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03 07 1996 RAC Minutes . . . MINUTES OF THE ORO-MEDONTE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD THURSDAY MARCH 7, 1996 Present: AT 7:00 P.M., ADMINISTRATION CENTRE Staff Present: Regrets: Also Present: A. Graham Nelson, Councillor Ron Sommers, Nancy stoddart, Bill Groves, Dave KnOX, Councillor Walter Dickie Deborah Broderick, Anne Brousseau, Kim Allen Mayor Ian Beard, Barbara Swanson Mike Hendy, Chris Hendy, Stephen Hendy, Andrew sullivan, Councillor Don Bell, Mary Caldwell, Bob Hunter, Jeff G. Proctor, Catherine Proctor, Dorothy Burrus, Marg Parke, piet Mulder, Derek Anderson, catherine Mulder, Marjorie Bell, Jane Blackstock, John Dunsmore, Rob Talaska, Phil Lalande, Bob Gregory, Tyler Laffin, John Madden, Judy smith, Edna Caldwell, Dorothy Hesser, Barb Miller, Mary Jane sarjeant, Ron McClean, Ron Brown, R. J. Murray, Morgan Lemen, Loreen Lucas, Earl Robertson, Jadeen Henderson, Walter Hutchinson, Gerald Moran, Barb Sinton, Nancy collins, Ron Purchase, Buffi woronka, Russell Cumberland, Rosemary Dunsmore, Freida Baldwin. 1. 2. 3. Minutes of the February 1,1996 meeting. It was Moved by Graham Nelson, seconded by Dave Knox That the Minutes of the February 1, 1996 Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee meeting be adopted as circulated. Carried. Disclosure of pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof - In Accordance with The Act: None Declared. Disposition of the February 1, 1996 Recommendations to Council: The submission by the Committee regarding mandate of the Committee with respect to preparation of the Master Plan was received by Council at their regular meeting on February 21, 1996. . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 2 March 7,1996 4. Deputations 7:06 p.m. Rosemary and John Dunsmore of the Oro-Medonte Trails Association and Freida Baldwin of the Huronia Trails and Greenways Association were present to address the Committee on the possible abandonment of the rail line between Barrie and Langford Mills. In addition to providing a historical background on Huronia Trails and Greenways and the Simcoe Countv Recreational Greenwavs Development Studv, the video and overhead presentation by Frieda Baldwin provided an informative synopsis of existing trails within the County of Simcoe, the benefits of such a trail system, and the procedure involved in establishing such a trail. Ms. Baldwin's presentation also included answers to routine questions regarding the process of acquiring and developing greenways from abandoned rail lines. . Rosemary Dunsmore, representing the Oro-Medonte Trails Association addressed the possible abandonment of the Barrie to Longford Mills line from a local perspective. She outlined the purpose for the Association's interest in this line; background on the possible abandonment; action taken to date by the Association, and the benefits of a greenway trail for the Oro-Medonte community. The recommendation of the Oro- Medonte Trails Association is that the Recreation Advisory Committee, through Council, "set aside money each year for a period of five years, earmarked for the CN rails to trail", recognizing that if the proposal does not become a reality the monies would remain in the Recreational fund for other uses. Councillor Sommers requested the approval of the Committee to extend the time allotted for the deputation by fifteen minutes in order to allow for questions from the floor. with Committee concurrence, Freida Baldwin, Rosemary Dunsmore, and Dorothy Burrus answered questions for the specified time frame. A summary of the presentations by the delegation are appended to these minutes. s. correspondence: a) Oro-Medonte Trails Association, re: Confirmation of attendance at deputation, March 7, 1996. . Moved by Graham Nelson, seconded by Dave Knox That the correspondence from the Oro-Medonte Association be received for information. Trails Carried. . . ). Broderick, report re, 3hare, Ora-Minor 1=key Auxiliary . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 3 March 7, 1996 s. correspondence: (Cont'd...) b) OMRA, re: 1996 Conference Program Schedule May 22-May 25, 1996, Niagara Falls. Moved by Dave Knox, seconded by Walter Dickie That the Conference information from OMRA be received for information. Carried. c) Linda Pfrimmer, Oro Minor Hockey Auxiliary; re: Lease on Concession Booth. Long-term Further to the correspondence received indicating that the Auxiliary is not interested in a year-round lease, Deborah Broderick reiterated that the Auxiliary is not prepared to discuss a revenue sharing proposal until such time as the Auxiliary's books have been completed for the year. It is expected that discussions in this regard will proceed in April. signed waivers have been received from the Oro-Medonte Ringette Association and the Oro-Medonte Figure Skating Club indicating they have no objection to an extended lease for the Auxiliary. It was Moved by Graham Nelson, seconded by Dave Knox That the matter be referred to the Director of Recreation and Community Economic Development, with a request for a subsequent report to the Committee. Carried. Graham Nelson introduced a separate motion as follows: Moved by Graham Nelson, Seconded by Dave Knox That the letters of waiver from the Oro-Medonte Ringette Association and the Oro-Medonte Figure skating Club be received for information. Carried. . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 4 March 7, 1996 6. Director's Monthly Report: a) Oro-Medonte Minor Hockey Update: Previously dealt with under Correspondence. b) Update on Recreation Master Plan: Deborah Broderick reported on her meeting with Donna Hinde, a consultant with The Planning Partnership who has experience in recreation planning. . Deborah proposed the Plan be in the form of a working paper that will address the five questions relating to recreation as identified in the Township strategic Plan. It is the opinion of the consultant that through utilizing information already available to the Municipality, as gathered through the strategic Plan and the Official Plan preparation process, much of the work for this paper could be completed in-house. Ms. Hinde will initially be preparing a work schedule to distinguish areas in the process where a consultant would be required and it is possible a draft paper may be available by December of 1996. In response to inquiries regarding costs related to the involvement of a consultant in the process, Deborah indicated the fees will be nominal. Two members of the Committee will be working with Deborah in the preparation of the paper and technical support has been committed. Deborah will report further regarding the expected total costs of Ms. Hinde's involvement, and will also provide the Committee with the proposed schedule of works/task allocation, once received. c) Cost study Follow-up: Kim Allen, Recreational Facilities Foreman, was present to answer questions on information previously provided to the Committee pertaining to revenues and expenses realized in the provision of recreational services. various aspects of the operation were discussed, including a lengthy discussion on the viability of Memorial Park as a subsidized service. D. Broderick, K. Allen Seasonal Seasonal summaries will be prepared this year in an attempt to provide a more accurate reflection of actual costs for recreational services provided. Information on the arena operation (January-April) will be provided in a summary format at the June, 1996 Committee meeting. . . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 5 March 7,1996 6. Director's Monthly Report: (Cont'd.) Deborah Broderick provided an update on the meeting of the sub-committee to review the Hawkestone Community Hall proposed capital budget. The sub-committee, having met in February, recognizes the tremendous contributions made by the volunteers and the need for their continued enthusiasm. A draft community hall vision statement has been drafted and it is with this statement in mind that the sub-committee has identified initial capital items for the Committee to consider and forward to Council. Following analysis of the recommendation of the sub-committee, d) It was Moved by Bill Groves, seconded by Dave Knox It is recommended to Council that the following initial items for capital expenditures for the Hawkestone community Hall in the amount of $1,563 be considered during 1996 budget deliberations: . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. . Replacement of two fire doors Waterproofing Hall Foundation ground level up to windows 130 feet of eavestrough, hardware' installation 1 Dehumidifier Materials for Hall end gables RACCA Contribution $922.87 Township Contribution $922.87 6. Installation of new light poles and fixtures at the Pad RACCA contribution $ 640.00 Township contribution $ 640.00 Total RACCA contribution Total Township contribution $ 450.00 $ 320.00 $ $ $ 365.00 360.00 110.00 $1605.00 112.35 GST 128.40 PST $1845.75 $1280.00 $1,563.00 $1,563.00 Carried. . . D. Broderick Public Skate -final figures June . