Friday, February 21, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Trail News from all around Ontario's Trails



We Welcome Another New Member!

City of Windsor Trails
The Windsor Trail an interlocking network of biking and walking trails, currently extends along the Detroit River and links many neighbourhoods. Our hope is that the Windsor Trail will eventually encircle the entire city.
 
We Thank Our Renewing Members!

Lanark County Trails

 
The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance manages the section of the Glen Tay to Havelock Trail that is located within Tay Valley Township on behalf of the County of Lanark. EOTA’s mandate is to develop, manage, maintain and market a network of year-round shared-use trails for the economic, tourism and job creation benefits they bring.  The Trails initiative reports to the Community Development Committee of Lanark County Council.

Publicly announced on October 6, the new Ontario Trails Strategy is a long-term plan that outlines ways to plan, manage, promote and use trails in Ontario.

If you are interested in serving on the Lanark County Municipal Trails Corporation please complete an application form.  Application forms are available at the County of Lanark Public Works Building or on the application form
Brant County Trails
Brant County has some of the most pristine wildlife and natural throughout Southern Ontario! We also have fantastic fast water kayaking and tranquil canoeing. Our variety of trails provide for leisurely strolls or fast-paced mountain biking excursions! A combination of boardwalk, rail trails and groomed wilderness trails make for a great escape to the country!
County of Brant Parks and Trails
Journey the Grand brochure 12MB
The Grand River
Learn more about the Grand River at the Great Canadian Rivers website or the Grand River Country website
Journey The Grand - Our new, colourful brochure is a guide to GRCA parks and nearby communities featuring River Activities, camping, and family activities.
The Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, flows through Brant County and provides visitors with tremendous venue for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and so much more!
 
Norfolk County TrailsTrails are an integral component of healthy communities which provide health, environmental, economic and social benefits. Trails also conserve open space, separate walking and bicycling from vehicle traffic (except in on-road bicycle lanes) promote public health through exercise and provide wildlife corridors.
Sunrise Rotary Trail
For more information about the Trails including the History, please read the 2009 Norfolk County Trails Master Plan or visit the Explore Norfolk Trails website.

South Nation Conservation Trails
Explore a range of close-to-home, natural areas, which South Nation Conservation manages and maintains for the enjoyment of watershed residents and beyond. Conservation Areas are a network of spectacular spaces, hosting recreational opportunities with wide appeal. Whether it’s for fishing, bird watching, paddling, or hiking, SNC welcomes you to become familiar with the watershed’s unique natural surroundings and understand the importance of them.
Choose an activity to find out where you can enjoy your favourite pastime.
SNC is committed to maintaining these beautiful spaces. Please respect our parks by taking all traces of your visit with you, and using public waste receptacles.
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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Trails News from all around Ontario's Trails

Development News
Equine Canada Hosts National Trails Meeting

Trail leaders from across Canada met for two days in Winnipeg. The national meeting of trail leadership has been in development for over 6 months with Audrey Lapointe the Equine Canada, Manager of Recreation, Trails and Tourism; with the support of Jack De Wit, EQ Board Member and OTC President, as well as Patrick Connor ED of OTC and EQ Recreation Council Member.
The premise was simple, there were looked for outcomes from the National Trails Symposium held in Banff in 2010, and the groups had not met since that time.  There were National Trails Coalition, and Canadian Trails Federation meetings but no real chance for national groups to come together to determine some national sense of direction related to trails and trails tourism.
This project aims to connect key stakeholders in the development of a national trail strategy that will reduce user conflicts, address conservation concerns, and generate positive contributions to the leisure (outdoor) and tourism sectors of the Canadian economy
The meeting gathered participants from across Canada who are involved or have an interest in tourism, and multiuse trail development, with the purpose of: 
• Sharing ideas for developing a common vision of Canada’s National Trail Network web tool 
• Presenting existing data concepts and innovations 
• Create community networks and to foster partnerships between trail organizations to advocate the needs of the industry 
The meeting was great. There was agreement to work on crafting a National Trails Network Web Portal. We appreciate the effort EQ put into the day, the efforts of Audrey and Jack and the input from the participants.


National Trail Coalition funding in Budget
From Dennis Burns, Executive Director CCSO. Here is some of the wording and content as I see it from yesterday's announcement in the Federal Budget as presented at 4 pm 
from Minister of Finance the Honourable Jim Flaherty.



The national media is quoting right out of the budget document and we spent about 45 minutes with the media yesterday in Ottawa as we were invited into the budget lock up - the media scrum was immediately following 4 pm as the speech started.

Quote from the budget and Minister Flaherty's speech - the title for the trail funding is the same as what was promised in the 2011 election platform - Improving and Expanding Canada's Snowmobile and Recreational Trails

Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to provide $10 million over two years to improve and expand snowmobile and recreational trails across the country.

