Showing posts with label #ontariotrailsact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #ontariotrailsact. Show all posts

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!

ADD YOUR TRAIL
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.

ontario trails press release trails act proclamation

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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Monday, July 18, 2016

Ontario Trails News - news about Ontario's Trails, funding, use, development and activities on Ontario's trails

Submit Your Trail

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


Dear Friends of OTF,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
 
Chers partenaires de la FTO,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cordialement,
 

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

 


Government Looking for Feedbackcommentary wanted on government environmental registry

OTC Member Benefits!
 

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

ontario trails member benefits

Monday, April 11, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Bill 100 moving ahead with landowners, only easements are easements, easements don't trump other access ways.


Ottawa Valley Business News Talks Trails

ottawa valley business news
ottawa valley business news

From the Manitoulin Expositor - April 5

ONTARIO—Patrick Connor, executive director of the Ontario Trails Council, is sick and tired of the fear mongering tactics of the Ontario Landowners’ Association (OLA) when it comes to Bill 100, the Supporting Ontario Trails Act, 2015 and the havoc it’s wreaking on trails of all kinds across the province.
Mr. Connor said that despite Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Coteau releasing statements to try and quell the fears of landowners on what this bill actually means (including to this newspaper) and even OLA founder Randy Hillier coming forward to state that Bill 100 is not what it’s being made out to be, “the OLA is not listening to what anyone in a position of authority is saying.”
“While there might be some concerns, people just don’t understand the legal wording,” he added. Mr. Connor pointed to last week’s article in The Expositor (‘Bill 100 interpretation sees closure of two main snowmobile trails ahead of next season,’ Page 1) as a case in point. In the story, it states that one Sandfield landowner has pulled his land from the Manitoulin Snowdusters snowmobile trial system due to wording in Bill 100 over ‘special trails.’ “They are not special trails, they are trails of distinction,” Mr. Connor explained. “They are special, but not in the fact that the minister is going to take someone’s property away from them.” He explained that trails of distinction are ones of some note, such as the Georgian Bay Coastal Trail.
Mr. Connor called the OLA’s tactics in spreading falsities with the bill “irresponsible.”
“Who does this benefit?” he asked of the shutting down of trails. “Small businesses will surely suffer. The closure of a snowmobile trail does a lot of damage to a local economy.”
“There is no reason to close a trail because of this Act,” the executive director continued.
Like the Manitoulin Snowdusters have said previously, the Ontario Trails Council also plans to work with landowners over the summer to try and reverse the damage that has been done by the OLA.
“Forty years of good relations or more is being lost because of fear mongering,” he added. “We have always worked hard to work with the landowners.”
“We hope that by the fall we might have some of this cleared up, Mr. Connor said. “What might be a ‘no’ today might not be a ‘no’ tomorrow.”

Monday, April 4, 2016

Ontario Trails News - easements are contracted documents, all other agreements aren't easements, and they are valid for trails, and only the landowner can decide of they want one.

Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on Bill 100 - send our letter to your MPP
  • The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
  • Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
  • We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
  • We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
  • Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario June 19-21, 2016
  • The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
  • The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100
  • For a copy of the OTC letter go to: 
    23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf
    For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to: 
    23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word
  • Next public meeting on lands April 9, 2016 - Orillia
  • OTC Meets Minister Coteau April 13, 2016
ontario trails and landowners poster

MTCS Talks Trails - Thanks!Ontario is home to some of the most historic and longest trails in Canada which provide affordable, accessible venues for many activities. Each year, millions of Ontarians and visitors from outside the province, expe-
rience Ontario’s urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails.

minister coteau newsletterIn May 2015 , Minister Coteau introduced the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act in the legislature. If passed, this
legislation would help the trails community more effectively develop, operate and promote trails while en-
hancing the experience for all trail users.

The proposed act would strengthen Ontario’s trails system by enabling the government to:
 better manage trail activity and protect public land and property by modernizing stewardship, compliance and enforcement tools
 clarify land owner responsibilities for trails running  through their land
 strengthen the consequences of trespassing on private and agricultural land
 increase the amount that landowners could recover for damages caused by trespassers
 set out a mechanism for voluntary trail easements
 establish a voluntary trails classification system to provide trail users with the consistent information
they need to select the most appropriate trail
 recognize Ontario trails of distinction to increase trail awareness and local tourism.

