Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Ontario Trail News - trail news and information from all over Ontario's trails!


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Six-time Olympic medallist will stop in Cornwall on cross-Canada cycling trip
CORNWALL, Ontario - A six-time Olympic medalist will be stopping at a Cornwall high school later this month to promote mental health awareness.
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Registered Playground Practitioner

The Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

Safe Play - A High Priority
The Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

What You Will Learn
Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CAN/CSA-Z614-07, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course.

Target Audience
We have developed this program to target experienced people. Ideally, the program participant will be someone who carries out hands-on monthly inspections of public play structures. He or she should also possess a good understanding of the relevant CSA standards. Participants might already have taken a playground certification program.

Intensive 4 1/2-Day Program
The Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, respresentative of the CSA Standards Assocation and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:

Playspace Strategies
  • space requirements
  • playability
  • access/egress requirements
  • playspace design
  • age appropriate issues
  • playspace materials
  • playspace construction
Playspace Evaluation
  • playvalue and hazard identification
  • inspection and maintenance
  • surfacing evaluation
  • record keeping
  • CSA overview
  • corrective actions
Playspace Management
  • liability and insurance
  • due diligence
  • contractual obligations
  • risk management
  • owner/operator responsibilities
  • employee/manager responsibilities
  • playvalue and practical choices
Principal Instructor Peter Kells
Industrial Designer involved with the design of playground and recreation equipment since 1984. Involved with the writing of both the CSA playground standard and other international Standards. Executive member of IPA Canada (International Association for the Child's Right to Play). Playground Inspector since 2000.

Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by the Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

The OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

Cost: (Including HST)
OPA Members - $1,243
Non-Members - $1,469

Date:
March 31 to April 4, 2013
8:00am to 5:00pm

Location:
Fire Hall - Township of West Lincoln
318 Canborough Street
Smithville, ON

Please note: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be requires to bring or buy their own lunch, coffee and snacks. The facility has a microwave oven and fridge available. The following food establishments are near by:
- Tim Hortons
- Ginos Pizza
- Subway

http://www.ontarioparksassociation.memberlodge.com/CalendarofEvents?eventId=850112&EventViewMode=EventDetails


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Monday, March 3, 2014

Ontario Trail News - trail news and information from all over Ontario's trails!

Ontario Trails Council
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CTV News
CRTF Warn Snowmobile Operators about Safety Hazard While Operating on Snowmobile Trails
Recently, members of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) were conducting routine patrols on a trail in Bainsville, Ontario. As the members were ...
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Ministry of Economic Development, Trade
and Employment
Accessibility Directorate
of Ontario
6th floor, Suite 601a
777 Bay Street
Toronto ON  M7A 2J4
accessibility@ontario.ca
Ministere du Développment économique, du Commerce et
de l'Emploi
Direction générale de l'accessibilité pour l'Ontario
6e étage, bureau 601a
777, rue Bay
Toronto ON  M7A 2J4
accessibility@ontario.ca
Ontario Logo
March 3, 2014
Two separate reviews of Ontario’s accessibility laws are currently underway:
  • The Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, examining Ontario’s progress towards achieving the goals for accessibility set out in the AODA and its standards.
    • The Reviewer will be holding public consultations between March 18, 2014 and April 22, 2014, and accepting written submissions until June 1, 2014.
  • The Review of the Accessible Customer Service Standard, including its long-term objectives and requirements that organizations must follow.
    • Public feedback on the proposed revised Customer Service Standard will be accepted from March 3, 2014 to April 16, 2014.
Input to both reviews is welcome. Information is provided below about how to participate. Please note that comments received through one review process will not be considered by the other.
Below you will find updates on both reviews. Participation in both processes is encouraged and appreciated. Please share this information with your colleagues and networks.


