damage the Wiarton club might lose this trail.
There is a trend here - write the OFATV and the EOTA, they work with ATV'rs in the affected area. OTC works with Conservation Ontario to try and save riding areas in conjunction with conservation land managers.
ATV damage at present...nope but in several other areas of our trail system , yes.
Actually we lost (gave it up) another trail two weeks ago due to ATV/mud truck damage.
This one had no damage or threat of.
Oh, did I mention the possible rare/threatened fern they found yesterday.
So lose intersection 64 north to 62 and east to 48 off our trails..just the start of changes
intersection 122 has moved 2 km west, trail re-route to south and north
During my conversation with the land use property mgr from the conservation authority I was advised of the serious nature of the situation in our area. The Wiarton Trailblazers have one of the most scenic views in this end of the world (Skinners Bluff) and due to ATV infridgement and damage the Wiarton club might lose this trail.
There is a trend here - write the OFATV and the EOTA, they work with ATV'rs in the affected area. OTC works with Conservation Ontario to try and save riding areas in conjunction with conservation land managers.
Regulatory over-kill - ever try to build a trail?
"Management of Ontario’s land planning system is assigned to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) under the Provincial Policy Statement which, in turn, awards Planning Act veto power to the incumbent Minister of that agency. The Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources each maintain separate land planning departments as well but their policies can be modified or silenced by MMAH Ministerial order, an open-ended license in which Ontario land use planning is ultimately left to the discretion of a single individual.
To this administrative muddle are added interventions of sub-agencies like Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities and numerous Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). When promoting private property restrictions the latter faction, professional lobbyists often funded by the Ontario government, invariably claim “stakeholder” status."
Ever try to build a trail? - E-Mail your MPP tell them you 1) want a Trails Act and 2) that you support the Ontario Trails Strategy to get focus through the Ministry of Health Promotion, Sport and Recreation so we can reduce this regulatory process so it's effective and sensible. Thanks
To this administrative muddle are added interventions of sub-agencies like Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities and numerous Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). When promoting private property restrictions the latter faction, professional lobbyists often funded by the Ontario government, invariably claim “stakeholder” status."
Ever try to build a trail? - E-Mail your MPP tell them you 1) want a Trails Act and 2) that you support the Ontario Trails Strategy to get focus through the Ministry of Health Promotion, Sport and Recreation so we can reduce this regulatory process so it's effective and sensible. Thanks
Apparelyzed - THERE are TRAILS FOR YOU!
Snowmobile Trails closed due to ATV's
Dear Editor,
Once again it's time to think about preparing snowmobile trails for the coming season.
Unfortunately, we have a problem this winter. Because of illegal trespassing activities by ATV riders, landowners have permanently closed the Bluewater Snomobile Club trail from Sobeys to Intersection 321.
This closure affects the snowmobilers from the centre and south end of Kincardine. It also has a large impact on businesses servicing trail users, including Holiday Inn Express, Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza, Crossroads Esso, McDonald's and Best Western Governor's Inn.
Many may say, "Just reroute the trail," but the Bluewater Snowmobile Club and the OFSC work very hard to gain permission to cross landowners' property. This is done by contacting the landowner, obtaining signed permission to cross the property, insuring the landowner against property damage and agreeing to removal of trail at the season's end.
We ask all ATV'rs to ATV Smart -
Once again it's time to think about preparing snowmobile trails for the coming season.
Unfortunately, we have a problem this winter. Because of illegal trespassing activities by ATV riders, landowners have permanently closed the Bluewater Snomobile Club trail from Sobeys to Intersection 321.
This closure affects the snowmobilers from the centre and south end of Kincardine. It also has a large impact on businesses servicing trail users, including Holiday Inn Express, Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza, Crossroads Esso, McDonald's and Best Western Governor's Inn.
Many may say, "Just reroute the trail," but the Bluewater Snowmobile Club and the OFSC work very hard to gain permission to cross landowners' property. This is done by contacting the landowner, obtaining signed permission to cross the property, insuring the landowner against property damage and agreeing to removal of trail at the season's end.
We ask all ATV'rs to ATV Smart -
Go Snowmobiling Week - On Now!
Dave Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada, says Ontario snowmobilers can look forward to a good winter, and that forecast sets the celebratory tone for Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week which runs from November 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.
As its name implies, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making ride plans and preparing sleds and gear. Sled dealers and snowmobile clubs across Ontario are marking Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week with open houses and other special events. Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the last full week for purchasing Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits at the pre-Dec. 1 fee of $200. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.
For more information on snowmobiling and a range of other winter trail activities as well check out -
As its name implies, Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the cue for OFSC snowmobilers to start making ride plans and preparing sleds and gear. Sled dealers and snowmobile clubs across Ontario are marking Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week with open houses and other special events. Get Ready to Go Snowmobiling Week is also the last full week for purchasing Seasonal Snowmobile Trail Permits at the pre-Dec. 1 fee of $200. Permits can be bought online at www.ofsc.on.ca.
For more information on snowmobiling and a range of other winter trail activities as well check out -
HCIA meets to discuss progress on trails agenda
It all began in 2007 when Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) identified five priorities vital to the development of the area’s trails system.
Now three years later, the HCIA Trails Working Group met at the Community Living Dufferin (CLD) building in East Garafraxa on Nov. 13, to gain a sense of the progress that’s been made.
“Some of the priorities have moved really well. They are really taking care of themselves,” explained Chris Broom, chair of the HCIA working trails group. “Do we need to look at other things? That is where we are right now — evaluating what our next set of priorities will be.”
