· web [email protected] steve revell 519-843-3650 forks of the credit provincial park...

Appendix #1

Community Reference Systems Overview and Script

www.headwaterscommunities.ca 519-940-3118 [email protected] 1

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.headwaterscommunities.ca/

The Community Reference System

HOW IT WORKS:1. The planning team defines its community and develops a rough social map of the interest groups,

perspectives and/or demographic makeup contained within it. (for examples, see “Developing a Local Resource Inventory”)

2. The planning group decides upon the relevant criteria that must be met by all participants. Typical criteria include:

Participant is known to be actively concerned about the issue Process would not be seen to have credibility unless this person were invited Participant has a reputation for speaking out on this issue Participant is well respected by his/her peers Participant would be willing to do work after the conference to implement action plans created

during the conference3. At least one individual is identified within each of the components of the social map.

4. These initial individuals are contacted and asked to recommend two or three people from within their community who meet the criteria. (Sometimes a script is developed)

5. These recommended people are then contacted and asked to make two or three recommendations.

6. After two or three iterations of this process, the same names should begin to appear on the list

7. From this total list of possible participants, select folks whose names have been repeated and add participants to ensure that all perspectives identified on the rough social map are represented.

8. Participants who have been selected to attend the event are then contacted and invited.

Sample Script:

Hi, my name is________________ and I’m with the ___________in Motion group. ________in Motion is part of a regional effort to improve physical activity rates of residents in Wellington Dufferin and Guelph. In our local area, the ________in Motion is focusing on_____________.

We are in the process of looking for people within our community who should be informed about the work that we are doing, and who might have an important perspective to share in the development of initiatives to improve physical activity rates within this community.

Your name has come forward as someone who could help us to identify individuals who need to be included in a focused discussion about how to achieve the goals of In Motion in our community. Ideally, we are looking for people who:

(list a few criteria of the kind of person you are looking for)

Would you be interested in attending an information session to learn more about this initiative?

Can you think of anyone who you would recommend would fit the criteria?

Is there anyone else that you would suggest we speak to get names of potential participants?




Community Reference System continued…

(Take down these names and compare with the names being brought forward from other telephone interviews conducted by members of the organizing group. The overlap in names often reveals the people who you need to put extra effort into inviting to your event or information session)

Sample Contact List for Community Reference System

Person to be Contacted

& Contact Information

Contact Information

Contacted by Whom? Suggested contacts provided




APPENDIX #2

Initial Trails Stakeholder AgendaNovember, 2006




Initial Trails Stakeholder Meeting Agenda Agenda Item Purpose Methodology

Welcome and Introductions

• To connect participants to the purpose of the meeting

• To connect participants to each other

• A fun warm-up exercise was used to encourage people to meet and mingle

Setting the Context

• To update/inform participants of latest relevant initiatives from Ministries of Health Promotion & Tourism

• Keynote speakers from both ministries provide present

• In small groups, participants debrief using the following questions:

o What did you take away from these presentations?

o What questions do you have?

o What does this mean for trails development in the Headwaters

Learning from Other Jurisdictions

• To provide participants with a thought-provoking presentation of what might be possible

• A keynote speaker from a well-established regional trails groups shared the story of her group’s history and evolution

• Small group debrief using same questions as above

What’s Happening Now Re: Trails in the Headwaters

• To allow participants to update all on the status of their trail

• To create a shared sense of the region’s current trails resources

Participants each provide an update re: • Their trail & current efforts

• What else they know is happening

• Who else should be engaged in this process

• Small group debrief using same questions as above

Exploring a Vision for Trails in the Headwaters

• Participants generate and synthesize their visions for trails in the Headwaters

Pairs share ideas re: their dream for trails in the HeadwatersSmall groups of four explore the question:If we collaborate, what would you like to see us work towards?

