 |
Here's where people who learn something about Ontario's trails, via Ontario Trails Council are from.The Beltline trail keeps growing: Micallef
VIEW 2 PHOTOS
SHAWN MICALLEF / SPECIAL TO THE STAR
One of the nicest spots on the Beltline trail, according to Shawn Micallef, is when it crosses Dufferin St. Beneath the bridge the former Coats and Paton yarn mill is now an art deco condo
The Beltline Railway was a late-Victorian folly, but a large part of it has become the Beltline Trail today, an oblique route through the middle of Toronto for runners, walkers and cyclists. Losing rails is a melancholy thing: so much effort made to establish civilization erased, the only upshot being some right-of-ways are converted to trails.
Opened in 1892, the railway lasted only two years as the expected residential development in the north of the city didn’t materialize. As the name suggests, the Beltline was a commuter loop that began at Union Station and ran up the Don Valley, veering northwest at the Brickworks through the Moore Park Ravine to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. After crossing Yonge St. it followed a diagonal path through Forest Hill to just north of Eglinton and continued west to what is now the Barrie GO train line by Caledonia Rd., where it headed back to downtown.
The best-known section is the oldest stretch of trail between Yonge St. and the Allen Rd. It’s named the Kay Gardner Beltline Park after the local activist and city councillor who, along with then-mayor David Crombie and others, saved the right-of-way from development in the 1970s. The Forest Hill section seemingly ends at the Allen Rd. sound barrier with little to suggest it continues on, but those who know cross over the Allen on either the Elm Ridge Dr. or Aldburn Rd. bridges and find the beginning of the York Beltline trail west of Marlee Rd., though the entrances can be difficult to discover.
“The York Beltline isn’t as accessible as the Kay Gardner section,” says Councillor Josh Colle, whose ward begins at Marlee. “It’s quite hidden and sheltered and there are people who’ve lived in the neighbourhood forever who don’t know the trail is there.”
Colle says there are plans in the works for better signage and even a grand gateway entrance this year, and the trail will be extended to Marlee as the city still has an easement where it currently dead ends at community gardens belonging to an adjacent TCHC building. The gardens will be relocated nearby.
There still remains a linear patch of land between Marlee and the Allen that could one day complete the trail here and Colle says the environmental assessment for the Allen Rd. could potentially include a conversation about a dedicated bridge connecting the two sections of trail.
There are also studies looking into making street crossings easier along the entire Beltline; right now trail users must cross most streets without a light or crosswalk. In the east trail, accessibility will be improved with the Chorley Park switchback, though some Rosedale residents are holding that process up right now.
Back on the west side, the York Beltline passes through a hodgepodge mix of residential and industrial buildings and the cluster of interior design stores around Castlefield Rd. The trail ends at Bowie Ave. by the new Canada Goose Down factory that recently opened in the old Hilroy school and office supply building, and Colle would like to see some kind of connection made to the nearby Caledonia Rd. station that will open along the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
Until the 1990s this stretch was used as industrial spur railway but today it’s marked with occasional shelters fashioned as old train stations with maps and the image of railway tracks laid into the paving bricks. The railway was in use so recently here that there are still signs on Fairbank Ave. telling motorists that the street continues on the other side of the tracks.
The bridge over Dufferin is one of the nicest bits. Toronto Parks installs flower boxes on it each summer and a new mural underneath pays homage to the former Coats & Paton yarn mill, an art deco gem converted to condos just east of here that overlooks the beltline itself.
Toronto’s lucky to have such Victorian follies; if only there could be more.
Shawn Micallef writes every Friday about where and how we live in the GTA. Wander the streets with him on Twitter@shawnmicallef.
|
Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Ontario Trails - we communicate your trails to the world, and more action on the Beltline Trail in Toronto
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Ontario Trails Organizations Guide for Accessible web design and duty to rescuers
 |
Running webinars on Accessibility and Accessible Communications for TrailsFrom the Ontario Insurance Law Blog - a good warning to trail usersA recent summary judgment motion dealt with the extent of the duty of care owed to rescuers. |
Padt brought a motion for summary judgment, arguing that the duty of care that she owed to her rescuers concluded at the end of the rescue and that the rescue had concluded when she was removed from imminent peril and was safe in the police car.
In its decision, the court first reviewed and affirmed the established legal principle that negligent parties who cause themselves or others to be placed in danger owe a duty of care to the responding rescuers.