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting page Ii March 7,1996 6. Director's Monthly Report: (Cont'd.) d) e) Deborah Broderick provided a verbal update on the February 26, 1996 meeting of the Community Hall Board Association. The halls are currently deliberating their operating budgets and attempting to identify capital requests. Community questionnaires have been circulated by the halls. A draft of the Rural Recreation and Community Halls in Oro-Medonte Township, as prepared by Bob Gregory, was circulated for the information of the Committee. This draft vision statement will be circulated in late March to the remaining community halls for comment and subsequently placed on the April agenda of the Recreation Advisory Committee. Deborah advised the Committee that volunteer training will be provided to the community halls by the Old Town Hall Cooperative. Public Skate Revenues and Participation Deborah Broderick provided statistics on Public Skate revenue and participation as requested by the Committee in the fall of 1995, advising that total figures would be available in June, 1996. Upon deliberation of the information as presented, with particular attention to the feasibility of the Friday Night Public Skate, it was Moved by David Knox, seconded by Bill Groves It is recommended to Council that the Friday Night Public Skate be maintained for the current ice season with a further review to be made in september, 1996. Carried. 7. Committee Chairman's Report: Memorial Park Day camp: a) A draft flyer was circulated to the Committee outlining the proposed summer day camp programs. In order to effectively promote the camp, advertising of the camp must be done shortly. . ela'i D. Broderick -advise CAO of concerns -gather stats -report to . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 7 March 7,1996 a) b) Memorial Park Day Camp: (Cont'd...) FOllowing a review of the 1995 Day Camp Report and the corresponding costs of operation, it was Moved by Bill Groves, seconded by Dave Knox That the draft 1996 summer day camp proposal be forwarded to Council as representing the recommendation of the Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee for summer day camp programs for 1996. carried. Discussion, re: Deputation by Oro-Medonte Association and Huronia Rails and Greenways Trails The deputation was reviewed by the Committee addressing specifically the issues of liability and environmental concerns that arose from the presentation. It was agreed that the issue be Tabled pending further investigation regarding these concerns. It was also noted that a decision regarding the sale of the rail line has not been made. It was Moved by Graham Nelson, seconded by Walter Dickie That the material received from the Deputation by the Oro-Medonte Trails Association and the Huronia Rails and Greenways, be referred to the Director of Recreation and Community Economic Development for a future report to the Committee as to a recommended course of action; and, that the Committee be provided any additional information that may become available; and further, that the Director be directed to gather statistics on liability and environmental concerns and advise the Treasurer/Acting Administrator of the concerns in this regard. carried. 8. other Business: a) The list of upcoming events for March/April, received for information. 1996 was . Parks' Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Page 8 March 7,1996 8. other Business: b) The deadline for Agenda Items for the April meeting will be March 22, 1996. c) The Committee was advised of an inquiry by the Lion's Club (former Medonte) regarding the development of a park in Moonstone. d) Councillor Sommers recommended attention be given to beginning deputations at the time noted on the agenda. e) A round-table discussion occurred regarding possible ways in which to recognize the contributions of volunteers. 9. Adjournment. It was Moved by Bill Groves . That the meeting adjourn at 10:25 p.m. Chairperson Secretary . . ORO.MF.DONTE TRAIT.S ASSOrTATTON DEPUTATION TO THE ORO-MEDONTE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MARCH 7. 1996. RE: THE PROPOSED CN RAIL ABANDONMENT FROM BARRIE TO LONGFORD MILLS. PURPOSE: To oromote the idea of oreservim! the section in Oro-Medonte for: 1/ An all season multi-use recreational trail. 2/ A utility corridor 3/ An environmental conservation area for olants and animals. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: (From the national Transoortation Agency of Canada - order and decision) -Barrie to Longford Mills - 30 miles -Barrie to Orillia - 21. 4 miles... would ioin the Barrie WaterfTont Pathway to the Grima Lightfoot Trail. -Oro-Medonte section - 14.5 miles...is the section that we are oarticularly interested in. -VIA Rail runs a oassenger service three days a week in each direction oyer this line. The ootions ooen to VIA are.. ..1/ ourchase this line and continue to ooerate on it. 2/ abandon the oassenger service 3/ reroute its oassenger train oyer the other CN line east of Lake Simcoe. ACTION TAKEN: 1/ We met with Huronia Trails & Greenways to find out oossible ways of saving this right-of-way for use as a .multi-use oathway. Their mandate is to ensure that abandoned rail lines are mai~tained intact for the oublic good. and to co-ordinate the deyelooment of a network of trails and greenways as invisioned in the Simcoe County Recreational Greenways Deyelooment Study. (March 1992) 2/ Letters have been written to: a) organized !!fOUoS within Oro-Medonte to inform them of the orooosed closing of the CN Line and letting them know we are interested in it becoming a recreational trail b) Barrie and Orillia Councils asking them to consider obtaining their section for oublic use. c) recreationl !!fOUoS in the surrounding area asking them for their SUDDOrt. d) Ministerial oersonnel at County. Provincial and Federalleyels letting them know of our interest in this line. BENEFITS: SAFETY - It would take walkers and cyclists off the Ridge Road. FITNESS - Walking is the recommended activitY for all au:es for good health. - - . TRANS CANADA TRAIL - has aooroyed this as a oreferred\route. - - o.'-*'-~~ RECOMMENDATIONS: This is a once in a lifetime oooortunitv and we feel it is too imoortant to let oass without consideration by the Townshio Council and residents ofOro-Medonte. We recomment that the Oro-Medonte Recreation! Committee set aside money each year for a oeriod offiye years earmarked for the CN rails to trail. By that time we would know what is haooening and there .would be a fund ready to use. If nothing comes of the trail the money would be in the Recreational fund for other uses. Presentation by Huronia Trails & Greenways Letters sent to groups within Oro Medonte Twp. Oro Station, Shanty Bay and ~f{tjyf~~~~X~~~~~ Oro Agriculture Society, Oro ~tl¿[lture Society Oro Lions Club, Oro Lioness Club Oro Historical Society, Oro Girl Guides & Boy Scouts East Oro, Guthrie and Shanty Bay Public Schools Recreational Groups Hawk. ,tone l¿ ltepayers . Bikeland, Sojourn, Orillia & Dist. Snowmobile ant. Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, ant. Trails Council Ganaraska Trail Association Bruce Trail Association Club, Ministerial personnel Warden of Simcoe County, Mr. John Brown Simcoe County Director of Community & Resources Deielopm"t Dept. Mr. Geroge Coulson MPP Mr. Allan McLean MP Mr. Paul Devillers Minister of Natural Resources & Northern Development Mr. Chris Hodgson Interministerial Committee on Abandoned Railway Right of lay Mr. Bryan Howard . . City tells CN it is interested in buying soon-to-be abandoned railway i rails . totrails~j£t By MARGARET BRUINEMAN The Examiner The City of Barrie is interested in purchasing an abandoned rail line which snakes along the waterfront through the east end. Canadian National Railways suc- cessfully applied to abandon the track, which runs north from Bradford into Barrie, then continues north from the . Allandale train station, east along the water and north past Orillia. CN will no 10ngßr be obliged to operate trains along the line after Sepfember. "The city is interested in acquiring the land and add to its waterfront hold- ings," said Louis Pinault, manager of real estate services. "There's no harm in getting a little bit of a jump and showing our inter- est." A delegation of city officials and politicians want to meet with CN'and provincial politicians. The property could be added to the park land, be used to realign intersec- tions or be developed inio bike and walking trails. No dollar amount has been attached to the property which is about 60- to 66- feet wide and stretches about four miles through the city. And the land won't be listed for sale until at least Sepiember. VIA rail has been given six'months to purchase it and another six months to re-issue the route. There is also the possibility that a private rail operator could purchase the line and continue operating rail service along it. . DOUG CRAWFORO PHOTO LAKEFRONT PROPERTY - The City of Barrie says if the property is available, it wants to buy a soon-to-be-abandoned railway tine that runs into the south end of thecitýàhd'íhen follows along the lakefront. If neither of those options pan out, city council is interested because much of it runs alongside city land. There has also been an emphasis to add to its precious waterfront holdings. Well over hàlf of the land surrounding Kempenfelt Bay is owned by the city and used as park land. . "It's always the intention of council," said Pinault. "It's probably the most important resource that we have, the waterfront of this city" Council purchased a large parcel of . land two years ago from CN, extending from Mine!'s Point Road on the south- ern portion of Kempenfelt Bay almost to the present location of the South Shore Recreation Centre. The 6.4-hectare parcel of land genßr- ated considerable controversy because it was considered by CN as a site for a hotel/convention centre complex. Eventually. however, the city bought it for $4.million to preserve Barrie's wide-open lakefront park. More recently. the city passed on a project which. would. ha"e. seen its waterfront holdings extend into Oro- Medonte 'fuwÌ1ship órithe