Ontario Trails News - save Eastern Ontario's Prescott Russell Trail, Rotary Eco-Trail, STATO Trail and more Ontario Trails activity information and news!

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Ontario Trails - We Keep Adding Trails!!
On a regular basis the trail community sends us more trails to add to our website! Add yours today.

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Sir John A. MacDonald Winter Trail

Photo Credit - Dave Adams pauses for a photo as he grooms the new Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail alongside the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

A new trail for skiers, snowshoers and more is opening along the Ottawa River today.

The Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail runs along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway from the Canadian War Museum to Westboro Beach.

The new Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail is running as a pilot project from the Canadian War Museum to Westboro Beach. (Westboro Beach Community Association)

It's a partnership between the Westboro Beach Community Association and the National Capital Commission, with help from Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper and Dave Adams of the Nakkertok Ski Club.

"Growing up, Gatineau Park was really the only real ski area to be had but if I could get this inner-city facility up and running, everybody gets a chance to get cross-country skis on or [use] some other mode of transportation," said Adams, the ski club's trails and facilities co-ordinator.

Separate tracks

Adams told In Town and Out host Giacomo Panico on Friday the trail has one track groomed for skiing and a second for snowshoers, snow bikers and walkers.

"[This means] accessibility to the river in the winter months," he said.

"This is a time where the river is not well-utilized, there's not a lot of people out there and I hope this winter trail gets people out there."

More>>>>>>>>>

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/the-sir-john-a-macdonald-winter-trail

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STATO Trail

Construction of the waterfront linear park expansion is recognized as part of the City of Temiskaming Shores' economic development goal of positioning the municipality as a retirement living community and tourist center.  The municipality views the STATO group as being a valuable catalyst to encourage "new tourism" dollars to our community.  The construction of the linear park expansion will not only provide leisure opportunities for the inhabitants and visitors to the community, it is also regarded as a determinant of public health.  

Health promoters recognize increased physical activity by all age groups as a factor of lowering incidences of chronic disease.  This park will become a destination for tourists looking for a healthy alternative to get-a-ways in the urban centres.

STATO has been and continues to be active lobbying local interest in the project and fundraising.  To date we have raised over $15,000 in membership only (new & renewal).  The cost of a membership of $10 per person.  The $10 membership is a great way for you (the community) to show your support towards our project. It is also a great way of fundraising. Furthermore, it is a big proof of community support when added on our funding application.  Community Support is a very important criteria.

STATO has also held many fundraising events, including an annual dinner/fashion show, annual amazing race, a walk-run-bike event, annual fishing derby, a sausage drive, a pond hockey tournament, a membership drive, annual chilly lunch, a chilly run, annual golf tournament, a human auction, a diva show, some walking and family biking events, and several other, raising over $372,000 locally thus far.  The momentum is building in the community for the development of the waterfront linear park, as part of STATO's active transportation plan. 

The benefits of constructing and maintaining the Temiskaming Shores Waterfront Linear Park Expansion will include, but are not limited to the following attributes.  The project will link many of the regional attractions that we have been building on in the past few years.  

For example, there will be a corridor of park land from the northern part of the Township of Dymond to the southern tip of Haileybury with a vision to link to Cobalt, along the shore of Lake Temiskaming along Dawson Point Road and into the Province of Quebec.  

Planning into the future could ultimately mean a natural waterfront expansion that circles Lake Temiskaming in its entirety.  Tourist attractions and retail businesses along the waterfront will be linked not only by highway/roadway but also by a walkway parkland area. the steps that have been taken by STATO to get where we are today.

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/stato
 

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Rotary Eco-Trail - O'Neill's Nature Preserve

This granular surface trail forms an 880 metre loop through the O’Neill Nature Preserve, a large standing woodlot on the outskirts of Chatham.

The trail was built as a result of collaboration between a number of local organizations and individuals, including the Rotary Club of Chatham, Carolinian Canada Coalition, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and nearby residents.

An interpretative trail with a difference, the Rotary Eco-Trail aims to educate users about the ecology of the region. Interpretative signs along the trail will provide tools to help users of all ages make a difference in the environment where they live, work, and play.

Directions: The trail can be accessed through Thornhill Park, at 114 Thornhill Crescent, and Midwood Oxley Park, at 223 Oxley Drive, in Chatham

Interested in learning more about this or other trails in Chatham-Kent? Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/trails or check out the CK Trails Facebook page.

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/rotary-eco-trail---oneills-nature-preserve

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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 people's health, to tourism and to the environment.

Watch a video about this trail

Ontario Trails News - St. Thomas Elevated Park, Healthy Hikes, Mississauga Parks and Forestry Trails and more Ontario Trails News!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

St. Thomas Elevated Park - an OTC Supported Park Project
The park is to be Canada’s first elevated park.

