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JENNIFER GAUTHIER/METRO
The rules of the road change today and, with any luck, they may highlight Toronto’s need for improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
The province has updated its fine schedule to include set fees and demerit points for some of the most egregious driving infractions.
If you are reading this in your car, for some baffling reason, you may want to pull over:
The set fine for distracted driving is now $490 and three demerit points. If you’re a novice driver, it’s an automatic 30-day suspension.
The advocacy group Cycle Toronto has called these changes a win, as they include steep penalties for “dooring” cyclists and the long sought-after one-metre rule.
The penalty for passing a cyclist without allowing a minimum distance of one metre is indeed a huge win for cyclist safety. The penalty is $110 and two demerit points, $180 if you’re in a community-safety zone. It’s also going to cause a lot of headaches, I predict, if properly enforced.
These headaches are necessary, however; think of them as growing pains. On many crowded Toronto streets, lacking as they often are in meaningful cycling infrastructure, a real crackdown on violators of the one-metre rule would be eye-opening.
Ideally, citizens and politicians alike will realize that many of our streets are dangerous for cyclists, by design. It is easy to imagine situations within the city where safely passing a cyclist with the proper one-metre space is extremely difficult.
Then we get to have a conversation about how we can redesign our streets so everyone can get where they’re going, safely, without these headaches.
Cyclists don’t get off so easily, either.
The new penalty for riding without proper lights is $110, commuted down from a whopping proposed $500, due to advocacy from groups like Cycle Toronto.
These fines are well meaning enough. Coupled with reduced speed limits on residential streets in East York, there have certainly been major, recent strides in the level of enforcement for the sake of safety.
Still, let’s not take our eyes off the real prize.
The city is still considering adopting Vision Zero policies, already in place many
European and American cities, which hold that no number of traffic fatalities is acceptable.
Vision Zero also puts emphasis on designing roads in a way that reduces reckless driving and simple human error.
There will always be a few people who feel they’re above the law or truly believe they can get away with any number of careless infractions.
Fines are all well and good, but when street design necessitates safer driving, then we’ll really see some marked improvements in safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Glyn Bowerman is a Toronto-based journalist and theatre artist. He is also a regular contributor to Spacing Magazine. Follow him on Twitter @Banquos_Banquet
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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.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Cycle Toronto and updates to requests for safer riding in Toronto
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Ontario Trails News- find out more today, take a course, join one of our social media pages!
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Find and use your favorite today!Member Requests1) 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 2014-15
Jason Davis
Renfrew County 613-633-9683 Jdavis@countyofrenfrew.on.ca Bonnie Simpson Acting Treasurer Kirkfield 705-438-5752 fortheotc@gmail.com Patrick Connor Ex-officio - Executive Director Deseronto 613-484-1140 execdir@ontariotrails.ca We are looking for 2 Board members interested in supporting the broad interests of all trails in Ontario. Interested give us a call. 613-484-1140 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 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. OTC Event Planning Guide Call 877-668-7245 
OTC Trail Committee Manual
Call 877-668-7245 
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 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Sault Ste. Marie Thank you very much for your support! THANKS! MERCI!      Nature Unexpected
Try out a great outdoor experience - close to home, yet far away.
A supporter of Trailhead Ontario 2015 Thank-you.  
Header Photo Credit - Bryan McGowan
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 |
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Ontario Trails News - take a course, be a friend of trails, donate to our charity and Nature Unexpected!
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On Our Calendar
Stakeholder Day Are you a group with an interest in trails? Many recent announcements on the Ontario Trails Act, trail openings, Bill C-31 and other developments have led the OTC to convene a trails stakeholder day. September 4th, in Newmarket at Lake Simcoe Region CA. 12-3pm Watch this space for details. OTC AGM We are planning for Thursday September 24th, 1100 -1200 am at McMaster University. Accessibility We have worked with the Ministry of Employment, Economic Development and Infrastructure "Enabling Change" Program to create awareness about accessibility and trail organization communications. Download the guide, complete our survey.  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.  Trail BlogEvery 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! 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 Join OTCThe Ontario Trails Council is a nonprofit charitable organization, established in 1988, that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails. With over 130 organizational members and 25 individual supporters the OTC continues to grow! Support trails in Ontario - join the OTC. Learn an ActivityOur 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! Add Your EventWe 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. Add/Edit TrailsAn 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 Web site. 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. Be a Friend of TrailsWe 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. |
Monday, August 31, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Hamilton Burlington Trails Study
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Hamilton Burlington Trails Study
A year long trail survey is being launched next Thursday in an effort to get a more whole understanding of Hamilton and Burlington's trail systems and who uses them.
