Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Ontario Trails News - news about Ontario Trails, Bruce Trail, trails activity and more about Ontario's 2600 trails!

PARTNER WITH US TODAY!





Motivate yourself to hike more than ever this October!

Registration for the TBTC annual Hike-a-thon opens August 1st. For more information and to register, visit brucetrail.org/hikeathon
All proceeds go directly to….
The Bruce Trail Conservancy’s 50th Anniversary Milestone Project
5,000 acres of Niagara Escarpment landscape containing the Bruce Trail secured, stewarded and made available to the public by 2017.


The first 50 participants receive a complementary “buff” (see photo to the right). Make sure you’re one of the first!   

The event: The Hike-a-thon is month long event taking place from October 1st to 31st. Participants set personal hiking goals and endeavor to surpass them while raising funds. Prizes are awarded for participants with the most kilometers hiked on the Bruce Trail (main and side trails) and most funds raised.




Toronto cycling group tours Kingston, praises local infrastructure

More than 200 cyclists from Toronto made the trip to Kingston this long weekend, touring the region on two wheels.
Members of the Toronto bicycling network choose a different city each year to spend their civic long weekend – and head out on various cycling routes.
This year the group chose Kingston and toured more than a dozen different courses throughout their time in the limestone city.
One of today’s trips included a ride to and from Cape Vincent – through Wolfe Island. Organizers say Kingston is one of the up and coming cycle-tourism hotspots.
Andrea Calver: “Kingston is a fantastic city to visit, especially in the summer. By being here we want to encourage Kingston to continue to improve its cycling infrastructure, because cycle-tourism is very big business. We’re not the only people who come here to cycle. This can be a really popular destination for cyclists because there is something for everybody.”
Rein Suurallik: “It’s so close to these wonderful restaurants, and the architecture is just wonderful. Again just very close to some absolutely cycling. Riding along the rivers and these lakes. We’re heading up to Desert Lake today and we’re really looking forward to it because it’s going to be a wild, twisty, windy, up and down sort of road. We’re going to warn our riders about that because they’re really going to be tuckered out at the end of it.

Toronto and Region Conservation to bring in truckloads of dirt to stabilize shoreline path below Scarborough’s Guild Park

Scarborough Mirror
By Mike Adler 
Work to stabilize a shoreline path below Scarborough’s Guild Park will be done over the next three weeks, says a local volunteer group.
In announcing the project, Friends of Guild Park and Gardens called metal reinforcement bars in rubble below the park “dangerous and unsightly.”
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, responsible for the Lake Ontario shoreline, will start placing about 30 truckloads of clean fill below the park, starting on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
“The TRCA is doing this work after the Guildwoood Village Community Association has raised concerns about the poor condition of this popular walking area along Lake Ontario,” the Friends group said on Facebook last week.
During construction, the conservation authority is blocking access to the area, including to a roadway down to the shore from Guildwood Parkway, weekdays between 7 a.m and 5 p.m.
The shoreline below the park may be popular, but the TRCA says it is not safe to walk on.
Its Scarborough Waterfront Project, which is still under study, proposes a plan for safe access to the shore through a series of new waterfront green spaces below the Bluffs connecting Bluffers Park with East Point Park at the mouth of Highland Creek.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise, published each week, circulated to trails leaders all over Ontario

Trailwise July 28 2016


News Release


Ontario Launches Challenge to Spend More Time in Nature

Time Spent in Natural Settings Has Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health

July 25, 2016 11:00 A.M.

The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits.
Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Challenge, the Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year's challenge begins in August. 
Spending time outside each day will help to form a beneficial new habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that interacting with nature is good for both physical and mental health, from reducing stress and strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and lowering blood pressure.
The 30x30 Nature Challenge doesn't have to take a lot of time and planning. Nature isn't that far away - there are provincial parks all across Ontario. But it's also right in your backyard. Green space can be as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. You can check out local trails and beaches, too - they may even lie along your daily route.
If you're looking for a change of scenery, the Ontario Parks locator tool makes it easy to find a provincial park nearby. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling and lots of outdoor programmes.
Here are just some of the ways you can get outside for the 30x30 Challenge this August:
  • Bring your family to the Learn to Fish event at Balsam Lake.
  • Perfect your howl at Algonquin's wolf howls.
  • Take a guided ghost walk at Bronte Creek.
  • Learn some kayak basics at Frontenac.
  • Become a citizen scientist by participating in the Summer Loon Count at Killarney.
  • Go stargazing at Halfway Lake's Star Party, hosted by the Sudbury Astronomy Club.
Finding more time for nature is easy and it can really pay off when it comes to your health!

