Tuesday, August 23, 2016

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

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Ontario Trails News - from all over Ontario!

5 Great Hikes in Algoma 5 great hikes in algoma country

Make Kakabeka Falls a trails destination!visit kakebeka falls

Why Thunder Bay Area? Here's why - thiunder bay profiled in explore mag

Credit Valley Conservation Youth Programscredit valey 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

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.
ontario trails member benefits

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 our partners first.

Friday, August 19, 2016

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

ADD YOUR EVENT!

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

A2A TRAIL

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!

ontario trails logoOur 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.

ontario trails partnership benefits
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.

ontario trails partnership benefits flyer
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!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Ontario Trails News - sometimes we require more than money to make great trails. Please donate today!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Donations Wish List

At the Ontario Trails Council we require support in forms other than money.
Currently we require:
Computer upgrades - 2 iMacs 2014 or later, 2 Mcbooks 2014 or later
Handheld devices for Trail Audits - 8 -  IOS
240 sign posts
240 3X4 unpainted aluminum signs
4 EZ up tents
4 Portable tables
8 Portable juice jugs
2 Pick up trucks
1 Trailer

Friday, August 12, 2016

Ontario Trail News - tell us about your Regional Trail Committee, New Partnerships Welcomed and more about Ontario's Trails!

ADD YOUR EVENT

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 trailsregional trail committees survey

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.

SHARE THE SURVEY!Please send the link to a committee, or a group that works on trails. If they don't have a process to manage trails we'll help get them started.

If you are a group that doesn't have a committee, or has one that could function better give the OTC a call. 613-484-1140

Partnerships always welcome at Ontario Trails!
ontario trails logoOur 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.

ontario trails partnership benefits
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.

ontario trails partnership benefits flyer
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!

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Ontario Trails News - watch for coyotes on trails,seek out new trails in Temiskaming, and indigenous trail markers and more from Ontario Trails!

Add Your Event

Trail markers have been installed across the province to help improve recognition of the history and culture of indigenous people.
BRANTFORDEXPOSITOR.CA|BY NURUN.COM

Enjoy the 180 degree vista of Lake Temiskaming from atop a towering cliff, on this spectacular hike in northern Ontario 
An easy 2 km from Highway 567 or a very scenic 3 km climb from Bucke Park.
...See More

There have been two cases of a coyote acting aggressively towards people and dogs walking along the Niska Trail in Guelph, humane society officials say.
CBC.CA

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Ontario Trails News - MNRF urges you to spend more time in Nature, we urge you to use an Ontario Trail.

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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.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Ontario Trails News - at Ontario Trails we require more than just money to make trails. Help us help Ontario today!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Donations Wish List

At the Ontario Trails Council we require support in forms other than money.
Currently we require:
Computer upgrades - 2 iMacs 2014 or later, 2 Mcbooks 2014 or later
Handheld devices for Trail Audits - 8 -  IOS
240 sign posts
240 3X4 unpainted aluminum signs
4 EZ up tents
4 Portable tables
8 Portable juice jugs
2 Pick up trucks
1 Trailer

Monday, August 8, 2016

Ontario Trails News - send us your feedback on your Trails, as we work with you on your Trails Tourism Action Plan!

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
RTO8 DMO's
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.
 


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