"Canada has a vast network of recreational trails, which allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and appreciate this country's natural beauty. Through Budget 2009, the Government provided $25 million to the National Trails Coalition, a non-profit organization, to create, upgrade and sustain snowmobile and all-terrain-vehicle trails throughout the country. Additional funding was leveraged from the coalition and its partners and close to 500 projects were completed under this initiative. Federally supported investments include: over $56,000 for safety improvements to trails in Lakefield, Ontario; $244,000 for improvements to bridges and trails in Val d'Or, Quebec; and $550,000 for the development of the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island."

Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to provide an additional $10 million over two years, beginning in 2014-15, to the National Trails Coalition to improve and expand snowmobile and recreational trails across Canada.

CBC media link from the news last night http://goo.gl/Cro2Ja

Look at the cover of the budget presentation and then the words as quoted by CBC. Cover photo - the newly completed trail between Banff and Canmore - world class showcase "recreational trail" on the cover of the budget document - the only photo used in the entire document!! I suggest to you that this shows incredible support for trails

Minister Flaherty's speech on page 8 quote  "It pleases me to announce that our Government will partner with the National Trails Coalition to make this
recreational experience even better, fulfilling another of our 2011 platform commitments.


For the full press release see: http://goo.gl/5G9ELi

Legal Input Sought
Is there a law in Ontario you think needs to be changed? The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) reviews existing provincial laws to see whether they can be improved or repealed or whether circumstances require new laws. We also review government policy and practices.


The LCO welcomes law reform proposals from individuals and organizations, including academics, jurists, lawyers, community and advocacy groups, labour organizations, businesses and members of the public. We are accepting proposals until March 21, 2014. This is the second and final call for proposals for projects to begin later this year and to take us into what we hope will be our third mandate beginning in January 2017.
Please be aware that the LCO does not provide funding for others to undertake projects, but undertakes Board-approved projects in-house.
For more information about making a proposal, and to find out how the LCO selects projects, see our website. See the range of projects we have completed and are undertaking now. You can learn about our funders and supporters and more about the LCO at www.lco-cdo.org.
Contact us at lawcommission@lco-cdo.org

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Ontario Trail News - News from all over Ontario's Trails

Education News - On-Line started Feb 3rd!


Trail NewsROMA/OGRA Show
MTCS is hosting a trails meet, greet and information sharing room at the ROMA/OGRA conference, February 25th, 2014; and has invited the OTC, PRO and the OPA to be on hand. We will be putting up a small display promoting our memberships, conferences/training programs and/or trail-related information.

We have 2 hours in a meet, greet, open house walk-about setting, and Ministries that are available, will also bring a display to depict their trail initiatives and provide a knowledgeable staff to answer questions.

For it's part MTCS will be talking about:
  • Pan/Parapan American Games Trails Legacy Investment
  • Strengthening the Ontario Trails Strategy - results of the regional trail consultations and Aboriginal engagement opportunities
  • MTCS Funding Programs - Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, Tourism Development Fund, Celebrate Ontario and Ontario Trillium Foundation Fund
  • Regional Tourism Organizations’ trail initiatives and
  • Ontario Place’s new waterfront park and trail
Other provincial level trail federations and several OTC Members have also been invited. See you there.
Cycle Ontario - Outdoor Show
I have a discount coupon for the Outdoor Adventure Show Feb 21-23 in Toronto would you be able to attach it to your next newsletter? Cycle Ontario is at Booth # 458


OTC Membership Drive
The Ontario Trails Council is a charitable organization, established in 1988, that promotes the creation, development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails.
Over past years membership got: a working Ontario Trails Strategy, new Regional Trail Committees, $25 Million in federal funding for communities (NOT OTC!), 84 trail projects in Ontario equalling 16.4M, and work to enhance the Waterfront Trail, Toronto Trails, Lake Erie Coastal Trail, Trans Canada Trail and 2,000 other trails in Ontario. We do this with your support!
PRICING - Buy fax, credit card or mail (all include 13% HST)
Yearly Rates BaseHSTTotal
Small <200 td="" trail="" users=""> $103.00$13.39$116.39
Medium 200:5000 users $257.50$33.47$290.97
Large >5000 users $772.50$100.42$872.92
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Ontario Trail News - Trail News from all around Ontario's Trails

Development News - Renfrew and EBC



EBC has received a generous grant from the Terra Tundra Foundation for $15,000 to go towards our land conservation work. One of our members found that they could donate effectively using Terra Tundra's "flow through" process. We thank both the donor and Terra Tundra for this grant which will help us conserve 780,000 square metres (192 acres) of land worth $284,000.
Education News - Second Program starts Feb 4th!


Trail News
Update to Ontario Ministry Tourism, Culture and Sport OSRCF FundingPlease note that due to the busy holiday season and recent weather challenges in the province, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has extended the deadline for Provincial project ‘Letter of Intent’ (LOI) applications by one week to Thursday January 23, 2014 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). This revised LOI deadline does not affect the deadline of February 20, 2014 for Full Provincial applications (by invitation) or for Local/Regional applications.