city's north- east border. . A landowner offered to sell 3,000 feet of shoreline north or Barrie. But coun- cil later decided the timing is wrong and the money would be better spent elsewhere. . "It came down to the fact that council just didn't think they WOlùd be able to swing that project at this time," said Pinault. . . . CN Barrie line isn't for sale... at least not yet II By TOM VILLEMAIRE The Examiner i The City of Biírrie wants the railway for parkland. A shortline railway operator SaYS it would ,also .pe interested in buying it - to keep the trains running. But Canadian National Railways,which operates the line from Toronto north to Barrie and then on to the Orillia area, says it's not even for sale yet. "At this time, there is no plan to sell the line or abandon the line, but CN is looking at all lines that. are non-profitable," said Ian Thomson, of Canadian National's Toronto office. . What it means is the future of the rail line, which enters south Barrie, then follows the Kempenfelt Bay shoreline for several kilometers, is still in doubt. The City of Barrie said this week it will approach Canadian National to express its iriterest in buying the line if CN does decide to shut it down. The national railway giant can abandon the line, because it cannot run it at a profit, as soon as September. But CN doesn't have to abandon the line if it does- n't want to. Thomson said CN is studying its unprof. itable lines to décide which should be given up. Were CN to sell it there is at least one ready pur. chaser. RailTex, a shorUine operator based in San Antonio, Texas, is interested. "We would iove to increase our operations in Ontario. including the Barrie line if it is workable, but it's not available so far," said Sandy Franger, acquisitions manager for RailTex, which has also expressed an interest in a line in eastern Ontario. "We are interested in acquiring more lines and would consider anything that becomes available, but so far. only one has been put up for sale." . . EXAMINER FILE PHOTO WHAT'S THE FUTURE - VIA Rail and seve¡;al local companies still, rely. on the Bradford-to-Barrie-to-Or,illia railway line owned by Canadian National. That's the so-called VanKJeek line, from Hawkesbury in the Ottawa area to the village of Van KJeek. The line is 4o-kms. long with six customers along its length. "They have the system for making a profit on something that short. Shortline operators like RailTex are filling a niche," said Thomson. VIA Rail is still using the Barrie line three times a week ànd some freight still moves along the line ser- vicing a half-dozen area companies. Abandonment of the Barrie line would mean the end of two other lines; from Barrie to Collingwood; and from Orillia to Midland which was abandoned last year. CN is still considering ,its options. "It is something that is ongoing. We would prefer to sell these lines to shorUine operators like RailTex, who are very good at making a profit ön shortline operations," said Thomson. "We are waiting for a list, but we can't do anything' unless something is offered for sale," said Franger. RailTex's interest in operations in' Ontario increased last fall when the Tory government repealed the NDP's Bi1l40, which guaranteed succes- sor rights to union employees. RailTex had pur- chased it's fIrst Canadian operation, a line from Exeter to Goderich in 1992, before Bill 40 was passed. IHU¡r¡ON~A T¡r¡A~l~ AND G¡r¡[E[ENWAV~ . An As.ociation of Individual. and Gmup. Promoting Rail. To Traila in Simcoa County ... 1 ~ uestions & Æ.nswers on . ABANDONED RAIL LINES in SIMCOE COUNTY Presented By: . Huronia Trails & Greenways Hl\J~ON~A ANiD) G ~lElENW A '\fS ...2 . An Associstion of Individuals and Groups Promoting Rails To Traila in Simcoa County Q2 What is Huronia Trails and Greenways? A Huronia Trails and Greenways has operated, since its formation in March 1992, as an advocacy group for individuals and associations interested in recreational trails and linear green ways within Simcoe County. . Our primary focus is ensuring that abandoned rail lines are maintained intact for the public good and to coordinate the development of a network of trails and greenways as envisioned in Simcoe County's Recreational Greenways Development Study. HTG MISSION STATEMENT "To promote and coordinate the efforts of user groups and individuals in Simcoe County to secure the development of a linear greenway network for recreational, educational, environmental and ecological uses and/or land banks. " . HU~ON~A T~A~US AND G~IEIENWAV5J . An Association of Individuals and G,oups Promoting Rails To T,ails in Simcoe County ...3 ~ What is the Simcoe County Recreational Greenways Development Study? Al . . Completed in September 1992 and titled "Rails to Trails to Greenways in Simcoe County", the Recreational Greenways Development Study report was commissioned by the County of Simcoe Recreation Department, the Simcoe County Recreationist Association, and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. The purpose of the study is to provide a report to assist interested municipalities and grassroots organizations to implement a realistic County.wide linear recreational greenways system. HU~O~~A TIRA~l~ A~D G~lEiE~WA1f'~ ...4 . An Assocòst;on of Ind;v;dusls snd Groups Promo!;ng As;ls To Trs;ls ;n S;mcoe County (Q2 What are Greenways? Ai In the context of the development study, "greenways" refers to all existing or potential linear corridors in the County of Simcoe that link, or could link, existing natural, historical, recreational, and environmental amenities. . Greenway = Green[space] + [path]way . lDïr«Oiì\Ð~A Tïr«A~lS AND ïr«1E IE iì\ÐW A VS ...5 . An Association of Individuals and Groups Promoting Rails To Trails in Simcoe County Greenways include: . existing and potential abandoned rail lines . waterfronts, waterways, and wet trails . pedestrian walkways, boardwalks, and pocket parks . . historic travel routes (eg: portages) . trails for motorized and non-motorized use . utility corridors (pipelines, hydro, fibre optics, etc.) . any other linear corridor suitable for recreation or the preservation of the bio- diversity of natural areas. . H U[R(QJN~A AND ...6--. An Association of Individuals and Groups Promoting Rails To Trails in Simcoe County (ýJ What does "rails-ta-trails", "rail-trail", and "rail-with-trail" mean? A The grassroots, community movement to ensure that abandoned rail lines are not lost forever is often referred to as "rails-to-trails". Abandoned rail lines are an important type of greenway. When tracks are removed from an abandoned rail line, the remaining corridor is often referred to as a "rail-trail". . A green way can also be created alongside an active rail line. This is referred to as " rail-with-trail" . HU~ON~A T~A~lS AND G~[E[ENWAYS ... 7 . An Assodat;on of Ind;v;duals and G,oups Promot;ng Ra;ls ro Tra;ls;n S;mcoe County (ý2 Why are rail lines being abandoned? Ai Across North America, railway operators are coming to grips with changing business conditions. Rail lines are being abandoned for a number of reasons including: . . Elimination of community to community passenger service. . Decline in rail use for local goods transportation. . Rationalization of existing lines through mergers and shared use. . HU~OIi\lJ~A T~A~lS AIi\lJIDJ G~lElEIi\lJWAVS ...8 . An Association of Individuals and G,oupa Promoting Rails To T,ails in Simcoa County ~ Who owns the rail line right-at-ways? A In Canada, the rail corridors are owned outright by the operator. They were legally purchased from the original owners who relinquished all rights to the property more than 100 years ago. . . IlJ~O[N]~A T~A~l;S AND G~lEiENWA"ìf;S ...9 . An Association of Individuals and Groups Promoting Ralls To Trails In Simcoe County ([J2 What does "Abandoned" mean in the context of rail lines. Ai As market demands change, rail operators may take specific lines out of service. However they may reactivate the line at a later time when conditions warrant. . Occasionally, an operator may wish to permanently dispose of a specific line. A rail line is truly "abandoned" when, following public hearings, the National Transportation Agency has formally approved an application for abandonment made by the operator. . HQJJ~ON~A AND ~lEiENW A VS ...10 . An Associstion of Individuals and G«ups Promoting Rsils To T,sils in Simcoa County (ý2 Who can buy an abandoned rail line? Ai The National Transportation Agency can approve or reject a rail operators application to abandon a rail line based on the information it collects. When abandonment is approved, the property is offered for sale in the following order: . 1. The Federal Government 2. The Provincial Government 3. The Municipal Government 4. The General Public . HILD~ON~A T~A~ls) AND G~IEIENWA'\fs) . An Association of Individuals and Groups Promoting Rails To Traila in Simcoa County ...11 {OJ What is the Provincial Government doing about abandoned. rail lines? Ai The general subject of abandoned rail lines overlaps the interests of a number of provincial government ministries and agencies. . Consequently, the Interministerial Committee on Abandoned Railway Rights-of-Way was formed to: . coordinate the provincial interest in abandoned rights-of-way. . assess lines that have provincial, regional or local significance. . fund partnership arrangements with local organizations relative to the management of abandoned rights-of-way . UlRJOlNJ~A TlRJA~lS AlNJlDJ G lRJlElElNJW A VS ...12--. An Assoclstlon of Individuals and G,oups Promoting Ralls To T..Ils In Simcoa County (ýJ What is the position of the Interministerial Committee on abandoned rail lines? Ai In November, 1994, the Interministerial Committee issued the following provincial policy statement: POLICY STATEMENT . In recognition of the multitude of potential opportunities and benefits presented by abandoned railway rights-of-way for existing and future public uses, as well as the fact that these linear rights-of-way, once fragmented, will be extremely difficult, costly, or impossible to reassemble, The Province will undertake to protect those abandoned railway rights-of-way deemed to be, or potentially to be, of economic, social, or environmental benefit. . UrF«ON~~ TrF«A~lS ~N[)) GrF«lErENW~VS ... 