On February 18, 2015, the act was tabled for second reading and will continue through the legislative process in the coming months.

Research
Trails encourage explorers of all ages and abilities to visit our unique communities and support local econo-
mies. Did you know that in 2014, hiking was a source of close to $1.4 billion in economic benefit to our prov-
ince, also add in $259 million in total provincial taxes? This was all because of significant spending by Ontario
hikers.

More>>>>>

Friday, April 1, 2016

Ontario Trails News - new trails for Kingston, Niagara Falls engages public and more trails developments with landowners!

Niagara Falls Discusses Millennium Trail - April 13, 2016
Millennium Recreational Trail - Future Section Development
INFORMATION SESSION AND PUBLIC MEETING
 
niagara falls canadaNiagara Falls, ON, March 29, 2016 – The City of Niagara Falls invites residents to an Information Session and Public Meeting on Wednesday, April 13th regarding the future development of the Millennium Recreational Trail. The evening will provide an opportunity for the community to see the proposed remaining sections of the recreational trail, ask questions, and to provide comments.  The Millennium Recreational Trail utilizes the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) hydro canal corridor which runs roughly North to South through the City. The first section of the trail was completed in 2001 with subsequent sections completed in 2011 and 2015. Two sections remain in order to connect the City from North (Whirlpool Road) to South (McLeod Road).
 
Residents who are unable to attend the information session and wish to provide feedback may complete the Millennium Recreational Trail Survey that is available on the City’s websitewww.niagarafalls.ca/trails.
 
NOTICE OF INFORMATION SESSION AND PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday, April 13th, 2016 6:30 to 9:00 pm (6:30 pm Open House, 7:00 pm Formal Presentation)
Gale Centre, Memorial Room 5152 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 0A2

For more information, contact: Jeff Guarasci Community Development Coordinator, City of Niagara Falls, Recreation & Culture MacBain Community Centre 1-7150 Montrose Road Niagara Falls, ON  L2H 3N3
P: 905-356-7521 ext.3341 W: www.niagarafalls.ca


Kingston Announces Investments in Cycling Infrastructure
kingston announces cycling infrastructure

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Ontario Trails News - landowners may have issues, but the fears being spread about Bill passage impacts unfounded

Bill 100

LANDOWNER CONCERNS IN RESPECT OF BILL 100

Recently there has been discussion in the media regarding the use of easements to secure trails. The Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs does not have any intention of utilizing easements we prefer rather to use the traditional Land Use Agreement process which has, and continues to serve landowners and clubs well. These Land Use Permission Agreements define land use parameters, including landowner cancellation authority and notice, and ensure that the OFATV’s General Liability Insurance protects the landowner. For more information regarding the Bill, we have provided several links bellow, including a link to Bill 100.
If you wish to read Bill 100, Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015 please follow this link: Bill 100
Press Release from Patrick Connor, Executive Director of the Ontario Trails Council:
To be clear, Bill 100 only affects landowners who want to negotiate an easement for trail access. It in no way makes trails on private or public land nor does it take negotiation rights away from landowners. What it does is make the process clearer. To read the full Press Release click on the following link:
Statements released by Minister Michael Coteau to clarify the misconception around Bill 100:
“The province introduced Bill 100, the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015, to improve access to Ontario’s trails, building both a healthier, and more prosperous Ontario. Our ministry held consultations with over 250 organizations, including municipalities, Aboriginal groups, trail organizations and not-for-profit organizations. The feedback the ministry heard during these consultations was integral to shaping the proposed legislation. 
To be clear, an easement pursuant to Bill 100, if passed, would be a voluntary agreement between a landowner and an eligible body or bodies. No property owner would be compelled to provide an easement unless they agreed to do so. – Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport”

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Bill 100 protects landowner rights, provides transparency and due process: fears spread unfounded.

Ontario Trails Council - writes letters for you to use With Your MPP
 

The Ontario Trails Council continues to attend Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill. We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.




