TRAILHEAD NORTH The Ontario Trails Strategy and Trails Action Plan - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

TRAILHEAD NORTH The Ontario Trails Strategy and Trails Action Plan

Presentation by Carol Oitment Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) April 20, 2016

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENTATION

Ø

The Provincial Context for Trails

Ø

Research on the Benefits of Trails

Ø

The Ontario Trails Strategy

Ø

Trails Action Plan 2015/16 – 2017/18 (including Bill 100 – The Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015)

Ø

Next Steps 2

3

THE PROVINCIAL CONTEXT FOR TRAILS: ONTARIO TRAILS ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) - lead ministry on trail policy, planning and coordinating matters across government Ontario Trails Strategy 2005 - the framework for decision-making Trails Action Plan 2015/16 - 2017/18 Directors Working Group (DWG) on Trails Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (ADM co-chaired with Ontario Trails Council’s President – ministries/agencies and external stakeholders) MTCS Trails Team

Ø

All MTCS Divisions Key External Partners

Ø Ontario Power Sport

Working Group (umbrella for motorized trails)

Ø Provincial/regional trail

• rganizations

Ø Regional Tourism

Organizations

Ø Others

Government Partners

Ø Ontario Trillium Foundation Ø Ontario Tourism Marketing

Partnership Corporation (OTMPC)

Ø Ontario Place Ø Royal Botanical Gardens Ø St. Lawrence Parks

Commission

Ø Niagara Parks Commission Ø Others

National Trail Interests Ontario Trails Council (umbrella

• rganization for trails)

THE PROVINCIAL CONTEXT FOR TRAILS: ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

4

Trails Ø Ontario has over 80,000 km. of trail, the second largest network in Canada. Ø Trails include land/water, motorized/non-motorized and on/off-road trails used for recreation, tourism and transportation (e.g. active transportation) purposes in urban, suburban, rural and remote settings. Ø The Government of Ontario invested $130 million in trails 2009/10 through 2014/15. Key Trail Issues Ø 2013 confirmed long-standing trail issues (many since1977) including financial stability, liability, securing land for trials (e.g. easements and abandoned rail rights-of-way), trespassing, protection of private/public property, training, user conflict management, trail classifications/signage, supportive land/transportation planning and the need for a trails Master Plan. Ø Current emerging issues include the need for consistency in approaches (e.g. to trails management in County forests; trail signage/classifications; national trail standards/guidelines), the need to protect remote values and conflicts with other outdoor recreationists (e.g. trappers and hunters). Key Trail Opportunities Ø 2013 identified key trail opportunities including enhancing trails tourism, strengthening the role of trails in active transportation, promoting trails more effectively, conducting research and maximizing water trails. Ø Emerging opportunities include increasing interest in cultural/heritage values (e.g. Group of Seven trail; historic routes), cycling, trail animation (Pan Am Path), the Great Lakes trail vision, completion of the Trans Canada Trail 2017, cross-border interests, year round use, vertical trails, systems/networks, provincial cycling route and the need for new economic impact metrics (including ecological and human health).

RESEARCH ON THE BENEFITS OF TRAILS

Economic Benefits (jobs, property values, investment attraction and cost aversion)

Ø

The Ontario Trails Survey 2014 undertaken by the MTCS estimated the annual economic impact of hiking at $1.3 billion.

Ø

The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance manages 2,370 km of trail and has 25,000 users who spend $6 million annually generating an economic impact of $2 million per year.(1)

Ø

The Trans Canada Trail Ontario, when complete, is expected to generate $2.4 billion.(2)

Ø

Snowmobiling generates an estimated $1.3 to $1.7 billion per year, in Ontario.(3)

Ø

In 2005, ATVing generated an estimated $6.2 million (direct/indirect GDP) or $1 billion in direct/indirect economic impacts excluding tax revenues in Ontario.(4)

Ø

In 2010, 2 million Canadian/Ontario visitors cycled in Ontario and spent about $391 million.(5)

Ø

In 2011, 7.2 million Canadian visitors participated in a trail activity during their trips to Ontario , spending $1.3 billion (i.e. 8.7% of the total visitor spending by Canadians).(6) Health Benefits (mental/physical health and overall well-being)

