Ontario Trails News - Ontario trails continue to develop with support of communities, including landowners

Orillia secures funding for Trail Bridge

Cyclists and pedestrians looking to cross Highway 11 from Old Barrie Road or Highway 12 can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a new connecting trail is coming.
The City of Orillia was successful in its application to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for a matching grant of $325,000 from the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program (OMCIP) for the construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian trail over Highway 11 connecting Highway 12 and Old Barrie Road. The $650,000 trail investment will provide a safe transportation corridor over Highway 11 for cyclists and pedestrians to and from Orillia’s west end. The new trail connection, identified as a key link in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, will provide greater access to Lakehead University, Rotary Place, Scout Valley, and commercial and retail services in West Orillia.
“Council is thrilled Minister Del Duca and the MTO deemed this key trail connection worthy of their full funding complement through the OMCIP,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “The City of Orillia has advocated for quite some time the merits of a new trail connection over Highway 11 to promote active transportation in Orillia, enhance the City’s trail system, and provide safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians to and from West Orillia.”

More >>>>

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Continuous trail system in works for North Bay Callander

North Bay will build 1.9 km of mostly off-road or in-boulevard cycling facilities, which will help close the gap between the northern and southern sections of Kate Pace Way and establish continuous trail system.

Mar 18, 2016 12:32 PM by: BayToday.ca StaffOntario is providing $325,000 to North Bay and $71,741 to Callander over the next two years to help build new, or improve existing, cycling infrastructure through the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program.
North Bay will build 1.9 km of mostly off-road or in-boulevard cycling facilities, which will help close the gap between the northern and southern sections of Kate Pace Way and establish continuous trail system.

More>>>>

Ontario Trails News - landowners may have issues, but the fears being spread about Bill passage impacts unfounded

Bill 100

LANDOWNER CONCERNS IN RESPECT OF BILL 100

Recently there has been discussion in the media regarding the use of easements to secure trails. The Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs does not have any intention of utilizing easements we prefer rather to use the traditional Land Use Agreement process which has, and continues to serve landowners and clubs well. These Land Use Permission Agreements define land use parameters, including landowner cancellation authority and notice, and ensure that the OFATV’s General Liability Insurance protects the landowner. For more information regarding the Bill, we have provided several links bellow, including a link to Bill 100.

If you wish to read Bill 100, Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 please follow this link: Bill 100

Press Release from Patrick Connor, Executive Director of the Ontario Trails Council:

To be clear, Bill 100 only affects landowners who want to negotiate an easement for trail access. It in no way makes trails on private or public land nor does it take negotiation rights away from landowners. What it does is make the process clearer. To read the full Press Release click on the following link:

Press Release from Ontario Trails Council and link to the Ontario Trails Council’s paper on bill 100.

Statements released by Minister Michael Coteau to clarify the misconception around Bill 100:

“The province introduced Bill 100, the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, to improve access to Ontario’s trails, building both a healthier, and more prosperous Ontario. Our ministry held consultations with over 250 organizations, including municipalities, Aboriginal groups, trail organizations and not-for-profit organizations. The feedback the ministry heard during these consultations was integral to shaping the proposed legislation. 

To be clear, an easement pursuant to Bill 100, if passed, would be a voluntary agreement between a landowner and an eligible body or bodies. No property owner would be compelled to provide an easement unless they agreed to do so. – Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport”

Ontario Trails News - Bill 100 protects landowner rights, provides transparency and due process: fears spread unfounded.

Ontario Trails Council - writes letters for you to use With Your MPP
 

The Ontario Trails Council continues to attend Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill. We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.




For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf

For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word

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Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill

• The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
• Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
• We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
• A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
• We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
• The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North April 20, 21, 2016. Marathon Sponsorship and Itinerary

Focus Trailhead North - April 2o and 21, 2016

Ontario Trails News - True Facts about Bill 100, OTC goes to House, Bill 100 good for trails, OTC MPP Letter

Ontario Trails Council - writes letters for you to use With Your MPP
 

The Ontario Trails Council continues to attend Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill. We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.




For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf

For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word

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Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill

• The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
• Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
• We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
• A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
• We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
• The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100

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Update from the House Debate March 24, 2016
MPP Clark, Leeds and Grenville acknowledged the Parts of the Act are not so bad and that the government would be well served to take it to committee so that changes could be made.