Quick Facts

  • There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, perfect for fun and healthy activities.
  • Ontario Parks supports the link between a healthy environment and healthy society through Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the 30x30 Challenge.
  • The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement evolved from the international Health Parks, Healthy People Congress in 2010. Its goal is to maintain global momentum towards better understanding the links between nature and human health.
  • In 2015, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 9.8 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $80 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province.

Additional Resources

Quotes

Kathryn McGarry

“Spending time in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and stay healthy. But there are also many natural settings in your own neighbourhood. I encourage all Ontarians to get out to any natural setting and to take up the 30x30 Nature challenge.”

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Ontario Trails News - news about trail activity, development and preservation from all over Ontario!

Need Help? Send us your request!

Service Request

Membership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a member, here are some of the services you can access. Our service request form is at the bottom of this page.
Great Benefits!
Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI. 
Advocacy Information
Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.
Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail
OTC members can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.
Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ members across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your events at no charge.
Planning and Development
We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.
Trail Management Services
We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assit you!
"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings
We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Requred, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.
PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Publication
The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better than just stand alone!
Service Request Form - For member and Non-Members
In order to help you out best, please complete a service request form so we are better able to help you out! Pleasw note - Service Priority is given to members.
Service Request Form - pdf 
Service Request Form - Word Doc

Monday, July 25, 2016

Ontario Trails news - thanks for the mentions, take a survey, Toronto Bruce Trail, TrailheadToronto!


Everyday Ontario Trails assists trails in Ontario - Service Request Form


The Ontario Trails Council requests that folks start using it's Service Request form so that we can track the supports we provide to trail organizations in Ontario - a lot of which is unfunded.

Our work, leading to Bill 100, or an Ontario Trails Implementation Strategy benefits all trails, but not all support our work, so if you want our valuable assistance please complete this form going forward so we can track requests!

ontario trails service request
ontario trails service request

We believe in trails and would be happy to assist as per our mandate and mission, but a priority, given resource and time constraints will be given to members first.

 

 

Announcing Trailhead Toronto!
In Fall of 2016 trail enthusiasts and supporters are headed to Toronto for a day of meetings and lively discussion about all types of local and regional trails.
Are you a member of the OTC? Are you Toronto based, a trail group, a service provider, a developer of trails? Why not join us as a presenter on the very important date of November 24th.
trailhead toronto About the event
Why is that date important? Its the day before the Ontario Trails Coordinating Meeting that is the implementation framework the province has adopted to address trail issues in Ontario. Ontario Trails Council is co-chair of the process.

For the last 20 years risk, user behaviour and resultant liability has been the number one issue facing trail managers and operators. Through member support we have achieved significant reductions in liability exposure that the insurance industry is declaring as positive. 
trailhead toronto blog
After 12 years of work we got a trails act that reduces trail liability making easier for ALL trail organizations to secure trails due to reduced risk exposure. This act supports the management strategy and vice versa.

So why not attend or present @Trailhead Toronto? Showcase your project to government and the other 25 trail leaders that will be meeting the next day to decide directions of change.


News From Around the Membership

Thanks to Ontario Children's Charter for the Support
ontario children's charter supports ontario trails


Thanks Camper Christina!

camper christina and her blog
Thanks for the mention and showing off Ontario's Highlands!cottage country photos

Thanks for the mention - Frank Cowan and Co.
frank cowan and company


Thanks for the mention Stephanie Mayo!stephanie mayo travel blog

Thanks for the mention - John Kinsella!john kinsella outdoor art

Thanks for the mention - Toronto Bruce Trail!
toronto bruce trail club
Thanks again to Joanna Milczarek who does a great job finding and sharing all these great trail stories on behalf of the Ontario Trails Council!!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Ontario Trails News - subscribe to our newsletter Trailwise - join all the discussion about Ontario's trails and trails activity!

Ontario Trillium Funding Announces Capital Grant Stream - register by July 29th!


Dear Friends of OTF,

I'm happy to share that the honourable Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport has officially launched the Ontario150 Community Capital Program today as part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the province's place in Canada in 2017.

This new program is a one-time $25 million program of the Government of Ontario that is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and will award one-year grants that range from $5,000 to $500,000 to support local capital needs.

More precisely, this program will strengthen communities by repairing, renovating and retrofitting existing infrastructure to better address the diverse needs of Ontario communities while fostering economic growth.

The application deadline for the Ontario150 Community Capital Program isSeptember 14, 2016 at 5 p.m. ET.

Organizations that are already registered with OTF and verified as eligible to apply for OTF funding will automatically be eligible to apply for the Ontario150 Community Capital Program.

