Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - February 2, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Updates from Around Ontario Trails! Bike lanes and hiking trails in Halton Hills Greg Whalin / Flickr Independent Free Press By Graeme Frisque The Town of Halton Hills outlined its five-year vision for bike lane and hiking trail infrastructure improvements during its regular meeting of council earlier this month. At its Jan. 16 regular meeting, council received minutes from the Active Transportation Committee meeting held last September, which laid out the committee’s plans for trails and bike lane projects through 2021. The expansion of Halton Hills’ cycling and trail infrastructure is a long-standing and somewhat organic process encompassing several plans and departments. According to the town’s trail map, Halton Hills is already home to 22.5 kilometres of municipal hiking trails in addition to the Bruce and Guelph and Radial Line trails, which are part of much larger regional trail systems. Council has approved a significant investment in 2017 and beyond for improvements, maintenance and additions to its municipal system. Among trail projects approved for the upcoming year will be the fifth phase of the Halton Hills Village Home Inc. (HHVHI) 13 trail, which will extend the current trail system to Eighth Line. Council has earmarked $203,000 for that project. Councillor Jane Fogal, who sits as Active Transportation Committee Chair, said council has also approved some surface upgrades from wood chips to limestone screening in certain areas of need. Staff has also requested $36,000 in funding for the Danville/Wallace Trail to properly construct a link for the partially-formalized trail. Other trail projects planned over the next five years include trails from Maple Avenue to Guelph Street (2018), Eighth Line to Cedarvale (2019), the Noble Court Line (2020), and the Southeast Georgetown link to Hungry Hallow (2021). Visit haltonhills.ca/trails/pdf/trailBrochure.pdf for a full map of the existing trail system. According to Fogal, part of the town’s vision is to build a system which integrates the hiking trails and bike lane systems seamlessly throughout Georgetown and Acton. Part of that plan involves a cycling master plan, which the town adopted in 2010. “When you’re on a bike you go wherever it’s convenient to go,” said Fogal. “It’s optional, you’ve got choices … people can choose to be on those trails and that’s fantastic.” More>>>>>>> Visit haltonhills.ca/initiatives/cyclingMP.php to view the Cycling Master Plan in its entirety. Get Kids Walking - Brampton Step by step, schools push to get kids walking At Brampton’s Eagle Plains school, a “Walk Whatever the Weather” campaign aims to get as many kids as possible out of the car and onto the sidewalk. The sighting occurs at 8:15 on a weekday morning in front of Eagle Plains Public School in Brampton. The January air is chilly, the sky slate grey when suddenly it appears — an unusual type of traffic jam. Not the kind featuring plumes of exhaust and flashing signals, but another phenomenon, seldom seen on suburban streets before the morning bell rings. Could it be a pedestrian rush hour? People are walking, in twos and threes and big noisy groups. Wrapped in scarves, zipped into puffy jackets. Kids and parents, grandparents and babysitters, collecting friends along the way. Not only that, it’s apparently a daily occurrence at this elementary school of 600. More>>>>>>>>> Impacts of Trails? Please add the trail layer! People in Peel drive when they could walk, but don't blame car culture, planners say Region updating transportation plan in effort to get more people out of their cars By Kate McGillivray, CBC News Posted: Jan 29, 2017 5:00 AM ET Last Updated: Jan 30, 2017 9:35 AM ET A cyclist walks his bike in an area of Brampton with no bike lanes. The majority of people in the area still opt to drive rather than bike or walk for short trips. (Asha Hassan) Neighbourhood design is making you fat and sick Related Stories Solution for suburban gridlock is better transit Soul sucking traffic delays in Toronto and Montreal hurt your productivity, 'quality of life' External Links Long Range Transportation Plan Update in the Peel Region (Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external links.) People in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon are opting to use their cars on shorter trips that could be easily walked or cycled, according to numbers put out by Peel region. Only 17 per cent of trips under two kilometres, or about 25 minutes on foot, are actually walked. The number is even lower for potential trips by bicycle: 0 per cent take their bikes out for trips under seven kilometres. Solution for suburban gridlock is better transit More>>>>>>> OPP patrol snowmobile trails OPP Media Release GREENSTONE – The Greenstone Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to concerns from the community regarding local snowmobilers. Our trained motorized snow vehicle officers have been patrolling trails, enforcing laws, and promoting safety. The Ministry of Transportation report that every winter about 30 people are killed and another 1,126 are injured while snowmobiling in Ontario. The Greenstone OPP will continue patrolling the trails of Greenstone and want to remind riders to stay safe and obey the law. These tips will help make you ride safe and avoid charges: •Obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your ability. Reduce your speed when driving at night and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot at night. •Avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can't be avoided, check ice conditions beforehand. Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. Carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible. •Tell someone of your outing; including where you are going, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return. •Never travel alone… always with a friend. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry a fully charged cell phone if available. •Never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even prescription and some over-the-counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions. •If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles, including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. •Use appropriate hand signals when driving with others before stopping, slowing down or turning. Exercise caution on corners and hills, and always remain on the right-hand side of the trail. •Never ride on private property without permission of the landowner. •Snowmobile operators are obligated to carry documents with them when operating a motorized snow vehicle. •a valid driver's licence or motorized snow vehicle operator's licence, •evidence of the vehicle's registration •proof of insurance - the vehicle must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy under the Insurance Act To operate a motorized snow vehicle along a highway a person must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license. To operate motorized snow vehicle upon a trail, the person must have reached twelve years old and have a motorized snow vehicle operator's license. If you choose to operate your motorized snow vehicle on property without the owner's permission you could face charges under the Trespass to Property Act as well as Criminal Code charges if you cause damage to that property. For further information on safe snowmobiling and trails in Ontario please see the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at www.ofsc.on.ca Poll results: Should winter cycling be banned? “Perhaps you and your bike will provide improved traction for me at the intersection,” Grey Joseph Howler speculated Jan 26, 2017 3:56 PM by: Ryen Veldhuis Cyclists still find themselves out and about, despite the cold weather. Photo by Mike Trahan.With winter seemingly winding down, more cyclists are coming back to the streets to join the growing few who’ve braved the slippery season. However, in a poll BayToday.ca held to the public earlier this month, asking the community if winter cycling should be banned from city streets or not. This was in response to a winter cycling story published where comments became quite divisive over the controversial issue. According to the poll, which garnered 1502 votes from the community, 71.7 percent (1077) voted that slushy roads and snow banks make it too dangerous for both cyclists and motorists, while 24.83 percent (373) voted that cyclists have the same right as everyone else to travel the roads. More>>>>>>> Algonquin College Trail Education Program Trailhead Hastings! Federal Student Experience Grant FundingThe 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is now open. EXTENDED TO FEB 3, 2017! Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30. The application form as well as the applicant guide is currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre. For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 Pre-budget Consultation Extended to February 15th!   En Français If you have not yet sent in your submission for the 2017 Pre-Budget Consultations, it's not too late! The date has now been extended to February 15, 2017, we look forward to hearing from you. Written submissions can be sent to: The Honourable Charles Sousa Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat Frost Building North, 3rd floor 95 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 1Z1 Email: submissions@ontario.ca Fax: 416-325-0969 If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 1-866-989-9002. News from Around the Membership January 24 at 8:10pm · Muskoka · I spent a few hours exploring the Scout Valley Loop Trail in Orillia. it was absolutely stunning there! Have any of you been there in winter or another season? curious how it looks without the snow? Post a pic if you have one please! #camperchristina #snowshoe #snowshoeing #hike #hiking #snow #trail #hike #hikingtrail #scoutvalley #kustomkayakers #orillia Ultimate Survival Technologies Atlas Snow-Shoe Company KEEN Ontario Snowshoe Trails Ontario Trails Ontario Hiking Trails Ontario Travel Scout Valley Loop Trail – Gorgeous Snowshoeing I woke up Saturday morning around 6am with nothing planned for the day.  I was just going to relax, catch up on blog posts and maybe watch a few movies.  