Ontario Trails News - land securement, land rights ad more!

Tell Folks about Winter through  our Educational Poster Series
In order to best explain our relationship between users and our organizations we have produced an "Ontario Trails and...(Use Group)" poster series. Each member group has a page on the OTC website where OTC explains what we do, and the member explains what they do, so that people can see how we work together.

In addition it is clear that the relationship between major use groups and the Ontario Trails Council is not well understood. We have circulated the poster template to member organizations in the interest of having them add their voice to a better public understanding of their work.



As the OTC continues to grow, and we work with the major use groups as they work to secure land for their activity, and as we work with land managers to promote and manage land access, the OTC wants everyone to understand we want resolution to local issues, with the regulatory and legislative changes that makes all our jobs easier, without losing sight of regulations and safety.

Know a user or trail group you'd like to have a poster for?

Ask them if they are a current OTC Member. If they are we'd be happy to produce a poster for everybody to use.


We are also working with Conservation Ontario, and have asked others such as Ontario Invasive Species, County Forest Managers and Ontario Parks to participate in this important public awareness campaign.

For more information contact: Patrick Connor, at 613-484-1140, execdir@ontariotrails.ca

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OTC Ramping Up Regional Trail Symposiums

Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

https://trailheadontario2016.wordpress.com/
 

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Trailhead North - Marathon

 

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Trailhead Georgian Bay

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Trails Talk

Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community. We are pleased to have added an additional topic to the Agenda - see January 12th.

We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks. So make sure you have a gmail account and the hangout app added to your gplus account.

How to Join a Hangout

Invited presenters include:

January 19th, 2016 - Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations - with Thomas Allgoewer - a half hour discussion about how to facilitate your organization goals and objectives through fundraising efforts. Register on Eventbrite

January 26th - Land Use Planning - all about securing land for trails, when, how to, and potential pitfalls and problems - with Kate Potter and Robert Orland from Orland Conservation.
Register on Eventbrite

February 2nd, 2016 - Edge Auditor - the program that helps you know and log in all the facts about your trail, with Niall Lobely.
Register on Eventbrite

February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge.
Register on Eventbrite

March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassegijig and Kirsten Spence.
Register on Eventbrite

March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it?
Register on Eventbrite

March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall
Register on Eventbrite

April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies.
Register on Eventbrite

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Join Us January 26th at 1pm

Conservation land can mean greenspace, natural heritage lands, park land
and trails. Securing trail land can move your trail off road, towards your
optimum road and/or help with access for your members. Join Orland
Conservation through the Ontario Trails Council Trails Talk on January
26th to learn new ways to secure your trail land on a limited budget.

Since 2003, Orland Conservation has been working in Southern Ontario to
help facilitate conservation land legacies for their conservation
authority, land trust, and municipal clients. To date, Orland Conservation
has secured 5,000 acres and experience working to secure the Bruce Trail
as well as others.

Ontario Trails News - learn about the Ontario Trails Act and more.

Read our presentation on the Ontario Trails Act.

Media Releases

OTC E-news provides the latest information on events, activities, and news from the world of trails.

Includes notices published in the press or other public media

7.1.16 OFSC and OPP Statement on Snowmobiling - pdf

22.12.15 Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Action Plan 2014 - pdf

17.12.15 Trail User Survey 2014 - pdf

17.12.15 Trail User Survey 2014 En francais - pdf

30.7.15 Conservation Authorites Act Review - pdf

7.7.15 Ontario Trails Act - Information - pdf

13.5.15 Ontario Trails responds to announcement of Trails Act - pdf

11.2.14 National Trails Coalition receives Federal Funding - pdf

20.5.13 Saugeen Rail Trail Crossing Petition - jpg - flyer

17.5.13 Niagara Trails Long Weekend - pdf

27.6.12 Millenium Trail - pdf

Ontario Trails News - Earn Your College Level Trails Certificate from Algonquin College - Learn ON-line

Earn Your Trails Certificate from Algonquin College



 

Trail Planning

Course: OAD3001

This course is listed under the following fields of study:

• Community Studies
•  
• Health Studies / Animal Care / Nursing
•  
• Hospitality & Tourism

Within the trail industry, there are trail standards and maintenance practices to follow. Students acquire base-level knowledge of organizing and planning trail systems and learn to recognize and utilize the necessary steps to plan and create a sustainable trail. This is accomplished through the usage of provincial legislation and the incorporation of interpretive and educational trail signage within a trail system.

