The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance received an early Christmas present from the County of Hastings as they were the recipients of nearly $14,000 of funding.
Hastings County Warden Ron Emond made the announcement in the offices of the EOTA explaining “Hastings County is aware of the great value of our many trails and realize that many of our residents utilize our trails year round.” Emond also noted that the County recognizes that “they must be constantly developing and marketing our fine trails.”
Emond announced that the EOTA will receive $10,000 in funding to assist in: updating their trails map; showcasing their trails and distributing trail maps at trade shows, Ontario Travel Information Centres, Municipalities and to the many businesses that have developed “Trail Experience and Accommodation Packages.” The EOTA will also receive $3934.47 to help make some improvements to the shared use recreation trail in Bancroft, Limerick and Wollaston Township areas along the “Hastings Heritage Trail” and the E-Trail leading into Coe Hill.
Emond believes that these projects will assist with attracting many more people to the region which in turn generates many economic and tourism spin-offs.
Cindy Cassidy, General Manager, EOTA, explained their office receives many requests for maps of the area for trail riding on the multi purpose trail system. The new mapping will upgrade the share use trail maps making them more user friendly. The E-Trail stretches from the Haliburton area and continues through to Cloyne and to Calabogie and beyond. The E-Trail is a main feeder trail that travels through many Municipalities with hundreds of other trails that connect from this trail to others.
The EOTA manages trails from Barry’s Bay to Tweed and from Hastings to Perth. Work that will be done on the E-Trail will be to bring in gravel to fill in holes and then for grading. Cassidy explained that the EOTA applied for this grant through Hastings County Economic Development Fund. “Tourism creates jobs” said Cassidy. The EOTA received the full amount of $10,000 under the funding.
On December 20th, the EOTA celebrated their 12th anniversary as they officially opened the trails in 1995 on that date for snowmobiling. They have come a long way since then, managing several hundreds of kilometres of trails that can be used in all months. The trail system is used by hikers, bicyclists, ATV’ers, snowmobilers, horseback riders and for anyone else who loves the outdoors.

• Finalize the reciprocal insurance arrangement between supporting TDMO’s.
  
• Initiate communication program to sector detailing ongoing supports to the Gold Permit Program.
  
• Provide the Gold Permit consumer product, vendors, print documents and other centralized supports.

  By the End of August
  

• Finalize Gold Permit administrative processes including formal agreements with Participating TDMOs.
  
• Distribute Gold Permits to Participating TDMOs.
  
• Report progress and recommend next steps to the OTC Board .

  The Ontario Trails Council is made up of over 100 organizations and individuals working to preserve, develop, manage and use Ontario ’s recreational trails.
  The OTC Board has representation from the Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Federation of Snow Mobile Clubs, Hike Ontario, Trails Canada Trail Ontario, Trails Consultants Bonnie Simpson and David Bot, Ontario Federation of Trail Riders, Ontario Federation of Four Wheel Drive Recreationists, South Western Ontario Region, Northumberland County Trails Committee and Huronia Trails and Greenways.

  The approval of a broad representation of trail stakeholders from all over Ontario provides a sense of consolidation and collaborative purpose that is emerging around the potential of provision of well-funded, maintained and accessible trails for all Ontarians.

  Effective July 13, 2007 – For supporters of the Trillium Trails Network :
  Website information

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  Trillium Trails Network Trails Sustainability Business Plan and Gold Trail Pass

  Through the support of the Ministry of Health Promotion, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, the Canadian Off -Highway Vehicle Manufacturers Distribution Council, FedNor, Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation and the 100 member organizations of the Ontario Trails Council, the OTC has produced the definitive business plan for organizations to sustain the trails they operate in Ontario.

  Released for member review and comment at the recent Ontario Trails Council ©2007 Provincial Trails Summit the Trillium Trails Networkbusiness plan details a five point program to provide trail operators, managers and user groups with the services and funding options required to provide Ontario with the world class trails system it desires.

  Approved by the OTC General Assembly during its annual general meeting for implementation throughout Ontario ; provincial trail user groups, provincial trail managers at the local regional and provincial levels have supported the development of one provincial trails network, and development of one provincial trail pass , the ©TTN Gold Pass¬ for the first time.

  Importantly, the approval of a broad representation of trail stakeholders from all over Ontario provides a sense of consolidation and collaborative purpose that is emerging around the potential of provision of well-funded, maintained and accessible trails for all Ontarians.