Unfortunately, my brain was not in agreemen… CAMPERCHRISTINA.COM Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks! Renew Today! City of Brockville City of Thunder BayTake an adventure through the backwoods on our amazing trail system. Our trails have something to offer everyone year-round. From hiking to snowmobiling to mountain biking and so much more there is nothing like immersing yourself in nature while having an exhilarating experience. Get out and explore! Cycling & Mountain Biking Hiking & Walking Horseback Riding "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province.  Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - January 26, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Updates from Around Ontario Trails! Nickel City's largest natural playground, Kivi Park open for fun Snowshoeing, hiking and dog walking all available  Kivi Park is now open for snowshoeing, hiking, walking, fatbiking and dog walking. Kivi Park is located at 4472 Long Lake Rd. It was born out of the demolition of the defunct Long Lake Public School when Sudburian Lily Fielding donated land to the city this past summer. At 300 acres, Kivi Park is the city's largest park — 23 times larger than Bell Park, in fact. The park provides public access to Crown land leading to three lakes – Crowley Lake, Linton Lake and Camp Lake – and provides a city connection to Killarney Provincial Park. Thanks to the work of more than 100 volunteers, as well as the talents and equipment of Pioneer Construction Ltd., the park marks a dramatic expansion to the existing sports facilities in Greater Sudbury. Explore LaCloche P.P Thanks JustaBitFurther! Watch our Twitter for Tons of Trail Information! Family Day Trail Events and More! Wye Marsh Snowshoe Ecotours - January 14th, 21st & 28th 2017 Experience areas of the Wye Marsh that are otherwise not open to the general visiting public! After a brief lesson on the art of snowshoeing, you will head out in search of the many mysteries that animal tracks & signs present while being followed by hungry chickadees that like to eat right out of your hand! Your Naturalist guide will teach you how to identify trees in the winter and interpret the symphony of bird songs overhead. You will then have an opportunity to warm up by the fire at Freshet's Creek while enjoying some roasted bannock & hot Cedar tea! Winter Pursuits for Kids! Saturdays Jan. 21-Feb.11 2017 Participants will be given opportunities to learn through exploring nature! Exclusively run outdoors, this program will focus on embracing all that winter has to offer! From snowshoe obstacle courses & bannock roasting to shelter building & animal tracking, participants will learn to embrace winter - after all, there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing! Annual General Meeting Jan 28th at 1pm Join the Wye Marsh for their Annual General Meeting at 1pm. Hear all about the successes of 2016 and learn about plans for the future. New this year we've got a special guest speaker to give you a History of the Wye Marsh presentation. Marsh by Moonlight Snowshoe Experience February 4th, 11th and 19th 6:30-8:30pm Join us for this new and exciting opportunity to experience nature at night! Hearst Winter Carnival from Ontario Travel Come enjoy the winter activities that characterize Hearst: A mega outdoor boot hockey tournament, ice sculpture, dog sleigh rides, outdoor curling challenge, snowmobile and car rally tube rides pulled by horse, biathlon-running and snowshoeing, line dancing and rock band tributes! EVENT DATES: Feb-17-2017 to Feb-19-2017 ADMISSION: Free Price Details: Prices vary according to each activity. Family Day - Northumberland Ontario Family Day is February 20, 2017 and is the 3rd Monday in February each year. Escape for the weekend to Northumberland and enjoy quality family time in the great outdoors: Festivities and Activities Outdoor Skating Ice Fishing Skiing, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Biking, Toboganning Snowmobiling Family-Friendly Accommodations                        Festivities and Activities Family Day celebrations take place in Cobourg centering around their outdoor skating rink just a block south of King Street and right beside the Millstone Bakery where you can warm up with a hot chocolate and nibbles.    The Keeler Centre in Colborne will have their annual skate on Family Day, too. Port Hope has lined up swimming, skating, crafts and gym challenges at two of their Parks and Recreation Centres. Algonquin College Trail Education Program - Trail Planning Module Begins ! Trailhead Hastings! Get Outside and Embrace Winter in Ontario January 19, 2017 Many Ontario Parks Offer Family Fun All Year RoundWinter has arrived, but that doesn't mean staying indoors until spring. Ontario's provincial parks continue to offer many activities this time of year, with more than 25 parks open all winter long. So bundle up, get outside and enjoy the crisp air and quiet forests. Here are five ways to take part in winter fun in Ontario's provincial parks: Learn something new Ever heard of winter camping? Try it! Frontenac offers winter camping workshops to teach you all the basics - from trip planning to equipment details and safety. Eat what you catch Try your hand at ice fishing at Sibbald Point, Windy Lake or Silent Lake Provincial Parks.  