New Legislation Takes Action to Protect and Enhance Trails System

https://news.ontario.ca/mtc/en/2016/06/province-passes-act-to-support-ontarios-trails.html

Today, Ontario passed legislation that will sustain and improve the province's trails system, helping to build a healthier and more prosperous Ontario. The Supporting Ontario's Trails Act, 2016 will strengthen ‎Ontario's extensive trails system. It will protect and enhance thousands of kilometres of the province's urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails while also encouraging its expansion by:

• Providing the trails community with enhanced tools to effectively develop, operate and promote trails
• Removing barriers to help connect and expand trails across the province
• Increasing trail awareness and promoting local tourism by enabling the recognition of Ontario trails of distinction, supporting communities and jobs across Ontario
• Enabling the development of a classification system to help users find trails that match their interest and ability.
• The new legislation also makes amendments to existing legislation to address liability, trespassing and protection of property issues.

Protecting and improving Ontario trails is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement. 

Quick Facts

• Ontario has the second-largest trails network in Canada, with about 2,500 trails spanning over 80,000 kilometres that support recreation, tourism and active transportation.
• From 2009 through 2015, the province invested approximately $130 million to support Ontario’s trails.
• Through Ontario’s 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Legacy, Ontario has supported the completion of 254 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail Ontarioresulting in a continuous route of over 2,000 kilometres, connecting communities from Ottawa to Windsor and Fort Erie to Huntsville.
• Ontario Parks protects and manages approximately 2,200 kilometres of trails and boardwalks.
• Thousands of kilometers of trails and roads are on provincial Crown land that are open for the public to use free of charge.
• In 2014, hiking expenditures by Ontarians added $559 million to Ontario’s GDP and created more than 18,000 jobs across the province with an annual economic benefit of nearly $1.4 billion.

Brad Bird, MinCom Plus Realty Inc. Brokerage - Lindsay

Love Your Trail Sponsor

People have said that Brad Bird may be the most recognized Realtor® in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Brad has built a favourable reputation based on his track record. His team has helped homeowners and homebuyers throughout the City of the Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough County, and Durham Region. Averaging more than (150) real estate transactions every year, for almost two decades, is an accomplishment in itself.

Here are more reasons to work with Team Brad Bird:

• Brad is a career real estate professional – you get experience
• Team members are full-time licensed Realtors® – you get support
• Honesty, integrity – you can trust us to be in your corner
• Personable, friendly service – we know how to lessens your stress
• Extended support is available to ensure your needs are met
• We have relationships with many “third party” suppliers that you can count on, like mortgage specialists, lawyers, insurers, contractors, plumbers, electricians and more

Website:

http://www.teambradbird.ca/

Thank you Allison Smith http://heycountry.ca/author/allison/ for your recent post on Hey Country about the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. We are glad you enjoyed it!

Read the blog post here:

http://heycountry.ca/cycling-the-the-kawartha-trans-canada-trail/

Aaron Young, Bell World Lindsay

Love Your Trail Sponsor

Bell World Lindsay is located at 229 Kent Street close to downtown Lindsay and offers the following Bell services: Cellular phones, Satellite TV, Internet, Home phone, Mobility hardware upgrades, Fibre TV, Bell Trade-in program and Push-to-talk. Visit us to find the products and services that match your needs. Our team will be happy to help!

Phone: 

705-324-9000

Website:

http://www.lindsaychamber.com/Cellular-Paging-Sales-Service/Bell-World-Lindsay-450

Heather Richardson, Staples & Swain Professional Corporation

Love Your Trail Sponsor

Founded in 1959 by Joseph Lexis Crawford Staples Q.C., the firm of Staples & Swain Professional Corporation offers legal services in a variety of areas to individuals, private businesses and public institutions within the City of Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities.

Staples & Swain is a law firm committed to providing timely and practical advice. Lawyers Heather Richardson and Angus McNeil carry on the tradition, which commenced with Joe Staples, of demystifying the mysteries of the law for their clients, who are also their neighbours.

Website:

http://www.staplesswain.com/