  Significant also, is the outreach to non-traditional users through this program. OTC efforts to gain the support of the disabled community, municipal parks, economic development and tourism offices, health units, county councils and trail users, provides the TTN program with a range of support that does not exist in any other regional or single use trail sustainability or pass program.

  This depth of reach and dynamic partnerships between governments, the public and industry provides the Trillium Trails Network with options for ongoing sustainability and program support. We encourage trails leaders from all over Ontario, rural, urban, north and south to engage the OTC in discussion about how the TTN can work for your trails and your community. We anticipate the TTN Gold provincial trails pass system to be up and running during the summer of 2007. A TTN Gold Pass working group lead by representatives of the OFSC, OFATV, EOTA, OEF and the OTC captures the operational capacity of trails leadership in Ontario. This group welcomes the endorsements achieved through the trail summit and is available to discuss issues with groups as needed.

  We have 20 county based regional trail development and management organizations that have joined the TTN Gold Pass network, with another 29community/counties expressing interest.
  

  Effective June 4, 2007
  For a copy of the TTN Business Plan and details on how it can assist your trail please go to: www.ontariotrails.on.ca/ttnmakesmytrailwork.htm. For more information on the Ontario Trails Council go to:www.ontariotrails.on.ca

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  May 30, 2007
  McGuinty government supports Trails Alliance youth program
  Communities In Action Fund investment to promote physical activity

  TWEED - The McGuinty government is supporting an innovative new program through the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for young people and boost the region's tourism economy, Leona Dombrowsky MPP announced today.

  "Trails provide meaningful outdoor experiences for many users," said Dombrowsky. "Through this new program, more youth in our community will enjoy the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle."

  Dombrowsky announced that the province is investing $20,000 through the Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) to conduct training workshops for young people throughout the Celebration of Trails region. With the participation of area schools and youth organizations such as Scouts and 4H, young people will be encouraged to create new, non-motorized trail events and improve existing programs.

  "We are delighted with today's announcement," said Cindy Cassidy of the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance. "With this provincial support we will be better able to design trail events that appeal to young people and encourage youth volunteerism."

  The Communities In Action Fund is a key initiative of the government's strategy to promote fitness and physical activity. The CIAF budget has been boosted by one-third this year and, as a result of the additional funding, the Ministry of Health Promotion is now accepting new applications for a second round of funding. Applications will be accepted until noon on June 15, 2007.

  By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

  Dombrowsky also announced that the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance will receive a $15,0000 grant through the Trails for Life program, a long-term plan that establishes strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario. The funds will be used to conduct an audit that will identify trail safety improvements. The EOTA has recently formed partnerships with ATV clubs and trail associations in neighbouring counties to greatly expand the number of trails visitors can experience.

  "The CIAF and Trails for Life programs are making it easier for residents in this community to become more active," said Dombrowsky. "These grants will provide new and enhanced sport, recreation and physical activity programs that will improve the health and fitness of local families."

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  March 7, 2007 – Tweed, Ontario
  Executive Summary – for Clubs and EOTA Partners

  EOTA riding area just got bigger

  
  

  The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) is pleased to announce that we have just partnered to expand the EOTA shared use pass system with ATV clubs/trail associations and communities in Northumberland County, Renfrew County, Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough County, and Quinte West.

  Together EOTA and our partners will have thousands of kilometres of trails to ride for the same cost as previous years. New maps of the areas will be available in the next few weeks. To purchase a pass you can go online and fill out the Trail pass form at www.thetrail.ca or, contact the EOTA office for a direct pass purchase, or contact us to get a list of local trail club or businesses selling passes in your area.

  	Annual	Weekly	Daily
  ATV	$120.00	$35.00	$12.00
  Horseback Riding	$75.00	$25.00	$7.50
  Dogsledding	$75.00	$25.00	$7.50
  Bicycle	$50.00	$20.00	$5.00
  Skiing	$35.00	$15.00	$3.50
  Hiking/Walking	No Fee	No Fee	No Fee

  EOTA has been established since 1997. Board structure is municipalities, business, tourism, adjacent landowners/farmers and user groups. Our mandate is to develop, manage, maintain and market a comprehensive network of year round shared use recreational trails for the economic tourism and job creation trails can bring. Based on only a 520 km trail system over a ten year build out period the economic and tourism benefits can be $45.8 million and the creation of 1659 jobs. EOTA to date has created 88 jobs and has raised over $3,000,000.00.

