Ontario Trails News - can you cycle in Toronto Parks? From the Toronto Star, and the Ontario Trails News Archive

Learn more at Ontario Cycling Trails

JACK LAKEY / TORONTO STAR Order this photo

Signs along a recreational path that cuts through Riverdale Park West, just outside the Riverdale Zoo, offer contradictory advice that is confusing to cyclists and even pedestrians.

By: Jack Lakey Staff Reporter, Published on Sun Oct 11 2015

Don’t believe everything you see on signs, particularly when it comes to riding bikes in city parks.

There are still signs posted near mixed-use paths running through inner-city parks that say cycling is prohibited, along with hikers who agree and object to sharing the space with bikes.

But they are not a sign of the times at Riverdale Park West, right outside the Riverdale Farm, at least not any more.

B. Hall emailed to say that just over a week ago, “contradictory new signs were erected, showing the pathway as part of the city cycle route despite a clear sign next to it saying that bikes are not allowed!

“There is a very good reason to restrict cycling, as this particular part of the park is next to the popular, family oriented Riverdale Farm and is intensely used by families and small children throughout the summer.

“It is already a problem with some bikers and even e-bikes illegally crossing the park, sometimes at speed. Keeping bikes out of this family park should be enforced, not encouraged.”

We went there and found a sign that says “No bicycle riding” just a few metres away from a new sign, attached to a utility pole, that indicates the path is part of a cycling route.

At the other end of the path, which cuts through the park at an angle, we found a similar sign, not far from another sign that also shows it as a cycling route.

The no-cycling signs are very old and show the logo for the former City of Toronto, which changed after amalgamation in 1998. It prompted a foggy memory of a similar complaint from a reader in 2011.

About a year later, a reader contacted us to say he’d done some research and figured out the bylaw on which the signs are based was repealed shortly after amalgamation, and that cycling on park paths is no longer prohibited.

But the signs are still capable of befuddling cyclists, pedestrians and even parks officials.

STATUS: Ray Stukas, who’s in charge of inner city parks, emailed to say “it does sound confusing. I have copied the local Park Supervisor to investigate and remove the no-cycling signs. I have also copied the supervisor for the farm to see if they know why there was a no cycling rule to begin with.”

What's broken in your neighbourhood?

Ontario Trails News - Trail Smart, we caution all to trail safe, we regret any and all accidents on trails, from the Ontario Trails News Archive

Learn more at Ontario Cycling Trails

TORONTO – Police are investigating a fatal accident at Blue Mountain resort after a man in his 50s died on a mountain bike trail.

A Blue Mountain spokesperson told Global News that the death occurred Saturday when the 58-year-old man was found on the Haole Trail at 5:30 p.m.

Attempts were made to resuscitate the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, who hasn’t been identified, was an avid and experienced mountain biker, according to a resort official.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2271549/opp-investigate-cyclist-death-on-blue-mountain-trail/

Ontario Trails News - head into fall, look around Toronto from the Toronto Star, Ontario Trail News Archive

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MELISSA RENWICK / TORONTO STAR Order this photo

The changing fall colours surround the Don Valley Parkway and can be seen against the downtown skyline from the Leaside Bridge on Millwood Rd.

By: Shawn Micallef Living Columnist, Published on Fri Oct 09 2015

Fall is the best time for a hike because the air is fresh, the lower temperature means there is no sweating and jaunty outfits can be worn rather than sportswear. The leaves are changing too. People go wild for fall leaves and embark on “leaf-peeping” expeditions, travelling far to see the changing colours. However, in the GTA you don’t have to go far, and this weekend the colours will be popping all over the city. Here are five suggestions for Thanksgiving weekend walks where the autumnal spirit is alive, just be sure to bring your own decorative gourds.

Toronto Island

COLIN MCCONNELL/ TORONTO STAR

Even though Centreville Amusement Park is closed for the season, you can visit Charlotte the Landrace pig at Far Enough Farm on Centre Island.