13 . An Association of Individuals and a,oupa Promoting Rails To T,a¡¡s in Simcoa County (jJJ What are some of the "economic, social, or environmental benefits" of abandoned rail lines? Ai . Recreation, Health, and Fitness. walking, hiking, jogging cycling cross country skiing nature appreciation and education snowmobiling horseback riding . . Utility Corridors. electricity water and sewer natura/ gas telecommunications . UrRON~A rrRA~U~ AND GrRlElENWAVS ...14 . An Associstion of Individuals and Gmups Promoting Rails To T,sils in Simcoa County . Transportation. fully developed corridor linking communities. access to hunting, fishing, resources, etc. landbanking for future transportation needs. potential "rails-with-trails". . Environmental Conservation. preserves bio-diversity by maintaining essential linkages, habitats and travel corridors for plants and animals. . purify air and water and protect soil from erosion through abundance of greenery. counterbalance urban development by addressing the human need for open space and contact with nature. provides an outdoor classroom for local schools to teach environmental values. . ANrD G~lElENWA'ìf'S ... 15 . An Associ.,ion of Individu.l. .nd G,oup. Promoting R.il. To T,.ils in Simco. County . Cultural Heritage Preservation. rail trails can help satisfy a growing recreational interest in heritage and cultural roots by preserving historic transportation routes. rail trails are complimentary to historic preservation of rail stations, bridges, trestles, and historic sites adjacent to the line. . rail trails can link isolated historic, park, community, and service facilities turning a disorganized system of natural and cultural features of a community into an integrated, multipurpose park system. . U~ON~~ T~~~l5) ~NlDJ Gì~lElENW~V5) ...16 An Assoc;ation of Individuals and Gmups Promoting RaH. To T,aHa in Simcoa County . Social. rail trails are family healing grounds allowing families to spend inexpensive, quality time together, close to home. rail trails allow seniors to socialize on the greenway, to explore, and to exercise. rail trails are safe walks to schools and jobs through rural or urban areas, away from traffic. . . . U~ON~A T~A~l~ AND G~iEiENWA'ìf~ ...17 . An A..ociation of Individual. and G,oup. Promoting Rail. To Trail. in Simcoe County rJ)2 Can rail trails have a positive economic impact on our community? A . . Rail trails have the potential to: . increase land values in proximity to trails. . address the recreation interests of the residents at a reasonable cost for development, operation, and participation. . attract visitors who inevitably use area businesses. . encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce health care costs associated with lifestyle related factors. (eg. heart disease) . attract jobs as an urban area's quality of life is increasingly cited as a major factor in corporate location decisions. U~ON~A r~A~l5J AN[ì) G~IEIENWAV5J ...18--. An Association of Individuals and Groups Promoting Rails To Trails in Simcoa County ([)2 Are there successful rail trails operating in Simcoe County? A Yes! There are a number of very successful examples of rail trails serving and linking communities in Simcoe County including: . The Georgian Trail, 32km, Collingwood to Meaford. . . The Tiny Trail, 8km, Tiny Township. . The Uhthoff Trail, 9km, Orillia Township. . The North Simcoe Rail Trail, 14km, Springwater Township. . The Lightfoot Trail, 11 km, Orillia. . U~ON~A T~A~US AND G~IEIENWAVS ...19 . An Asso.;at;on of Ind;v;duals and G,oups Promot;ng Rails To T,ails ;n S;m.oa County (jJd Ho w were these trails established? Ai While the exact circumstances vary from case to case, an overall pattern is emerging from the successful development of rail trails both locally and across the province. . 1. The land is purchased through a partnership of stakeholder agencies. Possible groups include: federal, provincial, and municipal governments recreational user groups Chambers of Commerce lottery corporation Conservation Authorities public giving 2. Ownership is assumed by Municipal Government. 3. Managed/Operated by a coalition of user groups . l!J[ROJN~A T[RA~l~ AND ((3 [RrElENWA "\f~ ...20 . An Auociation of Individuals snd G,oups f'<omoting Rsils To T..ils in Simcoa County rpJ Ho w expensive is liability insurance for a green way? Al . Georgian Trail, $132/ year . Tiny Trail, $0, covered under blanket municipal policy. . . Uhthoff Trail, $300-$500/year . North Simcoe Rail Trail, $ 0, covered under blanket municipal policy. No claims or incidents have been reported to date. . SIMCOE RAIL wAYS TRAIL DEV, --.--------. MAIN LINE VULNERABLE ABANDONED RECENTLY ABANDONED STEAM TRAIN Uú4JO~~A Tú4JA~lS A~IOJ Gú4JlElE~WA VS ...21 . An Assoc;at;on of Ind;v;dual. and G,oup. Promot;ng AaH. To T,aH. ;n S;mcoe County ~ What rail lines are in jeopardy of being lost if action is not taken soon to retain them? Ai Abandoned Rights-ot-Way . Beeton Subdivision to Highway 400 Industrial Park. Distance: Current Owner: Status: . 16 km CN Abandoned . Tottenham to Highway 9. Distance: 3.2 km Current Owner: CN Status: Abandoned . Beeton, North ot Lily St to Alliston. Distance: 10 km Current Owner: Town ot New Tecumseth Abandoned Status: . IHJ U~ON~A AND ~lElENW A VSJ ...22 . An Assoc;st;on of Ind;v;dusls and G,oups Promot;ng As;ls To T'sHs;n S;mcoo County . Abandoned Rights-of-Way: (continued) . Uhthoff to Orillia Distance: 16 km Current Owner: CN Status: Abandoned . Uhthoff - Coldwater - Midland Distance: 40 km Current Owner: CN Status: Abandoned Applications to Abandon filed for: . . . Bradford to Washago Distance: 102 km Current Owner: CN Status: Active Collingwood to Barrie Distance: 52 km Current Owner: CN Status: Active HQJ~ON~A lr~A~l5J AND G~IEIENWAV5J ...23-. An Associstion of Individusls and Gmups Promoting Rails To T.síls in Simcoa County rUJ What can our municipal government do to retain abandoned rail lines? Ai In terms of the "big picture", there are several general concepts our municipality must adopt: . endorse the principle that abandoned rail lines are a precious community resource which cannot be allowed to disappear. . . develop an understanding of the rails to trails process and the role of local government in that process. . be a willing partner in the community rails -to-trails initiative. . U~OIf\!~A T~A~l5J AIf\!IDJ Gì~~~If\!WAV5J . . . 24 . An Association of Individuals and G.oups Promoting Raila To T.ails in Simcoe County (ýJ What specific things should municipal government be doing right now to ensure that our rail lines are not lost forever? Ai . . . move quickly to acquire abandoned rail lands so that the integrity of the corridor is not lost. . determine to keep the corridor intact. Resist the temptation to sell off sections for short term gain. . even if land is merely "banked", prevent encroachment on the corridor by adjacent landowners. . include greenways and rail trails in planning documents and subdivision agreements. . if a railway corridor is owned by the municipality, communicate its intended purpose to the community. . establish permitted uses and control access. . establish a local management/operations group. Recommendation . Be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte . supports public ownership of an abandoned railway right-of-way in its entirety because of its economic, cultural, social and environmental potential; and . will consider partnering with other municipal governments, interest groups and abutting landowners to develop, manage and operate the local right-of-way as a recreational trail. . Submitted by Huronia Trails & Greenways March 7, 1996 . .