Update from the Second Independent AODA Reviewer,
Dean Mayo Moran of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law

The second Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is well underway, and I welcome your comments and thoughts regarding Ontario’s progress in achieving the accessibility goals set out in the legislation.
I encourage you to visit my website at aodareview.utoronto.ca, where you may submit your confidential comments regarding the legislation, or register to attend one of the following public consultation sessions:

In-Person Consultations:

  • Ottawa – March 18, 2014
  • Toronto – March 21, 2014 and April 29, 2014
  • London – April 9, 2014
  • Thunder Bay – April 15, 2014.

On-line and Call in Consultations:

  • April 3, 2014
  • April 22, 2014.
Exact locations and times of consultations are available on my website, and registration for all consultation sessions via the website is required. Those attending the public consultations are not required to make written submissions, although those wishing to speak to a written submission at a public consultation must upload the submission to my website seven days prior to the date of the consultation.
Below you will find updates on both reviews. Participation in both processes is encouraged and appreciated. Please share this information with your colleagues and networks.
Dean Mayo Moran


Update from the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires the review of each accessibility standard five years after it becomes law to determine whether the standard is working as intended and to allow for adjustments to be made as required.
In 2013, the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standard Development Committee (ASAC/SDC) began the review of the Accessible Customer Service Standard, the first accessibility standard to be made into regulation under the AODA.
Based on its review, the Standards Development Committee has developed its initial proposed changes to the Customer Service Standard and is now seeking public comments prior to finalizing its recommendations to government.
Public feedback will be accepted from March 3, 2014 to April 16, 2014. Please visit ontario.ca/AccessON starting March 3 for information on the committee’s initial proposed changes, and how to provide your feedback.
The ASAC/SDC would greatly appreciate your participation in the public feedback process and thanks you in advance for contributing towards improving accessibility in the province of Ontario.




Ministry of Economic Development, Trade
and Employment
Accessibility Directorate
of Ontario
6th floor, Suite 601a
777 Bay Street
Toronto ON  M7A 2J4
accessibility@ontario.ca
Ministere du Développment économique, du Commerce et
de l'Emploi
Direction générale de l'accessibilité pour l'Ontario
6e étage, bureau 601a
777, rue Bay
Toronto ON  M7A 2J4
accessibility@ontario.ca
Ontario Logo
Le 3 mars 2014
On procède actuellement à deux examens distincts des textes législatifs de l’Ontario sur l’accessibilité :
  • L’examen indépendant de la Loi sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario (LAPHO), qui vise à évaluer les progrès accomplis par la province relativement aux objectifs d’accessibilité définis dans cette loi et les normes qui en découlent.
    • L’examinatrice tiendra des consultations publiques entre le 18 mars et le 22 avril 2014 et acceptera les commentaires écrits jusqu’au 1er juin 2014.
  • L’examen de la Norme d’accessibilité pour les services à la clientèle, qui comprend l’évaluation de ses objectifs à long terme et des exigences auxquelles les organisations doivent se plier.
    • Vous pourrez présenter vos commentaires sur la version révisée de la Norme d’accessibilité pour les services à la clientèle du 3 mars au 16 avril 2014.
Nous vous invitons à donner votre opinion sur chacun de ces examens, en suivant la marche à suivre indiquée plus bas. À noter que les commentaires envoyés dans le cadre de l’un des processus ne seront pas pris en compte dans le second.
Vous trouverez ci-dessous une mise au point sur chacun des examens. Sachez que votre participation est grandement appréciée et n’hésitez pas à communiquer ces renseignements à vos collègues et aux membres de votre réseau.


Mise au point de l’examinatrice du deuxième examen indépendant de la LAPHO,
Mayo Moran, doyenne de la faculté de droit de l’Université de Toronto

Le deuxième examen indépendant de la Loi sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario est déjà bien avancé, et je vous invite à me faire part de votre avis sur les progrès accomplis par la province relativement aux objectifs d’accessibilité définis dans la Loi.
N’hésitez pas à visiter mon site Web, aodareview.utoronto.ca, à partir duquel vous pourrez soumettre vos commentaires de façon confidentielle ou encore vous inscrire à l’une des séances de consultation publique.