No equipment? Windy Lake has an ice fishing kit you can borrow. Just be sure you have a valid fishing licence and outdoors card, and ensure you follow the rules of ice fishing in Ontario's parks. Skate through the woods Glide through the woods at MacGregor Point and Arrowhead Provincial Parks where summer campground loops become skate trails. Visit MacGregor Point at night when the outdoor lights come on, making an evening skate truly magical. Stay active There are lots of ways to stay active this winter in Ontario's provincial parks. Grab a friend or the family and go for a hike through Presqu'ile Provincial Park.  Once the snow accumulates, many parks also offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or tobogganing. Book a cozy cabin Stay warm and toasty in a cabin at Quetico or Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, or enjoy a trailside yurt at Pinery or Algonquin Provincial Park. Reserve mid-week for the best availability! Remember, winter outdoor activities always depend on the weather, so check park conditions before you leave home and dress appropriately. QUICK FACTSMore than 450 kilometers of cross-country ski trails are offered this winter in 19 Ontario Parks. Ontario has more than 330 provincial parks, which cover more than 8 million hectares — an area larger than the entire province of New Brunswick. In 2016, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 10 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $82 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province. MTCS Community Recreation Grant FundingOntario is now accepting applications for the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund (OSRCF) 2017–18. OSRCF is a grant program that supports the government’s vision to enable people in communities across Ontario to lead healthy, active lives. The fund increases opportunities for participation in sport and recreation, supports implementation of physical literacy as a foundation for lifelong physical activity and strengthens the community sport and recreation sector. The deadline to apply for the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund 2017–18 is February 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Full details, including who’s eligible and how to apply, are available through Grants Ontario, the providers in your area. Federal Student Experience Grant FundingThe 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is now open. EXTENDED TO FEB 3, 2017! Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30. The application form as well as the applicant guide is currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre. For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 We encourage you to submit your 2017 application online. By doing so, you will benefit from a fast, easy-to-use, and secure way of applying as you will: have access to the Canada Summer Jobs application 24/7, from any location, allowing you to complete it at your convenience; ensure your application is received immediately by Service Canada; receive an instant acknowledgement confirming that your application has been received; and, avoid postal delays.  There are two systems available to enable you to apply online: Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS): If you already have a GCOS account, please use this online platform to submit an online application; or CSJ online application form. For more information: Click: www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs Call: 1-800-935-5555 (ATS: 1-800-926-9105) Visit: a Service Canada Centre CSJ presentation: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 Use the OFSC Trail Guide this season! Use the trail guide for the best accuracy in open and closed trails this season. Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Trails Tourism Integration Underway Based on your feedback we are making improvments, areas include such things as: having an event map self directed trail or event edits mapping and maps guided services listings improved weather reporting improved trip planning with printout adding trails for folks with pets to cater to the traveler with pets add trekking and other unique experiences re-brand off-road cycling as mountain biking, add fat-biking as a specialty space for local content improved site search functionality more links across RTO's improved forms with additional categories more support route content like Wine or Arts Routes event to trail linkages on trail content pages cms capability to red flag broken links more! trails! We appreciate the feedback from all the marketing and branding staffs we have worked with and all the suggestions for improvement. Thank- you Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks! Renew Today! "The OTC provides us with the ability to communicate and collaborate with industry stakeholders, professionals and advocates. It also provides us with the tools to develop our own capacities, skills and networks. As well, it is important to back to the OTC and trail communities in our province.  Being an OTC member allows us to benefit from the knowledge of other members through education and professional development opportunities such as the Trailhead Ontario conference, and through professional networking. The OTC is the influential body that will help guide and shape the political, professional and physical landscape of trails in Ontario. Joining the OTC provides an opportunity to be part of this process: to both contribute and gain knowledge in a community of passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations."  - Damian Bradley, Cycling advocate and Developer Guelph Regional Trails Council Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0