Moving from Vision to Action

• Volunteers self-select to be part of a small “working group” responsible for drafting a vision statement and possible mandate for the Regional Trails Group

• Hosts summarize what they can offer going forward

• Volunteers nominated for working group

• Working group agrees to draft & circulate vision & mandate for regional trails group using today’s notes




APPENDIX #3

HCIA Trails Working Group Work Plans2007-08 & 2008-09




HCIA Trails Working Group 2007-08 Work Plan

Key Components

Activities Start Date

Projected Completion Date

Establishing a Foundation for Our Project

A Working Group will have been established January 07

January 07

The Working Group will have endorsed a Terms of Reference

January 07

January 07

A Project work plan will have been finalized and approved by the Working Group

February 07

February 07

Establishing a Regional Trails Council

Project Team will have reviewed Best-Practice Models for Implementing a Regional Management Council

March 07 March 07

A database of stakeholders is developed, sustained and expanded through ongoing networking and relationship-building

March 07 March 08

Trail leaders and other stakeholders are convened and consulted on how to implement a Regional Trails Council to suit the reality of the Headwaters Region

March 07

June 07

A vision and values statement, and mandate for the Headwaters Regional Trails Council is created and endorsed by stakeholders

March 07 June 07

Planning for the sustainability of the Council is considered throughout the evolution of the Council, as components of a business plan are solidified

March 07 March 08




Key Components

Activities Start Date

Projected Completion Date

Creating a Long-Term Development & Marketing Plan for Trails in the Headwaters Area

Key stakeholders are engaged in establishing a long-term strategy for trails development in the Headwaters Area. This strategy includes:

creating an inventory of current trails, who maintains them and their development status and market readiness

developing a shared vision for long-term trail development in the Headwaters Area

identifying key issues to be resolved – including multiple users, consultation with land owners, trail maintenance, trail development standards

researching best-practice options for addressing key issues identified above

a consultation strategy is developed to engage stakeholders in resolving these issues for our region

a list of initial trail development priorities is developed and endorsed by stakeholders

developing a marketing strategy for trails in the Headwaters Area

a comprehensive budget for implementation of this strategy is developed with, and endorsed by stakeholders

April 2007

March 2008




HCIA Trails Working Group Work Plan 2008 – 2009




APPENDIX #4

Oct 2007 Trails Stakeholder DayFacilitators Agenda




Trails Working GroupA Trails Strategy for the Headwaters Region

October 24th, 2007, Mono Community Centre

GOALS:

To share an appreciation of what we DO have – highlights from our Local Trails Inventory To play a part in creating a trails strategy for the Headwaters Region To agree upon what we want to collaborate on first as a community To identify the next steps needed to move our vision forward

AGENDA1:30 – 2:00 Event Registration

2:00 – 2:10 Introductions

Welcome and Intro of Participants Review goals & agenda

2:10 – 2:20 Our Preliminary Findings

Trails Working Group Members present a high-level summary of our work and recommendations

Emphasis of Presentation is about what we’ve done – key learnings & insights Why input is needed from stakeholders

2:20 – 3:405 min set-up45 min group discussion5 min for group to prepare its presentation

25 min report back

Creating A Headwaters Trails Strategy: Identifying Options

Task Set Up:

Your 1st task in small groups is to develop options for trail and bike lane segments that should be created over the next 3-5 years so that we are moving forward to realize our vision

In identifying suggested priorities, your group should: Consider the best interests/needs of our entire Headwaters community Consider creating a good basis for future trails development – beyond 5 years Your group’s priorities might include either new trails segments – or the strengthening

of existing trails segments While no “budget” amounts have yet been identified for possible development options,

we are encouraging you in this work to create a “realistic” plan that can be achievable in the 3-5 year timeframe

Small groups (6-8 participants) with diverse perspectives Resources provided:

o a skilled facilitator who has been pre-briefed re designo 1st paragraph of HTN vision statemento Map of Headwaters with existing trails marked, ideas proposed in our document

markedGroup Discussion:

Group is encouraged to initially brainstorm with one another to generate ideas & possibilities

Group pares down its possibilities based on consideration of constraints – and what they believe is truly achievable in 3-5 years

Use the “$1.00 to spend” technique for group to ultimately identify its consensus on its top 3 or 4 trail development priorities






Group takes 5 minutes to summarize its recommendations on acetate/flipchartReport Back to Large Group

