Showing posts with label CycleON. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CycleON. Show all posts

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise - May 25, 2017

richmond hill parks and trails
• Ontario Trails Week • Trailhead Events • Membership Drive 
  • Donate to Trails Today • Member News • Activity Updates 
Cup and Saucer Trail Issues
As reported by CBC - Link to full article

Manitoulin Island's Cup and Saucer Trail to get a new access point

About 20-per cent of the trail will be lost because the owner of the property says he plans to start logging

CBC News Posted: May 24, 2017 1:49 PM ET Last Updated: May 24, 2017 7:16 PM ET

Manitoulin Island's Cup and Saucer Trail is a favourite among fall hikers. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy owns the bulk of the trail property, including its highest point.Manitoulin Island's Cup and Saucer Trail is a favourite among fall hikers. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy owns the bulk of the trail property, including its highest point. (Manitoulin Life)
The Cup and Saucer trail on Manitoulin Island will get a new entrance in a couple of weeks.Yesterday, CBC reported that Cass Eadie, the owner of the parking lot and main entrance to the popular trail, closed it for financial reasons.
Now, there are new developments from the non-profit group that owns the rest of the scenic trail. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy has partnered with the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
Mayor Al MacNevin says they have agreed to create a parking lot and a separate access point at the north part of the trail, off Highway 540.
"The island, as a whole, really recognizes the value of the Cup and Saucer and the impact on tourism," he told CBC News.
"And our local citizens as well that enjoy going there when they have visitors. So losing [access to the trail] would be handicap to the island, I think, economically and socially. We're pretty happy we have an option."
Cup and Saucer trail entrance, Manitoulin IslandThis past weekend, access to Manitoulin Island's iconic Cup and Saucer trail was shut down by the person that owns the entrance to the trail. Owner Cass Eadie told CBC News he intends to log the property because his quarry business is in financial difficulty. (Facebook)
Because the lot will be off the highway, MacNevin says they were able to get a temporary construction permit from the Ministry of Transportation.
He notes that about 20 per cent of the trail will be lost because it is owned by Eadie.
The conservancy owns two properties on the trail, which amounts to about 350 acres, and includes its highest point.


Ontario Trails Week! 
Ontario Trails Week is happening May 29 - June 4, 2017.
For the first time Ontario is recognizing the trails that offer so much of us so much enjoyment, by declaring an Ontario Trails Week.

Add an Ontario Trail Week Logo to your website! 

Ontario Trails WeekOntario Trail DayOntario Trail Count
Watch for it on our social media, our facebook page and in our twitter feed.

Tell us all about your trail event and join us as we celebrate Ontario's Trails!
1. Log in Your Event  - Event spreadsheet.

2. Add your event to our event calendar -  add it here.

3. Engage Ontarians with our social media plan. Use our themes!
Ontario Trails Week Social Media 2017

Themes for each day
  • May 29 - Intro Day – general post introducing 1st annual Trails Week & benefit of trails/why we love trails/photos to showcase trails
  • May 30 - Trail Etiquette –what you can do (as trail users) to protect trails for future generations & ensure all trail users have an enjoyable and safe experience #TrailTipTues
  • May 31 - Trail Management –what we do (as trail managers) to protect trails and enhance the trail experience
  • June 1 - Throwback Thursday - #TBT Your Best Trail Day Activity Ever”
  • June 2 - #FunFact Friday “Your Favorite Ontario Trail” Post
  • June 3 -  International/Ontario Trails Day – recognize contribution trails make to people's quality of life, count yourself in
  • June 4 - ICYMI – In Case You Missed It - highlights of posts and pictures from Ontario's Trails Week 2017
Local Accounts to tag in twitter: example of Toronto
Toronto Forestry: @TOtrees
Toronto Parks: @TorontoPFR
Toronto Cycling: @TO_Cycling
TRCA Trails: @TRCA_Trails
Ontario Trails Council: @ONtrails

Hashtags to use:
#TrailTipTues
#OnTrailsWeek
#TOtrails
#myfavONtrail
#FunFactFriday
#TrailCountSat


