January 31, 2017 (Peterborough ON) – Through the 2016-17 Partnership Allocation Program, Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) and Days Inn & Suites Lindsay have partnered to provide a “Love Your Trail Sponsorship” to the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail (KTCT).

The region has seen a surge in cycle tourism and is honoured to be home to this beautiful, 54-kilometre stretch of the Trans Canada Trail. The sponsorship not only provides funding to maintain and enhance the trail, but it also increases awareness of cycle-friendly businesses, like the Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, in order to promote longer stays, and increased visitors spending in the region.

Marie Lummiss, Operations Coordinator for Kawarthas Northumberland, says that she hopes to see more partnership applications like this when the next round of the Program launches in April. “This is a great partnership opportunity that delivers on both external marketing and wayfinding signage components. Not only does it support recreational tourism on the trail and provide our partner with exposure to a key visitor demographic, it also ensures that the trail is maintained so users will have exceptional experiences to speak of when they return home.”

As part of the sponsorship, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay and Kawarthas Northumberland will receive online promotion through logo and website link placement on the KTCT website. They will also be recognized on 8 gateway signs that are located on the trail throughout Kawartha Lakes. This will let potential travellers and trail visitors alike know that there is an option to stay and explore.

“Having the opportunity to work with the RTO8 in becoming a sponsor for the KTCT was an exciting one for us. As a bike friendly location with a bike pump and wash station available to anyone using the trail, this partnership was a perfect fit. The support from the RTO8 made it easy for the Days Inn & Suites Lindsay to become more involved with the KTCT,” says Candace Buckley, General Manager of Days Inn & Suites Lindsay. “We hope that this sponsorship will encourage more cyclists to use the trail and go greater distances on the trail knowing that there is a pit stop directly on the route.”

The KTCT offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the trail. From cycling and running in the spring and summer, to capturing photos of the autumn splendor from the Trestle Bridge, to taking to the snow on sled or ski, this is an outdoor adventurer’s haven. They KTCT is funded entirely by sponsorships, in-kind support and individual donations. To learn more about making a donation to the trail, please visit ktct.ca/donate.

Background:
The Kawarthas Northumberland Partnership Allocation Program was launched in April 2013 as an additional tool for Regional Tourism Organization 8 to encourage partnerships, strategic coordination and leveraging of regional resources. The Program provides up to 50% matched funding to help enhance tourism in our region through the development of new and innovative tourism experiences, marketing efforts, and enhancing the visitor experience.

The 2017-18 Program will launch in April, 2017. Program details and application forms will be posted on rto8.com/partnership/allocation/ in early March. To receive updates on the Partnership Program and other valuable industry news, sign up for the RTO8 industry newsletter here.

LINDSAY, ONTARIO – November 24, 2016

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association AGM

On November 23rd, the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association (KTCTA) hosted their Annual General Meeting at Fleming College. Volunteers were honoured for their support – they have contributed countless hours towards maintaining and enhancing the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail (KTCT) for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the area.

“Volunteers built this trail and they keep on giving their time to maintain it.  The KTCT is not supported by municipal funding so we rely on financial donations from individuals, businesses and organizations to help volunteers to carry out their work. Every financial contribution is applied to trail operations. Without regular financial support, trail maintenance and enhancements are jeopardized.” Al MacPherson, President

Donations have declined since the trail was completed and the KTCTA volunteer Board of Directors enlisted the services of Jacks Communications to develop a fundraising strategy.

“Our ‘Love Your Trail’ campaign is intended to attract sponsors and individual donors who agree to commit a donation to the association for five consecutive years. Sponsoring the KTCT provides us with some assurance of operational continuity, while providing sponsors with access to trail enthusiasts. You might be surprised to learn that KTCT users are not just Kawartha Lakes residents, they come from surrounding areas and the GTA as well.” John Hagarty, ‘Love Your Trail’ Campaign Chair

In fact, the Trail Studies Unit at Trent University completed a trail user survey for the KTCT which found that the largest group (44%) of trail users were visitors from Peterborough County.

Current ‘Love Your Trail’ sponsors include: Heather Richardson (Staples & Swain Professional Corporation), Brad Bird (Mincom Plus Realty Inc.), Linden Mackey (Mackey Funeral Home Inc.) , Aaron Young (Bell World Lindsay), Greg Dowdall (IPC Securities Corporation) and the Optimist Club of Lindsay.

