Ontario Trails News - lot's of news about Ontario Trails, from Ontario Trails Council

Trail Openings and Events

From Members/Financial SupportersExplorers' Edge

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Severn River

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Spartan Race

2014 Location needed - see bottom this newsletter

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Orangeville Trails

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Kinghorn Rail Trail

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Georgian Bay Coast Trail

Ontario Trail News - 3 years of Ontario Trail Council lobbying produces new round of meetings on Ontario Trails strategy

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013

• Education • News • Updates • Sharing •  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus. The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy. The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario. The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others. Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group. Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming. The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping. Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit. Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC. During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful. When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing. When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider. When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism. When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes. The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.

Ontario Trail News - Explorer's Edge, GBCT and more news from Ontario's trails

Trail Openings and Events

From Members/Financial SupportersExplorers' Edge

---

Severn River

---

Spartan Race

2014 Location needed - see bottom this newsletter

---

Orangeville Trails

---

Kinghorn Rail Trail

---

Georgian Bay Coast Trail

Ontario Trails News - please support our work developing and managing Ontario's trails! Donate today!

Trail Heroes

Know somebody that works hard on trails? If so nominate them to be an Ontario Trails "Trail Hero!" We'd be happy to review your recommendations and acknowledge in a small way their contribution to trails in your community.

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Trail Blog

Every day trails are news! Every day we blog about trails. In communities all over Ontario trails are big news, for cyclists, runners, canoe or horses, every day we capture in one spot all the trail news - local, provincial or national! Join today!

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Trail Leaders!

Become a trail development leader. Join Ontario's first ever series of 14 trail education courses in the development and management of trails. Designed for both volunteers and professionals.  Register today - registration is open 24/7 until the morning of each training event. 

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Join OTC

The Ontario Trails Council is a non-profit charitable organization, established in 1988, that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails. With over 130 organizational members and 15 individual supporters the OTC has influence! Support trails in Ontario - Join the OTC

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Learn an Activity

Our website contains information on over 2,600 trails, and a description for nearly 2,000. Learn about the places where you can bike, cross country ski, climb or any of another 15 activities. We are linked to over 130 organizations and a variety of provincial groups that can help you learn an activity or become better at one you already love!

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Add Your Event

We post trail or outdoor events on trail specific facebook pages, the main OTC facebook page, and the event section of the OTC website. You can send us your event and we'll post it to these extensive networks. Each week we reach over 20,000 people, so if you want your event known, a bit better, send us the information.

Ontario Trails News - your source for trail information about Ontario's trails

Ganaraska Forest Trail

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Hike Haliburton Festival

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Ontario Trails and Ontario Equestrian Federation launch horse survey

Download the Map App!

Customer Reviews

Amazing!
by klc0718

What a fantastic app! I am always looking for new trails near home and while camping and this will make it so much easier! I love the level of detail... length, difficulty, terrain, photos etc. I've read some negative reviews complaining about the map coverage and the omission of some trails...But I find it quite fine for my needs and there are usually links to the appropriate trail association's website for those requiring a higher level of detail. I think it's a great starting point for when you want to get an idea of what's around you but you don't want to waste several hours doing internet research. And there are many, many trails in Ontario; I'm not surprised if they aren't all included in the very first edition of this app. I'm sure Ontario Trails will be more than happy to include any missed trails that people bring to their attention. Personally, though, I find the current listings to be quite comprehensive. Great work Ontario Trails!

Super app 
by szturmowka

I was waiting for something like that for long time I am big fan of hiking

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Spartan Race -Do you have the Trail?

About Spartan Race:

We do 5+k, 12+k and 20+k obstacle course races throughout eastern Canada each year during the months of May, June and July.  This season our events were hosted at Hardwood Bike and Ski. They are currently seeking a new venue for the 2014 race season.

• 5+k events typically host 5-7,000 racers and 2-3,000 spectators per day and are 2 day events (Saturday, Sunday)

Basic information on venue requirements:

• Within 1 - 1.5 hours of GTA
• Elevational changes (we have done events at multiple ski locations)
• Wooded areas
• Sufficient open space for location of our "village" and several of the obstacles (although most obstacles are placed along the course)
• Water - lake, river, stream is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Electric connection near the village area is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Access to sufficient parking (onsite is desirable, but remote is acceptable).
• Parking for 5-7000 racers 

If you have the trails and the site - give me a call! Patrick 613-396-3226

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Trail Questions

1) Capital Funding for Trails - Please take a minute to complete the capital funding section of our survey. A s many communities head into the budget cycle other communities want to get an idea of the relative and comparative amounts communities of similar size are investing in their trails. Please go to:



2) 

QUESTION:
Does your forest landbase ever get land transferred to it through someone’s estate?  If so,
1.       How do you get the word out about transferring land over?
2.       What kind of process is involved?  Do you have a contract that outlines how the land will be managed, any disclaimers, etc?
3.       How often does this happen?
Linda Touzin, R.P.F. District Forester Tel:  613-258-8268 Fax: 613-258-3920 Email:  linda.touzin@ontario.ca

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Trails Education - Select a Program!