The court stated that the rationale underlying this duty was that injury to rescuers was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the negligent conduct that led to their involvement. The court stated that the negligent party should be liable for any injury that was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the negligent conduct – not just for injuries that occurred while the person being rescued was in peril. The court put it this way: “It is foreseeability, not the end of the peril, that sets the limits of the liability.”
Given the whiteout conditions on the road, the court found that the second accident was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of Padt’s negligent conduct. The court dismissed Padt’s motion and, under the assumption that Padt was negligent in causing the first accident (which was accepted for the purpose of the motion), granted partial summary judgment in favour of the plaintiffs.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Parks Blogger Ontario and Ontario Snowshoe Running Series
|
Follow our newest blog partner - Parks Blogger Ontario |
Gilles Parisien, race organizer for this Saturday's Dion Ignite the Night snowshoe race at Upper Canada Village, is ecstatic with the number of registrants for the inaugural event. Competitors will need to be wearing a head lamp (such as the one worn here by Parisien), for while the race starts under the bright lights of the Alight at Night display at UCV, much of the course is in the dark. Kevin Gould/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/QMI Agency
It will likely be the biggest snowshoe race in Ontario.
“It’s above my expectations,” said Gilles Parisien, organizer of the Dion Ignite the Night snowshoe race, taking place on Saturday at Upper Canada Village.
“My initial goal was to hopefully have 80 snowshoers, and we already have 88 registered, so we’re really happy with that.”
There are always day-of-race registrations, so topping the 100 mark for competitors is a pretty realistic goal for race organizers.
“This will no doubt be the biggest snowshoe race in Ontario,” said Parisien, who wanted to do something a little different with the event, part of the Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series, and the first of two local races. The other race takes place on Feb. 14, the Summerstown Forest event that is now in its third season.
Of those registered, 25 will use loaned snowshoes, something Parisien likes to see.
“That means there will be a lot of first-timers I think, which should make it really interesting,” said Parisien, who is on the Board of Directors with Snowshoe Canada.
There are plenty of local entrants, but also a sizeable crew from Ottawa, some from Toronto and the West Island, and of course, one from Panama.
Wait . . . Panama?
Part of that Ottawa contingent, in the area visiting friends, and well, why not?
“He’s never snowshoed, didn’t even have a pair of running shoes, but he’ll be trying it out,” said Parisien. “He’s signed up and ready to go.”
Parisien says the recent snowfall in the area helped bring up the number of entrants.
“I think the snow we had a few days ago really helped us — it showed people that there will be snow to race on,” said Parisien.
For race organizers, it came at the perfect time.
“It was very sketchy,” said Parisien, of making preparations for the race without the most important ingredient — snow.
“I had already mapped out a road race, because I didn’t think it would happen.”
It will though, and without the -25 temperatures experienced in the area on Wednesday evening.
“I’ve ran snowshoe races in -25, it’s not that bad,” said Parisien.
For the runners maybe, but others?
“Yeah, the snowshoers are fine, it’s the volunteers you worry about. The snowshoers are moving — after about 800 metres, they’re fine — but the volunteers are just standing out there, not moving around,” said Parisien. “It can get pretty cold.”
For Saturday’s race, temperatures are expected to be around -10, or pretty close to perfect according to Parisien.
“Ideally, I would say about -9, -10, are the best racing conditions, and that’s what they’re calling for, so we will likely have close to ideal conditions.”
The Alight the Night event at Upper Canada Village officially ended on Jan. 3, but the lights will be on for Saturday’s snowshoe run, and spectators (there is no charge) are welcome.
Much of the race though (10 km, two loops of five km), is in the dark, meaning head lamps are a necessity.
The race starts at 6 p.m., with registration starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Harvest Barn at Upper Canada Village. Aside from the 10 km. Dion Points Series Race (the first in the 2015 Dion Eastern Ontario Snowshoe Running Series), there is a five km Challenge (no series points awarded) and a children’s fun run (35 free snowshoes are available to loan).
For information on the event, or snowshoe racing in general, contact Parisien at parisiengl@sympatico.ca.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Ontario Trails News - tell us about how you value trails, and grooming is for weekend use!
|
Are you a trail manager/operator? Tell us about how you value trails |
Snowmobile club grooming trails for weekend riders
ANDREW PHILIPS/SPECIAL TO THE PACKET & TIMES Mike Wiancko, right, of the Orillia District Snowmobile Club, speaks to another snowmobile enthusiast after grooming a section of trail near Tudhope Park. The club is busy getting area trails ready for the weekend.
Rob Love has been fielding a number of calls from the Toronto area this week.