Ø

Trail activity helps combat the economic burden of physical inactivity of $3.4 billion and of obesity of $4.5 billion (includes physical inactivity and other factors) (2009 data).(7)

Ø

Trail activities enhance mental capital, mental wellbeing and brain health throughout life(.8)

Ø

Each additional kilometer walked per day is associated with 4.8% reduction in the likelihood of obesity.(9)

Ø

The Ontario Trail Survey 2014 found that respondents experienced significant personal benefits from using trails including improved mental health (91%), physical health (90%), and a sense of well-being (90%).(10) 5

6

RESEARCH ON THE BENEFITS OF TRAILS (Cont’d.)

Environmental/Ecological Benefits (environmental stewardship, ecological integrity, climate change mitigation and aesthetics)

Ø

Active transportation (e.g. cycling/walking) helps reduce harmful emissions and contribute to cleaner air and reduced respiratory health issues.

Ø

Toronto Public Health estimates that traffic air pollution gives rise to about 440 premature deaths and 1,700 hospitalizations per year in the City of Toronto and estimates the economic impact of mortality at $2.2 billion per year (2007).(11) Community-building Benefits (connectivity, interaction, inclusion, volunteerism)

Ø

Trails contribute to community building (e.g. the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiles connects 234 communities and has over 6,000 volunteers; the Trans Canada Trail Ontario connects 140 communities, the Waterfront Trail connects 75 and the EOTA 24).(12)

THE ONTARIO TRAILS STATEGY

The Ontario Trails Strategy (OTS), the Framework for Trails in Ontario

Ø

The OTS provides a framework to guide decision-making affecting trails in Ontario. Vision

Ø

A world-class system of diversified trails, planned and used in an environmentally responsible manner that enhances the health and prosperity of all Ontarians. Core Values

Ø

Respecting private and public lands, including agricultural lands, Crown lands and the traditional land-use areas of Aboriginal communities.

Ø

Protecting, conserving and appreciating the environment, including cultural heritage and natural heritage.

Ø

Providing a variety of trail opportunities in keeping with the diverse trail interests of Ontario’s population and visitors.

Ø

Valuing regional differences and supporting local decision-making.

Ø

Adopting good planning principles and approaches. 5 Key Strategic Directions and 52 Deliverables

Ø

The 52 deliverables include short term actions (e.g. to establish the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC), longer term policy/legislative development requirements and on-going undertakings such as educational, promotional and training activities.

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Purpose of the Trails Action Plan: Ø To prioritize recommended actions toward strengthening the Ontario Trails Strategy (OTS) over 3 years. Ø To identify lead and support ministries/agencies/external stakeholders that will be responsible for scoping the items, submitting annual work plans, reporting on progress and accounting for performance targets. Ø To provide a public-facing communications tool as a living document that will incorporate emergent issues and opportunities as appropriate . Description of the Trails Action Plan:

Ø

The Trails Action Plan is fully accessible and available in French and English.

Ø

The Action Plan aligns with the vision and core values of the OTS.

Ø

It has 3 pillars (based on a merger of the 5 OTS pillars) with 31 action items:

§

Sustainability and Planning – 19 action items;

§

Access and Awareness – 7 action items; and

§

Tourism and Economic Development – 5 action items.

Ø

The Action Plan will be implemented within government budgetary allocations.

8

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

9

Key Alignments across Government Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces: Accessible recreation trails and beach access routes (Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure) Ø Accessible recreational trails and beach access routes allow everyone including people with disabilities to enjoy the natural spaces in our communities. Ø New or redeveloped recreational trails and beach access routes will need to meet these standards (e.g. minimum trail width), which are being phased in between 2015 and 2018. #CycleON: Ontario’s Cycling Strategy (Ministry of Transportation) Ø This strategy, released in August 2013, outlines a 20-year vision to guide provincial initiatives to increase the number and safety of cyclists in the province. The first action plan was released in 2015. Ø The strategy includes identifying a province-wide cycling network, including trails, and it provided $25 million over 3 years in cycling infrastructure funding). Biodiversity: It’s in our nature – Ontario Government Plan to Conserve Biodiversity 2012-2010 (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) Ø E.g. Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter http://www.childrensoutdoorcharter.ca/.