4. Post your personalized decal on your Trail - we have one for every group on our list. (see #5 below)

elliot lake trails survey


5. Add your trail user survey to any of your trail pages - we've made one for our members and regions. Get your decal here -
We've checked the links, if something isn't working simply give us a call - 613-484-1140. We'll be adding these links to the various relevant trail pages in your regions and RTO's/DMO's over the upcoming year!
 ontariotrails.ca/A2ATrail
ontariotrails.ca/ABCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/AlgomaDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/AlgonquinHighlandsTrails
ontariotrails.ca/AvonTrail
ontariotrails.ca/BarrieTrails
ontariotrails.ca/BellevilleTrails
ontariotrails.ca/BrockvilleTrails
ontariotrails.ca/BruceCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/BruceTrail
ontariotrails.ca/BurlingtonTrails
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CambridgetoParisRailTrail
ontariotrails.ca/CaledonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CambridgeTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CCCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/ChathamKentTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CKTCTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ClaringtonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CLOCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/CochraneDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CollingwoodTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ConservationHaltonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ConservationSudburyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CornwallTrails
ontariotrails.ca/CRCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/CVCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/DiscoveryRoutesTrails
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DistilleryLaneTrail
ontariotrails.ca/DrydenTrails
ontariotrails.ca/DufferinCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/DurhamMountainBikeTrails
ontariotrails.ca/DurhamRegionTrails
ontariotrails.ca/EaglesNestTrail
ontariotrails.ca/EastGwillimburyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ElginCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ElliotLakeTrails
ontariotrails.ca/EscarpmentBiosphereTrails
ontariotrails.ca/EskakwaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/EssexCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ExplorersEdgeTrails
ontariotrails.ca/FABRTrails
ontariotrails.ca/FOSMTrails
ontariotrails.ca/FrenchRiverTrails
ontariotrails.ca/FrontenacCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/G2GTrail
ontariotrails.ca/GananoqueTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GanaraskaForestTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GananoqueTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GBTCTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianBayTownshipTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianBayTownshipTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GeorgianSkiCycleTrails
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GordonGlavesTrail
ontariotrails.ca/GravenhurstTrails
ontariotrails.ca/GreyCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HaldimandCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HaliburtonCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HaltonHillsTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HaltonRegionTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HamiltonTrailsSurvey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HamiltontoBrantfordRailTrail
ontariotrails.ca/HastingsCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HBTCTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/HCIATrails
ontariotrails.ca/HearstTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HikeOntarioTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HorseCountryCampgroundTrails
ontariotrails.ca/HuronCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/KawarthaATVTrails
ontariotrails.ca/KawarthaLakesTrails
ontariotrails.ca/KenoraDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/KolaporeTrails
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LakeErieandNorthernRailTrail
ontariotrails.ca/LakeheadRegionCA
ontariotrails.ca/LambtonCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/LanarkCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/LeedsandGrenvilleCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/LennoxandAddingtonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/LondonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/LSRCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/LTVCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/ManitoulinDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MarathonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MattawaBonfieldTrails
ontariotrails.ca/McMasterUTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MiddlesexCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MississippiMillsCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/MoonbeamTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MuskokaDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/MuskokaRTCTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NBCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraFallsTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraPC
ontariotrails.ca/NiagaraRegionTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NipigonTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NipissingDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NorthDumfriesTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NorthumberlandCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NorthumberlandForestTrails
ontariotrails.ca/NPCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/OakvilleTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OF4WD
ontariotrails.ca/OFATVTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OFSCTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OFTRTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OntarioNature
ontariotrails.ca/OrilliaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OshawaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/otra
ontariotrails.ca/OttawaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/OxfordCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ParrySoundDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PeelRegionTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PenetanguisheneTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PerthCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PeterboroughCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PeterboroughTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PetewawaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/PrinceEdwardCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/QuinteCA
ontariotrails.ca/RainyRiverDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/RedLake
ontariotrails.ca/RenfrewCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/RideauValleyCA
ontariotrails.ca/RRATrails
ontariotrails.ca/SarniaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/SaugeenShores
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCJohnsonTrail
ontariotrails.ca/SimcoeCountyTrailsSurvey
ontariotrails.ca/SNCATrails
https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/SentierPRfr
ontariotrails.ca/SentierPrescottRussell
ontariotrails.ca/SRTATrails
ontariotrails.ca/StCatharinesTrail
ontariotrails.ca/StLawrenceParks
ontariotrails.ca/StormontGlengarryDundasTrails
ontariotrails.ca/StThomasTrail
ontariotrails.ca/SudburyDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TCTOTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TemiskamingDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TemiskamingShoresTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ThunderBayDistrictTrails
ontariotrails.ca/ThunderBayNordicTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TorontoTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TownshipMadawaskaValleyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TownshipofGeorginaTrails
ontariotrails.ca/TRCATrails
ontariotrails.ca/UpperGrandTrailwayAssociation
ontariotrails.ca/UxbridgeTrails
ontariotrails.ca/VaughanTrails
ontariotrails.ca/WaterfrontTrustTrail
ontariotrails.ca/WaterlooRegionTrails
ontariotrails.ca/WellingtonCountyTrails
ontariotrails.ca/WellingtonTS
ontariotrails.ca/WindsorTrails
ontariotrails.ca/YorkRegionalForest
ontariotrails.ca/YorkTrailsSurvey
ontariotrails.ca/YoursOutdoors
 