For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf

For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word


Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill
  • The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
  • Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
  • We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
  • A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
  • We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
  • the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
  • The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
  • The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Ontario Trails News - True Facts about Bill 100, OTC goes to House, Bill 100 good for trails, OTC MPP Letter

Ontario Trails Council - writes letters for you to use With Your MPP
 

The Ontario Trails Council continues to attend Landowners meetings to reinforce our positions on the Bill and correct the misrepresentations that keep appearing in the media regarding the Bill. We continue to meet to discuss Bill 100, and to get our message out to the public to defense Bill 100 and reduce closure of trails.




For a copy of the OTC letter go to:
23.3.16 OTC MPP Letter of Support Bill 100 - pdf

For a copy of the letter you can use to send on your letterhead please go to:
23.3.16 MPP Generic Letter of Support Bill 100 - word

Ontario Trails Council continues to engage on the Bill
  • The OTC remains committed to the passing of Bill 100
  • Our members are going to engage their members to work with landowners locally to correct the anxiety caused by misreporting of impacts
  • We gained greater insight into the working relationships some media have with the advocates against Bill 100
  • A Public Bill 100 education plan is being developed.
  • We have invited the Ontario Landowners Association and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to speak at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
  • the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has agreed to present at Trailhead Ontario in Calabogie June 19-21, 2016
  • The OTC Board passed a motion in support of trails safety, trespass deterrence, and in support of OFA. "The OTC supports the increase in trespass fines to a minimum penalty of 250.00." March 9, 2016.
  • The OTC had its Executive Director attend the House of Commons on March 24 to hear the debate on Bill 100

 

Update from the House Debate March 24, 2016
MPP Clark, Leeds and Grenville acknowledged the Parts of the Act are not so bad and that the government would be well served to take it to committee so that changes could be made.

MPP Clark referred to the OFSC letter from MIke Clewer (OTC Treasurer) requesting that the Ministry improve and clarify the Bill. The MPP also went on to extoll all the great trails in Leeds and Grenville, noting the Waterfront, St. Lawrence Parks, Limerick Forest, Frontenac Arch Biosphere, Brockville, Charleston Lake PP and North Grenville.

All of these but one are OTC members. All have received funding through OTC involvement in the Canadian Trails Federation and the National Trails Coalition.

MPP Clark spoke to the funds and improvements, and praised the increased activity on local trails as "notable" due to the funding. He did not understand that the OTC had a hand in this process. I called his office, at the suggestion of Wayne Terryberry, OTC VP; to encourage his movement towards Act improvements instead of withdrawal.

MPP Clark spoke to the House, using language similar to OTC, that we are concerned about the continued loss of trails, landowners relations and getting the trails back for next season. He also expressed his hope that the government would consult in the community and called for committee action. He expressed as I have since 2003 to all governments - "that trails can make for great government community relations;" (should government choose to work with and through the OTC in trail communities - PSC)

As we move forward members must tell their MPP's of our role, their awareness of our work will make getting trails back easier with landowners. They will understand us as a friend of all, making investments in as many communities as we can.

OTC encourages you to attend upcoming Public Meetings - the only way we can get the media to focus on the positive impacts of Bill 100 reduce the negative press is if we attend these meetings and express the benefits of the Act.

Apr 9th Simcoe County Meeting http://goo.gl/Mgprkb

Please use our handouts and press releases to enable your information kit.


Ontario Trails Council Responds to The Pembroke Observer March 13, 2016

March 23, 2016


Letter to the Editor - Pembroke Observer

The Ontario Trails Council has asked the Ontario Landowners Association to cease or retract misinformation regarding Bill 100, that they continue to circulate through public meeting and the media, as recently as you reported on March 13, 2016

We also would ask the media to cease and desist as the information they are provided is being misunderstood. We called and e-mailed the Observer and were informed the Observer has in fact reported on both sides of the issue.

While we wish to maintain a cordial relationship with the media, a search of your site shows only 4 articles all reporting the misinterpretations and confused statements that continue to scare landowners unnecessarily.