When the summer picnic and beach crowds have gone, the Toronto Islands are still worth a trip as there’s a sense of having the island to yourself at times. Take the ferry first to Wards Island and walk through the cottages near the dock, then meander west towards the Centre Island ferry dock for a few hours, by the boardwalk and over to Algonquin Island. Though Centreville Amusement Park is closed for the season, Far Enough Farm (centreisland.ca/far-enough-farm ) adjacent to it is free to enter and open every day from 10 to 5 p.m. You can visit Charlotte, their Landrace pig, and the other animals, all of whom are giving thanks they’re not on your table this weekend.

ANDREW FRANCIS WALLACE/ TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO

Rouge Park is a truly wild and rural hike and it's accessible by TTC.

Rouge Park

MELISSA RENWICK/ TORONTO STAR

The changing fall colours surround the Don Valley Parkway and can be seen against the downtown skyline from the Leaside Bridge on Millwood Rd.

Rouge Park may be the wildest and most-rural hike you can take inside the Toronto city limits, and it’s accessible by TTC. This is the corner of the city where farm and city landscapes meet and the Rouge has some of the most dramatic ravine cliffs in the area. Begin at the Rouge Park Conservation Centre across Morningside Road from the Toronto Zoo. Here, the historic Pearse House (rvcc.ca/Pearse_House.html ), home to a family that ran an old sawmill on the river, adds to the rural feel of the park. Follow the trails that loop down to Twyn Rivers Dr. and return up the other side of river.

MELISSA RENWICK/ TORONTO STAR

If you visit the Humber Arboretum, be sure to climb the hill by the Centre for Urban Ecology building for the panoramic view across the Humber Valley.

Leaside Bridge

SHAWN MICALLEF FOR THE TORONTO STAR

The viewing platform at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park affords views of the beautiful rolling Ontario forest and farmland spreading out to the east.

The Leaside Bridge carrying Millwood Rd. across the Don Valley is the less-famous upriver sibling of the Prince Edward Viaduct, but it’s nearly equally impressive. Opened in 1927, the bridge commands spectacular views of the Don Valley Parkway as it makes gentle curves along the river and the buildings of Thorncliffe Park. Nature and city complement each other here wonderfully as the dozen or so stark, white apartment towers poke up through the tree canopy.

Humber Arboretum

Found behind Humber College’s North Campus, the Arboretum(humberarboretum.on.ca/) is a series of botanical gardens and natural areas near the end of the west branch of the Humber River multi-use trail. Established by horticultural students at Humber in 1977, its 100 hectares has six kilometres of trails and contains 1,700 species of plants and animals. Be sure to climb the hill by the Centre for Urban Ecology building for the panoramic view across the forested Humber Valley.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

For an out-of-town holiday weekend excursion, take the hour-or-so drive to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park (ontarioparks.com/park/monocliffs ) north of Orangeville for a Niagara Escarpment hike. A series of eight trails pass through park’s varied landscape, some connecting with the Bruce Trail, and one looping down near the cute Village of Mono Centre where a mid-hike Thanksgiving tipple can be had at the local pub. A viewing platform extending out at the top of the cliffs affords a deep appreciation of the escarpment’s height, with views of the beautiful rolling Ontario forest and farmland spreading out to the east.

Shawn Micallef writes every Friday about where and how we live in the GTA. Wander the streets with him on Twitter @shawnmicallef.

Lot's of events around Ontario and on Ontario Trails

Ontario Trails News - cyclists be safe, be seen, and more from Ontario Cycling Trails and the Ontario Trails News Archive

Learn more at Ontario Cycling Trails

Cycle Toronto

As the number of daylight hours dwindles, Toronto cyclists are being reminded to use extra caution on the road. Installing bike lights and wearing reflective gear helps cyclists stay visible before dawn and after dusk. Many Toronto cyclists, however, continue to risk their lives.

On October 6, members of cycling advocacy group Cycle Toronto waited at the corner of Beverley and Dundas West, part of a popular bike route downtown. Within the first two hours, roughly 200 cyclists were stopped for not using lights.