6. Send us Ontario Trails Week video - we'll be posting content on-line at https://goo.gl/Fy2bIL and we'd be happy to add to our trails tube - https://www.youtube.com/user/ontrailsWhether you paddle, ride, walk, bike, hike, climb or get fit on your favourite trail, Ontario Trails Week is your chance to coordinate an event to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Ontario's 2600+ trails!

Missing? You may want to talk to us about OTC Membership. 613-484-1140 We'd be happy to connect with you.

Be sure to also celebrate International Trails Day!


Deadline to Comment on CycleOn Extended to May 26thInterested in trails as part of the network? Submit your comments here - EBR Registry Number:   013-0190

Trails Specialist WorkshopWhen: 30 May 2017
Where: Barrie Operations Centre - 165 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie, ON

The two day workshop has been designed by professionals for all levels of trail builders and enthusiasts. You will receive instruction on how to observe, detect and document potential risk resulting from poor trail design, construction and maintenance. This workshop combines in classroom theory and hands-on experiences. Participants will come away with a valuable Trails Manual and will complete a written test on key elements of the course.
This course will cover:
  • Overview of Professional Trail Building
  • The Science of Trail Building
  • The Art of Trail Design and Construction
  • Environmental Impacts
  • Liability Issues
  • Handwork and Trail
  • Construction Techniques
Dates:
May 30 & 31, 2017
Time:
8:30 am to 4:30 pm both daysCourse Cost:
OPA Member: $395.50
Potential Member: $621.50

          trails training trails psecialist              Best regards,
Ontario Parks Association and Ontario Trails Council

Ontario NewsroomOntario Newsroom
 
News Release

Helping People in Ontario Get Active

May 15, 2017

Province Investing in 127 Provincial and Local Sport and Recreation Programs

Ontario is supporting 127 sport and recreation projects across the province to help children and adults stay healthy and active.
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Edna Staebler YMCA Child Care facility in Waterloo today to announce support for the Physical Literacy and Recreation Project. This project will engage over 2,000 children and youth in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge in fun activities to get them moving and learn about the importance of staying active.
This is one of 127 projects across Ontario that is receiving support through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, which helps people of all ages to:
  • Get involved in sport and recreation programs, with activities ranging from gymnastics for children of varying abilities, to exercise programs for older adults with mobility challenges to local fitness classes for people of all ages and abilities
  • Learn about the importance of physical activity as a foundation for healthy living
  • Become recreation leaders in their communities through training in areas such as coaching, youth development and volunteer development.
For children, regular physical activity leads to healthier body weight, stronger bone density and improved mental health. Later in life, physical activity helps maintain health and wellness and can prevent chronic diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
Helping people of all ages stay healthy and active is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. 
 