CONFIDENTIAL

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Action Item Lead (L) Support (S) Time Line YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Improving Collaboration among Stakeholders 1.1Collaborate on provincial, national and international, including federal-provincial/territorial, trail initiatives (e.g. Rouge Park Trails Strategy, International Great Lakes Coastal Trail) and encourage Aboriginal involvement MTCS(L) MTO/MNRF/MEDEI(S) 1.2 Introduce and promote a Trail User Code of Ethics providing for a trail etiquette that demonstrates respect for property (including natural heritage resources/features, cultural heritage resources, rural/agricultural landscapes, and wilderness environs), operations, and activities (such as hunting, fishing and trapping), while supporting biodiversity, sustainable environments and good stewardship MTCS(L) MNRF/MTO(S) Ontario Trails Council (S) Trent University(S) X X 1.3 Develop a tool(s) to guide First Nation, Inuit and Metis engagement/consultation (e.g. protocols) in trail planning, development and management MTCS(L) X X X 1.4 Establish a framework for water trails to help inform strategic directions and priorities (i.e. organizational structure, key stakeholders, research priorities etc.) MTCS(L) MNRF/Trails Sector(S) X Improving the Capacity of the Trails Community 1.5 Support the development of a renewed strategic business plan for the Ontario Trails Council, in consultation with key stakeholders, to build its capacity to assist with the implementation of the Action Plan Ontario Trails Council(L) MTCS(S) X X 1.6 Continue to develop and promote Regional Trail Committees involving diverse interests such as trail groups, Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs), public health units, tourism operators, municipal staff, conservationists and landowners as well as Aboriginal communities* Trails Sector(L) MTCS(S) 1.7 Review the mandate, structure and composition of the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee MTCS(L) X X 1.8 Initiate an annual meeting of key not-for-profit provincial/regional trail organizations on the Ontario Trails Strategy priorities Ontario Trails Council(L) MTCS(S) X 1.9 Support training on sustainable trail planning/design/management and construction; risk management; safety; marketing etc.*

Trails Sector(L)

PILLAR 1: SUSTAINABILITY AND PLANNING

Initiative is underway*; on-going activity

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Action Item Lead (L) Support (S) Time Line YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Establishing a Legislative Framework for Trails 1.10 Develop and implement a trails-supportive legislative framework including a Trails Bill and amendments to the Occupiers” Liability, Trespass to Property and Public Lands Acts* MTCS(L) MAG/MNRF(S) X X 1.11 Develop a report on the progress of the Ontario Trails Strategy based on a stakeholder survey and input from

• ther ministries/agencies*

MTCS(L) X Stabilizing Trail Routes 1.12 Create a provincial baseline map of existing trail and other corridors (e.g. transportation/utility corridors) and continue to explore ways to modernize trail map products and processes MTCS(L) MNRF/MTO/MEDEI(S) X X X 1.13 Take trail interests into account in land-use and transportation planning to enhance trail connectivity and access and encourage Aboriginal involvement in the process* MMAH(PPPB)/MTO(L) 1.14 Consider the feasibility of options on the use of provincially-owned abandoned railway rights-of-way for trail use MTCS(L) MEDEI(S) X X 1.15 Review potential landowner incentives for trails on private property and First Nation Reserves MTCS/(L) MOF(S) X 1.16 Promote trail master planning and the incorporation of trails into other relevant municipal plans (e.g. cultural, active transportation and parks and recreation plans)* MTCS(L) Regional Services(S) 1.17 Initiate discussion on developing guidelines for community park/trail provision and consider trail development/maintenance guidelines (including multi-use trails and alignment with the AODA Design of Public Spaces Standard) MTCS(L) MMAH(LGPB)(S) X X Enhancing Financial Sustainability 1.18 Continue to provide financial support (e.g. grants) for trail organizations and activities and explore alternative funding mechanisms with stakeholders, including the federal government, if and when appropriate* MTCS(L) MTO/MOF/MOECC(S) Trails Sector(S) 1.19 Host an expert workshop to explore issues related to trail-related insurance coverage and costs MTCS(L) MOF/Trails Sector(S) X

PILLAR 1: SUSTAINABILITY AND PLANNING (Cont’d.)

