Do More on the Shore Ezine

An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

The waterfront municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation authorities and community groups* MapArt* DunMap* Niagara Region Integrated Community Planning Department* MMM Group* Heart and Stroke Foundation* Mountain Equipment Co-op* Toronto Cyclists Union* Holcium (formerly St. Lawrence Cement)

October 2009

IN THIS ISSUE:

• GWTA 2010 update--2010 Route Announcement
• Annual Community Partners meetings
• Carolinian Canada Coalition Forum 2009
• Along the Waterfront Trail
• George Nicholson Trail
• Port Hope Olde Tyme Christmas
• Other Great Trails of the World: Bolivia, Jungle Rail Trail.

GWTA Update--2010 Route Announcement

First of all, thank you once again to all those who participated, volunteered, and organized the incredible community events in 2009!



        The NEW Route & Itinerary for the 2010 GWTA is now on our website 
        www.waterfronttrail.org/gwta_web 
        and available for all to see and plan for. The details of each day along 
        the route will be formalized and confirmed in the coming months, so remember 
        to check back for updates. 
        
        The 3rd Annual GWTA Route will have 3 new overnight locations, and a route 
        that will be a mix of challenge, excitement, and a bit more time for kicking 
        back...eventually. 

        Registration is open and already filling up, so take a look at the route 
        to help make your plans.

        Starting in December we will profile one of the overnight locations on 
        each Shorezine, as we get closer to the July launch! Starting with Day 
        One...of course!

        For a scenic look back at 2009, you can follow the link below for a video 
        from Antonio, one our return participants. It is amazing with all of the 
        rain of the past couple of years how much sun we have had during the GWTA...caught 
        on film. Thanks Antonio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKKrBhLL4uw)

Community Partners Meetings
As we do every year at this time, we made the pilgrimage around the Waterfront Trail for our annual community partners meetings. Here with the communities we discussed the success and lessons from year 2 of the GWTA, upcoming trail projects, new partnerships and unveiled the Map and Route for the 2010 Adventure.
We would like to thank the following locations, staff and organizers for their fantastic hospitality at our annual meetings;
Ontario West: Creekside Estate Winery, in Jordan On. http://www.creeksidewine.com/
Ontario East: Books and Company, Picton, ON http://www.pictonbookstore.com/

Carolinian Canada Coalition Forum 2009
Caring For Our Coast: Envisioning A Lake Erie Community Stewardship Trail Network
On October 22-23 approximately 80 people convened to explore the possibilities, benefits and risks associated with creating a network of trails to celebrate Lake Erie’s unique Carolinian/Great Lake landscape. The Trust presented a background on how Ontario’s Waterfront Trail was created and the numerous benefits it has made to waterfront regeneration. Through our presentation we strongly encouraged:

a linear trail that would encompass the north shore of Lake Erie. We noted that the connection to Lake Ontario’s Waterfront Trail is in place. The linear trail would serve as the backbone to a series of connected loops and side trails in the Carolinian forest;
use roads to create connections when lakeshore trail was unavailable currently;
make it a priority to sign the full route including using interim routes to close as many gaps as possible;
work with the willing--especially municipalities and conservation authorities that share the vision;
identify and fund an organization to act as the guardian of the vision and the coordinator of the partnership;
identify a list of potential trail projects that could be used to form a request to senior government;
develop tools e.g. maps, resources for trail users that are available on the website;and
celebrate progress and involve the public by hosting events similar to the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.

In addition to protecting and restoring the Carolinian Coastline, creating a trail to celebrate Lake Erie extends the great work that has been done and is underway on Lake Ontario. Together they could be part of an exciting strategy to promote our national inland sea--the Great Lakes.

Events along the Trail--George Nicholson Trail
On October 8th, the last portion of the Greater Niagara Route to be completed was named the George Nicholson Trail. The name honours an incredible trail leader and man, George Nicholson of the Region of Niagara. George passed away suddenly last year just a short time after his retirement. The Greater Niagara Circle Route is one of George’s many legacies.
Below is a great article highlighting the new section of trail, and of course George!
http://beta.wellandtribute.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2114958

Port Hope Olde Tyme Christmas
The Municipality of Port Hope takes full advantage of their incredible architecture downtown, and embraces the holidays decorated shop windows, and merchants who dress in Victorian garb. Visitors are invited to take part in the festivities that begin Nov. 20th and run through Dec. 12th, by dressing up as well.
For more details surrounding this go to:
www.porthopetourism.com/festivals_-115269.html

Other Great Trails of the world: Bolivia, Jungle Rail Trail

From La Paz to Coroico on an abandoned railway line.

For a change of pace with this segment, we are taking a look at different kind of trail...one that provides a mix of endurance, challenge, and incredible scenery at varying speeds and is relatively unknown. Whether on path, road or off-road the key is being on a bike, and as we have seen over the past couple of GWTA’s is that there are a number of people who enjoy all kinds of riding.
In Bolivia there is a company called “Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking” who have created numerous rides throughout the countryside, from 1 day options to 10 day trips that dip into Chile, all on old rail trails, single track and over mountain passes. These trips are not for the faint of heart, but for anyone looking for scenery and a bit of an adrenaline rush, this is for you.

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to this Ezine, please contact Ian at:
il@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.