- ~ ~ ~ ONTARIO -TRAILS- ~ - Volume 6, Issue 3 GREENWAYS Trails For Today And Tomorrow . FALL 1995 ~i~~~~~ion Pa~er On Recreational Trails In O~tari~ The Ontario TraNs CouncN has embarked on a new initiative to address the shared use of recreationai traNs in Ontario. The discussion paper focuses on roles and responsibilities. nghts of way, acquisitions, relationship to adjacent landowners, user pay systems and much more. The discussion paper should undergo its final draft by early December t995. Presently, the paper is being reviewed by member organizations of the Ontario TraUs Councli. Various government ministries are reviewing the intent of the disCUSSion paper In preparation of developing a Provlnciai Po/icy on Recreational TraNs In Ontano. i! IS hoped that the discussion paper could become policy in the early part of the New Year. Gree~ings from the Trent/Fleming Trail Studies Unit! Director, John Marsh, having completed his sabbatical in Australia has sately returned to the helm of the Trail Unit. While 'down under', John researched trail activities, became involved in lobbying, and was interviewed on a national radio station. He has returned with many stories, providing useful comparisons between trail activities in Australia and in North America. The Trail Unit welcomes new part time staff member Connie Copps. Connie runs the day-to-day operations of the unit. Through her own interest in trails, she is lobbying for the development of the Downey Pathway, a trail linking greenspace in the Downey neighbourhood in Peterborough. The Trail Unit has recently taken a seat on the board of the Kawartha Rail-Trail organization. We continue to lobby for the acquisition and conversion of abandoned rail corridors in the Kawartha region. The Trent University-Sir Sandford Fleming Trail Studies Unit continues to provide resource and research support to groups and individuals interested in trails. We maintain a computerized bibliography, currently holding 2,000 entries, of trail related materials. The Trail Unit is open from Tuesday to Thursday, 1 - 4 pm and can be reached at 705 - 748 - 1419. See bottom of page for our address. A 'DRAFT' POLICY FOR SHARED USE RECREATIONAL TRAILS IN ONTARIO Prepared by The Ontario Trails Council . PREFACE The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are all acquiring their abandoned railway rights-of-way, specifically for trail development by community based organizations, The following IS a "Draft Policy for Shared Use Recreational Trails in Ontario", patterned after the policy prepared for Nova Scotia, INTRODUCTION AND 8ACKGROUND Abandoned railway corridors present an exciting opportunity for the establishment of a network of high quality shared use trails. Formerly the basis of Ontario's transportation infrastructure, these corridors link cities, towns, villages and hamlets in the province, Following abandonment, the railway beds and bridges that remain are well suited for trail and other uses. Ontario needs a policy that responds to the widespread public interest shown by trail user groups and by community . development interests In the conversion of abandoned railway nghts-of-way into shared use recreation trails. This policy needs to recognize that these rights-of-way pass by and through numerous private properties. As a result, particular consideration of issues and concems of adjacent landowners need to be addressed to ensure that an acceptable balance can be achieved. This policy should encourage municipalities, conservation authorities, community organizations and trail user groups to take the lead role in the development and management of these abandoned rights-of-way as shared use recreation trails. The Province of Ohtario needs to support the local initiative where possible through acquisition, trail designation and planning and development assistance. At the provincial level, lead agencies are, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Tourism Economic Development and Trade. This policy should be founded on community based initiatives, consultation, cooperation and partnerships. (Confd on page 4) Note: Temporary cbange of emaill address for the Trail Studies Unit: nelliot@trentu.ca ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL TraH StudIes Un/l. Trent Un/vers,IV, Peterbmough, Ontario, K9J 788 Tel. (705)748-1419 ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL Board of Directors Darcy Baker Member-aI-Large Bill BowIck Trans Canada Trail Association Dorothy Burrus Gana'aska Trail Association Jay Cranstone ant. Recreational Mountam Biking AssocIation , Mike Dowmng Onta,io Compelilwe Trail Ride,s Association Paul Gleason. OTC President Onta,io Federation ot Snowmobile Clubs Kate Hall Trail Studies Unit. Trent University Kent Jones Bruce Trail Association Hugh Urn Canadian Motorcycle AssocIation AI MacPherson FlemIng College Usa Mactaggart Ontano ASSOCIation 01 Landscape Archilecrs John Marsh - Pasl OTC PreSIdent Trails StudIes Unil Diane McPherson Ontano Trail Riders ASSOCIation Norma Sheridan - Membership Secretary Ontano Trail Riders ASSOCiation David rumer - Newsletter Onlano Parks AssoclaJion Peter Verbeek Hike Onta,io Tim West Ontario FederatIon of Snowmobile Clubs MEMBER ORGANtZATIONS Bruce Trail AssocIation Caledon Trailway CanadIan Motorcycle Association Ganaraska Trail Association Hastings Heritage Trail Heaven's Gate Trail Hike Ontario Kawartha Rail Trail Association Lynn Valley rrail Association Ontario Competitive Trail Riders Association Ontario Federation ot Snowmobile Clubs Ontario Parks Association Ontario Trail Riders Association Rideau Trail Association Tillsonburg Trail Club Trail Studies Unit, Trent University Trans Canada Trail Association Uxbridgo -Undsay Trail Association GREENWAYS David Tumer Anita Stok Bacchus Greenways is published quarterly. It is available to members of the Council free of charge and to others at $2 per issue. Confributions to the newsletter are invited. Every effort will be made to use submitted I material, but no guarantee of publication can' be made. Editorial board: Send Articles to: Town of Caledon Parks & Recreation Box 1000 Caladon East, Ontario LON 1 EO Attn: David Tumer tax: 905 857 5690 jt~ r« ~Æ! ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~f Answers to the 15 Most Commonly Asked Questions About the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario 1 What is the T,ans Canada Trail? The Trans Canada Trail is a "shared use" recreational trail that crosses Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north to the Arctic Ocean. The Trail links existing shared-use trails, new trails, abandoned railway corridors, discontinued logging roads, and scenic country roads. In some areas, the Trail includes bridges, ferry crossings and watelWays. 2 Whose Idea Was the rrans Canada Trail? The Trans Canada Trail is a permanent legacy from the Canada 125 Celebralion in 1992 - something to survive and give lasting meaning to Canada's 125th Birthday. 3 Where Does the Trans Canada Trail Go? The Trans Canada Trail winds some 15,000 km through Canada from Sf. John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia, and from Calgary, Alberta north through the Yukon to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, It is the longest continuous trail of its kind in the world; something of which Canadians can be proud. 4 Where fs the Trans Canada Trail Located in Ontario? In Ontario, the Trans Canada Trail extends approximately 4,000 km, meandering through a variety of green corridors around the province, The conceptual route for the Southem Ontario portion of the Trans Canada Trail was released to the public in May, 1995, Further consultation is required before a final route can be determined, The conceptual route for Northern Ontario requires a great deal more invesligation and dialogue before being released to the public. S Who Decides Where the Trans Canada Trail will be Located in Ontario? 6 Each community or region, through an extensive consultative process with the public, will decide where the final route of the Trans Canada Trail will be located in their area. 0 Long distance trails, such as the Trans Canada Trail, are really just a linking together, end.to-end, of the hundreds of community trails - one metre at a time. 0 In 1994, over 1,500 letters were sent to communities, regional development organizations and interest groups all over Ontario requesting their input into where the Trail should be located and the nomination of existing and proposed shared-use trails in their area, as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The conceptual route was developed from the nearly 100 submissions received by the Trans Canada Trail Committee. 6 Who Can Use the Trans Canada Traii? The Trans Canada Trail is a "shared-use" recreational trail for hikers, walkers, horseback riders, cyclists, cross country skiers, and where appropriate and desired, snowmobilers. The Traii has been purposely designed for the five basic types of trail uses and includes, where possible. provisions for wheel chair access. Motorized vehicles, other than snowmobiles, are prohibited. 7 What Does the Trans Canada Trait Look Like? The Trail blends with its environment - naturally, culturally and historically. T' Trail surface varies across the count depending on the character and needs of the communities through which it passes, the local terrain and the frequency and type of use. In urban areas, you may find a paved walking/cycling trail with a parallel equestrian path. In other areas, less frequently used, you will have the opportunity to see many kinds of plants and animals along an abandoned railway corridor. In more rural and remote areas you will experience a serene and often spectacular wildemess path. Along the Trail you will find consistent signage so that you will atways know your way. The Trans Canada Trail insignia will appear where the Trans Canada Trail follows the same route as other existing trails. Existing trail names and ownership will stay the same. You will frequently see distinctive Trans Canada Trail Pavilions with the names of people who have donated money to the Trail. 