Ontario Trail News - Trailwise - January 19, 2017

• Trail Management • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive    • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates

Ontario Trails Adds More Trails! The Ontario Trails Council is pleased to be continually updating its website with more trails, this week we are adding  Thanks to all the great folks that continue to add trails to our inventory for everybody to access! Thames Grove Conservation Area TrailThames Grove offers a leisurely 1km walk along the river. With plenty of shade, picnic tables and a shelter this trail offers plenty for a relaxing afternoon. Click here to download the Chatham-Kent Trail Map, featuring maps of  44 unique trails located across Chatham-Kent. Pick up a paper copy at your nearest library or municipal centre. Pick up a paper copy at your nearest library or municipal centre. Click on the map below to view an interactive map of some of Chatham-Kent's most popular trails. http://www.chatham-kent.ca/CommunityParks/Trails/Pages/Trails.aspx Additional trail information MacGregor Point Skate Trail Photo credit - Friends of MacGregor Park Our best-kept winter secret: the MacGregor Point ice trail If you haven’t explored a snow-covered MacGregor Point Provincial Park, you don’t know what you’re missing! Good roads and a scenic drive gets you to the park, nestled against the shores of Lake Huron in Port Elgin. The ice skating trail is the premier winter attraction (and best-kept secret!), but MacGregor Point also offers skiing, snowshoeing, camping and other winter fun! From Ontario Parks - http://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/macgregor-point-ice-trail/ https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/macgregorpoint https://www.facebook.com/pg/friendsofmacgregorpointpark/photos/?ref=page_internal Family Day Trail Events and More! Go Snowmobiling That’s right, winter’s finally earned it’s due and just when snow conditions in Ontario are at their best. February 18th to 20th is Ontario’s Family Day Long Weekend, with the Monday being the statutory holiday that makes it looooong. Time to make plans to get outdoors and enjoy a real Ontario winter! Photo credit - http://www.northernontario.travel/snowmobiling/go-snowmobiling-on-family-day Winterfest at Sandbanks P.P. Family Day WinterFest South Huron Volunteers from the Friends of the South Huron Trail community group have hosted free family snowshoeing as part of Family Day WinterFest South Huron each year on the Family Day Holiday Monday. For more information and the most current schedule visit www.familydaywinterfest.ca  The popular Lions Club Family Day Breakfast was first held in 2010 and the breakfast attracts hundreds of people every year. Family Day WinterFest South Huron started in 2011 as other community groups added other events in addition to the breakfast and the Friends of the South Huron Trail snowshoe event. Family Day WinterFest South Huron is a cooperative effort of many community groups, businesses, sponsors, places of worship, and volunteers. Family Day WinterFest 2017 Family Day WinterFest South Huron Organizing Committee Family Day WinterFest South Huron schedule posted online http://www.familydaywinterfest.ca/family_day_winterfest_schedule.html Algonquin College Trail Education Program - Trail Planning Module Begins ! Trailhead Hastings! Join us at Trailhead Hastings to ask and get answers to questions such as: What’s the capitalization on value of Hastings Trails? Is Hastings generating its portion of the trails economy relative to the rest of the province? Are we keeping pace with other places? Are we ahead or behind?, are we generating our fair share of investment? Where is the trail travel dollar going? – Belleville, Centre Hastings, North Hastings, Bancroft -or out of the county? How are we, and who is, measuring and supporting this economy? Ontario Trails Council leads the way in Ontario and Nationally in making communities work though trails. We’ve led the way in communities learning and understanding the benefit of building complete trail systems. In Ontario there are roughly 108 projects each year, worth $21M of capital investment, improvement and trail revitalization. What amount of this economy happens in Hastings? Get Outside and Embrace Winter in Ontario January 19, 2017 Many Ontario Parks Offer Family Fun All Year RoundWinter has arrived, but that doesn't mean staying indoors until spring. Ontario's provincial parks continue to offer many activities this time of year, with more than 25 parks open all winter long. So bundle up, get outside and enjoy the crisp air and quiet forests. Here are five ways to take part in winter fun in Ontario's provincial parks: Learn something new Ever heard of winter camping? Try it! Frontenac offers winter camping workshops to teach you all the basics - from trip planning to equipment details and safety. Eat what you catch Try your hand at ice fishing at Sibbald Point, Windy Lake or Silent Lake Provincial Parks.  