The grant is designed to facilitate:
·         increases opportunities for participation in sport and recreation by developing new programs or increasing access to existing programs to encourage individuals to become more active and keep those who are, engaged throughout their lives
·         supports implementation of physical literacy as a foundation for lifelong physical activity among individuals enabling them to make healthier activity choices
·         strengthening of the community sport and recreation sector by providing training in areas such as coaching, youth development, and volunteer development to provide enhanced service and quality programming

For more information on the 2014-15 Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, please visit Grants Ontario.

Ontario Ministry Announces Grant Funding - Enabling Change Program
The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) is pleased to announce the call for expressions of interest for this year’s round of EnAbling Change Projects. Each year the ADO sets different strategic funding priorities based on upcoming Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements and the compliance needs of targeted sectors. English link      En Francais Link
This year’s funding priorities are:
  1. Accessible Websites and Web Content: The web accessibility requirements will transform how Ontarians with disabilities find and use information. Accessible websites and web content are critical to reaching our goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025. This year, EnAbling Change will support projects that promote understanding and compliance with accessible website requirements.
  2. Support compliance and reporting in 2014: All across Ontario, organizations are making changes to make their business practices accessible. A key element of meeting AODA requirements is filing compliance reports with the Government of Ontario. This year, EnAbling Change will support projects to increase compliance reporting in private and not-for-profit sectors.
Application period opens: November 29, 2013 Application period closes: January 31, 2014

Monday, February 17, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Trail News from all over Ontario's trails

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Canada.com
Protecting the Environment One Sweater at a Time
Replacing coal with cleaner generation, renewables and conservation will reduceOntario emissions by up to 30 megatonnes per year and reduce the ...
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Ride trails free Feb. 15 to 17
Across Ontario, OFSC clubs are welcoming “Try Our Trails” participants to join the fun at numerous club events and activities being specially organized ...
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Ontario Cup biathlon ski racing competition coming to Blind River
The Blind River Biathlon Club is preparing to host the third Ontario Cup Cross-country Ski Biathlon racing event of the season on Feb. 15 and 16.
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Hike Leader Training 2014 - Toronto Club

April 05, 2014 at 12:00 AM until April 06, 2014 at 12:00 AM Toronto

Have you ever considered becoming a Hike Leader for the Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC)?
This is your opportunity to give back to your Club and to be a trail blazer.
The Hike Leader Apprenticeship Program:
1.       Attend the two-day training workshop (Saturday April 5 & Sunday April 6, 2014).
2.       Serve as an assistant leader on four TBTC hikes.
3.       Organize and lead one TBTC hike with a certified leader.
Prerequisites:
You must have completed a two-day Standard First Aid and Level C CPR course prior to attending the workshop.
Hiking experience with the TBTC is recommended.
Register by January 31, 2014 and receive a complimentary copy of the 27th Edition of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide. 
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program the TBTC will refund the $60 registration fee and $75 towards the cost of first aid certification.
To register and for more information:
Visit the Toronto Bruce Trail Club website, www.torontobrucetrailclub.org
Or Contact the Chair of the Hike Leader Training Committee, Ted Iseman at ted.iseman@gmail.com
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Sunday, February 16, 2014

Ontario Trail News - Trail News from around Ontario's Trails

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BlackburnNews.com

London snowmobiler found dead north of city
London Community News - Police are urging snowmobilers to stay on marked trailsafter a 50-year-old ... According to the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) ...
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Cycling crashes up to almost 200 Waterloo Region-wide | Your online newspaper for New ...
WATERLOO REGION – As the region and area municipalities shell out millions of dollars for cycling infrastructure, one measure of how well the ...
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Manitoulin Expositor

OFSC brings back no cost Try Our Trails Permit
ONTARIO— Last winter, almost 11,000 Ontarians tested OFSC snowmobile trailswith a no cost 'Try Our Trails Permit' affixed to their sleds.
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Yonge Street - Toronto

City's chief planner to talk about her favourite subject: the value ofwalking to school
Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto's chief planner, will be talking about her favourite subject, walking to school, at Walk Toronto's annual general meeting ...
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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Ontario Trail News- Trail News from all around Ontario Trails!

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Speed also kills snowmobilers
Waterloo Record - Ontario has one of the world's largest networks of groomed trails, and it's eminently sensible that these should be the primary venue for snowmobile ...
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Conserving Ontario's wetlands with Ducks Unlimited 0
Kapuskasing Northern Times (subscription) - David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources, and Mark Gloutney, DUC's director of regional operations - eastern region, sign an agreement in ...
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Toronto Star

Toronto's mixed-use boom coming to a 'hood near you
Toronto Star - Toronto's mixed-use development boom: Coming soon to a neighbourhood near you. That's the message from urban planners and developers who ...
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BlackburnNews.com

London snowmobiler found dead north of city
London Community News - Police are urging snowmobilers to stay on marked trailsafter a 50-year-old ... According to the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) ...
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