*Initiative is underway; on-going

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Action Item Lead (L) Support (S) Time Line YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Increasing Access to Trails 2.1 Implement #CycleON – Ontario’s Cycling Strategy (e.g. provincial tourism cycling route, safety measures, design tools etc.) and build on synergies with the Ontario Trails Strategy and other initiatives* MTO(L) MTCS(S) 2.2 Build awareness and inform children/youth about trail safety, nature and physical activity through schools (e.g. active transportation) and existing programs (e.g. Cycling Training Fund and the Ontario Children’s Outdoor charter)* MTCS(L) EDU/MNRF/MTO/Trails Sector(S) Increasing Awareness of Trails 2.3 Increase awareness of the AODA Design of Public Spaces Standard among trail providers, developers, tourist

• perators etc. and about trail opportunities for different interests and abilities among the general public and targeted groups

(e.g. persons with disabilities, new Canadians and non-users) Ontario Trails Council(L) MTCS/MEDEI(S) 2.4 Increase access to government information on trails (e.g. explore a one window access to government funding programs) MTCS(L) MCIIT(S) 2.5 Support a sector-led central, fully accessible website for trails incorporating social media and best practices/tools* Ontario Trails Council(L) MTCS/MEDEI/MCIIT(S) 2.6 Explore options for a voluntary trail branding and classification system MTCS(L) X X X 2.7 Explore opportunities to improve, increase and align trails signage and way-finding including tourism-related trails signage and accessibility requirements MTCS(L) MTO/MNRF/MEDEI(S) X x

PILLAR 2: ACCESS AND AWARENESS

Initiative is underway*; on-going

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Action Item Lead (L) Support (S) Time Line YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Establishing a Research Plan 3.1 Develop a Research Plan to inform decision-making related to trail development, management, promotion etc. (e.g. collect and disseminate user, economic impact and green infrastructure health/ecological benefits data) and build stronger research partnerships (e.g. federal/municipal governments, academia etc.)* MTCS(L) X Supporting and Promoting Trails Tourism 3.2 Host collaborative trails/tourism training workshops with the trails sector and support Regional Tourism Organizations in the development and promotion of trails tourism Trails Sector(L) MTCS(S) MAA(ARMPD/SPEPB)(S) X X X 3.3 Revitalize Ontario Place to create public access to the waterfront and link the site to the waterfront trail system* MTCS(L) Ontario Place Revitalization Branch(S) X X X 3.4 Promote Trails Tourism through the OTMPC marketing approach with a focus on nature, adventure and power sport strategies in alignment with Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) product development priorities (RTOs and trails community) toward generating increased visitation and expenditures* MTCS/OTMPC(L) X X 3.5 Support trails tourism through an application-based program which supports increased capacity of the tourism industry and increased visitation to the 13 RTOs* MTCS(L)

PILLAR 3: TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Initiative is underway*; on-going Ministry/Agency Acronyms: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS); Ministry of Transportation (MTO); Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF); Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Industry (MEDEI); Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG); Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH); Ministry of Finance (MOF); Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC); Ministry of Education (EDU); Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCllT}; and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC). Divisional Acronyms: Local Government Policy Branch (LGPB) of MMAH; and Provincial Planning Policy Branch (PPPB) of MMAH. Note: Further involvement by key stakeholders will be undertaken as appropriate in the scoping and implementation of Action Items. Stakeholders include government, not-for-profit and private sector interests, as well as Aboriginal communities.

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Priority Action Items

Ø

Trails legislation – Bill 100.

Ø

Study options on the use of provincially-owned Abandoned Railway Rights-of-Way for recreational trails use.

Ø

Introduce a Code of Ethics for trails users.

Ø

Explore alternate funding mechanisms with stakeholders.

Ø

Improve governance and building capacity with Ontario’s key trails

• rganizations.

Ø

Develop options to increase and improve trail signage and way-finding;

Ø

Develop trails tourism.