We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.

	DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer Management	View PDF
Business Planning and Budgetting	View PDF
Regulation and Legislation	View PDF
Ecosystem and Natural Heritage	View PDF
Wilderness First Aid	View PDF
Food and Nutrition	View PDF
Marketing and Promotion	View PDF
Health and Safety	View PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1	View PDF
Trail Design (2 days)	View PDF
Trail Risk Management	View PDF
Trail Committee Development	Manual
Trail Steward- On Line Learning	Program
Trail Planning - On Line	Program

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Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

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Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

Ontario Trail News - enjoy the fall and all the great stuff going on on Ontario Trails!

Hastings County Trail Development

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Niagara Region

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Hamilton Burlington Trail Council

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Conservation Ontario

Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee reconvenes ends 3 years of lobbying by Ontario Trails Council

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of September 19, 2013

• Education • News • Updates • Sharing •  Requests • Meetings • Activity

Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MeetsWe are pleased to report that on September 13th the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) reconvened after a three year hiatus. The Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee is an award winning consultation process that sees representatives from government trail stakeholders meet with the Ontario Trails Council and its partners, to discuss the challenges of the Ontario Trails Strategy. The meetings are an opportunity for the trails community to present the lead Ministry for Trails, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, with issues facing the management, use, development and conservation of recreational trails in Ontario. The OTCC is co-Chaired by OTC President Jack De Wit and Assistant Deputy Minister Steve Harlow from MTCS. Staff from the MTCS Sport and Recreation Office are also in attendance, as well as, representatives from Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Community and Social Services (AODA), Northern Development and Mines, Agriculture (OMAFRA), Aboriginal Affairs, Finance, amongst others. Lead by the OTC, trails partners included Park and Recreation Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ontario Land Stewardship Network, Active Transportation Canada, and independent consultants, Dr. Patti Longmuir (AODA Consultant), Dr. John Marsh (Trent University) and Jeff Bangs of the Pathway Group. Prior to the meeting the OTC called the partners to get a sense of the issues they'd be presenting and how we could help through this process. This meeting presented an opportunity for OTC to raise members trail priorities, which we presented straight from our on-line survey "Trail Priorities". In addition, we circulated this survey to all the participants after the meeting to back up what you have said you want to see happen on trails. Please ask trail leaders in your area to complete this important survey! 18 questions, not time consuming. The Ministry outlined trails developments and initiatives in its presentation to the group. The Ministry reported that since 2009/10 it has invested 77 million in trails. The MTCS also highlighted the provincial cycling strategy, the Integrated Accessibility Standards, 990,000 investment in the Thousand Island Recreational trail, the June 2013 Snowmobile Trails along Provincial Rights of Way Study, the funding of COHV alternative funding model for trails study, the Great Lakes Guardian Fund, the OTC website and trails mapping. Other developments included the revitalization of Ontario Place with trails, the Trails Open Program continuance through Ontario Heritage Foundation, An MTCS Regional Economic Development Model which incorporated snowmobile trails (and will consider other trails) and Ontario will host the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association 2014 summit. Working from our trail priorities survey, and other documents previously tabled by the OTC with the MTCS, the OTC raised the issues of dedicated trail funding for trail projects, tort reform as a means of reducing liability and increasing trail development, distinguishing between trails and paths, and recreational trails and trail brands for the purposes of increasing recreational trail marketing, funding for AODA compliance, and the determination of next steps for the OTCC and the OTC. During the day we heard specific presentations from the Accessibility Directorate, from MTO on the Ontario Cycling Strategy, Tourism on Regional Tourism Organizations and from the Off-Highway Working Group. All were very helpful. When asked by OTC the AODA indicated that a checklist to ensure your trail is in compliance will be forthcoming. AMO representatives also asked about funding. The issue of community consultation and the representation from the AODA sector needs to be more holistic to ensure the broadest range of compliance is achieved for all members of the public in need; whether trails specific or infrastructure specific, improving representation to these committees would be a good thing. When asked by the OTC about the Cycling Strategy, and its capacity to develop safer off-road cycling opportunity for on-road cycling, the MTO responded that it had heard from cycling trail groups and while the OCS is dealing mostly with on road cycling and on road cyclists, there is room for commentary regarding cycling trails, and the creation of off-road capacity. The main determinant here is a seamlessness experience for the rider. When queried by the OTC regarding RTO's and the inclusion of recreational trail experience in the face of marketing that sees the development of Taste, Butter-Tart, Arts, Wine and Food 'Trails' the OTC was directed to contact each RTO directly to see what the plans are by each RTO to develop a more complete recreational trail experience in those RTO's. There is no centralized process for this communication. In many cases the RTO marketing of golf, food or heritage trails improves overall tourism so the overall view is that this is good for tourism. When the OFRWG presented its list of issues to the group several requests remain on the table from years past. Licence fee re-capture, a one pass system for trails, liability and tort reform, rider education, and marketing. The OTC intends to work more closely with the COHV and the consultant to the group so that important things like the Trillium Trail Network, the 14 module OTC Trail Education Program, our pass permit and Regional Trail Committees are more fully involved in OFRWG outcomes. The next meeting of the OTCC is scheduled for early November. As the presentations are shared by the MTCS we'll forward to the trails community. If you have any questions please give the OTC a call at 613-396-3226.