QUICK FACTS

  • In 2016–17, Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund projects helped more than 220,000 people.
  • The government has provided more than $35 million in funding through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund since this program was launched.
  • The Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund is a key priority of Game ON – the Ontario government’s Sport Plan, which is providing opportunities for people in Ontario to get involved in organized sport while strengthening the sport recreation sector in communities across the province.
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES



We need your input!In 2015 we secured 101 respondents to our "The Value of Trails - Measuring the Economic Impact of Trails Survey."  We've added 18 more to the 2017 updates. We have a ways to go. Click through the screen capture below to access the survey.

value of trail survey 2017

There are many metrics to measure in determining the economic impact of trails, and tourism in just one factor. In order to accurately represent a closer economic impact of trails we are requesting your speedy response to our Call to Action for Your Input to our Value of Trails 2017 survey.

With your help we will make an even stronger case for trails and the supports you require to provide a top notch experience at each of your trail destinations. We are also accepting new responses! Many Thanks!

 
Event notice: Ride the GARTRide the Goderich-Auburn Rail Trail on June 4th to celebrate Trails Week in Ontario; meet at the trailhead on Harbour Street, Goderich at 1 p.m. for a leisurely ride. Sponsored by Active Transportation Goderich, and the Maitland Trail Association. More information - Ride the Gart


Trailhead Canada - Date Change and Program Outlinetrailhead canada program outline
https://trailheadcanada.com/program-outline/


Membership Renewals - Thank-you for your Support!We wish to thank the organizations that have already renewed for 2017. We couldn't do our work without your support. Many thanks!

Town of Richmond Hill

town of richmond hill trails
With more than 166 parks, 150 km of trails and 544 hectares of natural areas there's something for everyone to discover and explore. 

Parks and natural areas

Our parks and natural areas feature a variety of amenities including playgrounds, splash pads, basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, a skate park, skate trail, picnic areas and more!
Learn about our:

Trails

Our trails are great for walking, running and cycling. They are also a safe, environmentally-friendly way to get around town.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Membership renewals welcomed! Trailhead Canada and an important day "Let's Talk Trails" in Landsdowne Ontario with FABR!

Let’s Talk Trails – December 8, Glen House Resort

 
Over 60 people attended the Let's Talk Trails forum funded in part by OTC through the Trails Tourism Integration Project.

Ontario Trals provided a program overview and provincial level update. We connected with RTO9 staff, DMO staff and DMP staff in order to integrate content on the OTC website.
 


Don Ross and Hilary Hone from FABR staff opening the day.



OTC works with the Biosphere to promote all types of trails, including infrastructure, trails crew employment, training and specialty infrastructures.


Emily Conger speaks about the Algonquin to Adirondack trails and the desire to support this significant international trail product in the region.

Information was shared on:
  • Maps, mapping for use, and linear maps
  • Product readiness surveys
  • Use counts
  • Species at Risk
  • Balancing trails use and separating pout trails users by having products available
  • Maintenance issues, grants suppliers, groups purchasing, all the trail networks
  • Trail blazer program
  • Through OTC get one company who builds websites, one co to handle the booking and branding it, build the website with standardized websites, crowd sourcing the information.
  • Revitalization of Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve as the Regional Trails Council
  • Discussion of the need for risk management program and training
  • Minimum maintenance standard for sidewalks, get it applied to trails as a provincial standard.
We wish to thank FABR and all the participants for their input and contributions.

 
Trailhead Hastings Announced
 
 
 
HASTINGS COUNTY TRAIL PHOTOS
 

Trailhead Toronto - Nov. 24th, Session Presentations Available On-Line!
A BIG thank-you to all the people who so graciously contributed their time and expertise to make a contribution through presentation at Trailhead Toronto!
Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport announces Community Recreation Funding

Ontario 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 government’s one-window access to information about grants.

To contact the ministry, please email OSRCF@Ontario.ca

Please feel free to share this notice with your members or other sport and recreation partners and providers in your area.
_______________________________________________________________
L’Ontario accepte maintenant les demandes au Fonds ontarien d’action communautaire pour les sports et les loisirs (FOACSL) pour 2017-18.