ABOUT KAWARTHA TRANS CANADA TRAIL ASSOCIATION

The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association (KTCTA) was established in 2007, as a not for profit charitable organization. For more than a decade, the volunteer-run KTCTA developed the 54 kilometre abandoned rail corridor that travelled east (Peterborough) to west (Uxbridge) in the City of Kawartha Lakes into a quality, safe and vital link within the Trans Canada Trail nationally.

ABOUT TRANS CANADA TRAIL (NATIONAL)

It began as a bold dream in 1992; the idea of creating a trail from coast to coast to coast that would be a gift from Canadians to Canadians. This vision, the Trans Canada Trail – The Great Trail – continues to capture the imagination and support of people across the country. The world’s longest recreational trail winds its way across Canada’s magnificent greenways, waterways and roadways. Once fully connected, 24,000 kilometres will link over 15,000 communities.

CONTACT

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association
Al MacPherson, President / (705) 324-3222 /
info@ktct.ca

While the efforts of many people gave the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail life, the need for ongoing fundraising is real. The trail is not supported by municipal funding. It is managed by the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association, a volunteer-run charitable organization. Every financial contribution is applied to trail operations, maintenance & enhancements.

If you would like to make a donation online, we’ve made it easy for you, thanks to Canada Helps. Canada Helps is a safe and secure way to donate online. You decide how much to give, when to give, and how often, and your personal information is always protected. Through Canada Helps you also have the option to pay securely by Credit Card, Paypal, or Interac Online. When giving, please consider pledging a monthly amount. This continuous revenue stream is critical in providing long term sustainability and ongoing maintenance for the trail.

To donate to the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail online, click here: https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/8841 Your gift will make a difference for future generations. Please give generously. Thank you.

We are still getting emails about illegal dirt bikes and ATVs on the trail despite clearly marked gates that show they are not allowed on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. Did you know that less than 2% of Trans Canada Trail routes in Ontario allow ATVs? Eventually this will be 0%. These routes receive no funding for trail maintenance or enhancements from Trans Canada Trail. The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail is a volunteer run, charitable organization – our 54 kilometre trail is one of the sections that make up the 24,000 kilometre Trans Canada Trail nationally. In 2017, the Trans Canada Trail will be connected from coast-to-coast-to-coast and will be the longest trail in the World.

To report illegal use by ATVs or dirt bikes please do the following:

1. Avoid any confrontation. We do not want anyone hurt or insulted.

2. Note time, date and location.

3. Report the illegal use to the Lindsay Police if the location is in Lindsay or Ops Township, or to the OPP for all other locations of the trail.

4. Send a description of the dirt bike or ATV to the “Contact Us” form: http://ktct.ca/contact

5. If you are certain of the location where the trespasser lives, include this address in your email to us and we will send a letter to that address.

You can also send an email to info@ktct.ca

Our volunteers work hard to keep the trail safe and well maintained for the enjoyment of residents of, and visitors to, Kawartha Lakes. 

500 DAYS IN THE WILD is Dianne Whelan’s new adventure film, an homage to forgotten spirits, an ecological pilgrimage and a modern day Canterbury Tales. A 23,000 km journey where story has no boundaries. In August, Dianne spent some time in Peterborough & Kawartha Lakes. She was interviewed by CHEX Daily on August 25th and shared some of her stories of her journey across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail.

Follow Dianne as she hikes, bikes and paddles the trans Canada trail: http://500daysinthewild.com/

Or follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannewhelan

In 2017, the Trans Canada Trail will celebrate its 25th birthday. Since its initiation in 1992, the TCT has been dedicated to connecting communities all across Canada and preserving the natural beauty of the place we call our home.

I have had the opportunity to work and volunteer with the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail for the past two years. During this time, I have taken part in the maintenance of the 53.8 kilometres of trail found within the Kawartha Lakes; cutting grass, painting gates, and surveying fellow trail users concerning their experiences on the trail and ways we could improve the experience. I have also attended meetings with the Board of Directors as well as various events organized by the KTCTA. Through these experiences I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about all aspects of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail users, from the first-timer to the daily visitor, have a great sense of appreciation and fulfillment, and the organizers of the trail are motivated by this enthusiasm. My experience with the trail has shown me that with the determination of a motivated group, we can change the lives of many people.

In 24 years, the TCT has succeeded in connecting the majority of Canada together. With the help of donations and countless dedicated volunteers, soon the entirety of this great nation will be connected via a natural, accessible trail that we can all enjoy.