8 When Can I Start Using the Trans Canada Trail In Ontario? Immediately! Some trails, such as the Caledon Trailway, northwest of Toront... have already been declared part of tI. Trans Canada Trail system. More sections will soon be designated and available for use, (Cont'd on page 8) Ct-NAD-i ~ iJ:r ~t~ ~ (j'1~~,~ ~ ~ S' ,f~ :.e-' ¡¡> ~RAN5CP' .jÆ~~~Æ! Trans Canada Trail - Ontario If your idea of a perfect outdoor adventure includes hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross country skiing or perhaps snowmobiling, and all the wonderful things that go with those activities, then the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario will offer you more to stir your imagination and please the senses than any other piace. Four thousand kilometres of scenic Trans Canada Trail are being built in the Province. It will include the scenic wilderness of provincial parks, the splendor and magnificence of Niagara Falls, the grandeur and natural beauty of the Nation's Capital, the smell of wildflowers along the rural countryside of South Western Ontario and the historic culture found along the voyageur routes of the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers. Much . of the Trail route will be established along abandoned railway routes. These corridors present a marvelous opportunity for the establishment of high quality shared-use trails around the province. In May 1995 the Ontario Trails Council, the organization coordinating the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario, unveiled the proposed route for the Trans Canada Trail for Southern Ontario. This challenging planning exercise could not have taken place without the assistance of the many communities and trail groups who provided recommendations for where the Trail should be established. To these people we want to acknowledge your input and thank you for your support. The planned Trail will cross from Quebec at Ottawa, go along sections of the Ottawa River Parkway and along an abandoned railway corridor to Carleton Place, which will be a junction point. The Trail turns south here to Smith Falls and then follows another abandoned railway corridor through the Rideau Lakes to Kingston. The proposed route follows the Loyalist Parkway through Prince Edward County to Trenton then northerly to . Sterling. At Sterling the Trail turns west again along an abandoned railway corridor through the Kawartha Lakes touching Peterborough, Lindsay, and across the Oak Ridges Moraine (north of Toronto) to the Niagara Escarpment in Caledon, which is another junction point MD~~~ ~1 where the Trail splits in two directions. The Trail now follows the Caledon Trailway south and west to Fergus-Elora and to Guelph and then descends the Grand River Valley to Brantford and over to Hamilton. Another branch follows the lower Grand River Valley and the north shore of lake Erie and the Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake. An extension of the Trail is proposed from Brantford to Tillsonburg and along the north shore of Lake Erie to Leamington, PI. Pelee and Windsor. A route, running north from Caledon. goes through the Huronla Region and ~~T~ HMÞz PM/~ Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail in PetertJorough, were recently opened. In Ottawa, the National Capital Commission announced that portions of their recreational pathways would become part of the Trans Canada Trail, North Bay held a 2 day celebration to recognize that they would become an important junction point for the Trail as the Northem Ontario section would meet up with the two Southern Ontario routes. In September, a 35 km portion of the Seguin Trail from just south of Parry Sound to Seguin Falls celebrated the dedication of their shared-use trail as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Seguin Trail runs along part of the former J.R. Booth railway. More Trans Canada Trail openings will be announced in 1996, Long distance trails, such as the Trans Canada Trail. are often built by linking together many existing community trails, In Ontario, the great chain will be forged from existing shared-use trails, abandoned railway corridors, scenic country roads and new trails, To every extent possible the selected route will meet the challenges of being "shared-use" for the five core user groups: hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, cross country skiers, and where appropriate and desired, snowmobilers. In addition. the Trail must meet the concerns of suitable footing, achievable grades, accessibility, bridging, environmental impact, safety, beauty, and quality of experience to name just a few. The Trans Canada Trail is not a (Cont'd on page 6) Sketch 01 Trans Canada hail Marker Pa,ilion scheduled for Installation In Caledon East the Caledon Trailway at MPM Road in the Town of Completion scheduled for Spring 1996 ---~---~~--~ Muskoka to Parry Sound, along a portion of the Seguin Trail, then it's being recommended. north to North Bay. A northerly route from Carleton Place via the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers to North Bay on Lake Nipissing, is proposed. The Northern Ontario conceptual route has not been finalized as further research and consultation are required. On June 3rd, Trans Canada Trail Day. celebrations were held in numerous communities as sections of the Trail were officially announced. A 25 km section of the Caledon Trailway, just northwest of Toronto, and a 6 km section of the Paae 3 (Draft Trails Policy. Cont'd) PRINCIPLES mGHT~O~WAYACQW~TION Abandoned railway rights-of-way should be acquired by the Province of Ontano, and in partnership with county, regional and municipal government or conservation authorities where possible. Acquisition is recommended In consideration of the potential for future development and management as shared use recreational trails, and for additional linear public use where such use is compatible. The Ministry of Natural Resources is recommended to be the agency to hold title to lands. (see Responsibilities) UTILIZA TION OF OTHER CORRIDORS Although abandoned rail lines are attractive solutions to the immediate needs of developing recreational trails, there are other corridors which could provide excellent opportunities for trail development. A list of agencies and organizations who utilize corridors, (I.e. Ontario Hydro, Trans Canada Pipe Line, Bell Canada, etc.) should be generated and a formal approach be made about shared use of these corridors. CONTINUITY OF PUBLIC OWNERSHIP An overriding management principle shall be to maintain the continuity of abandoned rights,of-way in public ownership. RELATIONSHIP WITH ADJACENT LANDOWNERS In managing acquired abandoned railway rights-of-way, the Province should practice deliberate "good nelghbour" policy with respect to adjacent landowners. Subject to an overriding principle of maintaining the continuity of the right-of-way in public ownership, existing crossings will be honored, where required, and new ones granted on the condition that in general the integrity of the former railway grade be maintained. Consideration will be given to existing and proposed uses of the right-of-way In relation to the adjacent land use where these can be demonstrated not to Impact negatively on the future potential as a shared use recreational trail. Particular consideration will be given to situations involving urgent need or hardship. Authorized uses should be permitted through formal agreement and, correspondingly, unauthorized encroachment or trespasses will be treated as such. FORMAL TRAIL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH AGREEMENT Trail development and associated management and use, should occur only on a formal basis, and generally shall be undertaken by community based organizations through agreement with the Pace 4 Ministry of Natural Resources. (see Responsibilities) TRAIL DEVELOPMENT BY PARKS ONTARIO In certain instances, particularly where abandoned railway rights-of-way link directly with or through provincial park properties or Crown lands, Irail development and management may be undertaken directly by Parks Ontario. DESIGNATION UNDER A TRAILS ACT Formally established trail opportunities should be designated under a TRAILS ACT to facilitate management and enforcement. TRAIL RESERVES In the absence of formal trail establishment and designation, informal recreational use should not be encouraged, and, where necessary, access points to abandoned rights-of- way should be barricaded and advisory slgnage erected. Motorized vehicle use will not be permitted except where required for management purposes, or where expressly authorized, or some purpose compatible with the status as a trail reserve. In the absence of a formal trail development proposal, blidges and other structures could be removed and the land altered to grow over as vegetation encroaches naturally. PLANNING AND CONSUL TATION Commitments and related decisions regarding trail development proposals and other compatible linear public ['ses whether undertaken directly by the Ministry of Natural Resources or through agencies with a community based organization, will be based directly on lannlng and consultation processed at the local level. AL TERNA TIVE ALIGNMENTS In exceptional circumstances. ownership of individual segments might be transferred to accommodate other . uses where pliority public interest applies or where situations involving extreme hardship can be demonstrated. Under such circumstances, and where relevant, pnority consideration would be given to the availability of alternate alignments that could be established to maintain the continuity of the right-of-way. FUTURE DISPOSITIONS If warranted as a result of planning and consultation processes, consideration may be given to the disposition of individual abandoned rights-of-way, specific segments or spulilnes, If visible potential uses of a light-of-way cannot be demonstrated. Where disposition may be considered, public notice and review will precede any final decision in this regard. Where possible, dispoSItion of individual rights-of-way or segments will occur as undivided properties and involve a transfer to either a municipality or incorporated community organization. Disposition on a parcel-by-parcel basis to individual adjacent owners, generally will not be considered for a ten year period following the adoption of the policy, in order to allow community based organizations to develop and. demonstrate the viability of shared use trail proposals. RESPONSIBILITIES