Those original five priorities, including the creation of a link from Island Lake Conservation Area to Orangeville, a trail around that conservation area, a rail trail from Orangeville to Shelburne, developing cycling lanes in Dufferin County, as well as crafting a trailway from Island Lake to Terra Cotta, are beginning to take shape.
For a copy of the Ontario trails presentation to the committee e-mail Ontario trails - ontrails@gmail.com
Now three years later, the HCIA Trails Working Group met at the Community Living Dufferin (CLD) building in East Garafraxa on Nov. 13, to gain a sense of the progress that’s been made.
“Some of the priorities have moved really well. They are really taking care of themselves,” explained Chris Broom, chair of the HCIA working trails group. “Do we need to look at other things? That is where we are right now — evaluating what our next set of priorities will be.”
Those original five priorities, including the creation of a link from Island Lake Conservation Area to Orangeville, a trail around that conservation area, a rail trail from Orangeville to Shelburne, developing cycling lanes in Dufferin County, as well as crafting a trailway from Island Lake to Terra Cotta, are beginning to take shape.
For a copy of the Ontario trails presentation to the committee e-mail Ontario trails - ontrails@gmail.com
TRCA hosts Free seminar on Energy Savings
Head to Goodwood Community Centre, 268 Highway 47, Goodwood Ontario, Monday November 29, 7-9Pm for a free Toronto Region Conservation Session on Managing energy costs this winter.
Congratulations to Don Ross!
Mr. Gary Clarke, Chair of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, is delighted to announce that the organisation’s Executive Director, Don Ross, has recently been recognised with the prestigious A. D. Latornell 2010 Conservation Pioneer Award.
The award was designed specifically to recognize individuals who have demonstrated life-long outstanding contributions to the field of conservation. Recipients are recognized for their innovation, leadership and dedication to the conservation field. Either through their personal activities and/or leadership, they have gone beyond the call of duty or responsibility to an employer or their community.
We appreciate the ongoing support of FABR as a member of the Ontario Trails Council. Don was a guest speaker at Trailhead Ontario 2010 and for more information on Don, FABR and their trail work follow the link.
The award was designed specifically to recognize individuals who have demonstrated life-long outstanding contributions to the field of conservation. Recipients are recognized for their innovation, leadership and dedication to the conservation field. Either through their personal activities and/or leadership, they have gone beyond the call of duty or responsibility to an employer or their community.
We appreciate the ongoing support of FABR as a member of the Ontario Trails Council. Don was a guest speaker at Trailhead Ontario 2010 and for more information on Don, FABR and their trail work follow the link.
Friday, November 26, 2010
durhamregion.com | CLOCA looks for feedback on Oshawa Creek plans
"The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority is inviting the public to an information centre on Dec. 9.
The event will offer residents an opportunity to provide feedback on an update to the Oshawa Creek watershed existing conditions report and watershed management alternatives.
The Oshawa Creek watershed management plan was approved in 2002 and has been used to identify restoration activities and stewardship opportunities and guide land use planning."
The event will offer residents an opportunity to provide feedback on an update to the Oshawa Creek watershed existing conditions report and watershed management alternatives.
The Oshawa Creek watershed management plan was approved in 2002 and has been used to identify restoration activities and stewardship opportunities and guide land use planning."
Algonquin Outfitters Retail and Events Blog: Ontario Tourism Adventure Contest
"Spend seven days of spectacular sights and unforgettable adventures in Canada's National Capital, Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley – with celebrity host Kevin Callan. This fully guided trip for four will take you from the rapids of the mighty Ottawa River to the air above majestic Algonquin Park and through the region's rich cultural landscape."
Snowmobilers tuning up sleds and trails - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA
"Very few snowflakes have fallen, but it's enough to encourage the Orillia District Snowmobile Club (ODSC) to get into gear.
'This is get ready for snowmobiling week right now,' club president John Britten said on Thursday. 'Any weekend we've got maybe 20 volunteers out there.'
Club members have been putting up signage and clearing overgrown and fallen brush from the approximately 300 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails that the ODSC is responsible for."
'This is get ready for snowmobiling week right now,' club president John Britten said on Thursday. 'Any weekend we've got maybe 20 volunteers out there.'
Club members have been putting up signage and clearing overgrown and fallen brush from the approximately 300 kilometres of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails that the ODSC is responsible for."
Ontario Trails Map Site Gets People Out and Active
Throughout the Summer and Fall the OTC worked to provide information on trail location through its new Ontario Trails Map web page.
From May-June 87,215 individual and unique visitors found our micro-site. They visited 173,854 pages. They used our trails direction tool to plan 39,167 trips.
"Is your trail and region on our site? If not, maybe folks aren't finding you!" says, Patrick Connor OTC Executive Director.
Moreover the OTC website had over 233,750 unique visitors viewing 609,175 pages August to October. Given this substantial traffic and trip planning, you'll want to get your trails or your regional tourism office linked up to us.
Join today, list your trail, promote your activity.
From May-June 87,215 individual and unique visitors found our micro-site. They visited 173,854 pages. They used our trails direction tool to plan 39,167 trips.
"Is your trail and region on our site? If not, maybe folks aren't finding you!" says, Patrick Connor OTC Executive Director.
Moreover the OTC website had over 233,750 unique visitors viewing 609,175 pages August to October. Given this substantial traffic and trip planning, you'll want to get your trails or your regional tourism office linked up to us.
Join today, list your trail, promote your activity.
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