The Hamilton Burlington Trails Council and McMaster University are heading the project, which will be one of the most extensive trail surveys ever conducted in Ontario, a press release said.
"We already know that trails play a role in improving well-being and quality of life in communities," said survey coordinator Alex Farquharson.
"Really, what we are trying to establish is how our trail network can be improved to better meet the needs of our population."
The survey aims to establish such things as:
Surveys will look specifically at putting together a whole interactive online map of the trails in the two cities, said Wayne Terryberry, HBTC chairperson and McMaster outdoor recreation coordinator.
"We're always finding we need to have more trail user information," he said.
Aside from information, Terryberry said the most important upgrade the trails require is accessibility and amenities like benches and washrooms for an aging population.
The survey groups are looking at other internationally recognized trails – Appalachian, Indianapolis, and Spain – as models for Hamilton and Burlington's paths.
But they're going to need input from locally surveyed trail-walkers, either online or in person, which is going to require volunteers.
Terryberry said the HBTC has between 12 and 15 volunteers for the summer, but they'll be looking for more now and over the course of the year.
"And we're asking those on the trails to take a few minutes out of their day to answer some questions," he said, adding that there was an online option for the impatient trailblazers.
The HBTC and McMaster will be holding an event on July 9th at 9:30 for the survey's launch. Terryberry will be in attendance along with Hamilton Coun. Aidan Johnson and Chris Firth-Eagland of the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
"We're so lucky. We've already got an incredibly scenic view on our trails," said Terryberry. "Now we just want to make sure we have an incredible trail experience."
Support the Kinghorn Trail Development Last fall we started an audit of the rail corridor. This audit captures the good, the bad and the ugly. Using the latest trail auditing software, we are able to capture all the issues that need to be fixed prior to opening the trail. We will finish the audit in the spring for the full length of the line. Please support us in building this legacy trail along Lake Superior. Even a small donation adds up and supports the capital required to upgrade the corridor for Northwestern Ontario's only rail trail!  We have plans to upgrade the railbed surface to accommodate trail users like cyclists, hikers, summer motorized use and snowmobiles in the winter months. As a full multi-use trail, we will be able to keep the trail in the public domain for future generations to enjoy. The rail line doesn't stop at Nipigon but then turns north towards Greenstone. There has been some interest in discussing this as an option but conversations need to occur. Please support this legacy project as we create an amazing trail alongside Lake Superior - the great inland sea. Ontario Trails Education  Healthy Hikes Program!  NTC Projects Underway in Ontario  |
Friday, August 28, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Conservation Act Review, Ontario Trail AGM and more Ontario Trails News
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Conservation Authorities Act Review
 With thanks to Beth Potter, Executive Director of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario who brought this to our attention. We will be working together and with our CA members to craft our best comments.