“What we found is that about 50 per cent of cyclists ride without lights. That’s too high,” says Cycle Toronto’s executive director Jared Kolb. “We want to ensure that going forth, more cyclists – and eventually all cyclists – will ride with lights and reflective gear on their bikes at night.”

To promote cycle safety after dark, Cycle Toronto has partnered with Toronto Police and McLeish Orlando, a critical injury law firm, to launch the Get Lit! campaign this month. Once a week for the rest of the month, Kolb and his team will set up along one of the city’s major bike routes to stop unlit cyclists.

“In exchange for listening to us talk about the importance of staying visible, we’re giving them a free set of bike lights and installing them right there,” Kolb says. “Some people have a working front light but not a back light. Some have a back but not a front. We’re trying to help support the cycling community and do a bit of education in a positive way.”

In addition to safety risks, cycling without lights can result in a hefty fine. Recently, the Ministry of Transportation increased the fine from $20 to $110. Cyclists must have a front white light and rear red light when on the road in the dark.

In addition to running the Get Lit! campaign, Cycle Toronto is organizing a fundraising ride on Bloor and Danforth later this month. The mass cycling event takes place October 24 in support of the Bloor Loves Bikes Campaign, which promotes biking infrastructure along east-west corridor. The group hopes to raise $50,000.

“That will go directly to our advocacy work, everything from organizing work, supplies we purchase, and a pop-up bike lane on Bloor Street a few weeks ago,” Kolb explains. “We have all sorts of activities that we’re working on for 2016, but the money will go directly to supporting our advocacy work.”

Bloor Street businesses that support the bike lane are promoted on Cycle Toronto’s website. In addition, an online pledge supporting a pilot project for improving Bloor Street’s biking infrastructure in 2016 has already collected nearly 4,000 signatures.

Cycle Toronto’s Get Lit! campaign will be at the following locations until 9 pm:

• October 13: Boulton Drive Parkette, Boulton, near Poplar Plains
• October 20: Toronto Public Library, College and Shaw
• October 27: Prince Edward Viaduct Parkette, across from Castle Frank Subway Station

website@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto

Ontario Trails News - snowmobiling growth and permit sales, find out more at Ontario Snowmobiling Trails, from the Ontario Trails News Archive

Find snowmobile information at Ontario Snowmobile Trails

Following participation growth of almost 30 per cent over the past two winters, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) celebrates the coming season by announcing that the primary Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit is now on sale at a very affordable fee that has not increased for three years.

 http://www.goderichsignalstar.com/2015/10/08/snowmobilers-offered-30-per-cent-savings-on-2016-ontario-snowmobile-trail-permit

This 2016 Seasonal Permit, which enables snowmobilers to ride any of the more than 30,000 kilometres of OFSC Prescribed Trails for the entire winter, is now available online only (ofsc.on.ca) until November 1 for $180 – its lowest fee of the season and a 30 per cent saving off its regular fee of $260.

The OFSC is offering this pre-November 1 seasonal permit saving to help keep snowmobiling really affordable for everyone.

Last winter, Ontario riders responded enthusiastically to this value proposition, contributing to an unprecedented 83 per cent of permits being acquired online in 2015. OFSC online transaction is fast, easy, convenient and meets applicable government privacy and security protocols, enabling snowmobilers to purchase a permit without leaving their home and with total peace of mind.

This shift to online sales represents a massive shift in buying pattern from 2009, when snowmobilers purchased 100 per cent of their trail permits at local retail outlets.

Riders continue to agree with a 2014 Ontario Snowmobiler Preference and Opinion Survey conducted by the OFSC, wherein 95.8 per cent of respondents believe that Ontario snowmobiling is enjoyable, very enjoyable or extremely enjoyable.

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits are an official licence product of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and the OFSC is the exclusive authorized sales agent. Ontario law requires that snowmobiles entering an OFSC Prescribed Trail for the purpose of recreational snowmobiling must have a valid Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit displayed.

