Friday, September 16, 2016

Ontario Trails News - sign the petition to save the Prescott Russell trail, trail infrastructure funding and more about Ontario Trails!

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Save the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail

SIGN OUR PETITION TO SAVE THE TRAIL! COUNCIL MEETS IN OCTOBER SIGN SOON!

Save the Prescott Russell Trail. Many people use and love this trail.

The trail is 72 kilometers long and it runs through 8 townships and many towns in eastern Ontario.

The Prescott-Russell Rail Trail is the only outdoor recreational facility of its type in the area.

The trail enables healthy hiking, active walking, dog walking, safe cycling off-road and winter snowmobiling.

Suddenly and without notice there is discussion of closing the trail. Many people love and rely on the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail.

This trail is beautiful and a main corridor of travel and recreation for many people

There have been no trespass complaints from landowners. Many local community members have fought for this trail and regularly work to maintain it.

The Ontario Trails Council asks you to sign this petition because we do not believe leaders fully understand the benefits of the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail to peoples health, to tourism and to the environment.

Watch a video about this trail

Ontario Supporting Critical Municipal and First Nation Infrastructure Projects
September 7, 2016

Projects Will Help Grow Local Economies and Create Jobs
Ontario and the federal government are investing over $88 million in 35 municipal and First Nation projects to build and repair critical infrastructure, help create jobs, and spur economic growth across the province through the Small Communities Fund.

Patricia A. Hadju, Federal Minister of Status of Women and Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines, were in Greenstone today to make the announcement. Greenstone will benefit from federal and provincial support for the second phase of the Geraldton water line rehabilitation. This project will improve the health and safety of area residents by providing clean drinking water.

Projects across Ontario include improving waste management and water treatment facilities, and repairing bridges and highways.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history - about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Investing in infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education.
The plan is making the largest investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTSOntario and the federal government are each providing over $44 million for the 35 projects, which have a total cost of more than $141 million. Recipient communities will be responsible for the remaining project costs.

Through the Small Communities Fund, Ontario and the federal government are each providing $272 million over 10 years to support infrastructure projects in communities with populations under 100,000.

In August 2015, the province launched its second SCF intake.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, local services boards, public sector bodies, Indigenous band councils, private sector for-profit organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Trillium Trust, Ontario Infrastructure, Prince Edward Trails, Millennium Trail and more Ontario trails news!

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News Release

Ontario Allocates $3.2 Billion for Infrastructure Projects

August 30, 2016

Sale of Hydro One Shares Will Be ReInvested in Infrastructure, Job Creation and Economic Growth

Ontario has dedicated $3.2 billion from the sale of Hydro One shares in 2015 to the Trillium Trust, a fund for infrastructure projects that will help create jobs and strengthen the economy.

This follows on the government's 2015 Budget and Fall Economic Statement commitment to dedicate all net revenue gains from the sale of Hydro One shares to the Trillium Trust, to build key vital, long-term infrastructure projects and transportation across Ontario.

Ontario previously credited $1.35 billion in net proceeds from the sale of the Province's shares in General Motors, bringing the total balance of the Trillium Trust to over $4.5 billion. Additional net revenue gains from unlocking value from Hydro One has allowed the government to increase dedicated funding to Moving Ontario Forward by $2.6 billion in the 2015 Budget, bringing the total to $31.5 billion over a 10-year period, and supported an increase in total infrastructure spending to an unprecedented $160 billion over a 12-year period.

Ontario is on track to generate approximately $9 billion in gross proceeds and other revenue benefits from broadening the ownership of Hydro One, while remaining the largest single shareholder. Taxpayers continue to benefit from dividends in the company, allowing the government to increase investments in infrastructure programs such as GO Transit Regional Express Rail and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund without further raising taxes, increasing debt or cutting public services.‎

By investing more than $160 billion over 12 years, Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history. These investments will support 110,000 jobs, on average, every year across the province, with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, Ontario has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Maximizing the value of provincial assets is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS

Regulations under the Trillium Trust Act, 2014 ensure that net revenue gains associated with the sale of designated assets are credited to the Trust to support Ontario’s key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and public transit. This ensures transparency on the net revenue gains that are being credited to the Trust.
In April 2016, Ontario raised an additional $1.97 billion in gross proceeds from a secondary offering of more than 83 million common shares in Hydro One. The government will dedicate the net proceeds of this transaction to critical investments in transit and infrastructure throughout Ontario through the Trillium Trust.
Ontario remains the largest single shareholder of Hydro One, allowing taxpayers to continue benefiting from dividends from ownership in the company.