Organizations that would normally be eligible for OTF funding but are not registered yet can register with OTF now.

Beginning July 18, 2016, applications will be available through the registrants' portal in order to submit an application by the September 14, 2016 deadline.

Please visit www.otf.ca/Ontario150 to learn more about the program, read the application guide, access our calendar of outreach activities as well as the application form questions before the online application system goes live on July 18.

OTF is proud to have been chosen by the Government of Ontario to deliver this key program to mark a major milestone in the history and fabric of our province.

Sincerely,
 
Chers partenaires de la FTO,

Je suis heureuse d'annoncer que l'honorable Eleanor McMahon, ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et du Sport a officiellement lancé le programme Ontario 150 - Immobilisations communautaires aujourd'hui pour célébrer en 2017, le 150eanniversaire du statut de notre province au sein du Canada.

Le programme Ontario150 - Immobilisations communautaires est un nouveau programme de 25 millions de dollars ponctuel du gouvernement de l'Ontario qui est administré par la Fondation Trillium de l'Ontario (FTO) et qui va octroyer des subventions d'un an allant de 5 000 $ à 500 000 $ pour appuyer les besoins d'immobilisations locaux.

Plus précisément, ce programme renforcera les collectivités en réparant, rénovant et modernisant les infrastructures existantes afin de mieux répondre aux divers besoins des collectivités de l'Ontario, tout en favorisant la croissance économique.

La date limite de soumission d'une demande de subvention au programme Ontario150 - Immobilisations communautaires est le 14 septembre 2016, à 17 h HE.

Les organismes qui sont déjà inscrits à la FTO, et dont l'admissibilité à soumettre des demandes de subvention de la FTO a été vérifiée, sont automatiquement admissibles à soumettre une demande de subvention au programme Ontario150 - Immobilisations communautaires.

Les organismes qui sont normalement admissibles à recevoir du financement de la FTO mais qui ne sont pas encore inscrits peuvent s'inscrire à la FTO maintenant.

À compter du 18 juillet 2016, les formulaires de demandes de subvention seront disponibles aux organismes admissibles, directement dans leur portail, pour qu'ils puissent faire une de demande de subvention avant la date limite du14 septembre 2016.

Veuillez visiter http://www.otf.ca/fr/Ontario150 pour en apprendre davantage sur le programme, lire le guide des demandeurs, accéder à notre calendrier des séances d'information et aux questions des formulaires de demande avant que le système de demandes en ligne soit ouvert le 18 juillet.

La FTO est fière d'avoir Ã©té choisie par le gouvernement de l'Ontario pour administrer ce programme clé qui marque une page importante dans l'histoire de notre province.

Cordialement,
 

Andrea Cohen Barrack
CEO, Ontario Trillium Foundation
Chef de la direction, Fondation Trillium de l'Ontario 

 


Government Looking for Feedbackcommentary wanted on government environmental registry

OTC Member Benefits!
 

ontario trails logoMembership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a member, here are some of the benefits that are now yours -
Great Benefits!
Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI.
Advocacy Information
Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.
Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail
OTC members can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.
Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ members across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your contribution at no charge.
Planning and Development
We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.
Trail Management Services
We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assist you!
"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings
We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Required, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.
PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Marketing
The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better than just stand alone!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Ontario Trails News - we want your input - answer a trails survey today! Help Ontario Trails help you!


Trail Surveys

The OTC is interested in what you think! We have written many 

types of surveys and are pleased to provide links to them 

on this page. 

From such important topics as Trail Trade Specialist to Member 

Services we want you to help us help you!

Click the title below to be redirected to the survey of your choice.
Help Us Help You - website improvement
Upload Your Trail - add your trail to the website
Upload Your Event - add your trail event to the website
Trail Reform Now - legislative and insurance reform support
Trail Trades Specialist- tell us what you'd like to see in a trail trades course
Member Services - are you happy as an OTC member with the services you get?
Strategic Planning 1: - tell us what you'd like the OTC to do
Strategic Planning 2: Financial Sustainability - as a charity we can always use new ideas
to sustain ourselves
Strategic Planning 3: - Effectiveness - how effective are we?
Customer Satisfaction - as a member of the public what do you think of the OTC?
Blue-Green Trails - help us define this unique trail environment
Trailhead Ontario - give us your feedback if you did, or did not attend
Economic Impact of Recreational Trail (ON) - for the Eco Dev/Tourism, Trail Planning office
Insurance Issues - tell us about your ability to get coverage
Trails of 1812 - is your community celebrating our bi-centennial
On-Road Cycling Lane Petition - Norm Miller MPP - download the form here -
(no web link available)
Trail Priorities - September 2016

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Ontario Trails News - news about Ontario's Trails, information, membership or provide feedback about your Ontario Trail!