  Recently, the Ontario Government has invested in the Ontario Trails Council (OTC) developing the Trillium Trails Sustainability Business Plan. This provincial trail plan anticipates offering, to trail organizations such as the EOTA and its partners, a trail sustainability model that trail management groups will be able to use to stabilize their operations. OTC has identified the EOTA shared use pass as a best practice for trail operations management at the community and regional level. EOTA’s plan is to ensure that its shared pass system is a natural fit within the OTC TTN Sustainability Business plan.

  The OTC mandate is to promote the creation, preservation, management and use of recreational trails in Ontario. The OTC enables trail groups through professional development workshops, Provincial and Regional Trails Maps, our Niagara Provincial Trails Summit 2007, Trail Surveys, Trails Insurance Programs and Links to Ontario's Trail Organizations.

  For further information please contact
  Cindy Cassidy 613-478-1444 or toll free 1-877-889-8810
  Email info@thetrail.ca
  Remember to check out our web site www.thetrail.ca

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  March 8, 2006
  Larry and Patricia Palmateer attended the first annual Big Red Snowmobile Run which was held in memory of their daughter, Erin Palmateer who died in 2005.

  1st Annual Big Red Poker Run success

  On February 11th 2006, the first annual Big Red Snowmobile Poker Run was held. The Big Red Snowmobile Poker Run is dedicated to the memory of Erin Palmateer who enjoyed the sport of snowmobiling. Over 60 people attended, raising over $1,700.00. The funds have been donated to the Erin Palmateer Memorial Pool Fund.

  The riders left from Gilmour to ride along the Hastings Heritage Trail to the Barry’s Bay area where they then stayed over night at the Spectacle Lake Lodge in Barry’s Bay. The group returned to Gilmour the next day. The two-day ride was approximately 264 km long. Donations of prizes were received from Spectacle Lake Lodge who donated accommodation and meals for two, Stansfield Dental Centre who donated a two night stay and meals at the Ramada Inn and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance who donated an ATV Pass and golf shirts.

  Thanks go to friends and family for their donations and help. Everyone’s support was greatly appreciated.

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  March 8, 2006

  By RODGER HANNA The Tweed News

  EOTA receives funding to promote healthy lifestyles

  The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) received a big funding boost from the Province of Ontario to help with this region’s economy and to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for residents and visitors.

  Leona Dombrowsky, MPP for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington, was present at the special occasion in presenting the funding of $32,000. The EOTA will receive the funding through the provincial government’s Communities in Action Fund which will support a series of events celebrating the Central Ontario Loop Trail; a 450 km trail system that runs through Hastings County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Peterborough and Haliburton. The funding will also help in preparing for other event celebrations within the EOTA network.

  “Trails provide meaningful outdoor experiences for many users,” said Dombrowsky. “This investment will promote active living, create jobs and enhance the area’s natural environment.” The EOTA, in promoting events, want to increase the number of events that are already happening and to promote five new events. They will also hire a consultant, print a brochure, update the web site as well as develop promotional items.

  “We are delighted with the announcement,” said Cindy Cassidy, general manager of the EOTA. “This funding will allow us to develop a coordinated series of events which will connect a number of unique trail activities and projects this fall, and promote them for the entire region as the Celebration of Trails.”

  The Communities in Action Fund supports the McGuinty Government’s strategy to increase physical activity and sport participation. The fund invests in community sport and physical activity and helps remove barriers to participation for children and youth, older adults, aboriginal people, lowincome families and people with a disability.

  The funding to the EOTA is provided through the McGuinty Government’s Ontario Trails Strategy, a long-term plan that establishes strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario.

  

  Events planned for Central Ontario Loop Trail.
  The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance received a cheque in the amount of $32,000 from the Province of Ontario to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle. On hand for the special occasion were, from left, Michlynne Murphy and Andrew Wallen from Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation, Cindy Cassidy, General Manager EOTA, Leona Dombrowsky, MPP Hastings-Frontenac- Lennox & Addington, and Dayle Abrams, EOTA.

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  February 9, 2006
  OPP Patrol Snowmobile Trails

  By RODGER HANNA The Tweed News
  For the third year, a Trail Pak containing information on snowmobile and ATV safety, impaired driving, ice conditions and trail rules and regulations will be handed out by the OPP on the trail until the end of March. The program is in partnership with the Central Hastings OPP, the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA).This year MADD Quinte Chapter joined the partnership.