The Orillia District Snowmobile Club president said sledding enthusiasts in that area are excited to hear about all of the snow that’s hit the region over the past few days.
“We’ve had quite a few people calling who are looking for places to go,” Love said, adding the Orillia area is close enough for those living in the Toronto area to come up for the day.
“This is a good place to drop the machine off and go for a ride. It’s also a good location as the starting point for a trip further north.”
The club’s large industrial groomers were busy preparing trails on the west side of Lake Couchiching this week.
“It’s more of a priority since we’ve had a little more snow (there),” Love said, noting while more snow forecast throughout the week is good news, the colder temperatures mean it’s a little bit tougher to groom since it doesn’t pack down as well. “But it’s a lot better than what we had before.”
Mike Wiancko, the club’s vice-president, was busy grooming a stretch of trail in and around Orillia. He said the trails should be in great shape for the weekend.
Besides trails running through the city, the club operates a network of trails throughout Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn townships.
And despite the lack of snow prior to Christmas, Love said he wasn’t worried snowmobilers would have to wait too long to enjoy their favourite pastime.
“I never really get into a panic until we’re into the second week of January without snow,” he joked.
“We’ve sold a lot of permits this year, which is good. The sales are based on last year’s snowfalls.”
Love said the club boasts a core group of about 30 volunteers who help with grooming and getting everything ready for the season.
Each fall, the club’s volunteers go through sections of the network, cutting back the overgrowth encroaching on the trails. They also install stop, yield and turn signs along with directional signs pointing to specific destinations.
“We got a few extra people out this year, which is great,” Love said, adding the club also has about 1,100 permit-buying members.
A seasonal Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs permit costs $260. Permits are available online and through a number of area vendors.
For more information, visit sledorillia.com.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Ontario Trails News - tell us about how you value trails, and outdoor activity in Timmins!
|
Tell us about how much you value trails! |
Eight-year-old Ocean Delaurier leads the way out onto the trails on a sunny day at the Porcupine Ski Runners on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, as she's followed closely by her brother, six-year-old Charlie, and her mother, Rita. BENJAMIN AUBÉ/The Daily Press
TIMMINS - If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
That old saying definitely rings true at the Porcupine Ski Runners (PSR).
While many people choose to gripe and complain about the heavy snowfall Timmins has seen from November to January this season, cross country skiers across the region are welcoming the wintry weather with open arms.
“It's a given that it's here,” said Mike Kornell, the president at PSR. “A lot of the winters go from November right through to March or April, so it's a good five or six months of snow. You might as well enjoy it while it's here.
“We've already got about 1,000 paid-up members based on the early snow. We were already on snow in the middle of November. The old-timers say it's the earliest start since probably 1985 or 1986, in terms of the actual trails being open for general use, so that's a positive.
“With the wonky weather we've had, even this past week over Christmas, Sudbury still didn't have snow, neither did North Bay, neither did Ottawa. We were one of the few ski areas known for cross country that were actually open. Their rain was our snow obviously. It's just a further validation for Timmins being a winter, ski and snow type of destination.”
There have been a few noteworthy changes at PSR since last year. Jane Mulcair is the new chalet manager, taking over from Jim Bielek, who retired after three years in the role.
There's also a new bully out roaming the 30 km of PSR trails — though skiers will more than welcome its presence.
“We got a new groomer, a few weeks ago, it's a Pisten Bully, a top-end model from Germany,” explained Kornell. “It's not brand new, but it's certainly new to us. Our old trail groomer was about 30 years old, from the mid-1980s, and it was on its last legs, so we got a new one that's just a few years old. The track set is going to be that much better and deeper and firmer.
“We've got roughly 30 km of track-set trail, both classic and skate, and about 10 km of snowshoe trails. There's rental equipment for the classic and the skate, plus the snowshoes are available for rental.”
The groomer will be put to good use in February, as the club hosts a number of high-profile events.
The highlight will be the Ontario Cup race taking place at PSR on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1.
“There's only four of them held across the province, and one of the four was allocated to the PSR,” said Kornell. “We should have a couple hundred of the top skiers in Ontario here. We last hosted it in the winter of 2012.”
It was also recently announced that the PSR's bid to host the 2017 OFSAA high school cross country ski championships was a successful one.
This year's regional NEOAA qualifiers for the 2015 OFSAA championships in Sudbury will take place at the PSR sometime in early February.
Perhaps the most popular events for locals are the Family Day long weekend (Feb. 14-16, 2015) and the PSR's annual Loppet, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22.