Ø

Develop a research plan to better inform the decision-making process on trails development, management and promotion. 14

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation

Ø

On May 12, 2015, the government introduced Bill 100, the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2015. It entered 2nd reading February 18 and underwent 10 hours of debate. It will now go to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. The proposed Act includes six schedules:

1.

New trails legislation entitled Ontario Trails Act, 2015;

2.

Complementary amendments to the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act;

3.

Amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act;

4.

Complementary amendments to the Off-Road Vehicles Act;

5.

Amendments to the Public Lands Act; and

6.

Amendments to the Trespass to Property Act. 15

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation: Proposed Ontario Trails Act, 2015 (Schedule 1, the Ontario Trails Act, 2015)

Ø

Proclaim an annual trails week to coincide with International Trails Day in June.

Ø

Through consultations, allow for the establishment of:

§

Voluntary best practices;

§

A voluntary classification system;

§

Targets; and

§

A process for recognizing Ontario trails of distinction.

Ø

Require that a trails strategy be maintained and reviewed periodically.

Ø

Set out a voluntary mechanism for trail easements between willing landowners and eligible bodies. 16

Trails Legislation: Proposed Amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act (OLA) (Schedule 2, 3 and 4) What

Ø

Schedule 3 would amend the Occupiers’ Liability Act (OLA) to clarify how it applies to not-for-profit groups and to expand what land it includes.

Ø

Schedules 2 and 4 would make complementary amendments to the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Off-Road Vehicles Act, respectively, to align with the OLA amendments. Why

Ø

Under the Act as it stands, where a person uses a trail for free recreational purposes, occupiers of trails have a duty not to intentionally injure a trail user or act with reckless disregard for their presence.

Ø

Questions have arisen about whether entry is free if the occupier receives a government benefit or payment (e.g. a not-for-profit group that receives a government grant), or incidental fees are paid (e.g. parking fees). 17

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation: Proposed Amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act (OLA) (Schedule 3)

The proposed amendment to the Occupiers’ Liability Act (OLA) would:

Ø

Clarify the intent of the Act; that receiving a public benefit or payment, or incidental fees related to access onto the land does not prevent the ‘free entry’ standard of care from applying.

Ø

As a result, it would clarify that trail managers and not-for-profit

• rganizations that may receive public benefits or payments, or that may

charge incidental fees for access to the land would be liable to a trail user

• nly for injuries they cause intentionally or through reckless disregard for

the presence of the trail user on the land.

Ø

Portages would also be added to the list of lands in the OLA to clarify that they are subject to the ‘free entry’ standard of care. 18

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation: Proposed Amendments to the Public Lands Act (PLA) (Schedule 5) What

Ø

Amend the Public Lands Act (PLA) to modernize stewardship, compliance and enforcement tools to better protect Crown land and property from damage and enhance the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) ability to manage trail use. Why

Ø

For many generations, the public and resource users have enjoyed recreational access to Crown land, including motorized use of trails.

Ø

However, the PLA has limited enforcement provisions, outdated fine amounts, and a limitation period (2 years) that doesn’t allow adequate time for detection of offences given the vast area of Crown land in Ontario.

Ø

The proposed amendments will provide MNRF with enhanced tools to manage Crown land, including making damage to Crown land and property an offence, such that MNRF will not have to resort to closing broad areas of Crown land from recreational activity to prevent damage. 19

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation: Proposed Amendments to the Public Lands Act (PLA) (Schedule 5) The proposed amendments to the Public Lands Act (PLA) would:

Ø

Make damage to Crown land and property an offence, and allow MNRF to recover the costs for rehabilitation of damage to Crown land in court.

§

Note: MNRF would consult on any proposed regulation defining damage to Crown land and property at a later time. This offence provision would only come into effect if a regulation is made.

Ø

Provide MNRF with new enforcement tools to stop vehicles, inspect documents, and arrest persons suspected or caught violating the Act.

Ø

Increase the maximum penalties for the majority of offences under the Act, and create a separate penalty structure for individuals and corporations, similar to other legislation.

§

Proposed new maximum penalties for individuals will be $15,000 for the first offence; $25,000 for second and subsequent offences.