WINTER 2016

Online Learning

Section	Date(s)	Mode	Price
841	Feb 1 - May 9	Online	$398.68

 

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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.

Ask us how we make a difference!

Thanks

Ontario Trails News - Halton Trail Map, Bruce Trail Conservancy, OFATV, Minto, Essex Region Conservation and French River Multi-Use Trails Association

Halton Hills Trail Map from David Beaton


 

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We appreciate the membership support of:

Bruce Trail Conservancy

The Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath, provides the only continuous public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Running along the Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, it spans more than 890 km of main Trail and over 400 km of associated side trails.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) is a charitable organization* committed to establishing a conservation corridor containing a public footpath along the Niagara Escarpment, in order to protect its natural ecosystems and to promote environmentally responsible public access to this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

The BTC is one of Ontario's largest land trusts, responsible for the preservation of almost 10,000 acres of irreplaceable Niagara Escarpment landscape.

Nine regional Bruce Trail Clubs are part of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Each Club is volunteer-run and is responsible for maintaining, stewarding and promoting a section of the Bruce Trail.

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Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs

 

 

 

Ontario Federation Of ATV Clubs
 

A group of clubs in Ontario operated by volunteers with one goal, to provide a safe, & enjoyable trail system linking riding areas across the province. Our staff and volunteers are constantly working with government and municipalities, championing the rights of the ATV rider. We endeavour to help the general public understand that our members are a group of outdoor enthusiasts, who respect other outdoor sports, and are environmentally conscious. Joining an OFATV club gives you the opportunity to shape the future of the sport and the province wide trail system. Join a Club, get involved, & Go riding!
 

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French River Multi-Use Trails Association



 

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Essex Region Conservation Authority



 

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Town of Minto


 

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This past year the OTC Membership grew beyond 240 members, with over 220 being organizational supporters.

Your support of our work helps us to:

• travel to communities
• update the website
• answer the phone
• seek other funds for special projects
• write grants for members
• mitigate conflict
• guide users with a where to turn
• update the youtube, and other social media
• engage with government
• promote the design, use and management of trails
• coordinate meetings
• manage the education program(s)

Join Today

Ontario Trail News - Join us for Trails Talk, follow us on twitter @OnTrailsTalk

Trails Talk

Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community. We are pleased to have added an additional topic to the Agenda - see January 12th.

We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks. So make sure you have a gmail account and the hangout app added to your gplus account.

How to Join a Hangout

Invited presenters include:

January 19th, 2016 - Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations - with Thomas Allgoewer - a half hour discussion about how to facilitate your organization goals and objectives through fundraising efforts.

Register on Eventbrite

January 26th - Land Use Planning - all about securing land for trails, when, how to, and potential pitfalls and problems - with Kate Potter and Robert Orland from Orland Conservation.
Register on Eventbrite

February 2nd, 2016 - Edge Auditor - the program that helps you know and log in all the facts about your trail, with Niall Lobely.
Register on Eventbrite

February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge.
Register on Eventbrite

March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassegijig and Kirsten Spence.
Register on Eventbrite

March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it?
Register on Eventbrite

March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall
Register on Eventbrite

April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies.
Register on Eventbrite

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North, Trailhead Georgian Bay and Trailhead Ontario. Join us for our Trails Symposiums and Conference

OTC Ramping Up Regional Trail Symposiums

Trailhead Ontario - Renfrew 2016

https://trailheadontario2016.wordpress.com/
 

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Trailhead North - Marathon

 

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Trailhead Georgian Bay

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario 2016 - Renfrew County is a host! Thanks.