Le FOACSL est un programme de subventions qui appuie la vision du gouvernement permettant aux gens dans des communautés partout en Ontario de mener une vie saine et active. Le Fonds augmente les possibilités de participation à des sports et des loisirs, soutient la mise en Å“uvre du savoir-faire physique comme fondement de l’activité physique et renforce le secteur du sport et des loisirs communautaires.

La date limite pour présenter une demande au Fonds ontarien d’action communautaire pour les sports et les loisirs pour 2017-18 est le 1er février 2017 à 17 h HNE.

Des informations complètes, y compris sur l’admissibilité et comment présenter une demande, sont disponibles à Subventions Ontario, un guichet unique d’accès à l’information gouvernementale sur les subventions.

Pour contacter le ministère, veuillez envoyer un courriel à l’adresse OSRCF@Ontario.ca.

N’hésitez pas à partager cet annonce avec vos membres ou autres partenaires et prestataires en sport et loisirs de votre région.
 

239 People want the Prescott-Russell Rail Trail saved!
SIGN OUR PETITION TO SAVE THE TRAIL! COUNCIL MET AND CUT THE BUDGET
prescott-russell trails petition
UPDATES:
OTC visited Prescott Russell and met with Council and the Economic Development Committee. There may be operating budget cuts in the near future but there is a desire to save the trail, although it may not be 72 continuous kilometers. Road links are being studied between nodes. While this is not preferred, we are pleased that the Prescott-Russell Economic Development Committee spoke with OTC and that we are working with the County to:
  • diversify the role of the Prescott Russell Trails Committee,
  • seeking funds,
  • engaging inter-provincial partners,
  • that the Trail is highlighted as part of the CycleON list of trails through consultation
  • had more counters to install
  • is implementing the OTC Trail Counts Program
  • OTC has found the trails committee, through partnership, free fundraising training in Ottawa
We encourage the people signing the petition to work with UCPR and OTC to find ways to re-negotiate the lease with Via so we can make the corridor multi-use, which would enable cost recovery, new funding for capital projects and engage more members of the community to utilize the trail in the future.

If you want to help please contact Louise Bissonette with Sentiers Prescott Russell! Merci.

 
LocationDate
Niagara Region RTO2December 14th
Landsdowne RTO9December 8th
Collingwood RTO7TBA

 During each session we will discuss:
  • Current RTO+DMO Tourism Strategies
  • Current Outdoor Activity Marketing
  • Existing Trail Inventory
  • Identify Gaps
  • Consolidate Events
  • Review Ontariotrails.ca Trails Marketing
  • New Content Initiatives
  • Share Data and Data Gathering Processes
  • Review TTIP Action Plan Outlines
  • Define Next Steps
For more information contact Patrick Connor at 613-484-1140
Locations to be announced.
Cycling Consultations Completed

ontario trails ontario cycling consultations
Dear Stakeholders,

Thank you very much again for your interest and participation in the study to help identify Ontario’s Province-wide Cycling Network. We hope that the regional workshop session you attended was informative; providing you with:
  • Background information on the study;
  • Context on the intended outcomes;
  • An overview of the process being used to identify the network; and
  • An opportunity to be engaged in the study process.
As noted at the regional workshops, we would encourage those of you who were able to attend to continue to review and provide comments on the materials presented. We would also encourage you to reach out to any of your partners that did not have a chance to attend the session to share the information provided and provide questions / comments to the study team.

The study team has consolidated the materials presented at the workshop sessions and uploaded them to DropBox. They can be accessed using the following link:
MTO Cycling Network Study Dropbox
*Please click on the proceed without signing up option at the bottom of the page if you do not already have an account

We have uploaded network concept mapping (route options and alternatives that could form part of the province-wide cycling network (priority routes) or link up to the province-wide cycling network (secondary routes)) for each of the MTO Regions. We are in the process of uploading maps illustrating the network concept in zoom in areas of the Upper Tier Municipalities. The zoom in maps will be uploaded to the site by first thing tomorrow morning. Please select the mapping that is most appropriate for your jurisdiction. We would also encourage you to review the workshop presentation. The presentation will give you the necessary context to better understand the information that we are asking you to review and comment on.