4 groups invited to present priorities in depth 4 groups invited to “add new thoughts/consideration

As large group – identify where there’s synergy between groups – ultimately identifying a short list of 6-8 trails development priorities for the region within the next 3-5 years

3:40 – 4:255 min setup20 min group discussion & prioritizing20 min small group report back

Creating A Headwaters Trails Strategy: Exploring Criteria for Priority-Setting

Your 2nd task in small groups is to develop criteria to be considered in selecting trails and trail segments for development

Each group is now being asked to explore what “implicit criteria” they used –individually and/or collectively in selecting the priorities that you did in the previous exercise. The intent of this exercise is to make these criteria “explicit”Group Discussion:

Individuals in group encouraged to initially jot down their own personal “criteria” and present to group

Small group synthesizes individual criteria and also reviews proposed criteria in Preliminary Findings Report

Group then pares down this list to its top 4 criteria using the “$1.00 to spend” technique to reach its consensus

Group takes 5 minutes to summarize its recommendations on acetate/flipchartReport Back to Large Group

4 groups invited to present priorities 4 groups invited to “add new thoughts/consideration As large group – identify where there’s synergy between groups – ultimately identifying

a short list of 6-8 criteria for identifying trail development priorities

4:25 – 4:40 WORKING BREAK

Participants are invited to place 3 dots beside the trail development priorities they personally feel are most important – using the criteria we’ve established in Exercise #2

4:40 – 5:30

5 min setup25 min group discussion & prioritizing20 min small group report back

Creating A Headwaters Trails Strategy: A Structure for Working Together

Your 3rd task in small groups is to develop ideas and considerations for the best structure to facilitate our moving forward and achieving our vision

Small Group Facilitated Discussion

What tasks need to be done to implement our emerging priorities within 3-5 years?What do we need to anticipate as issues/challenges? Here are the groups that may have a role to play in making this happen:

Upper tier municipalities Lower Tier Municipalities Local Trail Group(s) HCIA Trails Working Group Conservation Authorities Other?

What are the primary roles/responsibilities for each group?What support is needed for these groups to be successful?

Large Group Conversation after report back:






What are the next steps you would like to see from our work together today?5:30 – 6:15 DINNER6:20 – 7:20 Making the Case

Bob Chauncey of the National Centre of Cycling & Walking shares the benefits of fulfilling the vision of the Headwaters Trails Network and provides his advice and recommendations

7:20- 7:50 Summarizing What We’ve Heard: Power Point summary capturing highlights from the day’s work Highlight what folks have identified as next steps

7:50 – 8:00 Wrap Up Participants invited to share one word/phrase re: what they’re leaving today’s

session with Thank You

o WDG Health Unit – for funding Bob Chauncey & our food for todayo Town of Mono – for our spaceo County of Dufferin, The Ontario Trillium Foundation and The Ontario Trails Strategy

for assisting with funding for our initiativeo Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association for providing copies of our preliminary

reporto To you, the participants for your willingness to come, share your thinking and ideas

in helping to bring our vision for an interconnected system of trails through the Headwaters to life.




APPENDIX #5

Headwaters Trails Descriptions & Contact People




Wednesday, February-04-09

Headwaters Trails DescriptionsJanuary, 2009

Organization Trail Description Contact Persons

Boyne Valley Provincial Park

The Bruce Trail runs through this 431 hectare natural environment park, as does the Boyne River. The only park facility is the main trail and a couple of loops. West of Hurontario Street, the trail climbs to the Murphy’s Pinnacle lookout.

On the trail you’ll find hardwood forest, open meadows, bottomland and swamp. The area was logged and cleared in pioneer days. The forest has been replanted over the years in some places and others have been left as natural meadows. Some parking is available 200 metres down Prince of Wales Road from the Primrose Loop. Bring your rod and you can fish in the Boyne River.

The trails are moderate to hilly and are well marked. There is not cost for using the many side trails. Trails are for hiking and cross-country skiing only. Mountain bikes are not permitted.

