"If you can block out the distant din of traffic and glimpses of high-rises, there are spots along the Don River that could fool you into thinking it is wilderness.
But the omnipresent smell of sewage wafting from dozens of storm drain pipes and culverts that empty into the Don cannot be imagined away, a stinking reminder of the work still needed to clean it up.
We went for a canoe ride Sunday in the annual Paddle the Don event, sponsored by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and found stunning beauty along its meandering course, in contrast to the bleak iron shoring and multi-lane traffic along its lower stretch.
About 600 people in canoes and kayaks traversed 16 kilometres of the Don, from E.T. Seton Park, near Leslie St. and Eglinton Ave., to the Keating Channel, with some raising money for the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, to be used for river restoration projects.
The Don is normally so shallow that canoes couldn’t be used to navigate it; an upstream dam was opened to raise the water level allow enough to float the craft."
Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
"The Liberal government’s preoccupation with saving electricity is undermining other energy conservation efforts, warns Environment Commissioner Gord Miller.
In a 70-page report released Monday – entitled Rethinking Energy Conservation In Ontario – that criticizes the province for not doing enough to encourage Ontarians to use less gasoline and other fuels, Miller said it is time for a policy revamp.
“The government’s approach to energy conservation is uncoordinated and improvised with no clear plan,” he said in a statement.
Miller said Queen’s Park needs to examine ways to conserve oil, propane, natural gas, and gasoline.
“We are too focused on electricity. We need a strategy that addresses conservation of all sources of energy,” he said."
In a 70-page report released Monday – entitled Rethinking Energy Conservation In Ontario – that criticizes the province for not doing enough to encourage Ontarians to use less gasoline and other fuels, Miller said it is time for a policy revamp.
“The government’s approach to energy conservation is uncoordinated and improvised with no clear plan,” he said in a statement.
Miller said Queen’s Park needs to examine ways to conserve oil, propane, natural gas, and gasoline.
“We are too focused on electricity. We need a strategy that addresses conservation of all sources of energy,” he said."
Locavore News – World � Sustain Ontario
"Sustainable urban agriculture: stocktake and opportunities
This paper reviews research on urban agriculture which relates to the three dimensions of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. We propose that urban agriculture has three elements: urban agriculture in isolation; its interface with the people and environment within which it is situated; and its contribution to the design of built form. Additionally, we consider its scale: micro, meso and macro. The analysis draws attention to legal, social and economic constraints and opportunities."
This paper reviews research on urban agriculture which relates to the three dimensions of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. We propose that urban agriculture has three elements: urban agriculture in isolation; its interface with the people and environment within which it is situated; and its contribution to the design of built form. Additionally, we consider its scale: micro, meso and macro. The analysis draws attention to legal, social and economic constraints and opportunities."
Monday, May 3, 2010
On the trails - Kenora Daily Miner and News - Ontario, CA
"Grade 7 rider Ben Scott isn't bothered by wet conditions, as he competes in mountain bike races at St. Thomas Aquinas Thursday afternoon.
ATVs ride for food - Haliburton Echo - Ontario, CA
"The Haliburton ATV Association is holding a charity ride from Wilberforce to Gooderham on Saturday, May 1. The event, which is raising money for the food bank, starts at 10 a.m. sharp leaving from the fire hall on Highway 648 and Essonville Line in Wilberforce and then takes the Rail Trail to Gooderham, where riders can top up gas."
Rock Glen, Ontario Fossil Hunting | eHow.com
"The Rock Glen Conservation Area in Ontario, Canada, is a 67-acre preserved area with nature trails and water falls cascading for 36 feet. The area is best known for its rich fossil deposits. The Arkona Lions Museum within the Rock Glen Conservation Area has fossils as old as 400 million years. Visitors to the Arkona Lions Museum can see specimens of Devonian Era fossils such as trilobites, brachiopods and crinoids."
Kayakers brave mighty Petawawa River in annual Hell or High Water Race - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA
"PETAWAWA - You know summer can't be far around the corner when you see a small army of kayakers braving the turbulent waters of the mighty Petawawa River.
That was the spectacle this past weekend as 75 whitewater kayakers, canoeists, professional and amateur raft teams competed in the second annual event Hell or High Water and Ottawa Valley Raft Championships."
That was the spectacle this past weekend as 75 whitewater kayakers, canoeists, professional and amateur raft teams competed in the second annual event Hell or High Water and Ottawa Valley Raft Championships."