We will be accepting comments / questions / submissions to the regional workshop materials up until December 8th, 2016. More specifically, we are looking for the following comments to these maps:
  1. Route Alignment: focusing on the priority and secondary routes, provide comments on the location of the potential routes, whether what is being identified makes sense or if there are other alternatives that should be considered.
  2. Potential Level of Separation for Facility types: identification of a potential level of separation for a cycling facility type based on the hierarchy of options identified in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18:
    1. Shared Facilities: On roads with low operating speed and low traffic volumes where the cyclists and motorist share the same space e.g. signed bicycle routes
    2. Designated Facilities: on roads with sufficient space and a higher operating speed and traffic volume where cyclists require a specific space to ride e.g. bike lanes
    3. Separated Facilities: on roads with a high operating speed and traffic volume where a physical separation is needed between the cyclists and motorist e.g. off-road trail or buffered bicycle lane or paved shoulder
  3. Destinations: cycling destination such as bicycle friendly businesses or tourism attractors
  4. Barriers: physical barriers which prevent or deter implementation of cycling facilities or the activity of cycling
If you have any questions about the information that we are seeking or the study to inform your commentary please do not hesitate to contact mtocyclingnetwork@mmm.ca.

We look forward to receiving your input and continuing the discussion and identification of the province-wide cycling network for Ontario.

Best,
#CycleON - MTO Province-wide Cycling Network Identification Study
On behalf of the Study Team
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T: 905-882-7306
E: mtocyclingnetwork@mmm.ca

Monday, November 21, 2016

Ontario Trails News - TIAO goes green, COHV and value of ATV'ing Sports, Cycling Consultations wrapping up and more from Ontario trails!

Trails Tourism Integration Strategy Meetings Planned

Let’s Talk Trails – December 8, Glen House Resort

LocationDate
Niagara Region RTO2December 14th
Gananoque RTO9December 8th
Newmarket RTO6November 29th
Collingwood RTO7TBA
  
  
 During each session we will discuss:
  • Current RTO+DMO Tourism Strategies
  • Current Outdoor Activity Marketing
  • Existing Trail Inventory
  • Identify Gaps
  • Consolidate Events
  • Review Ontariotrails.ca Trails Marketing
  • New Content Initiatives
  • Share Data and Data Gathering Processes
  • Review TTIP Action Plan Outlines
  • Define Next Steps
For more information contact Patrick Connor at 613-484-1140
Locations to be announced.
Cycling Consultations Nearly Completed

ontario trails ontario cycling consultations
Dear Stakeholders,

Thank you very much again for your interest and participation in the study to help identify Ontario’s Province-wide Cycling Network. We hope that the regional workshop session you attended was informative; providing you with:
  • Background information on the study;
  • Context on the intended outcomes;
  • An overview of the process being used to identify the network; and
  • An opportunity to be engaged in the study process.
As noted at the regional workshops, we would encourage those of you who were able to attend to continue to review and provide comments on the materials presented. We would also encourage you to reach out to any of your partners that did not have a chance to attend the session to share the information provided and provide questions / comments to the study team.

The study team has consolidated the materials presented at the workshop sessions and uploaded them to DropBox. They can be accessed using the following link:
MTO Cycling Network Study Dropbox
*Please click on the proceed without signing up option at the bottom of the page if you do not already have an account

We have uploaded network concept mapping (route options and alternatives that could form part of the province-wide cycling network (priority routes) or link up to the province-wide cycling network (secondary routes)) for each of the MTO Regions. We are in the process of uploading maps illustrating the network concept in zoom in areas of the Upper Tier Municipalities. The zoom in maps will be uploaded to the site by first thing tomorrow morning. Please select the mapping that is most appropriate for your jurisdiction. We would also encourage you to review the workshop presentation. The presentation will give you the necessary context to better understand the information that we are asking you to review and comment on.