MPP Clark referred to the OFSC letter from MIke Clewer (OTC Treasurer) requesting that the Ministry improve and clarify the Bill. The MPP also went on to extoll all the great trails in Leeds and Grenville, noting the Waterfront, St. Lawrence Parks, Limerick Forest, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, Brockville, Charleston Lake PP and North Grenville.

All of these but one are OTC members. All have received funding through OTC involvement in the Canadian Trails Federation and the National Trails Coalition.

MPP Clark spoke to the funds and improvements, and praised the increased activity on local trails as "notable" due to the funding. He did not understand that the OTC had a hand in this process. I called his office, at the suggestion of Wayne Terryberry, OTC VP; to encourage his movement towards Act improvements instead of withdrawal.

MPP Clark spoke to the House, using language similar to OTC, that we are concerned about the continued loss of trails, landowners relations and getting the trails back for next season. He also expressed his hope that the government would consult in the community and called for committee action. He expressed as I have since 2003 to all governments - "that trails can make for great government community relations;" (should government choose to work with and through the OTC in trail communities - PSC)

As we move forward members must tell their MPP's of our role, their awareness of our work will make getting trails back easier with landowners. They will understand us as a friend of all, making investments in as many communities as we can.

OTC encourages you to attend upcoming Public Meetings - the only way we can get the media to focus on the positive impacts of Bill 100 reduce the negative press is if we attend these meetings and express the benefits of the Act.

Apr 9^th Simcoe County Meeting - http://goo.gl/Mgprkb

Please use our handouts and press releases to enable your information kit.

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Ontario Trails Council Responds to The Pembroke Observer March 13, 2016

March 23, 2016

Letter to the Editor - Pembroke Observer

The Ontario Trails Council has asked the Ontario Landowners Association to cease or retract misinformation regarding Bill 100, that they continue to circulate through public meeting and the media, as recently as you reported on March 13, 2016

We also would ask the media to cease and desist as the information they are provided is being misunderstood. We called and e-mailed the Observer and were informed the Observer has in fact reported on both sides of the issue.

While we wish to maintain a cordial relationship with the media, a search of your site shows only 4 articles all reporting the misinterpretations and confused statements that continue to scare landowners unnecessarily.

Several respected groups, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport, community organizations involving farmers to hikers, and even MPP Randy Hillier (founder of the Ontario Landowners Association) and our organization, wants the closure of trails to stop. We respect landowners and we want to preserve 50 years of friendly relations amongst us.

Bill 100 only needs some tweaks and clarifications and this can be done by the OLA, and other groups, working through or with the OTC.

The OTC is looking to get additional support for other landowner agreements, recognized in the Bill.

At Ontario Trails Council we are working with Ministry Staff, and through committee, to bring to the Bill changes that will work for trails and landowners. At OTC we are moving forward through communication with the government to secure a positive outcome for all.

Despite published clarifications on the part of the Ontario Trails Council and the government, some people and their media partners continue to do damage to trails. Please review our input and work with us to change the Act for the better.

OTC Press Release

https://www.scribd.com/doc/299473575/Hillier-pans-landowner-views-on-provincial-trails-bill#download

If you have any questions about Bill 100 please contact the Ontario Trails Council, 613-396-3226 or email us at: execdir@ontariotrails.ca

We are here to help everybody have a better understanding of trails, trail use and management practice.

Please read our paper on Bill 100 – it's available here -http://goo.gl/yzlO0X
 

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Ontario Trails Council Educational Posters

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
 

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http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
 

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Ontario Trails Council contacts Media, distributes content to members and third parties
 

At Ontario Trails Council we've done more on Bill 100 this week. We've been on the phone with trail groups, landowners, the media and government officials. We've worked to clarify the issue, we were contacted on the weekend before the story broke big and we think we helped reduce the loss of trail through our effort. Please support this by:

• Contact your MP and ask them to support Bill 100
• Contact your Regional Trails Committee and ask them to support Bill 100
• Send the OTC Press Release to area trail and landowners to clarify the issue
• Most importantly - understand what the landowners concerns are and listen to them. If we respond as good neighbours they will understand trail folks are good folks
• Talk to other trail users and tell them - don't trespass, respect private property - that saves trails!
• We will supply a letter you can send to your MPP - circulated
• Answer our Petition on Support of Bill 100 - next week