Answer a Survey

Canada Parks and Recreation Association working group releases RFP


cpra logo

Please find a link to a Request for Proposal for professional services in French and English to complete the next phase of edits and reviews for Parks for All - A Shared Vision for Canada’s Parks Community.  Proposals are due July 25, 2016 and it would be greatly appreciated if you could broadcast this request to potential bidders in your networks.  This undertaking is jointly sponsored by the Canadian Parks Council (CPC) and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), and is administratively supported by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (APRA).

As always, many thanks for your support and willingness to share this request broadly,

Murray Kopp (CPRA) and  Dawn Carr (CPC)
Parks for All Co-Chairs

Les membres de la Comité national consultatif :

Ci-inclus, trouvez un lien à la Demande to proposition pour les services professionnel en français et en anglais pour compléter la prochaine phase de modifications et révisions pour Des Parcs Pour Tous – Une vision commune pour le réseau des parcs du Canada.  Les propositions sont à remettre par le 25 juillet 2016 et ce serait tellement apprécié si vous pouviez diffuser cette demande aux offrants potentiels dans vos listes de distributions.  Cette Å“uvre est parrainée conjointement par le Conseil canadien des parcs (CCP) et l’Association canadien des parcs et loisirs (ACPL), et est soutenue administrativement par l’Association d’Alberta des loisirs et parcs (AALP).

Je vous remercie énormément de l’appui de partager cette demande de façon générale,
Murray Kopp (ACPL) et Dawn Carr (CCP)
Coprésidents de Des parcs pour tous

Murray Kopp
Chair – Parks Task Group
Canadian Parks & Recreation Association

Director - Parks Services
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna, BC  V1W 3Z4
250 469-6232 | www.regionaldistrict.com/parks
Sign-up to receive the Regional Parks e-Newsletter


Are you a Destination Marketing Organization?


Please take a couple of minutes and send us your contact information.

Ontario Trails are currently engaged with RTO's in seeking improved data for the Ontario Trails Council website, as well as crafting Trails Tourism Action Plans with each RTO and their partners.

Add your contact information here:

RTO1 DMO's
RTO2 DMO's
RTO3 DMO's
RTO4 DMO's
RTO5 DMO's
RTO6 DMO's
RTO7 DMO's
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RTO9 DMO's
RTO10 DMO's
RTO11 DMO's
RTO12 DMO's
RTO13 DMO's

Ontario 150 Offering Grants!
ontario 150 funding

Apply for funding

There are three funding programs you can apply for:
  • Community Celebration Program (application opens July 6 and closes September 2, 2016)
  • Partnership Program (application opens July 6 and closes September 30, 2016)
  • Community Capital Program (application opens July 18 and closes  September 14, 2016)

Ontario150 Community Celebration Program

This program will help to support initiatives that celebrate and commemorate Canada and Ontario’s 150th anniversary.

Ontario150 Partnership Program

This program supports collaborative projects that foster new partnerships and innovative ways to engage and empower youth.

Ontario150 Community Capital Program

This program helps municipalities, not-for-profit community organizations and Indigenous communities improve existing infrastructure through repairs, renovations or retrofitting.



G2G Funding Campaign AnnouncementPreview YouTube video G2G Rail Trail Crowdfunding Teaser
Thanks to your efforts, over $20,000 has been raised in 2016 from individual donations, and to celebrate we’re having a party            ðŸŽ‰ðŸŽ‰ðŸŽ‰We want you to share in G2G’s accomplishments so far and the exciting plans for the coming months! Hike or bike in – we’d love to hear your stories and see your photos! Come meet champions of the trail and get to know your trail neighbours. G2G and the Milverton Lions are hosting a summer BBQ and AGM on July 19th from 5PM – 8:30 PM. The Lions will be barbecuing from 5 PM – 7 PM and the AGM starts at 7 PM. Bring your questions, suggestions and ideas along with your appetite! Find the event right on the trail in the big white tent on CPR Drive at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home (who have graciously lent G2G the space for the evening – thanks guys!). If you’re interested in hosting a group hike in feel free to post on our Facebook page for everyone from your community to see.


Please consider signing this petition
yellow creek facebook page


Educational Courses - sign up for Fall - on-line learning

algonquin college on-line learing trails programs


Please consider supporting our work
We wish to thank all those organizations who have renewed their membership. Please renew today, our work is more important than ever! Help us help groups keep their trails open. 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