“On Family Day weekend, we usually have special deals on the daily passes and the rentals being at a reduced cost, and that's usually a huge turnout as well,” said Kornell. “If people want, they can look at the website (www.porcupineskirunners.com) for Family Day plans in terms of rates and activities.
“The Loppet on Feb. 22 is open to everyone, and people can ski with their own skis, or they can rent them at our shop as well. The distances are between 10 km and 50 km. We usually get 100 or more people out for that every year.”
New this year is Women's Ski Night, hosted at the PSR chalet every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“Women kind of gather there at quarter-to and go out and ski together,” explained Kornell. “It's kind of a social thing, and it's for anyone of any ability, from beginners and up. It's run by Christine Doiron.”
What hasn't changed is that the club has been one of Northern Ontario's premier cross country skiing destinations for more than 40 years. And it's located just barely 3 km from downtown Timmins.
“What we're seeing is that there are more skiers that are coming from out of town, whether it be from North Bay or Sudbury, or even further down south,” noted Kornell. “There's recognition that Timmins has great trails, and there's the fact that the trails are so close to town.
“The roads are safe and accessible, so for hotels and food, and distance to the airport with Porter and Air Canada, there's the ease of access. Anyone who is a ski fanatic or is passionate about it has easy access to it. There are a lot more out-of-town visitors, and that's certainly been noted over the past couple of months.”
With constant trail condition updates on its re-vamped website and Facebook page, Kornell said that, “People are that much more aware of the rentals being available, and coupled with the early snow, people say that it's a great, fun family activity, and it's close to our homes, so let's go and try it.
“What is great as well is the fact that a lot of the trails are sheltered, so even when it's a cold winter day, the trails are highly sheltered and it's not super cold in terms of the added windchill factor being a problem.
“It's one of the few things that most people can do from young to old. It's a lifetime sport and works into an active, fit lifestyle approach.”
Among those you might see out on the PSR's trails are Rita Delaurier and her children, eight-year-old Ocean and six-year-old Charlie. She said it was nice to get some fresh air after spending a few days cooped up inside the house.
“We're just trying to enjoy the sunshine, because we had a few days with no sun,” said Delaurier. “I bought a membership this year, and I figured if I had a membership I'd use it more often, and so far we have.”
Delaurier explained that Ocean recently signed up for an after-school cross country ski program, and figured Friday would be a good day to get some practice in.
“I wanted to come a few times during the holidays so she'd be ready when it starts up,” said Delaurier.
She chuckled with her daughter, recalling that things didn't go so smoothly the first time they visited the PSR. Before they knew what was going on, they were headed in the wrong direction on the trails.
“We didn't know!” she said with a laugh. “It was our first time. We still had fun though.”
Kornell said that the club has had a consistent number of about 1,000 members for the past 15 to 20 years. The growing number of visitors and locals alike discovering the sport only bodes well the for future.
“A lot of people say the PSR is one of those hidden jewels,” said Kornell. “It's all volunteer-run as well, so we're not (reliant) on the city in terms of funding in any way, we're fully self-sufficient. People seem to like that aspect, that there's a community spirit and a sense of volunteerism in town, and PSR is a good example of that.”
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Ontario Trail News - Ontario and Ottawa at odds over Rouge Park, and tell us how you value trails
|
Are you a trail manager? Tell us why your trails are important to your community |
Ottawa, Ontario at odds over Rouge Park
Dave Pearce stands atop a steeply eroding slope in farthest-east Toronto. Dozens of metres below, the Rouge River sweeps west through the sedimentary hills before continuing south to Lake Ontario.
The forest conservationist with the Wildlands League takes in the scene of water, rocks, trees and unobstructed sky. It’s a view not normally enjoyed in a city. He sees the deep slice of green as an invaluable part of a growing region.
“Our urban and new Canadians are increasingly separated from the natural world,” he says. “This valley is easy and affordable to get to. It can be further restored and protected to be an entry point to show people what nature can be in Canada.”
He’s talking about Rouge Park, a 40-square-kilometre swath of forested valleys and farmland at the eastern ends of Scarborough and Markham. The proposal is for the province to transfer ownership of it to the federal government so it can add another 10 square kilometres, linking it to the Oak Ridges Moraine and creating Canada’s first national, urban park.
The plan dates to 2011, but its fate is now in question as the federal and provincial governments entrench competing views of conservation. The province says the federal government would not adequately protect the land, water, flora and fauna. Ottawa argues the level of protection the province wants is impossible near a city.