Ontario Trails Council - Trailhead North April 20, 21, 2016 Marathon

Focus Trailhead North - April 2o and 21, 2016

Ontario Trails News - more information on Bill 100 - the truth about the impacts of the at for landowners

Ontario Trails Council Educational Posters

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
 

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http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/learn/educational-posters
 

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Ontario Trails Council contacts Media, distributes content to members and third parties
 

At Ontario Trails Council we've done more on Bill 100 this week. We've been on the phone with trail groups, landowners, the media and government officials. We've worked to clarify the issue, we were contacted on the weekend before the story broke big and we think we helped reduce the loss of trail through our effort. Please support this by:

• Contact your MP and ask them to support Bill 100
• Contact your Regional Trails Committee and ask them to support Bill 100
• Send the OTC Press Release to area trail and landowners to clarify the issue
• Most importantly - understand what the landowners concerns are and listen to them. If we respond as good neighbours they will understand trail folks are good folks
• Talk to other trail users and tell them - don't trespass, respect private property - that saves trails!
• We will supply a letter you can send to your MPP - next week
• Answer our Petition on Support of Bill 100 - next week

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Ontario Trails Council asks media  - please stop circulating incorrect coverage https://goo.gl/1YITa8

 

“Something that bothers me as a rural property owner is forced easement. If I have an agreement with my neighbour or snowmobile club that is exactly what it is, an agreement,” said Karen Mahon, a West Perth landowner. “An easement on the other hand is registered and runs with the land. You cannot get out of it. That is mentioned in Bill 100 and is easement law.”

Not forced. To continue to publish this is just wrong.

"But according to Elizabeth Marshall, the director of research for the Ontario Landowners Association, Bill 100 would lead private property owners into thinking they can allow trails across their property while retaining the right to shut those trails down. Shutting trails down that have been registered as easements under Bill 100 would not be as easy as it is through direct agreements, Marshall claimed."

There is no leading, this is a position the landowner can pursue of their own volition.

We request that media outlets stop publishing comments that are opinion and that are scaring landowners. The OTC has done interviews with these publishers clarifying our position, the Act and our go forward strategy, as well as getting our Press Release to them.

Know your easement and we are working with landowners to make sure the types of agreements are better understood and enacted by them.

 

Ontario Trails News - OTC goes to landowners meeting to inform on truth of Bill 100

Ontario Trails Council attends Lanark Landowners meeting meets again to try and discuss next steps for trails and Bill 100
 

The Ontario Trails Council attended the Lanark and Navan Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill . We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.

• The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
• Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
• We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
• A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
• We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.

Public meetings OTC encourages you to attend - the only way we can get the media to focus on the positive impacts of Bill 100 reduce the negative press is if we attend these meetings and express the benefits of the Act.

Mar 12 – OLA Community Meeting Almonte http://goo.gl/jykJbm
Apr 9^th Simcoe County Meeting - http://goo.gl/Mgprkb

Please use our handouts and press releases to enable your information kit.

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Farmers Forum Reports:

Trails bill won’t take your land, agriculture lawyer says

on: March 07, 2016In: Featured News, News

By Brandy Harrison

OTTAWA — Despite fears over new proposed legislation, landowners will still have the right to decide if snowmobilers or hikers can cut across their property on recreational trails, an Ottawa-based agriculture lawyer says.

Last month, an Ontario Landowners Association (OLA) commentary warned private property owners that they could lose their right to control their land if Bill 100 — Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act — is passed. The OLA suggested the bill misleads landowners and if they allow access to a snowmobile or hiking group through an easement, they effectively hand over their rights to that group. The bill is in second reading at Queen’s Park.

While the bill has problems, it doesn’t force landowners into easement agreements, says Kurtis Andrews, who operates an agricultural legal firm in Ottawa that serves all of Ontario. Basically, just don’t enter into an easement that mentions Bill 100 and you’re safe.

“It in no way is anything but voluntary. If landowners have trails and don’t want to subscribe to an easement, they don’t have to. A trail can stay on their property without having a legally-binding easement imposed,” he says, adding farmers can enter into a simple easement agreement without the new bill.

Under Bill 100, landowners can negotiate a time limit and restrictions, and when it comes to land, it has to be in writing — an easement can’t be registered without a property owner’s knowledge. But in rare cases in common law, an easement could be automatically established after 20 years.

But Andrews advises farmers to steer clear of agreeing to an easement filed at a land registry office that references Bill 100. “I see no value for landowners, period.”