Trailhead Ontario 2016 – Renfrew

In June of 2016 trail enthusiasts and supporters are headed to Calabogie for two days of meetings and lively discussion about all types of trails.

Our hosts invite you to join us to hear stories from city, country, town and wilderness. We will be talking about the great adventures we share and how to get more folks to love the outdoors the way we do.

June 19, 20, 21, 2016.

The location is Calabogie Peaks Resort in Calabogie Ontario.

The event is currently supported by Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization and Renfrew County.

Event Registration

Sponsorship Opportunities  – why not show your support of trails, the youth that hike and bike, seniors that walk or folks of all ages that canoe, climb, ride or otherwise enjoy the outdoors!

Partners

All over Ontario ‘Trail Partners” make trails work!

No trail was ever built in isolation. Just like your favorite trail, the Trailhead Ontario 2016 – Renfrew –  is only possible because of the generous support of the groups on this page!

We also appreciate the support  of the individuals that register for the event too!

Click the picture to find out more about the partners –

Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization

Renfrew County

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise, our weekly newsletter, sign up today!

OPP/OFSC want safer riding!

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) remind snowmobilers that being compliant with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA) and being properly trained are key contributors to their safety, peace of mind and enjoyment while sledding this winter.
 

Many of the laws governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators, such as failing to stop for police on the trail, speeding, not coming to a full and complete stop at a road crossing, and driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit. Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver’s licence, criminal charges and/or imprisonment. Charges incurred while snowmobiling go on your driving record and can impact both your ability to continue to drive and affordably insure an automobile.
 

“A rider whose BAC is between 0.05 and 0.08 (known as the “Warn Range”) can be issued the same 3-day warning that suspends a driver’s licence on the road,” said OPP Sergeant Lise Grenier, Specialized Patrol Coordinator of the OPP Highway Safety Division. “This means that on the snow, the offending rider can no longer drive his/her sled to complete their ride.”
 

More serious alcohol offences will result in licence suspensions that will prematurely end a rider’s snowmobiling season. Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences and riders are reminded that the Ontario Zero Tolerance law for drivers 21 and under also applies to snowmobiles.

In addition, snowmobilers are reminded that both the driver and passenger must always wear a snowmobile helmet that meets the standards approved for motorcycle helmets, with the chinstrap securely fastened. Everyone who rides on a cutter, sled or similar device towed by a snowmobile must also wear a helmet.
 

Did You Know?
 

Riding a snowmobile is not permitted on 400-series highways and other high-speed expressways. Snowmobiles are also not allowed on the pavement of public roads where vehicles drive, on the ploughed portion of the shoulder or on public roads where prohibited by municipal law.

To ride legally, snowmobile operators must always carry:

• Valid driver's licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence)
• Proof of snowmobile ownership
• Sled registration (including properly placed registration numbers and validation sticker on sled)
• Proof of sled insurance (pink slip)
• 2016 Snowmobile Trail Permit (properly displayed on the sled with permit receipt available) while snowmobiling for recreation on an OFSC Prescribed Trail

The OFSC and OPP also advise snowmobilers to get properly trained. The OFSC offers two courses approved by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO): OFSC Driver Training is a 6-hour classroom style course for snowmobilers aged 12 years and older. The Right Way is an interactive version of Driver Training for adults.
 

The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program.
 

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement.
 

For more information, click on the following links: 

Snowmobile Safety in Ontario

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

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Hiking Poster joins our Educational Poster Series
In order to best explain our relationship between users and our organizations we have produced an "Ontario Trails and...(Use Group)" poster series. Each member group has a page on the OTC website where OTC explains what we do, and the member explains what they do, so that people can see how we work together.

In addition it is clear that the relationship between major use groups and the Ontario Trails Council is not well understood. We have circulated the poster template to member organizations in the interest of having them add their voice to a better public understanding of their work.