§

For commercial interests, proposed maximum penalties will be $25,000 for first time offence; $50,000 for second and subsequent offences.

§

Allow for additional penalties to be imposed where there has been monetary gain.

Ø

Increase the limitation period for commencing prosecutions under the Act from within two years from the date the offence was committed, to within two years from the date of discovery of the offence, up to a maximum of five years from the date the offence was committed. 20

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

Trails Legislation: Proposed Amendments to the Trespass to Property Act (TPA) (Schedule 6) What

Ø

Amend the Trespass to Property Act (TPA) to show that the province takes trespassing seriously. Why

Ø

Protection of private and public property is a long-standing issue that has faced the trail sector.

Ø

Current fines and compensation orders are considered by trail stakeholders to be out-of-date. 21

TRAILS ACTION PLAN 2015/16 – 2017/18 (Cont’d.)

NEXT STEPS

Trails Legislation

Ø

To proceed to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly for further consideration.

Ø

Bill 100 requires 3rd reading and Royal Assent before it would become law. Other Trails Action Plan Items

Ø

To proceed with the implementation of the 31 items over the three year period including reporting on progress to the DWG on Trails and the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC) twice annually. Focus Sessions on the Strategic Framework for Tourism

Ø

Currently underway. 22

THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR TOURISM IN ONTARIO

Strategic Framework for Tourism in Ontario: Facilitated Focus Sessions The ministry is developing a Strategic Framework for Tourism in Ontario. In support of the framework, facilitated focus sessions on tourism will be hosted in communities across Ontario.

Ø

As a tourism stakeholder, you are invited to attend one of the sessions and share your views about how to grow tourism in Ontario.

Ø

More details on the sessions, including dates, locations and registration, are available on Evenbrite via the website: http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/tourism/tourism2.shtml

Ø

Alternatively, you can send an email to TourismFramework@ontario.ca, and someone will contact you in approximately one business day to finalize your registration.

Ø

The ministry plans to launch the Framework in 2016 following the conclusion of the engagement sessions. WebEx/Teleconference Facilitated Focus Session: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. OR Sault Ste. Marie Facilitated Focus Session: Friday, April 29th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Kenora Facilitated Focus Session: Thursday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Clarion Lakeside Inn and Conference Centre Thunder Bay Facilitated Focus Session: Friday, May 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fort William Historical Park 23

CONTACTS: MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND SPORT TRAIL POLICY

MTCS Sport, Recreation and Community Program Division (SRCPD) Policy Branch Trail Contacts

Ø

William Snowball, Manager of the Sport, SRCPD, Policy Branch; william.snowball@ontario.ca; 416-326- 4370

Ø

Carol Oitment, Policy Advisor for the SRCPD, Policy Branch; carol.oitment@ontario.ca; 416-314-7205 MTCS Tourism Division

Ø

Darryl Soshycki, Manager Tourism Policy; darryl.soshycki@ontario.ca; 416 212-1676

Ø

Kathy Mott, Policy Advisor, Tourism Policy; kathy.mott@ontario.ca; 416-314-7205 Link to the Ontario Trails Strategy Http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/sport/recreation/A2010_TrailStrategy.pdf Link to the Trails Action Plan 2015/16 to 2017/18 (Refer to the Ontario Trails Council’s Website) http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/assets/files/pdf/OTCC/Trails%20Action%20Plan%20-%20Final%20- %20Dec%202015.pdf

CONTACTS: REGIONAL SERVICE ADVISORS FOR SPORT, RECREATION, CULTURE, HERITAGE AND CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMS AND SERVICE DELIVERY

Regional Services Branch Advisors for the Ministries of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (local/regional sport, recreation ,culture, heritage and citizenship programs and service delivery e.g. Summer Experience, Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, CARA, After School) for this area of northern Ontario.