No equipment? Windy Lake has an ice fishing kit you can borrow. Just be sure you have a valid fishing licence and outdoors card, and ensure you follow the rules of ice fishing in Ontario's parks. Skate through the woods Glide through the woods at MacGregor Point and Arrowhead Provincial Parks where summer campground loops become skate trails. Visit MacGregor Point at night when the outdoor lights come on, making an evening skate truly magical. Stay active There are lots of ways to stay active this winter in Ontario's provincial parks. Grab a friend or the family and go for a hike through Presqu'ile Provincial Park.  Once the snow accumulates, many parks also offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or tobogganing. Book a cozy cabin Stay warm and toasty in a cabin at Quetico or Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, or enjoy a trailside yurt at Pinery or Algonquin Provincial Park. Reserve mid-week for the best availability! Remember, winter outdoor activities always depend on the weather, so check park conditions before you leave home and dress appropriately. QUICK FACTSMore than 450 kilometers of cross-country ski trails are offered this winter in 19 Ontario Parks. Ontario has more than 330 provincial parks, which cover more than 8 million hectares — an area larger than the entire province of New Brunswick. In 2016, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 10 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $82 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province. MTCS Community Recreation Grant FundingOntario is now accepting applications for the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund (OSRCF) 2017–18. OSRCF is a grant program that supports the government’s vision to enable people in communities across Ontario to lead healthy, active lives. The fund increases opportunities for participation in sport and recreation, supports implementation of physical literacy as a foundation for lifelong physical activity and strengthens the community sport and recreation sector. The deadline to apply for the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund 2017–18 is February 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Full details, including who’s eligible and how to apply, are available through Grants Ontario, the providers in your area. Federal Student Experience Grant FundingThe 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is now open. Apply before January 20, 2017! Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30. The application form as well as the applicant guide is currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre. For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 We encourage you to submit your 2017 application online. By doing so, you will benefit from a fast, easy-to-use, and secure way of applying as you will: have access to the Canada Summer Jobs application 24/7, from any location, allowing you to complete it at your convenience; ensure your application is received immediately by Service Canada; receive an instant acknowledgement confirming that your application has been received; and, avoid postal delays.  There are two systems available to enable you to apply online: Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS): If you already have a GCOS account, please use this online platform to submit an online application; or CSJ online application form. For more information: Click: www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs Call: 1-800-935-5555 (ATS: 1-800-926-9105) Visit: a Service Canada Centre CSJ presentation: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8 Use the OFSC Trail Guide this season! Use the trail guide for the best accuracy in open and closed trails this season. Trailhead Canada - Save the date! Trails Tourism Integration Underway Based on your feedback we are making improvments, areas include such things as: having an event map self directed trail or event edits mapping and maps guided services listings improved weather reporting improved trip planning with printout adding trails for folks with pets to cater to the traveler with pets add trekking and other unique experiences re-brand off-road cycling as mountain biking, add fat-biking as a specialty space for local content improved site search functionality more links across RTO's improved forms with additional categories more support route content like Wine or Arts Routes event to trail linkages on trail content pages cms capability to red flag broken links more! trails! We appreciate the feedback from all the marketing and branding staffs we have worked with and all the suggestions for improvement. Thank- you Thunder Bay, local mountain biking club, plan for Trowbridge Falls trail development Existing trails used by mountain bikers in a large green space in the north end of Thunder Bay, Ont. could see some significant upgrades in the coming years, as city officials say a plan will be developed to guide the process. The city and the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club have secured provincial funding for consultants to produce a plan to develop trails around the Shuniah Mines area in Trowbridge Falls park. "That would be looking at the existing trails, what's there, and developing that as part of