Ontario Trails Council - AGM, User Meeting and Meeting with Minister Coteau
OK so our calendar is filling up fast headed into September. September 4, 2015 - we are holding a meeting for trail user groups September 4 - 12-3pm at Lake Simcoe Region Conservation.   This is an open invitation to leadership groups such as, Hike Ontario, Cycle Ontario, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario Federation of Trail Riders, Ontario Trail Riders Federation, Ontario Federation of 4 Wheel Drive, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Equestrian Federation, International Mountain Biking Association (ON), Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs, Friends of Trails Associations, CESCO, Ontario Nature, Ontario Federation of Field Naturalists, Conservation Ontario, Ontario Parks, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, etc. Please contact the OTC to RSVP by August 25th. 613-484-1140We are specifically inviting user organizations to discuss the following items:
Ontario Trails AGM Plans are underway for the Ontario Trails Council AGM, September 24th 2015. The meeting will be held at the same location as 2014, the Faculty Club at McMaster University.  Meeting with Minister Coteau As the lead organization for trails in Ontario, it's important we meet with the lead Minister for Trails, Minister Michael Coteau. We have a meeting scheduled for September 30th. We encourage you to assist us in making better trails through partnership with government by:
Please consider supporting our work Please consider making a donation or taking out a membership today! We rely on the generous support of the Canadian trail community to allow us to do our work. Our Mission - to promote the preservation, management, use and development of trails.  Everyday, somewhere in Ontario we educate, support a group, lead or assist a community improving its quality of life through trails.Thanks Need Funding? - Here's a list of where to turn Often we hear from trail groups - most recently North and Central Hastings who want to develop trails, but there is no strategic or business plan in place. Most grants develop programs and services or fund service provision. We want to hear from you - where did you get funding for your strategic plan for your trails? Could include master plan or other plans that involve trails. Thanks. 613-484-1140 execdir@ontariotrails.ca
National Trails Coalition - infrastructure (closed) - but reviewing their grant app would get your docs prepped for a different application
Ontario Trillium Foundation - 4 streams, including capital
There are a number of provincial grant applications you could explore but you have to be registered with the Grants Ontario System to see the applications by Ministry - closed till next round - Capital and Sustainability in September 2015
MEDIE - has a stream - more for eco development, and the Invest in Ontario Funds - I might suggest regional funding streams includes Southern Ontario Prosperity and NOHFC programs
Also the Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund - Eligible Grant Recipients Include:
Not-for-profit organizations; Small businesses; Aboriginal organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); Territorial governments; and, Municipalities are eligible to submit an application only for projects that deliver activities under Priority #1 (enhancing access to recreational spaces for children with disabilities).
Indigenous Peoples Aboriginal Economic Development Fund - grant stream
Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport - Health Communities Fund - Closed May 29th
There are other infrastructure grants you could pursue through the relationships you have with the County - they can use gas tax surplus for infrastructure grants -
Cycling Funds CycleON Strategy
Building cycling infrastructure is important in helping us achieve the vision of #CycleON: Ontario's Cycling Strategy: Ontario as a great place to ride a bike. Due today!
http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2015/04/ontario-investing-25-million-in-cycling-infrastructure.html
http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2015/07/applications-for-funding-to-promote-cycling-now-open.html
OMAFRA also offers a long list - you'll have to pick a stream and discuss with a program manager
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario, Renfrew County, Ontario Highlands Tourism Agree to support - June 2016
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Find and use your favorite today!Renfrew County and Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization agree to host Trailhead Ontario 2016  Planning has begun for Trailhead Ontario 2106. Our hosts are Renfrew County and Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization. Both are long time Ontario Trails Council supporters, and Jason Davies from Renfrew sits on the OTC Board of Directors. The OHTO has been a long time partner with trails running such campaigns as the: ‘Tourism Starts with You’ Campaign
Exploring County Trails
The ‘Tourism Starts with You’ campaign is designed to bring the local community together to identify why Ontario’s Highlands is one of the premiere travel destinations in the province.
The campaign will ask the question, “what are the best things to see and do in the area”, and tourism operators, residents, former visitors, and the like will be able to submit their ideas to the OHTO’s website, and social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter. This campaign will be promoted online and through local media, and a grand prize will be offered to encourage submissions. This campaign will run into the summer, and may extend to the end of 2011 based on its popularity and success. When the campaign is completed, the OHTO will have an increased online audience, as well as heightened knowledge of what destinations are most valued by the local population. This can assist with future promotions. A page capture from their website illustrates many of the outdoor and trail activities going on in the region  OTC partner Renfrew County  The County of Renfrew owns 51 separate tracts of land covering over 15,800 acres (6,200 hectares) that is managed by a full-time Forestry Division. The County started acquiring abandoned farmlands in the 1950s that were better suited for forest than farming, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The County of Renfrew entered into its first forest agreement on December 3, 1951 with the acquisition of 90 hectares in Westmeath Township. Land acquisition throughout the County continued until the 1970s and culminated in a total acquired area exceeding 6,200 hectares. On April 1, 2000, the County assumed full responsibility for these properties.RECREATIONAL TRAILS
In February 2007 County of Renfrew Council accepted a report entitled “The Development of a Trails Strategy” and tasked the Forestry Division with implementing the recommendations contained in the report. The Forestry Division has since instituted regular inspections of existing trails (K&P Corridor), worked with citizen’s groups interested in developing trails within the County, and is actively pursuing opportunities to acquire abandoned rail corridors for new trail development. K&P Corridor Management Plan
Equestrian Trail Event September 18th  |
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