Ø

Kenora - Heather Gushulak; Heather.Gushulak@ontario.ca ;(807) 468-2452

Ø

Dryden - Natasha Lovenuk-Markham; Natasha.LovenukMarkham@ontario.ca; (807) 223-8682

Ø

Sioux Lookout - Emily McIntyre; Emily.McIntyre@ontario.ca; (807) 737-1081

Ø

Thunder Bay - Marlene Wright (D); Marlene.Wright@ontario.ca; (807) 475-1658

Ø

Thunder Bay - Bonnie McNulty; Bonnie.McNulty@ontario.ca; (807) 475-1676

Ø

Sault Ste. Marie - Tony D’Agostino; Tony.D’Agostino@ontario.ca; (705) 945-5923

Ø

Sault Ste. Marie - Patricia Lofstrom (D); Patricia.Lofstrom@ontario.ca; (705) 945-5793 25

CONTACTS: REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

RTO 12 - Explorers’ Edge

Ø

James Murphy, Executive Director, Explorers’ Edge, 3 Taylor Road, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S6; ; james@explorersedge.ca; 1-800-835-7303 x 100; cell: 705-706-1649 RTO 13 – Northern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization

Ø

David MacLachlan, Interim Executive Director, Tourism Northern Ontario, 111 Elgin Street, Suite 304, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6L6; david.maclachlan@tourismnorthernontario.com; 705-575-9779; cell: 705-542-0581

26

CONTACTS: TOURISM ADVISORS IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

MTCS Northern Policy and Planning Unit (pan-northern policy/planning) Jim Antler, Policy Advisor – james.antler@ontario.ca 705-494-4159 MNDM Regional Tourism Advisors (local tourism service delivery, local contact for MNDM and MTCS programs – e.g. Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Celebrate Ontario)

Ø

Kenora – Frank Bastone: frank.bastone@ontario.ca 807-468-2820

Ø

Thunder Bay – Sean Irwin: sean.irwin@ontario.ca 807-475-1528

Ø

Sault Ste. Marie – Mark Melisek: mark.melisek@ontario.ca 705-945-5913

Ø

Timmins – Graham Campbell: graham.campbell@ontario.ca 705-235-1665

Ø

Sudbury – Anik Perreault: anik.perreault@ontario.ca 705-564-7516

Ø

North Bay – Siobhan O’Leary: siobhan.oleary@ontario.ca 705-494-4163 Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (provincial marketing)

Ø

Steve Bruno, Partnership Coordinator (outdoor adventures - e.g hiking, paddling); steve.bruno@ontario.ca 705-571-5177

Ø

Claude Aumont, Partnership Coordinator (power sports – e.g. snowmobile, ATV); claude.aumont@ontario.ca 705-493-5618 27

SOURCE NOTES

1.

Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA).

2.

Economic Impact Analysis Trans Canada Trail in Ontario by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, August 2004.

3.

Economic Impact of Snowmobiling in Ontario, An Assessment of the 2013-2014 Snowmobiling Season by Harry Cummings and Shannon McIntyre, HCA, May 2014, Prepared for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

4.

The Economic Impact of All Terrain Vehicle Recreation in Canada: National, Provincial, and Territorial for Robert Ramsay, President, Canadian All Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council by Peter

• E. Gunther Smith Gunther Associates Dec 31, 2006.

5.

Ontario Ministry of Tourism. Travel Statistics on Visitors Who Involved Cycling Activities While on Trip, as Compared to Non-Cycling Visitors: Tourism Research Report, 2010.

6.

Statistics Canada, the International Travel Survey; Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

7.

A Report to the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport prepared by Peter T. Katamarzyk, Ph.D. of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center 2009 on The Economic Costs Associated with Physical Inactivity and Obesity in Ontario 2009.

8.

Biddle and Ekkekakis, 2005; Teychenne et al., 2008.

9.

Frank, L.D. et al. (2004) Obesity Relationships with Community Design, Physical Activity and Time Spent in Cars.

10.

Ontario Trail Survey 2014, Government of Ontario, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

11.

Air Pollution Burden of Illness from Traffic in Toronto – Problems and Solutions. November 2007. Toronto, Canada. Toronto Public Health authored by Monica Campbell, Kate Bassil, Christopher Morgan, Melanie Lalani, Ronald Macfarlane and Monica Bienefeld for Dr. David McKeown Medical Officer of Health.

12.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, the Waterfront Trail, Trans Canada Trail Ontario and the EOTA.