As the OTC continues to grow, and we work with the major use groups as they work to secure land for their activity, and as we work with land managers to promote and manage land access, the OTC wants everyone to understand we want resolution to local issues, with the regulatory and legislative changes that makes all our jobs easier, without losing sight of regulations and safety.

Know a user or trail group you'd like to have a poster for?

Ask them if they are a current OTC Member. If they are we'd be happy to produce a poster for everybody to use.


We are also working with Conservation Ontario, and have asked others such as Ontario Invasive Species, County Forest Managers and Ontario Parks to participate in this important public awareness campaign.

For more information contact: Patrick Connor, at 613-484-1140, execdir@ontariotrails.ca

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North! Marathon April 13, 14, 2016 A northern trails conference for northern communities

Come and Join Us in Marathon April 13, 14 2016!

Ontario Trails News - every other Tuesday why not join us for Trails Talk? from Ontario Trails!

Send us your trail event!

Trails Talk

Join us every other Tuesday at 1pm EST for a lively half hour discussion on trail issues of importance to the trails community.

We will be using our Google Hangout to facilitate our Trail Talks.

January 5th, 2016 - Kinghorn Trail Association - all about the development of this important northern trail with Kirsten Spence.

January 12th, 2016 - Land Acquisition - with Robert Orland and Kate Potter of Orland Conservation, on land acquisition issues, how to secure land for trails, or offer your land for trails from a landowner perspective.

January 19th, 2016 - Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations - with Thomas Allgoewer - a half hour discussion about how to facilitate your organization goals and objectives through fundraising efforts.

February 2nd, 2016 - Edge Auditor - the program that helps you know and log in all the facts about your trail, with Niall Lobely.

February 16th, 2016 - Explorer's Edge - all about the great trails in RTO 12 with James Murphy of Explorer's Edge.

March 1, 2016 - The Georgian Bay Coast Trail - who supports it, what is happening and all about our spring community meeting in Killarney. With Luke Wassesgijig and Kirsten Spence.

March 15, 2016 - Trans Canada Trail - with Jane Murphy and Al McPherson. You've heard about it, how is it progressing? How can you support it?

March 29, 2016 - Hiking, what is it? Who does it? What you need to know about community programs, and trail leadership programs - with Bill Mungall

April 12th, 2016 - Trail Building - are you interested? What is trail building all about? Who does it and the skills you need, with stories from trail builder Zane Davies.

Ontario Trails News - join us in Killarney May 11th, 2016 for Trailhead Georgian Bay!

Join us in Killarney May 11th to talk Georgian Bay Trails!

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead Ontario - Calabogie Peaks June 19, 20, 21, 2016

Trailhead Ontario 2016 – Renfrew

In June of 2016 trail enthusiasts and supporters are headed to Calabogie for two days of meetings and lively discussion about all types of trails.

Our hosts invite you to join us to hear stories from city, country, town and wilderness. We will be talking about the great adventures we share and how to get more folks to love the outdoors the way we do.

June 19, 20, 21, 2016.

The location is Calabogie Peaks Resort in Calabogie Ontario.

The event is currently supported by Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization and Renfrew County.

Event Registration

Sponsorship Opportunities  – why not show your support of trails, the youth that hike and bike, seniors that walk or folks of all ages that canoe, climb, ride or otherwise enjoy the outdoors!

Partners

All over Ontario ‘Trail Partners” make trails work!

No trail was ever built in isolation. Just like your favorite trail, the Trailhead Ontario 2016 – Renfrew –  is only possible because of the generous support of the groups on this page!

We also appreciate the support  of the individuals that register for the event too!

Click the picture to find out more about the partners –

Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization

Renfrew County

Trailhead Ontario Trail Education Sessions are an initiative of the Ontario Trails Council

Ontario Trails News - Trailhead North! Marathon April 13, 14, 2016 A northern trails conference for northern communities

View the website and the Program Today!