The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Tourism Economic Development and Trade and Recreation and Parks Ontario will share primary responsibiiity as lead agencies at the provincial level. Ministry of Natural Resources The Ministry of Natural Resources will act as the Province's acquisition agent, manage acquired corridors In reserve status, enter into lease agreements to permit trail development and management by community based organizations, and arrange for the designation of formal trail opportunities under a Trails Act. MInistry of Tourism Economic Development and Trade The Ministry of Tourism Economic Development and Trade will work with community based organizations to assist with planning, design and management of abandoned railway lines for recreational purposes. This Ministry will assist the Ministry of Natural Resources. with the acquisition of abandoned railway rights-of-way and in meeting front end administration and acquisition costs. In addition, this Ministry will administer a grant program to assist with the development of shared use trails. Parks Ontario Parks Ontario may develop and manage . specific rights-of-way segments as trails where consistent with program priorities. Other Provincial Ministries The interests of other Ministries regarding the use of acquired abandoned rights-of-way will be established through the Intermlnlsterial Committee. USER PA Y SYSTEM The trail user groups should be expected to contribute to the development and maintenance of an Ontario Recreational Trail System. Each respective trail user group will develop a process to raise dollars and contribute towards the maintenance and development of trails. The user pay concept will fare well with the partnership approach In dealing with recreational trails. ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL The Ontario Trails Council will organize the Ontano Recreational Trails Corporation with a mandate to operate and maintain shared use trails on abandoned railway rights-of-way. The Ontario Recreational Trails Corporation will be a federation of community based trail groups. The corporation will be not for profit. The goal of the corporation will be to provide a sustainable, linked network of shared use . trails. ~--~- £SJln~ng;JJ~: CÇIT ~ ~ rrn 1r J5 The disposition of the $ 7,500.00 ALEP grant for this year was divied as follows: 0 $1,000 dedicated for organizing a "Trails Workshop" in conjunction with the next Annual Generai Meeting- 0 $500 grant given to the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association, Bollon - Palgrave Chapter for trail development. 0 $5,500 grant awarded to the Trans Canada Trail Committee! Ontario for administration and the development of regional trail groups. 0 $500 grant given to the Oak Ridges Trail Association for trail development. A new ALEP grant application for the amount of $36,000.00 has been submitted by O.T.C.. The grant will target funding for the production of trail guidebooks, Trans Canada Trail Committee and the training of trail groups. .._-~--~-----~~--- -~_u -_u_~-~~--~ COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZA TION The community based shared use trail organizations will be volunteer based, working In partnership with the Province, by assuming the primary responsibility for active trail development and management. These organizations will receive grants, raise funding, and provide volunteer labour to develop and maintain the trail system. A user pay system will be developed to provide for secure funding and sustainabillty. TRAILS FOUNDATION The creation of a recreational traits foundation should be considered to assist with generating funds to assist with ongoing trail maintenance. ---- ..-------------- ~--_u_~---~~---~~- RESPONSES TO DRAFT POLICY I AS summarized from the orc minutes 01 the Boarri 01 01_' møotltlf1, Novembfw 1, 1995 Ontario Parks Association title should reflect conversion /rom rails totrails. . acquisfflon should be flexible. . concem about naming MNR provide for othere. . need for flexibility In responsibilities. 0 trail reserve posilng Hike Ontario tINe chenge to reflect conversion from rails to trails. need to address other corridors, concem about user pey. need to emphasize tourism. Bruce Trail Association title does not reflect scope. possibly should be expanded to cover other corridore. . Ontario Recreatlonai Mountain Biking Association the focus is on rail trails, their organization is Interested In trails with more challenging terrain. they support user pay- Ontario Competitive Trail Riders, Association I There is a need to emphasize uses I other than recreational for these I', CO1ridore. I their orgeninilon is interested In more I' vaOOdœrra~ I th~s~port~~~~ I i I I Trail StudIes Unit the authore should be commended for thelrelloffS. I' I a 'Trail Policy" Is more comprehensive than this- new t"a," I' this is more sulœd to " Initiatives, I concemaboutuserpay, I OntarIo Association of Landscape Architecta acquismon should provide connecting; trails that go somewhere. I emphases should be on quality and not' quanUty. 1 Canadian Motorcycle Association (organizaUon has had insufficient time lor comments,) ---~ ~~._--_u_--- -..-..u...---.----.- u What/sS.T.O.P. ? The Solicitor General of Ontario has recently approved a pilot project called S,T.O,P, that allows fifteen specially selected and trained volunteer Wardens to act as Special Constables, Provincial Offence Officers. What do S. T.O.P. officers do? As a pilot project, the officers are responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act and Regulations within the territorial district of Sudbury. This area was chosen as the location for the pilot project because of the high incident rate of fatalities In off-trail accidents during the 1992-1993 snowmobiling season. Who are S. T.O.P. officers working for? The trail officers will be volunteers working under the supeNision of a joint command consisting of the Ontario Provincial Police, the Sudbury Regional Pollee SeNices. the Sudbury Trail Plan and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. The police forces have provided the required 25 hours of classroom training and 16 hours of on the job training necessary for the program. All officers have been (Conl'd on page 7) Page 5 ! ITrans Canada Trail cont'd) I' government trail but govemment is being . asked to assist in securing the route of 1 the Trail on publicly owned lands- Each section of the Trail must have a local 'I organization to develop, operate and maintain it, much of it through local 1 donations and volunteer time. Grassroots participation and support are 1 essential to successfully develop the Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is to be officially opened on July 1, in the year 2000. This is your Trail and only you support and assistance, large or small. can help make the Trail a realdy. Why not plan your "Do-The-Distance" trek now, by whatever means, as your personal recognition of a new "national dream" For mo,e information, please contact: Trans Canada Trail- Ontario P.O. Box 462, Station "0" Etobfcoke, Ontario, M9A 4X4 (4161 234-5057 or (6131 723-5406 I~~~~~~~¡g~¡g~ 1£ SENT) US YOUR. .. 1£ 1£ . . , . comments, upcoming 1£ events, reports on past 1£ I~ events, pictures, 1.-, ~ anecdotes, fund - raising ~ 1£ strategies, points of view, 1£ I~ and we'll share them with I~ !!II:; others in the pages of !!II:; 1£ Greenways. 1£ I£~~~~~~¡g¡g~~ AUST John Marsh had the opportunity to conduct research in Australia From February to May 1995. His focus was to Investigate the development. management. and impact of trails. The situation in Australia is similar to Canada, People are demanding more opportunities for hiking, bicycling, horse- riding, etc.. and concern is growing to establish conservation corridors as abandoned railway lines become available. Many trails are already provided by national and state park authorities, as well as local municipalities. There are some wonderful long distance trails, such as one from Oueensland to Victoria, and one in New South Wales following the route of the explorers Hume and Hovell. Traditional stock routes as well as 'paper roads' (road allowances) provide potential lor new trails. Lobbying lor raiHrails is being undertaken and coordinated nationally by the Australian Rails to Trails organization, under the leadership of Mark Plummer in Melbourne. Two States, in particular Western Australia and Victoria. are moving ambitiously and effectively to establish systems of rail-trails. Progress has been facilitated by the fact that nearly all railway lines in Australia are government owned, Acquisition is not a major issue, but responsibility for ongoing management, and concerns of adjacent I~¡~ m IMiü landowners, may be issues as they are in Canada. The State of Victoria expects to create over 30 rail-trails and 6 government staff are working on the projects. plus the support of a parliamentary committee. Some highlights of their initiatives are as follows: . The program is designed to assist local communities 10 develop a magnificent network of trails from cycling, walking and other recreational pursuits, while protecting their conservation value. . The Program is establishing which dis- used railway lines in Victoria have recreational and tourism potential, and is working with local councils and groups to develop them as Rail Trails. . Local Committees of Management, or similar bodies have been incorporated todeal with this specifically. They will be established to develop and manage each Rail Trail. . Committee membership will strive to include representation from: -municipal counct/s -farming communIties -local interest groups -Country Fire Authoflties -local service clubs -private tour operators -government agencies . An assessment by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of the conservation values and . recreation potential of each dis-used railway reserve in Victoria will be available to assisl councils and community organizations wanting to invesligale the feasibt/ity of converting a dis-used rat/way into a Rail Trail. . Opening of the Rail Trail can occur section by section, but other staging options can also apply. . "Planning, Design and Management of a Multi-use Recreallonal Trail", Manual is available to guide interested municipal councils and community groups. The manual will guide the conversion of a dis-used railway into a Rail Trail that is effectively managed. This will ensure user enjoyment. neighbour good-will and public safety. Rail T,a;!s Victoria, RecleaUon, Tourism and ConseNaUon Oppof/umUes 01 Local, Stale and Nalional Significance. Courtesy of John Marsh, Trail Studies Unit. Page 6 ~~ ~ll ~~~l,rMU . (Ç~ GUIDEBOOK TO ONTARIO RAIL-TRAILS UNDER PRODUCTION No source of comprehensive information on rail-trails exists in Ontario. Requests for this information is received frequently by trail groups. recreation agencies. tourism information offices, and the Ontario Trails Council. The lack of information has inhibited the maximization of trail recreation, fitness benefits, and heritage appreciation. In response, the Trent University-Sir Sandford Fleming College Trail Studies Unit, (the resource and research arm of the Ontario Trails Council), is busy producing a Guidebook to Ontario's Rail- Trails. The beneficiaries will include the public living near the trails, tourists, outdoor educators. and trail recreation and environmental organizations. Funding for the project has been provided by a grant from the Active Living in the Environment program through the Ontario Trails Council. The objectives ot the guidebook are . two fold. First, the publication will serve as a comprehensive guide to rail-trails in Ontario, It will describe location, use, access points, facilities, and a brief history. Significant historical features as well as floral and faunal characteristics of each rail-trail will be included. Maps and photographs will illustrate the guidebook. Second, increasing public support for rail-trail development hinges on the promotion of trails for their social, economic, recreation, and heritage values. The guidebook aims to increase public knowledge and awareness of rail- Irails by discussing their benefits. We hope that people who are new to rail- trails will become more aware of the need to preserve these corridors in their entirety. Increased awareness can lead to more public support for the creation of potential rail-trails, and for continued support of existing trails. Information for the guidebook has been obtained through a survey, interviews with rail-trial managers, and site visits. Currently, draft editions of maps are being corrected, and text IS being written. Consultations with rail-trail organizations continue. To date, over 80 photographs have been collected. A draft edition of the guidebook will be completed by December, and the final version of the guidebook should be in stores by early spring. Contributions or questions can be directed to the Trail Studies Unit, c/o Geography Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8" telephone (705) 748 1419. Please note that the Trail Unit's email address, given in the Spring 1995 Greenways, is temporarily out of operation. (Note change given on page 1 of Newsletter) Nancy Emol, Projeci Coordinalo, 1i;;[1i;;[~1i;;[1i;;[1i;;[1iil~~ li;;[ DEVELOPING TRAILS IN ~ li;;[ ONTARIO I~ ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL ~ ~ Annual Conference & ~ ~ Annual General ~ Meeting ~ Scheduled tor ~ ~ April 27 & 28, 1996 ~ I.,.. In Peterborough ~ For more Inlormation contact ~ ~1iil1iil~~~Iiil~~ (S. T.O.P. cont'd) trained in First Aid and CPR as well.. Further training and upgrading will take place on a regular basis as the program : expands. How was this project developed? I The S.T.O.P. concept was developed by the Sudbury Region Mayor's and Citizen's Task Force on Snowmobiling. Key players in the early definition of this program include the Sudbury Trail Plan's Vice-President, Norman Hein. President Jim Robinson, Walden Mayor Terry Kelt, Sgt. Lynn Beach of the Ontarto Provincial Police and Staff Sgt. Gerry Pope of the Sudbury Regional Police. What does the future hold for 5.T.O.P.? Atthough the present program is only a pilot prolect, its success could see the S.T.O.P. program expanded across the province under the banner of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs as early as the 1994-1995 season. Fold Along Uno Fold Along Uno MEMBERSHIP APPLICA TION Yes. I want to help develop an integrated network of recreational trails in N""E Ontario. Please find enclosed my cheque/money order payable to the Ontario Trails Council. GROUP<AS"'. NAME .- ~ ~ ~ .TRAILS- COUNCIL ~ -- Membership Calendar Year: April t through to March 31. $ 25 for a one-year Individual Membership $100 for a one-year Association Membership 0 I am enclosing a gift of $ Trail Studies Unit, . Trent.Unive<Sity, Petethorough, Ontano, K9J 768 (A charitable donation tax receipt will be issued for gifts received.) AOORESS 'ROV 'OSTALCOD' 'HOOE IH_I 16_' ,,~} P"__.O.""'T,""Coo~" ',,"NO.U., '"",U'N""" ,..-.,".""""" ,.".. As a private, non-prom organization, the Ontario Trails Council is supported by the generous contributions ot individuals, interest groups. and corporations, to assist the work of the Council. THANKYOU Pace 7 (15 T,ans Can. Trail Questions conl'd) 9 Who Owns the Trans Canada Trail? The land crossed by the Trans Canada Trail has a variety of owners including different levels of government, sponsoring groups. businesses, and private landowners. 10 Who Builds and Manages the Trans Canada Trail? The Trans Canada Trail is not a government trail. It Is community owned and operated with each section built and managed by local sponsoring agencies, groups, businesses, and individuals. 11 Who Pays For the Trans Canada T,ail? Money for building and managing the Trans Canada Trail comes from a wide variety of private and some public sources. For example, founding sponsors Include Canada Post, Canada Trust, TSN and Chrysler Canada. Each of these sponsors has committed significant financial support for at least 3 years. . Additional sponsors who have made major commitments Include: Canadian Geographic, Canadian Airlines International, Canadian Pacific Hotels, Naya Canadian Natural Spring Water and Summer Active. . Additional money is raised by donation (eg, at $36 per metre of Trail), the sale of Trail related merchandise, through special events and may Include limited government grants. 12 When Will the rrans Canada T,ail Be Completed? The aim is to complete the Trans Canada Trail by July 1, 2000. 13 How Can I Support the Trans Canada Trail? * Buy metres of Trail * Make memorial and gift donations 'Encourage your company, school, association or group to become a Trans Canada Trail sponsor. * Purchase Trail related merchandise * Attend special Trans Canada Trail events. Join a local Trans Canada Trail sponsoring organization and become an active volunteer. 14 What do I Receive When I Purchase Metres of Trans Canada Trail? i Y. our donation will be acknOWledged. by: I' x A trail marker in the province or territory of your choice will be permanently impnnted with your name, the name of a friend, in memory of someone you loved, in the name of a pet, a company, a school or organization. A Trans Canada Trail certificate A Trans Canada Trail crest A yearly update on how the Trail is progressing A tax receipt for the full amount of your donation. 15 Where Can I Get Morelnformatio" on the rrans Canada Trail? For general information on the Trans Canada Trail contact: Trans Canada Trail Foundation P.O. 1320Station"H" Montreal, Quebec, H3G 2N3 Telephone: 1 - BOO - 465 - 3636 For information on the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario contact: Trans Canada Trail - Ontario: Box 462, Station "D" Etobicoke, Ontario, M9A 4X4 For information about specific sections of the Trans Canada Trail contact local trail sponsors (names and addresses avalfable from Trans Canada Tralf - Ontario, at the above address). I HMI<a ~~ ~ :ttt I T_~T.,...;lt-wl: I I . an early 1994 telephone survey of 1,000 households In five major centres across Canada found that 82 percent supported the concept of a Trans Canada Trail . 30 percent of those surveyed said they would contribute $36.00 towards construction of one meter of trail . subsequent fund raising has been even more positive than the survey would have led one to expect . contributions across Canada are now approaching two million dollars . many of the contributions are made as gifts or memorials . AF...,F~;"')'F~ g., 1"..;L U...... Currently in Canada: . 17 million people waik regularly . 11 million cycle . 5 million jog . 4 million cross country ski . 1.5 million people horse back ride . the Bruce Trail. a footpath in Ontario, . has been in existence for 25 years and sees one and a half million visitors per year and is estimated to generate $30 million dollars in business annually . recent comprehensive surveys across North America indicate that growth in leisure opportunities will be in the area of passive recreation poge 8 ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL Trail Studies Unit. Trent University. Peterborough, Ontario K9J 788 Place Stamp here .