Tehkummah, Ontario host to Women’s Outdoor Weekend in June | Women's Outdoor News
All Inclusive Women’s Outdoor Weekend at Gordon’s Park on Manitoulin Island including camping (other accommodations available), all food, supplies and workshops including yoga, circle dancing, ice breaker games, nia – the joy of movement, nature crafts, mini facials, Swedish massage, outdoor cooking, spa hand treatments, “Leeks & Edibles” nature hike, foot baths, wood ship carving, butterfly house, campfire welcome, open mike campfire, solar heated swimming pool, mini putt challenge, stone soup luncheon and more. June 18-20
rita@gordonspark.com 705-859-2470, www.gordonspark.com
rita@gordonspark.com 705-859-2470, www.gordonspark.com
Cycling in Toronto - Cyclometer newsletter
"April 2010, Edition #164
Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
Contents:
Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee: Next Meeting 12 April
New Gatineau and Finch Hydro Corridor Paths Public Meetings
CAN-BIKE Spring Schedule
Kids CAN-BIKE Camp
College Street Cycling Survey
Bike Month Update
The Bicycle Station This Spring
Take the Train - Bring Your Bike"
Welcome to Cyclometer, a monthly newsletter to keep cyclists informed about cycling issues and programs in the City of Toronto.
Contents:
Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee: Next Meeting 12 April
New Gatineau and Finch Hydro Corridor Paths Public Meetings
CAN-BIKE Spring Schedule
Kids CAN-BIKE Camp
College Street Cycling Survey
Bike Month Update
The Bicycle Station This Spring
Take the Train - Bring Your Bike"
Which Ontario provincial park should i go back country canoeing in? | GlobalPaddler.com
"I am going backcountry canoeing this upcoming summer in Ontario. I was just wondering what everyones favourite park it for a 5 day trip because I was thinking Algonquin but then i saw some nice pics of French River so just wondering if I should look around first.
Take a look at KIll Bear PP, west of Hwy 69, in the delta of the French River, leading out into Georgian Bay.
Jim b. Toronto."
Check out http://ontariotrails.on.ca we have a category of trails for you to explore!
Take a look at KIll Bear PP, west of Hwy 69, in the delta of the French River, leading out into Georgian Bay.
Jim b. Toronto."
Check out http://ontariotrails.on.ca we have a category of trails for you to explore!
Welcome! | Bruce Trail
Saturday May 15, 2010 6:30 to 10:30pm
Burlington Seniors Centre Auditorium
2285 New Street (in Central Park)
$25 Per Person - Teams of 4 to 6
Bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening of
testing your trivia knowledge.
Cash bar, pizza & refreshments and
a selection of great prizes to be won!
Burlington Seniors Centre Auditorium
2285 New Street (in Central Park)
$25 Per Person - Teams of 4 to 6
Bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening of
testing your trivia knowledge.
Cash bar, pizza & refreshments and
a selection of great prizes to be won!
The Wider Waterfront / Explore Projects / Waterfront Toronto
"Toronto’s waterfront revitalization is not only transforming the central waterfront, East Bayfront and West Don Lands. Our plans and redevelopment efforts span Toronto’s entire lakefront. Across the wider waterfront from Mimico in the west to Port Union in the east, our projects are helping reconnect people to the lake."
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Ontario marketing strengths to the world
"Ontario's legislative and trade policies are focusing on global manufacturing sectors that need Ontario's strengths, said Sandra Pupatello, provincial minister of economic development and trade, Friday at Caesars Windsor.
Speaking to delegates at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, Pupatello said 'our strengths are in advanced manufacturing, information technology, aerospace, biotech and life sciences and renewable energy.
'That's where we're focusing our efforts on attracting global investors,' said Pupatello."
Trails - the original green project - http://ontariotrails.on.ca
Speaking to delegates at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, Pupatello said 'our strengths are in advanced manufacturing, information technology, aerospace, biotech and life sciences and renewable energy.
'That's where we're focusing our efforts on attracting global investors,' said Pupatello."
Trails - the original green project - http://ontariotrails.on.ca
A non-forester's view of the Ontario Professional Foresters'AGM - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA
"I am sending in these observations in the hope that some of your readers who have been following the developments in Petawawa around the attempts to get bylaws in place to limit the clear cutting of forests for subdivision development, might be interested in what is going on in forestry in other Ontario towns and cities."
Dualsport Diary
"Notwithstanding the heroic efforts of the Ottawa Mountain Biking Association, who have selflessly and persistently built some fantastic trails in Kanata Lakes, the Ottawa region is inexcusably devoid of good mountain biking. This despite having a world-class landscape with immense trail potential and a vibrant local cycling community.
I'm not making an uninformed claim. As a mountain biker since 1987, when I moved to Ottawa in 1994 one of the first things I did was explore the region's rides. Since then I've ridden pretty much every metre of rideable trail and road within 100 km of Almonte, where I live. Those were some epic days. Now I'm exploring further by motorbike, trying to find untapped potential."