Easements under Bill 100 can be transferred or granted via regulations, which can be created at a minister’s discretion and could lead to scenarios the landowner hasn’t thought of. “It’s a fill-in-the-blank. It’s dangerous,” Andrews says.

But the amendments to the Trespass to Property Act are one bright spot, he says.

While the Ontario Federation of Agriculture still wants minimum fines for trespassing and broader enforcement, public prosecution is no longer capped at $1,000 and the civil penalty would be raised from $2,000 to $10,000, Andrews says.

“It provides greater protection to a person allowing people on his land.”


Ontario Trails Council Responds - 

March 14, 2016

Letter to the Editor

Thanks to Farmers Forum for publishing your March 7th article “Trails bill won’t take your land, agricultural lawyer says.”, which actually says that your land won’t be taken by Bill 100.

Where was this comment Feb 6, or before?

Inflammatory rhetoric has scared landowners to close trail, because earlier news reports made, as it turns out, opinion as fact, and created false linkages between Bill 100 and land impacts, which as it turns out, didn’t exist as they said in the first place, according to the lawyer quoted in your article.

40 years of good work has been undone and we can’t figure out who benefits.

Bill 100 wasn't ever going to take your land, common law statute isn’t.

I think folks should watch out for special interests that come out with lawyers and advocates who display opinion as fact.

In order to educate the public the Ontario Trails Council holds an annual conference, this June 19-22 we are at Calabogie Peaks Resort and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is presenting on trails and landowner relations.

For more information on Bill 100 go to Ontariotrails.ca and search media.

Patrick Connor
Executive Director, Ontario Trails Council. (A Registered Charity)

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Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trails meets with landowners to discuss real facts about Bill 100

Ontario Trails Council attends Lanark Landowners meeting meets again to try and discuss next steps for trails and Bill 100
 

The Ontario Trails Council attended the Lanark and Navan Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill . We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.

• The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
• Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
• We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
• A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
• We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
• The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.

Public meetings OTC encourages you to attend - the only way we can get the media to focus on the positive impacts of Bill 100 reduce the negative press is if we attend these meetings and express the benefits of the Act.

Mar 12 – OLA Community Meeting Almonte http://goo.gl/jykJbm
Apr 9^th Simcoe County Meeting - http://goo.gl/Mgprkb

Please use our handouts and press releases to enable your information kit.

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Farmers Forum Reports:

Trails bill won’t take your land, agriculture lawyer says

on: March 07, 2016In: Featured News, News

By Brandy Harrison

OTTAWA — Despite fears over new proposed legislation, landowners will still have the right to decide if snowmobilers or hikers can cut across their property on recreational trails, an Ottawa-based agriculture lawyer says.

Last month, an Ontario Landowners Association (OLA) commentary warned private property owners that they could lose their right to control their land if Bill 100 — Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act — is passed. The OLA suggested the bill misleads landowners and if they allow access to a snowmobile or hiking group through an easement, they effectively hand over their rights to that group. The bill is in second reading at Queen’s Park.

While the bill has problems, it doesn’t force landowners into easement agreements, says Kurtis Andrews, who operates an agricultural legal firm in Ottawa that serves all of Ontario. Basically, just don’t enter into an easement that mentions Bill 100 and you’re safe.

“It in no way is anything but voluntary. If landowners have trails and don’t want to subscribe to an easement, they don’t have to. A trail can stay on their property without having a legally-binding easement imposed,” he says, adding farmers can enter into a simple easement agreement without the new bill.

Under Bill 100, landowners can negotiate a time limit and restrictions, and when it comes to land, it has to be in writing — an easement can’t be registered without a property owner’s knowledge. But in rare cases in common law, an easement could be automatically established after 20 years.

But Andrews advises farmers to steer clear of agreeing to an easement filed at a land registry office that references Bill 100. “I see no value for landowners, period.”

Easements under Bill 100 can be transferred or granted via regulations, which can be created at a minister’s discretion and could lead to scenarios the landowner hasn’t thought of. “It’s a fill-in-the-blank. It’s dangerous,” Andrews says.

But the amendments to the Trespass to Property Act are one bright spot, he says.

While the Ontario Federation of Agriculture still wants minimum fines for trespassing and broader enforcement, public prosecution is no longer capped at $1,000 and the civil penalty would be raised from $2,000 to $10,000, Andrews says.

“It provides greater protection to a person allowing people on his land.”