a greater system in our park," said Werner Schwar, Thunder Bay's supervisor of parks and open spaces planning. Werner Schwar is Thunder Bay's supervisor of parks and open spaces planning. (Matt Prokopchuk / CBC) "With the ultimate goal of making it a destination for both tourism and [so] the locals have a great place to ride." Bringing trails up to modern standards The trails have been created and maintained by volunteers over a good number of years, Schwar said, but the plan would be designed to bring the trails up to modern, internationally recognized standards. It would also designate specific routes as suitable for beginner, intermediate and expert riders, in much the same way ski areas do. More>>>>>>> Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the following organizations that have already completed their membership for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your continued support. Many thanks! Renew Today! Orillia Parks and TrailsThe City of Orillia Parks and Recreation Department maintains more than 29 kilometres of trails that complement our growing system of parks and open space. These trails are used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and others who enjoy a cost-effective way of keeping physically active while enjoying the great outdoors. Winter Trail Users For the enjoyment of walkers and joggers, the entire trail from J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park to Wilson's Point Road will be plowed on a regular basis this winter. The boardwalk will be lit at night as well. Other Information Walk or jog the loop by the lake for some fresh air and exercise. Wander through the park this winter and choose your favourite bench to rest while you dream of summer! Linear Trails Looped Trails Trail Etiquette Map of Orillia Trails Voyageur Trails Association The Voyageur Trail Association (VTA) vision is to work with volunteers and partner organizations to build a continuous wilderness-style hiking trail from Sudbury through Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, a distance of some 1,100 km paralleling the rugged Northern Ontario shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior.Check out our current newsletter. Discovery Routes Trails Association Discovery Routes Trails Organization was established in 1992.  As a not-for-profit organization as well as a registered charity, Discovery Routes’ main responsibilities are to create, maintain, and promote multi-seasonal trails in northeastern Ontario. Cross-Country Ski Trails All trailhead coordinates are listed metrically, and projected as UTM NAD’83 Zone 17. Detailed trail information is available in the Trail Guide to Healthy Living.  To purchase a copy, visit our office or click here. Groomed Trails Almaguin Community Trails Length: 8 km / 4.97 mi   Location: Almaguin Almaguin Secondary School, South River Education Centre Trails Length: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi   Location: Nipissing University/Canadore College in North Bay Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge Trails Length: 12 km / 7.5 mi   Location: Mattawa North Bay Nordic Ski Club Length: 50 km / 31 mi   Location: North Bay Sturgeon Falls Rod & Gun Club Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Trails Location: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi   Location: Sturgeon Falls Wasi Cross-Country Ski Trails Length: 46 km / 28.6 mi   Location: Wasi Cross-Country Ski Club in East Ferris More>>>>>> Membership Benefits INFORMATION AND FUNDING OTC Trails and Event page representation Representation on OTC trails maps Social Media represents you to 60,000+ people Fund Development through grant writing, grant support ACCESS AND INFLUENCE Connectivity to the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport Leadership at the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee Office services and networking support BEST PRACTICES Partnership Support and Knowledge exchange Access to Professional Development sessions Tourism Practices, Trails Tort Reform, Trail Workshops TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Access to Trail Insurance Broker Option on registration in Trillium Trail Network Local, regional or provincial User conflict resolution 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - PDF     2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM - WORD DOC CATEGORIES Become a "Friend of Trails" Savings on conference/seminar registration Monthly e-bulletins Access to OTC trails database Great gift price! Savings on trail literature/maps $26.52 + $3.45 = $29.97 (includes 13% HST) Benefits to Student Editions of the OTC newsletter Trailwise Access to OTC trails information Conference and selected literature savings * must provide student verification $21.21 + $2.75 = $23.96 (includes 13% HST) Our members include municipalities, conservation authorities, parks, trail management groups, trail clubs, trail user groups, health units and other trail-related supporting organizations. Base HST Total Small Non-profit, Small Organizations $109.27 $14.20 $123.47 Conservation Authorities, Medium Municipalities, Counties, Regional Tourism Organizations $273.18 $35.51 $308.69 Municipalities, Provincial Level Organizations >5000 users $819.54 $106.54 $926.0