The Ontario Trails Strategy
Presentation for Parks and Recreation Ontario
March 31, 2009
0
PURPOSE
Provide an overview of the Ministry’s role in trails; Provide an overview of the Ontario Trails Strategy; and Discuss key priorities of the Ontario Trails Strategy.
1
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROMOTION’S ROLE IN TRAILS
MHP given lead responsibility for: Coordinating recreational trail issues and policy/planning matters on behalf of the Government of Ontario (June 2004); and Leading the development and implementation of the Ontario Trails Strategy. Launched the Strategy (October 2005) with $3.5 million over five years for implementation. Established the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (February 2006) to oversee implementation of the Strategy. Dr. Helena Jaczek, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Promotion takes a lead role on trails. The Strategy and the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee will be reviewed in 2010.
2
THE ONTARIO TRAILS STRATEGY – A FRAMEWORK FOR TRAILS
MHP led the development of the all government/all stakeholder Ontario Trails Strategy, as a framework to guide the future of Ontario trails and embrace associated health and economic benefits (an ACTIVE2010 initiative) The Vision: A world-class system of diversified trails, planned and used in an environmentally responsible manner that enhances the health and prosperity of all Ontarians. Core Values: Respect private and public lands; Protect, conserve and appreciate the environment and cultural and natural heritage features; Provide a variety of trail opportunities in keeping with the diverse nature of Ontario’s population; Value regional differences and support local decision-making; and Adopt good planning principles and approaches.
3
THE ONTARIO TRAILS STRATEGY – A FRAMEWORK FOR TRAILS
Key Strategic Directions: To improve collaboration among trail stakeholders; To enhance the sustainability of Ontario’s trails; To enhance the trail experience; To educate Ontarians about trails; and To foster better health and a strong economy through trails.
4
THE ONTARIO TRAILS STRATEGY – KEY PRIORITIES
1. Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee (OTCC); 2. Review of Off-Road Vehicles; 3. Review of Legislation Affecting Trails; 4. Trail usage data; 5. Mapping Ontario trails; and 6. Central website for trails.
5
THE ONTARIO TRAILS COORDINATING COMMITTEE (OTCC)
Goal To provide advice on the implementation of the Ontario Trails Strategy. Background Chair – Assistant Deputy Minister; Parliamentary Assistant is a special advisor to the Minister on trails; 12 ministries and 12 external stakeholders; Scope of the OTCC: Represents the diversity of trail stakeholders; Identifies potential issues and solutions affecting implementation; Advises on grant project priorities; and Informs a network of stakeholders about implementation activities and opportunities to input to the process. Current Status Meets three times per year.
6
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION AFFECTING TRAILS AND REVIEW OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Goal Recommendations to: Create a more supportive legislative environment for trails; and Reduce conflicts associated with off-road vehicle (ORV) use. Background 28 pieces of legislation reviewed with key issues being liability/insurance, the protection of public/private lands (trespass, bio-security) and trail sustainability; Opportunities for more collaborative planning and to increase active transportation; Conflicts created by ATVs with landowners, sensitive landscapes and multiple users; Issues were confirmed and directions recommended in reports entitled i) The Review of Legislation Affecting Trails and ii) Reducing Conflicts Associated with Recreational Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Stakeholder consultations and postings on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry (EBR); and Vetted draft proposals with the Directors’ Working Group on Trails, Interministerial Working Groups for the projects and the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee.
7
REVIEW OF LEGISLATION AFFECTING TRAILS AND REVIEW OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Current Status Considering: An Ontario Trails Act; Changes to some existing legislation; and Policy enhancements and developments.
• • •
8
TRAILS ACT
(under discussion) Considering the potential development of an Ontario Trails Act in consultation with other ministries and external stakeholders; and Maintaining a broad scope at this time. Potential Elements of a Trails Act Trail definitions, categories, provincially significant trails, tourism trails etc; Trail leadership; Protection of public and private lands; Liability; Trespass to property; Trail access; Financial sustainability; Enforcement; and Other.
9
OTHER LEGISLATION
(under discussion)
Public Lands Act (MNR) Stop and inspect provisions; and Agreements for major trail events on Crown lands. Mining Act (MNDM) Considerations for trail rerouting or other compensation during mining related activities. Planning Act (MMAH) Enhancements for municipal planning for active communities (e.g. active transportation considerations).
10
POLICIES
(under discussion)
Review of Trail-Related Highway Planning Legislation and Policy (MTO) Consider if ways exist to more collaboratively plan trails with highways including intersection and overpass/underpass considerations. Provincial Policy Statement (MMAH) Provide enhancements for active transportation and access to trails during the next scheduled review. Abandoned Provincial Railway Rights-of-Way (MEI and MHP) Develop a policy to enable municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to secure these lines for trail purposes at minimal cost. Trail Sustainability Policy (MHP) Review alternative funding models, oversight mechanisms and distribution model to assist not-for-profit trail organizations. Review of Economic Incentives for Landowners (MOF) For example, tax relief.
11
TRAIL USAGE DATA
Goal Collect baseline data on trail participation and on-going monitoring process. Background August-December, 2005 – conducted a survey through the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) to establish baseline data. Current Status Baseline data established at 60%; Data for 2005 – 2007 has been tabulated; and Target 65% by 2010.