Consultations en personne

  • Ottawa – 18 mars 2014
  • Toronto – 21 mars et 29 avril 2014
  • London – 9 avril 2014
  • Thunder Bay – 15 avril 2014

Consultations en ligne ou téléphoniques

  • 3 avril 2014
  • 22 avril 2014
Il est obligatoire de s’inscrire aux consultations par mon site Web, sur lequel vous pouvez également consulter l’horaire exact des séances. Vous n’êtes pas tenu de soumettre des commentaires écrits lorsque vous assistez à une consultation publique; toutefois, les participants qui souhaitent faire référence à des observations écrites lors de la consultation doivent les téléverser sur mon site Web sept jours auparavant.
J’espère que vous serez nombreux à vous exprimer sur ce sujet d’une grande importance.
Mayo Moran, doyenne


Mise au point du Comité d’élaboration des normes du Conseil consultatif des normes d’accessibilité

Conformément à la Loi sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario (LAPHO), chaque norme d’accessibilité doit être révisée cinq ans après son entrée en vigueur afin que l’on détermine si elle produit les effets escomptés, et que l’on apporte les corrections nécessaires au besoin.
En 2013, le Comité d’élaboration des normes du Conseil consultatif des normes d’accessibilité (CEN-CCNA) a commencé l’examen de la Norme d’accessibilité pour les services à la clientèle, soit le premier règlement sur les normes d’accessibilité pris en application de la LAPHO.
À la suite de cet examen, le CEN a proposé des changements à apporter à la Norme; il souhaite maintenant connaître l’avis du public avant de transmettre ses recommandations définitives au gouvernement.
Vous pourrez lui faire connaître votre opinion à ce sujet du 3 mars au 16 avril 2014. Visitez le ontario.ca/ONdonneacces dès le 3 mars pour en savoir plus sur les changements proposés par le comité et sur la façon de transmettre vos commentaires.
Le CEN-CCNA vous serait très reconnaissant de participer à ce processus et vous remercie à l’avance de contribuer à l’amélioration des mesures d’accessibilité en Ontario.
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Sunday, March 2, 2014

Ontario Trails News - news and information from all over Ontario's trails!

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The Globe and Mail
Urban walking is a legal high, so why are cities cruel to pedestrians?
walked up one of Toronto's great boulevards to hear Jennifer Keesmaat, the city's progressive chief planner, talk about the benefits of walking.
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CTV News
Crash marks season's 13th snowmobile-related death in Ontario
Vickie Kernohan was killed Sunday afternoon when her machine veered off a groomed Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail south of Listowel ...
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Severe Winter Puts Ontario's Deer Herds at Risk
White-tailed deer in parts of Ontario are experiencing one of the worst ... Mild winters have limited the need for emergency winter deer conservation in ...
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Move Over Cyclists, Toronto Votes to Allow e-Scooters Bike Lane Access
Toronto, Ontario – Bicyclists will have some tough competition in the myriad of bike lanes throughout parts of this metropolis of 2.8 million inhabitants ...
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Conservation authority disposes of 'dispose' in heading 0
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority directors are moving forward with .... agencies in dedicated toconserving, restoring and managing Ontario's ...
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Saturday, March 1, 2014

Ontario Trail News - news and information from all over Ontario's trails!

ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL
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Frank Cowan Company Centre of Excellence Blog



The Ministry of the Attorney General is seeking input on a proposed legislative change to liability exposures for Ontario municipalities. Frank Cowan Company has worked with AMO and lobbied the Ministry of the Attorney General with the goal of easing the liability burden on municipalities in Ontario.  As you are well aware decisions such as Thornhill v. Shahid; Giuliaini v. Halton; Deering v. Scugog and Oshawa and Fordham v. Dutton-Dunwich have seen liability assessments against municipalities increase to as high as 66.6%.  Many claims are paid almost fully by municipalities due to the burden placed on them by the joint and several legislation. 