The management master plan outlines an achievable process to design, construct and manage the St. Thomas Elevated Park. Additionally, the plan defines the concepts and costs for the park to guide its creative design. It also considers visitor impacts, programming and the potential of the park to contribute to branding St. Thomas as the Railway City and as a tool for community and economic revitalization.

Passive uses are those that can be done on a solo basis such as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and also running, jogging and just quiet contemplation.



Active uses are those uses that involve groups using traditional venues such as sports fields and play structures as well as more extreme examples including zip lines and bungee jumping.

As an active trail segment in proximity to the Trans Canada Trail, the elevated park is an exciting attraction, with potential to generate significant visitor expenditures. Trail users can be expected to be overwhelmingly represented by hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers.



More information at https://www.facebook.com/StThomasElevatedPark

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Find Your Healthy Hike

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Folks talking about @ontrails - thanks Ontario peeps!
Thanks JB! 

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Thanks Mississauga Parks and Forestry!

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Thanks for informing us Ryan

Ontario Trails News - we keep adding trails, Talbot Land Trust, Ontario Nature, BORCA Trails and more Ontario Trails activity and information!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Ontario Trails - We Keep Adding Trails!!
On a regular basis the trail community sends us more trails to add to our website! Add yours today.

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Joany's Woods

The 367 acre property located in the Ausable River Valley (east side - just north of the bridge on County Rd #7) has a difficult 4.8 km and an easy 3.2 km trail loop through mixed Carolinian-Great Lakes Hardwood Swamp Forest, and a 2.2 km trail along the river -

The Thames Talbot Land Trust currently owns 14 properties and holds one conservation easement, protecting over 1000 acres. 

Some of our properties are closed conservation areas; others have trail systems and interpretive signage to welcome the public.

In general, passive recreation such as hiking is encouraged, while motorized vehicles, mountain biking, off-leash dogs, horseback riding, camping, and the removal of vegetation are not allowed.

Each property is under the active care of TTLT volunteers, who visit regularly to look out for invasive species, maintain signage and fences, remove litter, maintain any trails, and remove hazards.

Visit www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/joanys-woods

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Mesa Trail

The largest nature reserve in Ontario Nature’s reserve system, the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve encompasses 470 hectares of central Ontario woodland and wetland.

The reserve straddles the contact between the granitic rocks of the Canadian Shield and the limestone of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest. The Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve provides habitat for numerous species that depend on large tracts of contiguous natural cover.

Red-shouldered hawks are frequently seen and have been known to nest on the property. In the summer, the forest and forest edges reverberate with the songs of breeding birds such as the hermit thrush, veery, least flycatcher, ovenbird, and a wealth of other warblers: black-and-white, yellow-rumped, black-throated green, black-throated blue, and chestnut-sided warbler.

Golden-winged warblers, field sparrows and ruby-throated hummingbirds frequent more open habitats. Signs of deer, moose, beaver, and other mammals await the observant naturalist. Moccasin flower, showy lady's slipper, and northern beech fern are amongst the many interesting plants.

For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.ontarionature.org

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/mesa-trail

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River Corridor Trails
BORCA builds and maintains trails in Ontario's Whitewater Region through partnerships with Renfrew County, local businesses and private landowners.  Our network of double and single track trails are designed for cycling and other self-propelled recreational activities.

We ask horse and riders to stay on Green trails only.

River Corridor Trails exist along the Ottawa River.

Thanks to local land owners/rafting companies. County Forest Trails by BORCA exist through permission by Renfrew County. Many Thanks.

For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.borcatrails.com 

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/river-corridor-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 people's health, to tourism and to the environment.

Watch a video about this trail

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Hike Ontario Annual Summit

"Hike Ontario Summit 2016" (Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2016)

The Hike Ontario Summit is THE EVENT to celebrate trails and hiking across the province of Ontario. Held in Perth this year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that scenic and historic town, we will also be celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Rideau Trail, one of Ontario’s oldest and most scenic trails.

Come to Canada’s oldest golf course Links O’Tay for a Friday Hiker’s Pub.

Topics will explore: Lyme disease, Bill 100 and landowners, Hike Leadership, Young Hikers’ Program, Urban Poling, Mood Walks, Using Digital Media Technology, Starting an Emergency Fire, Historical Walks, Hiking Trail Associations: Successes and Challenges.

Dinner will celebrate the Rideau Trail, with its founder Doug Knapp presenting, Volunteer Awards will be presented. Breakfast on Sunday will be available as a chance to celebrate Ontario’s Trails and our successes.

Public Hikes will be offered on Sunday morning. Come and celebrate Ontario’s Trails with us!

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Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Cubs Annual Summit

We appreciate the ongoing support of OFSC, and welcome their recognition of our work in support of their trails on their website. Be sure to add a link to Ontario Trails on your site.Their summit was held September 15-17, 2016. For more information contact OFSC.

Ontario Trails News - take our RTC Survey, become an OTC Partner, Support the work of Ontario Trails, and more from Ontario Trails!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

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. 

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!