Ontario Trails Council Responds - 

March 14, 2016

Letter to the Editor

Thanks to Farmers Forum for publishing your March 7th article “Trails bill won’t take your land, agricultural lawyer says.”, which actually says that your land won’t be taken by Bill 100.

Where was this comment Feb 6, or before?

Inflammatory rhetoric has scared landowners to close trail, because earlier news reports made, as it turns out, opinion as fact, and created false linkages between Bill 100 and land impacts, which as it turns out, didn’t exist as they said in the first place, according to the lawyer quoted in your article.

40 years of good work has been undone and we can’t figure out who benefits.

Bill 100 wasn't ever going to take your land, common law statute isn’t.

I think folks should watch out for special interests that come out with lawyers and advocates who display opinion as fact.

In order to educate the public the Ontario Trails Council holds an annual conference, this June 19-22 we are at Calabogie Peaks Resort and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is presenting on trails and landowner relations.

For more information on Bill 100 go to Ontariotrails.ca and search media.

Patrick Connor
Executive Director, Ontario Trails Council. (A Registered Charity)

Ontario Trails News - all sorts of information about Ontario Trails

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Upcoming Meetings

Mar 12 – OLA Meeting Almonte
http://goo.gl/jykJbm
Apr 9^th OLA Meeting -
http://goo.gl/Mgprkb
Lyme Disease Stakeholder
Reference Group
GBCT Planning Meetings
Trailhead Ontario
Program Meetings

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NEW - Accessibility

Chuck Greene from Bracebridge wants to know - does anybody audit for AODA trail compliance? Any service providers? Please E-mail Chuck at - CHUKGREENE@aol.com  Download the guide, complete our survey.

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Trail HerosKnow 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!

Join Ontario's first ever series of 13 online trail education courses in the development and management of trails. Designed for both volunteers and professionals. Course locations and seats available - Trail Management. Register today - registration is open 24/7  

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Join OTC

The Ontario Trails Council is a nonprofit charitable organization, established in 1988, that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails. With over 230 organizational members and 25 individual supporters the OTC continues to grow! 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.

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Add/Edit Trails

An important part of the Refreshed OTC Web site will be a dynamic page dedicated to each trail. It is important that you give us as much information as possible - this will be the only source for creating your dedicated page on the OTC Website. If we don't get the information from you, it won't make it onto the site. If you have any questions about the form, please contact Patrick at 613-484-1140. Thank you for taking the time to add or edit your trail on the Ontario Trails Council Web site.


 

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Be a Friend of Trails

We invite all trail users to support the work of the Ontario Trails Council. As a registered charity we do our community work based on the support of member organizations, individuals and some government grants. We do the work, in the end for the individual families and folks that use the trails every day. Please consider supporting us as your thanks for your trails. Thank you.


 

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Member Requests

1) Algonquin College program on-line




 

2) OTC Website for your Mobile

3) Post Photos to Pinterest



4) OTC on Foursquare



5) Safe Trails Manual


6) OTC Youtube Channel


7) Ontario Trails Maps



8) Enabling Change Program




9) OTC Board 2015-16

Jack De Wit -
PRESIDENT
Canadian Recreational Horse and Rider Association
905-655-4666
cndhrsman@bellnet.ca

Dan Andrews -
lake Simcoe Region CA
705-927-8648
trailadecanada@gmail.com

Paul Ronan
Ontario Parks Association
647-991-9444
paulronan@rogers.com
Mike Clewer
Treasurer
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
705-739-7229
mclewer@ofsc.on.ca

Graham Burke
Orangeville
Individual
905-941-8911
courses@ontariotrails.ca
William Mungall
Hike Ontario
905-277-4453
wmungall0809@rogers.com
Wayne Daub
OFATV
519-500-3715
w-daub@rogers.com
Lora Woolner
Acting Director
IMBA Canada
lora.woolner@imbacanada.com

Wayne Terryberry
Vice President
Hamilton
McMaster University
terryber@mcmaster.ca

Jason Davis
Renfrew County
613-633-9683
Jdavis@countyofrenfrew.on.ca

Bonnie Simpson
Secretary
Kirkfield
705-438-5752
fortheotc@gmail.com

Tracey-Lynn Bell
Acting Director
Niagara Trails Committee
quad-niagara@hotmail.com

Patrick Connor
Ex-officio - Executive Director
Deseronto
613-484-1140
execdir@ontariotrails.ca

If you are interested in assisting the OTC, through fundraising, membership development, conference planning or as an educator, please e-mail Jack De Wit to discuss. cndhrsman@bell.net

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Disclaimer
The ideas, opinions, re-posting of news, editorials and content contained in this newsletter are not necessarily the ideas or opinions of the OTC Board or staff. This news is intended for informational purposes only.
 