Several respected groups, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport, community organizations involving farmers to hikers, and even MPP Randy Hillier (founder of the Ontario Landowners Association) and our organization, wants the closure of trails to stop. We respect landowners and we want to preserve 50 years of friendly relations amongst us.

Bill 100 only needs some tweaks and clarifications and this can be done by the OLA, and other groups, working through or with the OTC.

The OTC is looking to get additional support for other landowner agreements, recognized in the Bill.

At Ontario Trails Council we are working with Ministry Staff, and through committee, to bring to the Bill changes that will work for trails and landowners. At OTC we are moving forward through communication with the government to secure a positive outcome for all.

Despite published clarifications on the part of the Ontario Trails Council and the government, some people and their media partners continue to do damage to trails. Please review our input and work with us to change the Act for the better.

OTC Press Release

https://www.scribd.com/doc/299473575/Hillier-pans-landowner-views-on-provincial-trails-bill#download

If you have any questions about Bill 100 please contact the Ontario Trails Council, 613-396-3226 or email us at: execdir@ontariotrails.ca

We are here to help everybody have a better understanding of trails, trail use and management practice.

Please read our paper on Bill 100 – it's available here -http://goo.gl/yzlO0X
 


Ontario Trails Council Educational Posters



Ontario Trails Council contacts Media, distributes content to members and third parties
 

At Ontario Trails Council we've done more on Bill 100 this week. We've been on the phone with trail groups, landowners, the media and government officials. We've worked to clarify the issue, we were contacted on the weekend before the story broke big and we think we helped reduce the loss of trail through our effort. Please support this by:


  • Contact your MP and ask them to support Bill 100
  • Contact your Regional Trails Committee and ask them to support Bill 100
  • Send the OTC Press Release to area trail and landowners to clarify the issue
  • Most importantly - understand what the landowners concerns are and listen to them. If we respond as good neighbours they will understand trail folks are good folks
  • Talk to other trail users and tell them - don't trespass, respect private property - that saves trails!
  • We will supply a letter you can send to your MPP - circulated
  • Answer our Petition on Support of Bill 100 - next week

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Ontario Trails News - more information on Bill 100 - the truth about the impacts of the at for landowners

Ontario Trails Council Educational Posters



Ontario Trails Council contacts Media, distributes content to members and third parties
 

At Ontario Trails Council we've done more on Bill 100 this week. We've been on the phone with trail groups, landowners, the media and government officials. We've worked to clarify the issue, we were contacted on the weekend before the story broke big and we think we helped reduce the loss of trail through our effort. Please support this by:
  • Contact your MP and ask them to support Bill 100
  • Contact your Regional Trails Committee and ask them to support Bill 100
  • Send the OTC Press Release to area trail and landowners to clarify the issue
  • Most importantly - understand what the landowners concerns are and listen to them. If we respond as good neighbours they will understand trail folks are good folks
  • Talk to other trail users and tell them - don't trespass, respect private property - that saves trails!
  • We will supply a letter you can send to your MPP - next week
  • Answer our Petition on Support of Bill 100 - next week


Ontario Trails Council asks media  - please stop circulating incorrect coverage https://goo.gl/1YITa8
 
“Something that bothers me as a rural property owner is forced easement. If I have an agreement with my neighbour or snowmobile club that is exactly what it is, an agreement,” said Karen Mahon, a West Perth landowner. “An easement on the other hand is registered and runs with the land. You cannot get out of it. That is mentioned in Bill 100 and is easement law.”

Not forced. To continue to publish this is just wrong.

"But according to Elizabeth Marshall, the director of research for the Ontario Landowners Association, Bill 100 would lead private property owners into thinking they can allow trails across their property while retaining the right to shut those trails down. Shutting trails down that have been registered as easements under Bill 100 would not be as easy as it is through direct agreements, Marshall claimed."

There is no leading, this is a position the landowner can pursue of their own volition.

We request that media outlets stop publishing comments that are opinion and that are scaring landowners. The OTC has done interviews with these publishers clarifying our position, the Act and our go forward strategy, as well as getting our Press Release to them.

Know your easement and we are working with landowners to make sure the types of agreements are better understood and enacted by them.