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

We also want to support your community work, recognize it and get supports for it. From members, local government and the province.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Need our Help? Send in a Support Form

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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

Ontario Trails News- add your trail, take a healthy hike or support the St. Thomas Elevated Park - an Ontario Trails supported project!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

St. Thomas Elevated Park - an OTC Supported Park Project
The park is to be Canada’s first elevated park.

The management master plan outlines an achievable process to design, construct and manage the St. Thomas Elevated Park. Additionally, the plan defines the concepts and costs for the park to guide its creative design. It also considers visitor impacts, programming and the potential of the park to contribute to branding St. Thomas as the Railway City and as a tool for community and economic revitalization.

Passive uses are those that can be done on a solo basis such as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and also running, jogging and just quiet contemplation.



Active uses are those uses that involve groups using traditional venues such as sports fields and play structures as well as more extreme examples including zip lines and bungee jumping.

As an active trail segment in proximity to the Trans Canada Trail, the elevated park is an exciting attraction, with potential to generate significant visitor expenditures. Trail users can be expected to be overwhelmingly represented by hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers.



More information at https://www.facebook.com/StThomasElevatedPark

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Find Your Healthy Hike

 

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Folks talking about @ontrails - thanks Ontario peeps!
Thanks Dorinda Murray! 
 

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Thanks Kevin Edward Proulx

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Glad we helped!

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Thanks Passport Puppy!

Ontario Trails News - we continue to add more Ontario Trails! Prescott-Russell Trail Petition, Rotary Eco-trail and more Ontario Trails information!

ADD YOUR TRAIL

Ontario Trails - We Keep Adding Trails!!
On a regular basis the trail community sends us more trails to add to our website! Add yours today.

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Forested Dunes Nature Trail

The hike from Outer Drive to Mud Creek and back is approximately 5 km and leads through the 139-acre Forested Dunes Nature Reserve, part of the 150,000-acre Port Franks Dunes & Wetlands Complex designated provincially as an Area of Natural & Scientific Interest (ANSI) and nationally as an Important Birding Area (IBA).

The old Mud Creek pedestrian bridge which provided access from Huron St. in Port Franks was removed in 2011 due to safety concerns.

Contact Ross Atkinson with the Lambton Shores trail Blazers for more information.


http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/forested-dunes-nature-reserve

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Ramsayville Trail

This equestrian-only trail is in the Greenbelt in east-end Ottawa. The trails are flat and wind through woods and beside fields, and along an old rail bed. There is one gully near the entrance to navigate.

Maps are available at www.cerec.ca or visit our FB page. No overnight camping on site. $10 day pass, available at trail head.

For more information, including maps, please visit our Web site at http://www.cerec.ca

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/ramsayville-trail

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Rotary Eco-Trail

This granular surface trail forms an 880 metre loop through the O’Neill Nature Preserve, a large standing woodlot on the outskirts of Chatham.

The trail was built as a result of collaboration between a number of local organizations and individuals, including the Rotary Club of Chatham, Carolinian Canada Coalition, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and nearby residents.

Directions: The trail can be accessed through Thornhill Park, at 114 Thornhill Crescent, and Midwood Oxley Park, at 223 Oxley Drive, in Chatham (see attached map).

Interested in learning more about this or other trails in Chatham-Kent? Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/trails or check out the CK Trails Facebook page.

http://www.chatham-kent.ca/CommunityParks/Trails/Pages/Trails.aspx

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/rotary-eco-trail-

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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 people's health, to tourism and to the environment.

Watch a video about this trail

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Ontario Trails Council Supports Trail DevelopmentThis week the Ontario Trails Council was pleased to support two capital grants on behalf of members. One was for Prince Edward County, the other for Central Lake Conservation Authority. In addition we are working on supporting the fundraising effort of the St. Thomas Elevated Park.

Prince Edward County Millennium Trail


The County is applied for a grant under the Ontario 150 Fund to improve the Millennium Trail.

This funding application is to improve the surface of the Trail, establish five staging areas with parking and signage and add signage along the Trail. 

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Central Lake Conservation Authority
The key project components of the Heber Down Conservation Area Public Use Renewal Project are the expansion of nature trails in Heber Down Conservation Area with an accessible trail loop and picnic facilities to connect and celebrate Ontario's natural history with the urban growth center and multiculturalism of the Town of Whitby.

Other components include a comfort station, information kiosk, Raptor Watch lookout, and landscape/restoration areas. The larger project also includes retrofitting a fishing pond, replacement of pedestrian bridges, trail rerouting to facilitate connections with new trails and infrastructure, and stream improvements.

Central Lake Conservation Authority - Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) was established in 1958. CLOCA's mandate is to establish and undertake programs to promote the conservation, restoration, development and management of  natural resources in partnership with local Municipalities and the Province. As the key project will take place on CLOCA owned conservation lands, CLOCA will lead the implementation of the project, and deal with the day to day components of project design and construction.