Keith EarlyPark SuperintendentMinistry of Natural Resources(705) [email protected]

The Bruce Trail – Caledon Section

The Caledon section includes a side trail running from the Pinnacle in Alton to Forks of the Credit Provincial Park (FCPP) – thereby linking it to the Grand Valley Trail.

Gary Hall905-880-4037Carol [email protected] [email protected]

The Bruce Trail – Dufferin Highlands Section

The 840 km Bruce Trail is for hiking only however where it is part of another existing trail uses may vary. The Dufferin Highlands section is 51.4 kms funning from Lavender to County Rd #8 just east of Mono Centre and its club has 300 members. A goal for this club is to more of its route off-road – particularly County Rd 17 in Mulmur.

Tony Hopkins519-942-1038Hopkins@gl.yorku.cawww.dufferinbrucetrailclub.org

The Caledon Trailway

35 km hiking, cycling horseback riding and cross country skiing trail created from a former rail line that runs from Palgrave to Terra Cotta. It is owned and maintained by the Town of Caledon.

Jan Smith-Bull, Parks Service [email protected] x 4248

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http://www.dufferinbrucetrailclub.org/







The Dufferin County Forest

The Dufferin County Forest is a 2,500 acre forest divided into twelve tracts that are located across Dufferin County. It is managed by the County of Dufferin on a sustainable, multi-use basis. The forest serves many important functions including erosion and water control, natural heritage protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural economy through timber production. Most of the larger tracts have an extensive trail system for hiking, cross-country skiing, non-motorized biking, horseback riding and other recreational activities. Motorized recreation is not permitted, with the exception of snowmobiles on designated OFSC trails. Some of the forest’s larger tracts are described in detail below:

Caroline MachCounty Forest Manager 705-435-1881 or 877-941-778 [email protected]/forest

The Hockley Tract

This 920 metre, fully accessible trail opened on Oct 3rd, 07. It connects Mono Amaranth School to the North Shore of Island Lake and is one of two designated sites providing free access to Island Lake for walkers and cyclists. The entrance is located on the south side of Hockley Road.The Melancthon Tract

This 750-metre trail loops from one side of the property to an adjacent side. Watch for side trails as well. Plantation areas are red pine and white spruce, but look also for the tamarack. The tamarack is our only coniferous tree that drops its needles in the fall. Each spring, dozens of new clusters of bright green needles grow on each twig in a delicate rosette form. You’ll see signs of beaver activity, bird activity is all around you and butterflies and months spring up from the grass as you walk. Check low shrubs to see if deer have been browsing them. Emergency numbers mark trail entrances: 398172 on the east side and 684111 on the south side. Avoid the dead-end trail blocked by rubble at 684031. Bug repellent is recommended. Limited parking is available at trail entrances.

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http://www.dufferinmuseum.com/forest

http://www.dufferinmuseum.com/forest






The Dufferin County Forest

The Main Tract

This loop trail takes you through the largest of Dufferin County’s forests at 604 hectares. The Main Tract lies next to the Terra Nova wetland complex. As this is a very large property, keep track of where you’re heading and avoid side trails unless you have lots of time. The variety of ecosystems will delight the naturalists in the family. There are both conifer and hardwood plantations, as well as natural upland hardwoods. A red pine plantation by the parking lot is used to demonstrate how thinning a plantation increases productivity in the long-term. This trail is an easy walk on natural surfaces. Uses include walking, cycling and cross-country skiing.

The Little Tract

We’ve lost much of our forest in southern Ontario, particularly white pine which was favoured for building and furniture because of its size and clear, straight grain. Here at the trail entrance are some truly impressive white pines, remnants of the majestic forests that once covered this land hundreds of years ago. The white pine is Ontario’s provincial tree. Pick up a bunch of pine needles. If the bunch has five needles (as in w-h-i-t-e) that’s how you tell it is from a white pine. An easy hike, this trail also has lots of interpretive signage to help explain some of the natural history.