We will be accepting comments / questions / submissions to the regional workshop materials up until December 8th, 2016. More specifically, we are looking for the following comments to these maps:
  1. Route Alignment: focusing on the priority and secondary routes, provide comments on the location of the potential routes, whether what is being identified makes sense or if there are other alternatives that should be considered.
  2. Potential Level of Separation for Facility types: identification of a potential level of separation for a cycling facility type based on the hierarchy of options identified in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18:
    1. Shared Facilities: On roads with low operating speed and low traffic volumes where the cyclists and motorist share the same space e.g. signed bicycle routes
    2. Designated Facilities: on roads with sufficient space and a higher operating speed and traffic volume where cyclists require a specific space to ride e.g. bike lanes
    3. Separated Facilities: on roads with a high operating speed and traffic volume where a physical separation is needed between the cyclists and motorist e.g. off-road trail or buffered bicycle lane or paved shoulder
  3. Destinations: cycling destination such as bicycle friendly businesses or tourism attractors
  4. Barriers: physical barriers which prevent or deter implementation of cycling facilities or the activity of cycling
If you have any questions about the information that we are seeking or the study to inform your commentary please do not hesitate to contact mtocyclingnetwork@mmm.ca.

We look forward to receiving your input and continuing the discussion and identification of the province-wide cycling network for Ontario.

Best,
#CycleON - MTO Province-wide Cycling Network Identification Study
On behalf of the Study Team
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T: 905-882-7306
E: mtocyclingnetwork@mmm.ca
 

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Our Mission - to promote the preservation, management, use and development of trails.
Everyday, somewhere in Ontario we educate, support a group, lead or assist a community improving its quality of life through trails.

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For Immediate Release
November 9, 2016
CANADIANS SPENT $6.9 BILLION ON DIRECT ACTIVITIES
INVOLVING ATVs and ROVs IN 2015


Toronto –An independent economic impact study completed by Smith Gunther Associates Ltd., reported that in 2015, Canadians spent $6.9 billion on activities directly involving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Off- Highway Vehicles (ROVs) also known as side-by-sides.

“The purpose of the study was to comprehensively determine the economic impact of not only the purchase of ATVs and ROVs but also related economic activities for Canada and each of its provinces and territories,” stated Bob Ramsay, President of the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). “The study encompassed ATV and ROV activities that included riding gear, clothing, insurance and travel related to ATV and ROV use. Together these purchases and activities constitute the direct and indirect expenditures involving ATV and ROV participation.” added Ramsay.

Excluding imports, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a better measure of economic activity. National estimates of total direct and indirect GDP is calculated at $4.5 to $5.7 billion, which includes labour force income of $2.7 to $3.4 billion with related employment measured as 47,929 to 61,213 full time equivalents (FTEs) total including those employed directly, indirectly and in induced activities. This activity generates revenues of $1.5 to $1.9 billion to all levels of government combined in the form of various direct and indirect taxes on goods and services. The higher results reflect an attrition rate suggested by nearly 3,000 respondent owners to a questionnaire and the lower estimates a higher attrition rate consistent with those on personal water craft and snowmobiles.

In 2015, annual investments in the economy, such as new purchases of equipment and machinery, including ATVs, ROVs and related enhancements to vehicles reached $1.2 billion before depreciation. Further, annual operating expenditures amounted to an additional $6.7 billion bringing 2015 direct investment and operating expenditures to $7.9 billion.

Through data retrieved from Statistics Canada and the COHV’s current and historical data on sales of ATVs and OHVs in each province and territory, it has been identified that economic multiplier effects are strongest in provinces which are net beneficiaries of interprovincial trade and where industrial linkages within the province are the strongest.

Ontario has the strongest overall multipliers at 2.51 followed by British Columbia at 2.36. Alberta benefits from strong value shipped and GDP multipliers and Quebec has above national employment and labour force income multipliers as well as strong market shares due mostly to its high participation rates in off-road riding and excellent trails.