12
MAPPING ONTARIO TRAILS
Goal Comprehensively mapped trails and publicly accessible data base with provisions for on-going updates. Background Lack of a central inventory of trails; Will eventually include all trail networks in urban, rural and wilderness settings (i.e. bicycle routes; walkways, boardwalks/sidewalks, access roads) (i.e. forestry and mining roads) designated for trail use; and waterway and portage routes. Current Status MHP is working with MNR via a Memorandum of Understanding; MNR works with the Ontario Trails Council; 890+ trailhead locations representing 11,144 km. of trails are mapped; and Another 500 trailheads to be added by early spring 2009.
13
CENTRALIZED WEBSITE FOR TRAILS
Goal To establish a central site for trail maps, data and other information. Background The lack of centralized accessible website was identified as a key priority during the development of the Strategy. Current Status Ontario Trails Council’s website traffic is in the top 5.66% of all websites worldwide; and 4.7 million hits April-September 2008. http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/
14
MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROMOTION TRAIL CONTACTS
Carol Oitment Policy Advisor, Sport and Recreation Branch (416) 314 – 7205 carol.oitment@ontario.ca Craig Stewart Manager, Sport and Recreation Branch (416) 314 – 7791 craig.stewart@ontario.ca
15
ADDENDUM #1: MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO TRAILS COORDINATING COMMITTEE
External Stakeholders 1. Trails Community – Ontario Trails Council 2. Landowners/Farmers – Ontario Federation of Agriculture 3. Tourism – Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario 4. Disabilities 5. Active Transportation – ActiveSolutions 6. Aboriginal – Wasauksing First Nation 7. Environment – Ontario Stewardship Program 8. Conservation Authorities - Conservation Ontario 9. Municipalities – Association of Municipalities of Ontario 10. Culture – Ontario Heritage Trust 11. Resource-Based Recreation – Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 12. Academic – Trails Study Unit, Trent University
16
ADDENDUM #1: MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO TRAILS COORDINATING COMMITTEE
(CONT’D.)
Internal Partners (Ministries)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Health Promotion; Attorney General; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Natural Resources; Transportation; Northern Development and Mines; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Finance; Tourism; Culture; Energy and Infrastructure; and Citizenship and Immigration.
17
ADDENDUM #2: TRAIL USAGE DATA
REASON FOR TRAIL USE 2005-2007
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Fun Recreation Relax ation Scenery Study nature 2005 2006 2007 Walk dog Commute
In 2007, adults in Ontario are most likely to indicate having used trails for fun (94%), recreation (93%), relaxation (89%), or to enjoy the scenery (88%) . In addition, a substantial number of adults in Ontario use trails to experience wilderness or to appreciate or study nature (74%). A smaller proportion use trails to walk their dogs (29%) or to commute (25%). There have been no significant differences over time in the proportions citing various reasons for trail usage, with one exception. There was a decrease between 2005 and 2006 in the proportion who cited commuting as their reason for trail use; however, this is not evident in 2007.
18
% reporting reason for trail use
ADDENDUM #2: TRAIL USAGE DATA
TRAIL USE BY SEX 2005-2007
SURVEY BY THE CANADIAN FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE INSTITUTE
80
% using trails in previous 12 months
(CONT’D.)
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Men 2005 Women 2006 2007 Total
In 2007, 53% of Ontario adults report using a trail in the previous 12 months. There has been no significant change since 2005 in this proportion. There have been no significant changes in reported trail usage for men and women over time. There continue to be no significant differences between men and women for those who indicate having used a trail in the previous 12 months.
19
An inside look at the
Ajax Trail System
Mayor Steve Parish, Town of Ajax
20
Progressive
Top priority of Council not just a frill Goal is to have 130 kms of trail by 2020
• Vision 2020 plan adopted by Council in 2001 (Town only had 50 kms of trail at the time) • First municipality in Durham to approve formal plan
Key objectives
• Reduce auto dependency / promote active transportation • Link neighborhoods / municipalities • Promote healthy lifestyles / improve quality of life • Build awareness of Town’s natural environment
• Use as a tool for economic competitiveness and tourism
21
2001 – 49.6 kms 2009 – 81.8 kms 2013 – 95.6 kms 2020 – 125.9 kms
22
Eco-Enthusiast Dream
• Surrounded by rich natural settings
– Including four greenway spines: Duffins Creek, Millers Creek, Carruthers Creek and Lake Ontario
•
Integrated within green infrastructure
– – First Ajax Council (1955) had the foresight to preserve Town’s waterfront from development – now boasts a 7 km scenic trail Town partnered with TRCA to preserve Greenwood Conservation Area (283 ha)
•
Built with the environment in mind
– Town has adopted an environment first philosophy
23
Accessible
Commuter and recreational routes Multi-use trails (paved and passive) Continuous and inter-linked Close to Town facilities and bike parking
24
Safe
High trail standards Year-round care and maintenance Multiple entry points with parking Resting areas on routes Wheelchair accessible routes Many routes equipped with lighting Trail surveillance
25
Putting the pieces together
First Phase
Vision Funding Infrastructure Links Signage
Second Phase
Branding Marketing – Residents & Visitors Business Development & Tourism
Goal: To use trail system to increase economic competitiveness, improve quality of life, retain the best and brightest and make our town vibrant.
26
How Ajax did it
Thinking outside the box Using creative funding solutions Taking advantage of one-time provincial/federal funding
• • • •
Making it a priority – not just a want Building into capital program Lobbying for links and funding (e.g. DC changes) Partnerships (such as Trail Advisory Committee)
27
Thank you
www.townofajax.com/ajaxnaturally
28
This document is complimentary and is provided from the National Recreation Database by the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) www.lin.ca
Appropriate Use