In addition, awards have risen dramatically causing increased premiums. After many years of effort, the Ministry of the Attorney General appears to be willing to act and is now canvassing various legal associations for input on their proposed changes which are detailed below. While these recommendations to the joint and several legislation do not go as far as we would have liked, they are a positive step in the right direction. 

Frank Cowan Company would appreciate you voicing your support for these changes to The Ministry of the Attorney General and/or your Associations.  These are the points we feel are most important: • Joint and several legislation unfairly puts the burden of paying the majority of liability losses on Ontario municipalities. • Municipalities are facing increased premium and self-retention levels that divert funding from other essential municipal services. • Claims costs have risen dramatically over the past ten years. • A small number of insurers are willing to offer municipal liability insurance. Many of the insurers that enter the market exit shortly thereafter due to excessive exposures. •

The current situation is not sustainable for Ontario municipalities. Please click here to read AMO's Breaking News publication.

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Active Transportation in Canada: a resource and planning guide

Publisher/Sponsor: 

Transport Canada
Active Transportation in Canada: a resource and 
planning guide is a resource tool for transportation planners and related professionals (e.g., city or town planners, town engineers, etc.) to accommodate, promote and support active transportation in current and long-range planning and development. With an emphasis on Canadian cities and regions where planning for active transportation might be a new or recent undertaking, this guide includes the following sections:
  • Active Transportation: a primer - This overview and rationale section asks the question, “What is active transportation and why is it important?”
  • Active transportation in Canada - This section looks at who is doing what in the realm of active transportation in Canada.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Ontario Trail News - Trail News from all over Ontario Trails

National Trail Coalition funding in Budget
The National Trails Coalition (NTC) is the operating name for the Coalition of Canadian Trails Organizations, a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. The NTC was formed in 2007 to bring the broad spectrum of trail-based activities together in a collaborative manner to build, maintain and promote trails and trail use across Canada. One of the founding principles of the Coalition is building new partnerships between trail disciplines; fostering more multiple-use trail development; and providing a trail-based platform on which private enterprise and volunteer groups alike can generate economic activity.
The umbrella organizations spearheading the coalition initiative are the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), and the Canadian Trails Federation (CTF). Through their affiliates across Canada, these parent bodies represent trail building, operating and maintenance organizations in every province and territory. Most importantly, they provide trail infrastructure and a tourism product that is used by millions of Canadians and visitors to Canada.
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
 
Education News

Our Sincere Condolences
Trails lost a great guy in Bob McFarland. He was a past employee of the City of Woodstock where he served as the
Director of Community Services and previously the same position in Waterloo and Oakville.
Bob was involved in many community groups, organizations and served on many Boards and Committees in
Woodstock, Waterloo and Oakville. It can be said that wherever he lived, he got involved in the community.
One of the groups he was involved with was the Oxford County Trail Committee and he was a member of the OTC Education Faculty.
On-Line started Feb 3rd!

Trail NewsCycle Show
More than 150 exhibitors offering the latest and best selection of bicycles, accessories, apparel and everything to do with cycling!
World’s largest Bicycle Consumer Show!
Best place to buy!
Extreme action events daily!ridersFeaturing
  • 150+ exhibitors – manufacturers, distributors, retailers, tour companies, clubs and others
  • Special Retail Marketplace area
  • Special Manufacturers’ Showcase area
  • Bicycle Frame Building
  • Electric Bicycle Exhibitors
  • Bicycle Events & Touring – from one-day trips to lengthy group cycling tours
  • Kid’s Entertainment Centre:
  • Tot’s Wheels, Collin the Unicyclist, Bouncing Castle, Face Painting,
  • Glitter Tattoos and Ballooning by Ladybug the Clown
  • The Test Ride Zone. Try out the latest street and mountain bikes
  • Enter to win a bicycle at the show
  • Join a Bicycle Club
  • FREE bicycle parking
Visit the Spring Show Page for More Details
Or Visit the Spring Show Schedule Page for Event Times

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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