Barn Quilt Trail in Prince Edward County -

By Bruce Bell, The County Weekly News/The Intelligencer

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 2:55:34 EDT PM

BRUCE BELL/the intelligencer Pat and Ron Dubyk are pictured with a barn quilt in front of the County home. The pair started the Prince Edward County Barn Quilt Trail in 2013 and along with a team of volunteers now have close to 150 installed throughout the municipality.

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - It’s quickly become the largest outdoor art gallery in the County. MORE>>>>>>>

Prince Edward Regional Trail Committee supports PEC County - see their FB pagePrince Edward RTC Meets to support a PEC Application to Ontario 150 -
The funding application is to improve the surface of the Trail that Rotary did not do, establish five staging areas with parking and signage and add signage along the Trail. In addition we have just completed a new Facebook site for the Millennium Trail.

Please join if you would like and also encourage others who are
interested. This site provides currently available information and can be
used to communicate with everyone on a continuing basis.
Information on public meetings will be added.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/637557313073620/

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Ontario Trails News - updates about Ontario Trails events, trail activities, trail grants and more Ontario Trail information!

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Kincardine Trails 7km Trail Event

Thanks Camper Christina!

Thanks Hiker Haynes!

Thanks Passport Puppy!

All groups need to share mixed trails - promote that message! Sarcasm doesn't build community.

Thanks Susan MacKinnon!

Thanks for promoting our account!

Mystery spot - thanks Maria!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Ontario Trails News - information about the people that make Ontario's trails great!

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Thanks Chelsea - along the river valley trail

Thanks Frank - at Waterford Bridge Trail

Thanks Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport!

Bill 100 - Proclamation

Complete Release >>>>>

Ontario Trails Council - Trails Management Certificate

How is Your Trails Committee Doing?
In the fall of 2015 the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee endorsed the Ontario Trails Implementation Strategy. On of the action plan items was to assess and better understand how the province and the OTC could support Regional Trail Committees.

Over the past 20 years communities have used RTC's to reduce conflict, find resources and advance trails

TAKE THE SURVEY!

With over 50 committees operating throughout Ontario, many started or supported by the efforts of the OTC, we want to know how you are doing. We believe that trail committees bring the best people together to manage trails!We also want to support your community work, recognize it and get supports for it. From members, local government and the province.

Partnerships always welcome at Ontario Trails!

Our Partnership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a partner, 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
Partners 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.

Province Investing $7.2 Million to Support Healthy and Active Communities

August 9, 2016

Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund Increasing Opportunities for Ontarians

Ontario is helping to increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, stay fit and lead healthier lives.
Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the province is investing $7.2 million in 2016-17 to support local, regional and provincial organizations that offer quality programs and services to keep Ontarians active in sport, recreation and physical activity.
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was in Tiny, Ontario today to announce that, as part of this fund, the province is providing more than $20,000 to Come Play with Us: Rev Up for Active Gaming in Tiny! This one-year project will encourage approximately 150 adults and seniors in the Township of Tiny and surrounding areas to learn about recreational activities and become more physically active.
This year, the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund is supporting 129 local, regional and provincial projects. These grants will help people across the province get involved in sport and recreation, improve their physical literacy, and strengthen their communities through coaching, youth development and volunteer development.
Investing in sport, recreation and active living in communities across the province is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS

Since 2013, the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund has supported over 360 projects across the province.
Now in its fourth year, the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund has invested more than $28.8 million since the program was launched.
In 2016–17, Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund projects are expected to reach over 220,000 people.
The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund supports Game ON – The OntarioGovernment’s Sport Plan, which aims to make opportunities available for all Ontarians to get involved in organized sport; the Healthy Kids Strategy, which is aimed at reducing childhood obesity; and the Stepping Up Framework, which aims to improve children's health and well-being.