So by purchasing a 2016 Seasonal Permit online on or before November 1, snowmobilers can not only save money and ride legally for the winter, but also contribute to the $1.7 billion economic impact that snowmobiling generates for this province each winter. Other permit types and fees are available online after December 1.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in the Province of Ontario. We provide leadership to member organizations in our commitment to enable exceptional snowmobile trails and rider experiences throughout the province. Our vision is that snowmobiling is recognized and celebrated as Ontario's premier winter recreation and tourism experience.

Ontario Trail News - canoeing on the Glenmore reservoir, and news from Ontario Water Trails in the Ontario Trails News Archive

Find out more at Ontario Water Trails

Dugout canoe propelled by 45 paddlers to Glenmore Reservoir

A 12-metre fibreglass replica of a West Coast dugout canoe set off on the Glenmore Reservoir today while passing through Calgary.

The canoe is on its way to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ont., and will be one of three vessels available to be paddled by the public once it's delivered.

Built in Abbotsford, B.C., the canoe stopped in Calgary before being delivered to the museum on Friday.

Forty-five people showed up to paddle it around the reservoir.

Dugout canoes are chopped and carved out of tree-trunks. They have been built by many of Canada's First Nations people over centuries.

They reached their apex on the West Coast, where giant red cedars allowed the construction of canoes large enough to take to the oceans out of sight of land.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/big-canoe-takes-to-the-reservoir-1.3261880

Ontario Trails News - you can always go for a walk in a Toronto Park Trail, Ontario Trails News Archive

Ontario Trails appreciates the support of Toronto Parks and Forestry

Take a walk in Riverside this Saturday

Beach Mirror

Riverside Walks, a series of sidewalk sales and free local walking tours throughout the summer and fall that invite people to come and explore the east-end neighbourhood, will be wrapped up for the season on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The full day of activities will kick off with the October edition of the Toronto Flower Market at 659 Queen St. E. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People can also check out a free guided walk led by Riverside native Megan Sheppard. The tour, which will look at the community’s history and its future, starts at 11 a.m. at il ponte, 625 Queen St. E. and will conclude at 1 p.m. at The County General, 698 Queen St. E.

During Riverside Walks, local eateries and stores will also be holding sales, promotions and tastings from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Queen Street East from the DVP to Empire Avenue.

Limited edition Riverside T-shirts will also be available for purchasing for $15 while supplies last.

Visit www.riverside-to.com for more details.

Ontario Trails News - snowmobiling pass on sale till Nov. 1, 2015 from the Ontario Trails News Archive

Find snowmobile information at Ontario Snowmobile Trails

stock image

BARRIE— Following participation growth of almost 30 percent over the past two winters, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs ( OFSC ) celebrates the coming season by announcing that the primary Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit is now on sale at a very affordable fee that has not increased for three years.

This 2016 Seasonal Permit, which enables snowmobilers to ride any of the more than 30,000 kilometres of OFSC Prescribed Trails for the entire winter, is now available online only (ofsc.on.ca) until November 1 for $180—its lowest fee of the season and a 30 percent saving off its regular fee of $260.

The OFSC is offering this pre-November 1 Seasonal Permit saving to help keep snowmobiling really affordable for everyone. Last winter, Ontario riders responded enthusiastically to this value proposition, contributing to an unprecedented 83 percent of permits being acquired online in 2015. OFSC online transaction is fast, easy, convenient and meets applicable government privacy and security protocols, enabling snowmobilers to purchase a permit without leaving their home and with total peace of mind. This shift to online sales represents a massive shift in buying pattern from 2009, when snowmobilers purchased 100 percent of their trail permits at local retail outlets. Riders continue to agree with a 2014 Ontario Snowmobiler Preference and Opinion Survey conducted by the OFSC, wherein 95.8 percent of respondents believe that Ontario snowmobiling is enjoyable, very enjoyable or extremely enjoyable.

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits are an official licence product of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and the OFSC is the exclusive authorized sales agent. Ontario law requires that snowmobiles entering an OFSC Prescribed Trail for the purpose of recreational snowmobiling must have a valid Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit displayed. So by purchasing a 2016 Seasonal Permit online on or before November 1, snowmobilers can not only save money and ride legally for the winter, but also contribute to the $1.7 billion economic impact that snowmobiling generates for this province each winter. Other permit types and fees are available online after December 1.

