Do More on the Shore Ezine

An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

CIBC* COIP*The waterfront municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation authorities and community groups*The Eastern Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group* MapArt* Dunmap*Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion* Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee* St. Lawrence Cement* Tilley Endurables

February 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Featured Route - Great Waterfront Trail Adventure
• News – tax break
• Featured Attraction – Oakville Centre for Performing Arts
• Featured Activity - Skating
• Upcoming Events

FEATURED ROUTE – Great Waterfront Trail Adventure

Make ’08 especially great! Join us in our first-ever organized, energized, super-sized bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.

Travel the whole 680 km route over eight sensational days; or join in for one or two days for a ride you’ll never forget! Every single day of this fully supported tour includes the WOW Factor – the Wonderful Ontario Waterfront along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Each community along the Trail is involved in creating a sensational experience and memorable event.

Whether you are an experienced cyclist, someone who rides once in a while or even someone who hasn’t been on a bike for years--everyone is welcome to join us. We welcome kids to be a part of the adventure as there are lots of options and activities for the whole family, whether you plan to ride or not, ride a little or a lot.

Sign up as a single, a family or a group. You can even arrange to divide the ride into a relay with each member of your group doing a different leg of the trip. Registration is now open and limited to the first 200, so sign up early at www.waterfrontrail.com <http://www.waterfrontrail.com/> . We look forward to riding with you on the First Annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure!

NEWS – tax break

If news of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure got you excited about riding your bike this summer, but you don’t have a bike, or would like to upgrade your bike, then the Ontario government has decided to help you out. Starting on December 1, 2007, the Ontario government now exempts bikes costing $1000 or less from retail sales tax (RST). Bike helmets, and other safety equipment, such as lights, are also be exempted.


FEATURED ATTRACTION – Oakville Centre for Performing Arts

There are many ways to enjoy the Waterfront Trail, even in winter with snow up to your knees or over your head! There are several theatres along the Trail that can be found in the profiles section of our website – www.waterfronttrail.org - including the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts. The Elephant Man, based on the true story of John Merrick, a deformed man who finds hope, will be presented during select nights in February. Part melodrama, morality play and storytelling, this moving play is also laced with intelligent humor as it explores the nature of courage, heroism and inner beauty. Log on to http://www.oc4pa.com/798.htm for more information.

FEATURED ACTIVITY – SKATING

The Natrel skating rink at Harbourfront Centre is Canada’s largest artificially cooled outdoor ice rink and stays icy in weather up to 8 degrees. Offering a view of Lake Ontario and the Waterfront Trail, there is also music, refreshment, change rooms, and ice skate rentals. Log on to http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/skating.php for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Cobourg Winter Festival

"Fort Cobourg" will have an ice maze, ice slide, ice-painting canvases, and igloo-building. Other festival highlights include the all-female Acrobatic Fire Show and the Sultans of String, a world flamenco jazz trio, the West Coast Lumberjack Show, a petting zoo, a pancake breakfast and a carnival dance.
Date: February 15 to 18, 2008
Website: northumberlandtourism.com


Toronto Bike Winter

For the first time ever Toronto will host 'Bike Winter' a festival of cycling during the coldest time of the year. The calendar will be ongoing between December 22 and March 1 and include bike maintenance courses, rides, and studded tire races.
Date: Now until March 1
Website: www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikewinter/index.htm


If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the Shorezine, please contact Petrina at:
pt@wrtrust.com
416-943-8080
372 Richmond Street West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1X6


WARNING: The information and suggestions in this newsletter have been developed to assist Trail users in planning both their recreational and commuting trips along the Waterfront Trail. It mentions signed routes of the Trail, as well as possible routes and connections in areas where routes have not yet been designated as part of the Waterfront Trail. The possible routes and connections have been identified in consultation with the municipalities and Conservation Authorities of Lake Ontario and from Trail users. Some of these possible routes and connections may not be ideal for cycling, in-line skating, or hiking. They may be unsuitable for some Trail users because of the close proximity to vehicular traffic or unsuitable trail surface. Whenever possible, indicators have been placed on the maps to warn of caution areas. However, be prepared to make your own evaluation of traffic, trail and road conditions, and plan routes appropriate to your riding, in line skating, and hiking skills and your comfort level. This newsletter is not intended as a guide for children.