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!

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 our partners first.

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

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Ontario Trails News - a round-up of Ontario Trail information from all over Ontario's trails and the people that make them!

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Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

OTC DEFENDS Prescott-Russell Trail!

A longtime 72-kilometre trail in Prescott-Russell may be in danger of closing

JOANNE LAUCIUS, OTTAWA CITIZEN
More from Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: August 30, 2016 | Last Updated: August 30, 2016 6:24 PM EDT

The 72-kilometre Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail at Vankleek Hill. DARREN BROWN / POSTMEDIA

While city officials in Ottawa think about ways to expand bike paths, those in the rural county of Prescott and Russell are pondering closing a 72-kilometre trail.

The Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail, which opened about a decade ago, runs on an unused Via railway line from St. Eugene in the east, through Vankleek Hill and Plantagenet, then skirts the Larose Forest and Alfred Bog before ending in the village of Hammond, close to Ottawa’s eastern boundary.

But the path, which is also used by snowmobilers, hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders, is under-utilized. There have been complaints that the long distances where the trail runs past agricultural fields are “flat and boring.” Others don’t likethat there’s no cellphone service in certain areas, said Guy Desjardins, mayor of Clarence-Rockland and chairman of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

Cyclists have also complained that the stone dust surface of most of the trail is only suitable for all-terrain bikes, and there are few amenities along the way.

Meanwhile, it is costing $400,000 a year to maintain the path, cut grass and repair features such as bridges, said Desjardins. To continue maintaining the entire trail would mean a one-per-cent tax increase for the county’s 85,000 residents spread over 2,000 square kilometres.

However, there’s the possibility of saving parts of the trail, such as the portion around the village of Bourget, said Desjardins. This part of the trail is paved and lighted, and there’s an old railway station under consideration for renovations.

Patrick Connor, the executive director of the Ontario Trails Council, said he was surprised to hear Prescott-Russell is considering closing the trail. The council is developing multi-use trails on unused railway lines all over Ontario, and closing a trail is rare.

“It’s a very significant trail in Eastern Ontario. It binds the communities together,” said Connor, who added that the council provided funding to refurbish parts of the Prescott-Russell trail only last year.

Connor said there are economic development possibilities and infrastructure funding sources available. “The Ontario Trails Council would be more than happy to sit down and look at ways to keep it open. Too much time, effort and investment has been put into it.”

Multi-use trails built on railway beds help to keep bicycle, snowmobile and other traffic off roadways, said Connor. One railway trail near Guelph is used by Mennonites for horse-and -buggy traffic, for example. In rural areas, trails are a more cost-effective way to improve physical fitness than building pools and arenas, he said.

“Trails are the No. 1 growing recreational infrastructure.”

The possibility of giving up on the trail came up recently during budget discussions, said Desjardins. The trail was created through a lease agreement with Via, which included an agreement to maintain areas around the railway line.

A final decision is to be made in budget sessions this fall.

jlaucius@postmedia.com

Ontario Proclaims the “Ontario Trail Act”
With over 2,500 trails, supporting 19 recreational activities, in 430 communities = 80,000 km in length, Ontario has one of the largest trails systems in North America.

Today the Ontario Trails Council was pleased to be informed by the Government of Ontario that the Ontario Trails Act has been proclaimed.

The Ontario Trails Act, changes other Acts of Legislation to reduce liability exposure for land owners, increase fines for trespass, as well as introduce other changes that will make it easier for groups to hold events, while providing better guidance on issues of risk exposure and liability.

“We attended a number of sessions to secure and promote better understanding of the Act as it moved through parliament, “says OTC President Jack De Wit. “we worked with all stakeholders; the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, we sat with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiles, the Bruce Trail, Hike Ontario, Conservation Ontario, Ontario Federation of Trail Riders as well as landowners and others to make an act to improve recreational trail in Ontario. We thank all for their input and both Minister McMahon and Minister Coteau's offices for their support.”