“Managing the responsible use of ATVs and ROVs is a subject of current interest for many governments. It is also of great interest to the COHV and the not-for-profit rider federations that have developed across the country,” stated Bob Ramsay. “This report confirms the scope and scale of the contribution that ATV and ROV use makes to provincial economies. Especially in rural and northern areas, which the industry points out, is an important aspect that needs to be recognized and considered when discussion is focused on the responsible management of off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity across Canada.

The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), originally founded in 1984, is a national, non-profit, trade association that represents the responsible interests of the major ATV and ROV distributors, as well as the manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of OHV related products and services.

The member companies of the COHV account for over 90 percent of all the new ATVs and ROVs sold in Canada. More information related to the COHV is available at: www.cohv.ca

Contact:
Jo-Anne Farquhar
Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV)
Office - 416-491-4449 ext 105
Toll Free - 1-877-470-6642
Cell: 416-996-9207
jfarquhar@cohv.ca

Peter Gunther, President
Smith Gunther Associates Ltd.
(613) 823-0513 – W
(613) 302-2814 – C
pgunther@bellnet.ca

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY - FACT SHEET
 In 2015, there were an estimated 705,264 ATVs and 432,219 ROVs in operation. This estimate is based on an 8.6% attrition rate of the current stock of ATVs from 1994 onward when annual sales data were available or could be estimated. Similar adjustments were calculated on ROV purchased after 2006 when they started being used for recreational purposes. From those provinces where licensing data were available this rate is supported by that data.

 This comprehensive study updates an earlier 2006 study, also conducted by Smith Gunther, which examined the economic impact of ATVs specifically. Both of these reports are a snapshot in time of the economic impacts of ATV and Side-by-Side or Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (ROVs) recreational activities. Since the 2006 study, ROVs have become a significant factor and both data sources and geographic information systems have improved facilitating increased direct expenditures and availability of data to analyze the impacts.

 Other expenditures include upkeep and operations of the entire stock of all ATVs and ROVs that is the surviving stock of ATVs and ROVs sold in all years dating back to 1994 for ATVs and 2006 for ROV, enhancements of any on-highway vehicles to facilitate ATV or ROV recreational activities, paid repair and maintenance, gasoline for ATVs and ROVs, membership fees, licensing costs, attendance at events and off-highway vehicle shows and related travel, e.g. mileage charges, food and beverages and accommodation as well as related entertainment.

 Foreign spending is not considered in the report, but would increase economic impact further. Volunteer time is not considered since it is outside of Stats Canada’s Input/Output range (because no funds are exchanged). Smith Gunther, nevertheless value volunteer time at $554 million to $858 million annually. Licensing fees are also not considered because they are usually recycled back into the general government revenues where their subsequent use will no longer impact ATVs or ROVs. Smith Gunther estimates their impact at $99 million to $123 million.

COHV BACKGROUNDER
 The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council, originally founded in 1984, is a national, non-profit, trade association, which represents the responsible interests of the major ATV distributors, as well as the manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of OHV-related products and services, and individual owners and riders of off-highway vehicles in Canada.
 Member companies such as; Arctic Cat; Can-Am-BRP; Honda; John Deere, Kawasaki; KTM; Polaris; Suzuki and Yamaha are committed to the integrity of the ATV and ROV industry.
 COHV’s mission is the ongoing education and training of the general public on the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles as well as to promote the responsible interests of riders and the industry.
 As an industry COHV and its member companies believe that it is important to work with government and the public in our mutual goal of creating balanced legislation that works, is enforceable and includes the very important component of public education and training.

TIAO News

TIAO Launches Partnership with Green Tourism

Green TourismOne of the first sustainable tourism certification programs in the world, Green Tourism has remained one of the most sought-after eco-labels and certification programs. Unlike many other sustainable business certification programs who allow self-assessments and grading, every one of our members are individually assessed by trained green business experts, who review everything from energy efficiency to food sources. This thorough assessment process gives our members insight into how to further reduce their business's impact on the environment, how to best manage future projects, as well as a personalized action plan about how to build their green business.

Through this new partnership, TIAO will be the exclusive purveyor of Green Tourism's certification program in Ontario, and will be able to offer affiliate Green Tourism memberships at preferred rates in addition to TIAO memberships. Stay tuned for more details!