Now, people such as Mr. Pearce, who cheered when the federal government proposed a national park for the GTA, are actively fighting it.
The crux of the issue is that the Rouge would not be just another national park, but instead a “national, urban park,” a whole new classification. Existing national parks are protected by the mandate to “maintain or improve ecological integrity.” Bill C-40, the classification’s new legislation, says only that management must “take into consideration the protection of [the park’s] natural ecosystems.”
Last month, Ontario Infrastructure Minister Brad Duguid sent a third letter to federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq, demanding Parks Canada better protect the “ecological integrity” of the future park.
Ms. Aglukkaq has said prioritizing ecological integrity is “simply unachievable in an urban setting,” arguing it would lead to the eviction of farmers (more than half the proposed park is agricultural). Conservative MP Peter Kent told Parliament that prioritizing ecological integrity would mean letting wildfires, pest outbreaks and erosion proceed unchecked.
This impasse – between those who see the Rouge as an intact natural refuge between slabs of urban sprawl and those who point out that you can’t have a standard national park encompassing two 400-series highways – threatens to derail the country’s first attempt to bring national parks and large cities together.
The province is still the major player in the valley. It created Rouge Park in 1990 and has steadily enlarged it, while establishing a suite of management plans – guidelines for permitted activities and development.
Last January, when the province agreed to transfer ownership of Rouge Park, it stipulated Parks Canada would have to “meet or exceed” the ecological protection the province had already put in place. Mr. Duguid says that hasn’t happened yet.
Mr. Pearce supports the province, a view apparently shared by all the two-dozen people – including conservationists, farmers and two federal NDP MPs – accompanying him on a late-November tour of the proposed park. It started at the 68-hectare Rouge Marsh beside Lake Ontario, where two lonely fishermen sheltered from wet snow under the Waterfront Trail’s pedestrian bridge. The school bus then trundled through wooded river valleys south of Steeles Avenue before traversing farmland on the way north to where the proposed park would dead-end at a bank of suburban houses at Stouffville.
The federal lands on the table are almost entirely farmland, meaning without the provincial lands, it’s inconceivable the initiative will proceed.
Nonetheless, on Nov. 5, the Conservative MPs on the environment and sustainable development committee voted down all 18 amendments the opposition had proposed.
Parks Canada spokesperson Natalie Fay argues that Bill C-40 and a commitment of $147.3-million over 10 years will improve overall protection by banning mining, raising fines for poaching and improving enforcement. “Parks Canada remains hopeful that, through ongoing discussions, Ontario will agree to transfer its lands,” she told The Globe and Mail.
So far, Mr. Duguid is holding firm. “Ecological integrity is crucial. Our concern is how these lands are passed on to future generations. I can’t, in good faith, recommend a transfer until they address the concerns ignored at the parliamentary committee.”
With Canada’s first national, urban park hanging in the balance, Mr. Duguid suggests Ontario holds the cards.
“Time is on our side. We are looking to the federal government to change its mind. If not, maybe a future government will be able to work in partnership with us.”
It’s the sort of long view that makes conservationists such as Jim Robb optimistic. The manager of Friends of the Rouge Watershed is leading the school-bus tour and wraps it up in a two-room schoolhouse near the Toronto Zoo. He shows off a collection of hides and stuffed animals – including an otter, fox, hawk, heron, owl and a marten – who sample the still-living wildlife outside. The schoolhouse hosts most of the 16,000 students that visit the Rouge Valley on day trips annually.
About 25 of those children are outside now, their backpacks still inside on the chairs. Mr. Robb says today is the only exposure to nature many of the students will get in a year.
Some observers use the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe a growing affliction among urban kids. Mr. Robb says in the 25-plus years he’s been introducing people to the Rouge Valley he’s witnessed a growing disassociation between kids and the outdoor world.
The Rouge, he says, is perfectly placed to help bridge that gap. “Kids can get here on public transit,” he says. “And when they do, we can show them a good-news story about healing and setting the balance back right.”
Mr. Robb sees the current impasse being a case of the federal government prioritizing “three or four dozen people who are leasing farmland” in the proposed park’s northern reaches.
Though he’d like to see some farmland eventually restored to nature, he knows farming isn’t going away and says a balance can be achieved that protects both ecology and agriculture.
“The work has already been done. The federal bill undermines 25 years of consultation, laws and science,” says Mr. Robb.
“To say the minister has to ‘take nature into consideration’ gives it no legal value. That’s the standard for everywhere,” says Mr. Robb. “In a park, we need to do better.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)