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OTC Event Planning Guide
Call 877-668-7245

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OTC Trail Committee Manual
Call 877-668-7245

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Ontario Trails Membership
On behalf of OTC we thank you for your support. If there is a group you know that is not a member contact us and we'll send them a note on membership benefits. This past week we received a renewal from Selwyn Township.  Thank you very much for your support!

THANKS! MERCI!
 
 

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Be sure to join one of our lists on our various twitter pages
 

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Nature Unexpected

Try out a great outdoor experience - close to home, yet far away.

A supporter of Trailhead Ontario 2015

Thank-you.
 

 

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Header Photo Credit - Epic Adventures

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From Trail Users

I am from the Renfrew Pinnacle Pedallers and I would like to submit a photo of the Millennium Trail in Renfrew, On.
We have used the trail frequently during the last 3 years and hope to encourage others to follow.
We are grateful to have access to the trail as it joins other trails to cycle further onto Calabogie or Arnprior.
Thank you for making this possible.
I am also in the planning stages of a fundraiser event for the trail on June 5, 2016.
Details will be posted shortly.
Happy Day, Debbie

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Had a beautiful Sunday on the trails!

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Sifton Bog, Sunday Nov 15, 2015, London, Ontario
From Cathy.

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Nov 4 stroll through Chipmunk and Beaver trails in Stony Swamp area near Ottawa

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From the Georgian Bay Biosphere - Amazing Places

As you may know, GBBR is involved with a very focused project called "Amazing Places" modelled after Fundy Biosphere Reserve http://fbramazingplaces.ca/en/

It promotes access to, and education about, some of our existing trails within the Biosphere Reserve:

Parry Sound's Rotary waterfront trail
Park-to-Park trail
Georgian Nordic Ski Club bike-hike-ski trails
Killbear Provincial Park's Twin Points Trail

The next 10 Amazing Places could potentially include trails such as:

Dokis First Nation Medicinal Trail (confirmed)
Rose Point Trail (proposed)
Port Severn's Schoolhouse Trail (potential)
GBCT's Point Grondine Loop (potential)

Tell GBBR about how you can support Amazing Places!

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ORCKA SPRING SEMINAR!

BRING YOUR ORCKA COURSES & TRIPS TO THE NEXT LEVEL !!!

Are you looking for new techniques, games, initiatives and memorable ways to close
out your trip or course? Then this is the Seminar for you!

Join Shawn Stetson from AdventureWorks Association Inc in the morning to explore
 How to connect and reconnect your group and create a sense of community
 Learn new ways to teach leadership through dynamic activities while at the
same time exploring Leadership behaviours
 Explore 2 new tools to assist you in planning effective programs
 Reflect on your facilitation techniques while exploring new approaches

Finally, no course or trip is complete without a closing activity.  Join ORCKA’s very
own Linda Leckie after lunch to explore

 Meaningful and effective ways to bring closure to your group
 Use Experiential Education Theory to discover the reason behind reflection and
transfer activities

Date:  Saturday April 9th, 2016
Time:   9:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Norval Outdoor Education Centre,
10444 Winston Churchill Blvd, Norval, ON, LOK IPO

Cost:  $90.00 Members       EARLY BIRD RATE: $85.00
$100.00 Non-Members
Members register online atwww.orcka.ca in your secure member area, under “My Seminars”

Non-Members contact Bonnie Fisher at the ORCKA - info@orcka.ca or 416-426-7016

LUNCH AND SNACKS ARE INCLUDED

Camping and/or Cabin (unheated) accommodations are available: $15.00 / night

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COMPLETE THIS SURVEY PLEASE



The Ontario Trails Council has collected over 40,000 points of data on Ontario's recreational trails.

We know that there is a trail in over 430 communities. We know Ontario maintains over 80,000 km of trails.

This means a sizable investment of time, effort and funds has been utilized to create the world's largest system of trails.

This survey asks you to provide more detail on the inputs of time, effort and investment that made trails in your area.

Thanks