  A variety of information is included in the Trail Paks with a draw being held for an ATV helmet. Impaired driving and excessive speeds are the most common causes of snowmobile and ATV deaths and injuries.

  Staff Sergeant Peter Valiquette of the Central Hastings OPP explained it is education and enforcement on the trails. Last year in the detachment’s region there were five ATV accidents and no snowmobile accidents. “We want to build on keeping the accidents low,” said Valiquette. The OPP want to reinforce safe, sober and smart riding on and off the trails.

  Kerri Jianopoulos, Public Health Nurse for Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, explained that the health unit is trying to prevent injuries and the Trail Paks reinforce this. “We want people to enjoy the trails,” said Jianopoulos.

  Cindy Cassidy of the EOTA said that this area is leading the way in safety campaigns and the manufacturers are also looking at the safety messages coming out of this area. “All of the partners in the Trail Pak program are working hard for safety,” said Cassidy. She also added that this area is five years ahead of many communities in Ontario.

  The Central Hastings OPP detachment has two snowmobiles and two ATVs for partolling the trail networks. The OPP is being proactive on the trails. Last year the Central Hastings OPP detachment logged almost 400 hours on the trail with their ATVs. The trails in this area are multi-use and can be used by snowmobiles, ATVs, hikers and other activities.

  The Trail Pak program is also a part of the “Be Realistic...Not a Statistic” Campaign which was launched last fall as an ATV safety campaign. Keeping the trails safe is an important aspect of riding the trails and to keeping them safe for all to use.

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  January 17, 2006

  Trails 10th Anniversary Celebrated

  By RODGER HANNA The Tweed News
  The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation unveiled another panel to the pavilion in Tweed. The Trail Pavilion is located at the corner of River and McGamon Streets. The unveiling of the panel coincides with the 10th anniversary celebration of the opening of the trail system.

  Approximately 75 people joined the ceremonies at the pavilion on December 17 to see their names on the plaque as well as the accomplishments over the past 10 years. There are 200 names on a plaque with 9 total plaques now on one side of the pavilion. One of the new plaques depicts images from 10 years of trail production.

  
  Present to celebrate the unveiling of the latest plaque are, from left, Dayle Abrams, EOTA, Daryl Kramp, MP Prince Edward-Hastings, Cindy Cassidy, General Manager, EOTA, Vance Drain, Reeve, Municipality of Tweed and Dan Andrews, General Manager, Trans Canada Trail, Ontario.
  Photo by Aubrey Johnson

  The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) was formed in 1997 and incorporated in 1999. The trail was formed into a multi-use trail with EOTA managing. At present they manage 700 kms. of trails. When people purchase a spot on the plaque, a small portion goes back to the EOTA. Every two years the EOTA introduces a new plaque. The pavilion opened on October 30, 1999, just in time for the Trans Canada Trail celebrations in 2000.

  At the unveiling of the plaque, local dignitaries were present to commemorate the event. Daryl Kramp, MP Prince Edward-Hastings, explained how he has first-hand knowledge of the trail as his family business is located on a trail network in Madoc. “I have seen every kind of transportation on the trail,” said Kramp, referring to snowmobiles, ATVs, horses and hiking. “It is wonderful to see what we are as a country. People come from Ottawa and Toronto, and say how wonderful the trail is in the countryside.” said Kramp. He also commented how people can use the trail as a means to get fit and is pleased to see that people had the foresight.

  Dan Andrews, General Manager, Trans Canada Trail Ontario, noted that the pavilion in Tweed was one of the first in Ontario. “The pavilion is something to be proud of,” added Andrews. He thanked those in attendance for their contributions to the Trans Canada Trail and noted that the money goes towards funding of new sections such as Hastings to Campbellford. There is now a continuous link from Sharbot Lake to Hastings. “Enjoy the trail that you have been able to sponsor,” said Andrews.

  Cindy Cassidy, General Manager, Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, explained that the trail is a year round multi-use trail that officially opened in December 1995. To date, the EOTA has raised $2,450,000 for the trail networks. The EOTA has a commitment to trail maintenance. Cassidy also wanted to thank the government for their support of the trails. The trails link communities together and with that, an enjoyable time on the trails wherever they take you.

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  October, 2005