I'm not making an uninformed claim. As a mountain biker since 1987, when I moved to Ottawa in 1994 one of the first things I did was explore the region's rides. Since then I've ridden pretty much every metre of rideable trail and road within 100 km of Almonte, where I live. Those were some epic days. Now I'm exploring further by motorbike, trying to find untapped potential."
Frontier Adventure Challenge - Jack Van Dorp Racing.com – Ontario Racing
"Peter and I drove to Deerhurst Friday night, arriving around 10 pm and opting for the less ostentatious back-of-the-van-in-the-parking-lot accomodations. Lots of signs of renovations around in advance of next months G8 Summit – including some dumpsters and a variety of shipping trailers here and there. We wanted to get a good sleep though, because the race was anticipated to take 6-8 hours.
We tuned up our bikes using the van light, found a quiet spot at the end of the parking lot, and bunked down for the night. It was a bit cozy with the two of us squeezed between our bikes, but we got by fairly comfortably. Andrew, our teammate, stayed over in Orillia before heading up Saturday morning."
We tuned up our bikes using the van light, found a quiet spot at the end of the parking lot, and bunked down for the night. It was a bit cozy with the two of us squeezed between our bikes, but we got by fairly comfortably. Andrew, our teammate, stayed over in Orillia before heading up Saturday morning."
Pedal - Canada's Cycling Magazine
"April 30, 2010 (Toronto, ON) – Registration for the third annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure, a 720km supported end-to-end cycling tour of the Ontario waterfront and greenways, passing through 41 Ontario waterfront communities in eight days, is now open. The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure launches on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at historic Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and ends on July 10, 2010 in Rivi�re Beaudette, Quebec and will be limited to 250 end-to-end entrants in a supported tour that will stretch along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, using the Waterfront Trail and Greenway. �
Organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and its over 50 waterfront partners, including local municipalities, conservation authorities and community groups, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure showcases waterfront communities such as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, Pickering, Cobourg, Picton, Kingston, Ivy Lea, Johnstown, Cornwall and South Glengarry."
Organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and its over 50 waterfront partners, including local municipalities, conservation authorities and community groups, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure showcases waterfront communities such as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, Pickering, Cobourg, Picton, Kingston, Ivy Lea, Johnstown, Cornwall and South Glengarry."
Ontario and Aboriginal Peoples Closer
“Anishinabek are pleased that the Province of Ontario recognizes the need to consult with us on issues involving the lands, waters and resources within our traditional territories. It’s time to start seeing specific results from all these processes that will move the yardstick on long outstanding issues. ” – Chief Patrick Madahbee, Grand Council Chief, Anishinabek Nation
“I appreciate the leadership of Grand Chief Madahbee and that of the Anishinabek Nation to strengthen our relationship. We have a unique opportunity to work together to ensure that resource issues are addressed in a timely and meaningful way. ” – Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources
“I appreciate the leadership of Grand Chief Madahbee and that of the Anishinabek Nation to strengthen our relationship. We have a unique opportunity to work together to ensure that resource issues are addressed in a timely and meaningful way. ” – Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources
TheRecord.com - Local - Warmest April on record follows winter’s ‘invisible drought’
"The “invisible drought” is now easier to see.
Waterloo Region — and most of southern Ontario — just finished the warmest April on record, after one of the driest winters in 70 years.
The low water levels in rivers and creeks are more typical of midsummer than spring. Farmers are already irrigating parched fields to coax newly planted seeds to sprout. Allergy season arrived three weeks early, without any steady rains to clean the air."
Waterloo Region — and most of southern Ontario — just finished the warmest April on record, after one of the driest winters in 70 years.
The low water levels in rivers and creeks are more typical of midsummer than spring. Farmers are already irrigating parched fields to coax newly planted seeds to sprout. Allergy season arrived three weeks early, without any steady rains to clean the air."
Restrictions Lifted On Outdoor Burning In Northwestern Ontario
"McGuinty Government Removes Restricted Fire Zone
At noon today, the Restricted Fire Zone across Northwestern Ontario was lifted. Campfires for cooking and warmth are now allowed in this area.
On Friday, April 23, the Restricted Fire Zone was ordered due to the extreme fire hazard and unusually dry spring conditions which resulted in increased forest fire activity. The restrictions are no longer required as the fire hazard has eased due to precipitation across region.�"
At noon today, the Restricted Fire Zone across Northwestern Ontario was lifted. Campfires for cooking and warmth are now allowed in this area.
On Friday, April 23, the Restricted Fire Zone was ordered due to the extreme fire hazard and unusually dry spring conditions which resulted in increased forest fire activity. The restrictions are no longer required as the fire hazard has eased due to precipitation across region.�"
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