Ontario Trails News - creation of Rideau Lakes ATV Club good news for trails, Ontario Trails News Archive

Follow the news on Ontario ATV Trails

Creation of Rideau Lakes ATV Club links region for outdoor enthusiasts

Making tracks

Stacey Roy/METROLAND

Nicki and Rick Gilfillen are the president and vice-president of the newly formed Rideau Lakes ATV Club. They are currently in the planning stages of developing a trail system through the township. They will be meeting with local councils shortly to request access to local roads to link their trail system.

Smiths Falls Record News

By Stacey Roy 

UPDATE: The Rideau Lakes ATV Club has recently confirmed with the Record News that they will be speaking with Elizabethtown-Kitley Township on the potential use of one road on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. The township meeting starts at 7 p.m. inside Council chambers ( 6544 New Dublin Road). All council meetings are open to the public.


In the future, when Nicki Gilfillen, president of the Rideau Lakes ATV Club (RLATVC) says she’s going for a day trip to Rockland she may not be taking a car.
The Aug. 31 incorporation of the RLATVC as a registered not-for-profit organization effectively connected six individual clubs from Gananoque to Rockland, Ontario by a series of ATV trails. This ability is, in part, a fulfillment of the Ontario Federation of ATV Club’s (OFATV) goal to be able to ride across the province. The OFATV did approach the community in 2010 to see if there was interest in opening such a club.
“It’s a long time coming,” added Gilfillen. “They really needed us to get a club so you can ride from Gananoque to the Ottawa Valley. We can start at home and end at home.”
In the past, the Gilfillens have had to trailer their ATV to an approved trail before they could ride, but their hope is the new club with the help of community support will change that. The new RLATVC borders three existing clubs within District One, and has only just begun its work. Currently, Gilfillen is pulling together local landowners who are willing to allow them to use the back of their property for ATV use. The aim is to connect all existing ATV trails to each other through Rideau Lakes trails. This local system could one day include access into the communities of Delta and Portland.
To date, the club is working on their spring trail system and is compiling a list of roads needed for use. They will present to the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley on Oct. 14 with hopes of receiving approval to use three township roads for ATV use.
Once the club has their mapping in place and their roads needs confirmed, they plan to return to Rideau Lakes Township Council to ask for approval under its existing 2007 bylaw that allows limited access to off-road vehicles at the council’s discretion. A date for this delegation has yet to be made.
“We’re working on that,” said Rick Gilfillen, vice-president.
The couple has been speaking with Rideau Lakes Mayor Ron Holman to provide and share information in preparation for their return to council. Nicki made her first delegation Aug. 10 when she was asked to return with mapping and road needs information.
Holman welcomes the introduction of the new club, saying their emergence is exactly what council of the day had envisioned eight years ago.
“This is really a fulfillment of what we had originally hoped for,” the mayor said.
This week, Rideau Lakes Coun. Bob Lavoie of North Crosby ward put forward a motion that will permit the use of off-road vehicles on highways within the municipality with the following exceptions: their use is prohibited from dusk to dawn and are not allowed within the core areas of villages, hamlets, residential subdivisions and other sensitive or unsafe areas as determined by council. The motion was tabled for first and second reading this week. It will not come back for discussion for another month to allow the public to provide feedback.
“It’s a big step,” Holman said.
The club would ideally like to connect its trails via agreements with landowners rather than use roads, but understand this will take time. Rick wants landowners to know ATV users are very respectful individuals who will stay to the fence line and not harm their usable yard.
“We don’t want the best part of the property, we want the stuff they’re not using,” he said.