Ontario Trails News - Trail Counts, Trail Courses and hiking trails in Algoma!

Hiking

---

Ontario Trails and Ontario Equestrian Federation launch horse survey

Download the Map App!

Customer Reviews

Amazing!
by klc0718

What a fantastic app! I am always looking for new trails near home and while camping and this will make it so much easier! I love the level of detail... length, difficulty, terrain, photos etc. I've read some negative reviews complaining about the map coverage and the omission of some trails...But I find it quite fine for my needs and there are usually links to the appropriate trail association's website for those requiring a higher level of detail. I think it's a great starting point for when you want to get an idea of what's around you but you don't want to waste several hours doing internet research. And there are many, many trails in Ontario; I'm not surprised if they aren't all included in the very first edition of this app. I'm sure Ontario Trails will be more than happy to include any missed trails that people bring to their attention. Personally, though, I find the current listings to be quite comprehensive. Great work Ontario Trails!

Super app 
by szturmowka

I was waiting for something like that for long time I am big fan of hiking

---

Spartan Race -Do you have the Trail?

About Spartan Race:

We do 5+k, 12+k and 20+k obstacle course races throughout eastern Canada each year during the months of May, June and July.  This season our events were hosted at Hardwood Bike and Ski. They are currently seeking a new venue for the 2014 race season.

• 5+k events typically host 5-7,000 racers and 2-3,000 spectators per day and are 2 day events (Saturday, Sunday)

Basic information on venue requirements:

• Within 1 - 1.5 hours of GTA
• Elevational changes (we have done events at multiple ski locations)
• Wooded areas
• Sufficient open space for location of our "village" and several of the obstacles (although most obstacles are placed along the course)
• Water - lake, river, stream is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Electric connection near the village area is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Access to sufficient parking (onsite is desirable, but remote is acceptable).
• Parking for 5-7000 racers 

If you have the trails and the site - give me a call! Patrick 613-396-3226

---

Trail Questions

1) Capital Funding for Trails - Please take a minute to complete the capital funding section of our survey. A s many communities head into the budget cycle other communities want to get an idea of the relative and comparative amounts communities of similar size are investing in their trails. Please go to:



2) 

QUESTION:
Does your forest landbase ever get land transferred to it through someone’s estate?  If so,
1.       How do you get the word out about transferring land over?
2.       What kind of process is involved?  Do you have a contract that outlines how the land will be managed, any disclaimers, etc?
3.       How often does this happen?
Linda Touzin, R.P.F. District Forester Tel:  613-258-8268 Fax: 613-258-3920 Email:  linda.touzin@ontario.ca

---

Trails Education - Select a Program!


We have updated the program and our 14 module program is here for the using. If you have staff to train, trails to manage or want a session in your area on a particular topic let us know. We'll coordinate a session or series on your behalf.

	DESCRIPTION
COURSE TITLE
Volunteer Management	View PDF
Business Planning and Budgetting	View PDF
Regulation and Legislation	View PDF
Ecosystem and Natural Heritage	View PDF
Wilderness First Aid	View PDF
Food and Nutrition	View PDF
Marketing and Promotion	View PDF
Health and Safety	View PDF
Technology for Trails - Level 1	View PDF
Trail Design (2 days)	View PDF
Trail Risk Management	View PDF
Trail Committee Development	Manual
Trail Steward- On Line Learning	Program
Trail Planning - On Line	Program

---

Performance Measures - Trail Counts!

Low maintenance - Using weatherproof decals our methods allow users to quickly and easily provide you with information you need to assess, improve, direct, re-direct, or provide information to the user - while on the trail. Our proprietary method has been developed by over 140 trail users and with the input of The City of Thunder Bay and Norfolk County Trail Managers.

---

Packages - OTC Member? - Take $25.00 off each package!

• Blue - 4-10 trails:  $300.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 20 sheets of decals
• Green - 10-20 trails: $500.00 plus HST and registration fees
  • Maximum 40 sheets of decals
• Gold - 20 or more trails: Starting at $1,000 plus HST and registration fees
  • TBD

Go to Trail Counts! to purchase. Thanks

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