Tommy Vaneyk

Marc Landry is a Toronto, Ontario based action sports photographer. Honing his skills on local and World Cup cycling circuits, Marc has since expanded his subject matter to include several outdoor adventure sports. He recently wrote this blog post of his Uxbridge to Belleville 225km, two-night, three-day tour along local trails – including the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.

Read all about it here.

The Great Trail interviewed Al MacPherson, Chair of the Trans Canada Trail Ontario (TCTO) Board of Directors

Q: A big part of what we’re doing at the TCT is working with partners at the local level to get The Great Trail connected across the country by 2017, the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. How does that play into the work you do?

A: TCTO works with over 75 local Trail groups across the province. We work with them in getting Trail projects from ideas all the way to completion. This translates into helping Trail groups develop project plans for new or existing trails, review project costing and develop funding requests; and we assist them in ordering signs and then follow up to ensure signs are installed. We also ensure that funds are spent appropriately and reports are submitted. TCTO works with the provincial government and municipal governments for approvals and requesting funding…we do it all!

Q: How is The Great Trail most commonly used in northern Ontario? Southern Ontario?

A: Geography and population are major factors in how the Trail is used in Ontario. Northern Ontario has an amazingly beautiful and rugged natural environment: rocks, water and trees, but a small population. 85% of the northern Ontario is public land and the traditional mode of travel has been by water – canoes and kayaks. It made sense to establish 1,900 kilometres of TCT waterways for use by residents and visitors to this area. In contrast, southern Ontario has a population of approximately 12 million people, with 13% of the land in public ownership, making for a blend of natural and untouched landscapes alongside urban and cultural environments. The TCT works with many different stakeholders (municipalities, parks, conservation authorities, not-for-profit organizations, etc.) in order to knit together a continuous route for the Trail. The Trail is heavily used by residents and is a major tourist attraction, as it travels through and connects to large urban areas. The majority of use is walking/hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

Q: Tell us about the history of The Great Trail in Ontario

A: Ontario was at the planning table in 1992 when TCT was launched, in order to contribute to this vision, and has been active ever since. The Ontario Trails Council was the lead for the development of the Trail until approximately 2001. At that time, TCT hired two employees from Ontario to manage the development of the Trail in the province. In 2003, a not-for-profit organization was created – Trans Canada Trail Ontario. A Board of Directors was established and more staff were hired to administer and work with local trail partners to continue developing the Trail. There are now five part-time consultants who work to make connection happen in Ontario.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges involved in building the Trail in Ontario?

A: Keeping the motivation/commitment going for our local trail partners – making the Trail a priority for development – for many it is just another thing that needs to be done along with all the other work they have to do; keeping focus on connection as there are many other things that need to be done or could be done to enhance the the Trail. Recognizing that the needs for the Trail in northern Ontario are different than in southern Ontario due to population and geography; trying to connect over 5,000 kilometres with limited staff.

Q: What are the challenges of maintaining the Trail?

A: The Trail in Ontario is owned and managed by the local trail partner – neither the TCT nor TCTO owns or manages any of the Trail, thus our work has been to get local trail partners to agree to have their existing trail or newly created trail become part of  the “spine” or main route. Maintenance is the responsibility of local Trail partners. In some cases, as with waterways, there is less maintenance but work is required for portages and campsites in remote locations.  Other Trail sections, such as greenway require regular routine maintenance due to heavy use. Funds will be a major challenge to assist the local managers to keep their part of The Great Trail connected, safe and operational.

Read the full article here.

Come and enjoy a great cycling experience on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail with the Knights of Columbus. The annual Recreational Ride and BBQ includes either a 13k or 25k route, with leaders who will guide you along the trail. Rest and water stops will be provided and upon completing the ride you and your families are invited to enjoy fellowship and a delicious BBQ lunch!

Saturday, August 6th, 2016
St. Mary’s Church Parking Lot

• Registration Opens at 9:00 am
• 25k Start: 10:00 am
• 13k Start: 10:30 am
• Pre-registration – $20. or $50. in pledges
• Same day registration – $25. or $50. in pledges
• Sixteen and under Pre-registration/Same Day – $5. or $20. in pledges
• Family – $40. or $50. in pledges

For more information please call 705-324-0225 or email wylie.suggitt@sympatico.ca.

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.