Tourism potential
The Gilfillens have recently launched a club website (www.rlatvc.org) and have a presence on Facebook where they have so far accumulated about 10 members. The Gilfillens welcome all new members to their club, saying their goal is to create a safe, family-friendly environment that will encourage residents to get out into nature while welcoming tourists to the area. Membership is $150 a year. All members must carry a license and insurance to receive a pass.
The Gilfillens got involved in ATVing about 10 years ago out of a desire to get back to nature and spend quality time with their then young children. Last weekend was their most recent family excursion when they took part in the annual harvest rally by the Nation Valley ATV Club. Rick said the family saw many wild animals in their natural habitat, as well as historic bridges and farmers working in their fields.
“It’s not too often you get to be in the back of someone’s property and see them work,” he said.
The terrain of the township makes the region a natural draw for ATV enthusiasts of all levels.
“It’s prime ATV land,” Rick added. “You get a difference of farm land to bush.”
The couple aim to have beginner trails up and going by next spring with elite and winter trails to be developed in the coming years. With each new addition, the Gilfillens feel the ATV club will draw more and more enthusiasts to the area who will be looking for a good place to eat and fill their gas tanks.
“It’s putting money back in our own community,” Nicki said.
The couple hopes to some day host local rallies where they would welcome OFATV members to the community for a day-long ride through the trails. A distant objective is to enhance this offering to include overnight events where camping would be added.
The Gilfillens are currently working with Smith’s Equipment Centre to create a local rally that would begin and end at their Highway 15 site. Not only will the event highlight the supportive local business, but the Gilfillens hope it will increase public awareness of their club.
“Our trail head is going to start in their backyard,” Rick said.
The local business has also agreed to sell the club’s trail day passes. Proceeds from this inaugural event will be going to a local charity that has yet to be determined.
The RLATVC wants to be an active member of the community. On Sept. 19 they volunteered to help out with the inaugural Rise Above the Mud Run at the Siloki Centre, which was a fundraiser for the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation.
For more information and updates on the new club, please go to their website noted above.

Ontario Trails News - wetland and conservation act under review, Ontario Trails News Archive

Follow the chatter on Ontario Trails

Wetland system should be 'overhauled'

By Kris Dube / News Editor October 5, 2015

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FORT ERIE - Town of Fort Erie planning staff says Ontario's wetland evaluation system should be 'overhauled.'

A review of the Conservation Authorities Act is in its early stages as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry seeks input from municipalities, Aboriginal communities, conservation authorities, stakeholders and the public to address roles, responsibilities, funding and governance of conservation authorities in resource management and environmental protection.

Through the approval of a report on Monday night, the municipality will send input for the review of the Act, along with the Conservation of Wetlands in Ontario Discussion Document.

Comments staff will forward as feedback for the review fall under the categories of of governance, funding and roles and responsibilities.

Staff is recommending that all members of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority be elected municipal or regional officials and that appointees should have a four-year term, instead of three years. 

There are 15 members that sit on the NPCA board – 12 members are appointed by the Regional Municipality of Niagara, two from City of Hamilton and one from Haldimand County.

Of the 15 members, 12 are elected officials and three are civilians.

Further, the NPCA is funded largely by the Region, contributing to approximately 65 per cent of the budget.

The province currently contributes to approximately 4.8 per cent of the budget.  

 

Fort Erie planning staff also agrees that more provincial funding should be available and that it should reflect the importance of natural heritage. 

Regional officials will also be sending a co-ordinated response to the province, Fort Erie senior planning staff said at Monday's meeting.

 

Town officials also want NPCA staff have to be given more authority to identify wetland boundaries within its geographic jurisdiction. 

The complexity of natural heritage should also be reduced, according to the information contained in the report approved by council on Monday night.

Natural heritage has important impacts on community planning and development in Fort Erie, says staff in its report.

Fort Erie staff is recommending provincial changes to assist in addressing natural heritage issues, reads the conclusion of the report.

In Fort Erie, because of the wetland scoring and complexing system, marginal wetland areas, with little biodiversity are complexed and protected, according to staff. 

"Some of the wetlands are in urban areas on employment lands,” reads the report in Monday's council package.

Staff says the system should reflect biodiversity, protect truly important areas, particularly in urban areas.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority also adopted a recent report on this subject.