The Ontario Trails Council has over 240 members representing various trail stakeholders that are directly affected by this legislation. Economic Development, non-profit, community clubs, sport groups, tourism offices, health units, provincial and municipal parks, conservation authorities have all worked with the Ontario Trails Council to bring focus to government on trail issues.

“Ontario Trails Council regularly communicates about, negotiates, develops and implements trails throughout Ontario,” said Patrick Connor Ontario Trails Executive Director. “The Ontario Trails Act is a positive response to the member surveys, round table discussions and numerous phone calls and concerns people have expressed through OTC to make positive change for trails in Ontario. The “Ontario Trails Act” gives trails a place of importance.”

Going forward, Ontario Trails Council and its members will work with all groups to affect more positive change. We have written a Landowners Bill of Rights, we are working on Accessible Trails and a Provincial Trails Count for 2017.

For more information on Ontario’s trails visit the our website at www.ontariotrails.on.ca
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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Ontario Trails News - wrap up of important Ontario Trails events, updates and trail information

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Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

5 Great Hikes in Algoma

Make Kakabeka Falls a trails destination!

Why Thunder Bay Area? Here's why -

Credit Valley Conservation Youth Programs

Find Your Healthy Hike

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Ontario Trails News - thanks Susan, Lucia and Maria for sharing your trail stories!

Thanks Susan MacKinnon!

Thanks for promoting our account!

Mystery spot - thanks Maria!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Ontario Trails News - thanks to Hiker Haynes, Passport Puppy and all of Ontario's 500,000 trail users for sharing!

Find Your Healthy Hike

Kincardine Trails 7km Trail Event

Thanks Camper Christina!

Thanks Hiker Haynes!

Thanks Passport Puppy!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Thunder Bay a premier tourism destination, Kakabeka Falls, Algoma Trails and more!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

5 Great Hikes in Algoma

Make Kakabeka Falls a trails destination!

Why Thunder Bay Area? Here's why -

Credit Valley Conservation Youth Programs

Monday, August 22, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Ontario invests in Healthy Communities - our community includes trails!

Province Investing $7.2 Million to Support Healthy and Active Communities

August 9, 2016

Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund Increasing Opportunities for Ontarians

QUICK FACTS

Since 2013, the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund has supported over 360 projects across the province.
Now in its fourth year, the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund has invested more than $28.8 million since the program was launched.
In 2016–17, Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund projects are expected to reach over 220,000 people.
The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund supports Game ON – The OntarioGovernment’s Sport Plan, which aims to make opportunities available for all Ontarians to get involved in organized sport; the Healthy Kids Strategy, which is aimed at reducing childhood obesity; and the Stepping Up Framework, which aims to improve children's health and well-being.

Everyday Ontario Trails assists trails in Ontario - Service Request Form

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 our partners first.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Ontario Trails News - we welcome another new partner - A2A Trail! Join Ontario Trails - support our work!

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Please welcome our newest trail partner!
A2A TRAIL - FROM THE TORONTO STAR

NEWCOMB, N.Y.—The 640-kilometre trek of a radio-collared moose named Alice is the inspiration for a proposed hiking trail from Ontario’s forested Algonquin Park to the heart of New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

Planners of the A2A — Algonquin to Adirondack — Trail liken it to Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, with the added benefit of preserving an important wildlife migration corridor between two vast wilderness regions.

“This is one of last great migration routes. It’s an area where wildlife can regenerate itself,” said Emily Conger, chair of the trail committee for the A2A Collaborative, the Ontario-based non-profit conservation group behind the project.

Still in the planning stage with no definite route, the A2A will combine existing trails and roads following the general track taken by Alice, a moose radio-collared by New York wildlife workers in 1998 and released in a remote forest area in the central Adirondack town of Newcomb.

MORE.....

Partnerships always welcome at Ontario Trails!

Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ partners 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 sites!