The Mono Tract

Ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer keep you company in this nice pine, spruce and mixed hardwood forest. Located in a Dufferin County forest, this trail follows old logging roads. It’s not a difficult hike but don’t expect a perfectly groomed right-of-way. Consider it stroller-accessible, but with difficulty. Although not a developed recreational area, this is a pleasant area for a quiet walk. The cross-country skiing is great, but look out for cross traffic coming down hilly side trails. There are no facilities here.

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The Elora Cataract Trailway

(part of the Trans Canada Trail) – this 47 km trail was created from a converted rail line beginning in Elora, passing through Fergus, and past Belwood Lake and through the Belwood Lake Conservation Area to reach the Forks of Credit Provincial Park at Cataract. It is linked to the Caledon Trailway via a north/shouth road to Inglewood. Permitted uses on this trail include hiking, cycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. No motorized vehicles are permitted.

Tom [email protected] Revell 519-843-3650www.trailway.org

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

The beautiful Credit Rivers runs through this park, which includes a beautiful waterfall. Geological features that were deposited or carved out by retreating glaciers, such as kame hills and kettle lakes, surround the river. The park also includes some of the upland, rolling pasture land that is typical of much of southern Ontario. The park’s several trails – include parts of the Bruce Trail. Forks of the Credit Park is part of the Niagara Parks System, and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Limited facilities include a parking lot, picnic tables, viewing platforms, toilets and marked trails. Hiking, picnicking and some bicycling are permitted. Visitors may fish but hunting is forbidden. Open year-round, the park is popular in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.


The Grand Valley Trail

A 275 km footpath (currently 50% off-road) from Lake Erie to the top of the pinnacle in Alton managed by the Grand Valley Trail Association. Open to all non-motorized uses and some snowmobiling. Several other hiking trails connect with the Grand Valley Trail

Andrew CostleyTrail Director, Dufferin County905-845-8427 [email protected]

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http://www.gvta.on.ca/



http://www.trailway.org/





Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve

Not a provincial park in the sense – no beaches, washrooms or nature tours. However this 378 hectare Reserve has unique habitat and landform characteristics – including of forested moraines, open meadows with swamp, bottomland and forest on the floor of the valley and beautiful views from the Niagara Escarpment. The Hockley River cuts through a gorge in the escarpment. The Bruce Trail runs through this Reserve offering several scenic loop trails. Permitted uses here are hiking and cross-country skiing only.

Trails range in distance from 3 to 9 kms (1 to 3 hours) with moderate difficulty level due to some hilly terrain and rocks. No cost for trail usage. Parking is limited to the roadside. No horses or bicycles permitted.


The Humber Valley Heritage Trail

This is a 15+ km rugged hiking trail along the Humber Valley, following the Humber River Watershed. It runs from Bolton to Palgrave and joins with the Bruce Trail and the Caledon Trailway. Ultimately, it is hoped this trail will run along the entire Humber Valley and connect to the Waterfront Trail on Lake Ontario. The trail is managed by the HVTA and owned by the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

HVHTA President: Rodney Hautot Vice President: Jerry Gorman Secretary: Bill Wilson 905-857-1384 [email protected]://www.humbertrail.org

Island Lake Conservation Area

An easy to get to park on the edge of Orangeville, Island Lake Conservation Area is a good sized flood control reservoir offering swimming, boating, picnicking, washrooms and fishing for warm water fish such as bass, pike, black crappie and yellow perch. Start at the parking areas and move through mixed evergreen and hardwood forest lands and meadows as well as taking the 2.7 km Vicki Baron Lakeside Trail. There are numerous other recreation opportunities at the area such as beach, boat rentals, ice-huts in the winter and group facilities. All trails are well-maintained and range in difficulty from easy to moderate. An area map is available at the gatehouse. Parking is available and Conservation Area fees are required to enter.

Bill LidsterSenior Superintendent, Conservation AreasCredit Valley Conservation Authority1-800-367-0890Cell: (416) [email protected]

Luther Marsh Several trails ranging from 5 to 32 kms in length follow the shoreline of the Marsh and out to the Grand River. These trails are managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority and are for non-motorized use

Ralph [email protected]

Organization Trail Description Contact Persons19

http://www.grandriver.ca/



http://www.humbertrail.org/





Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Several Trails meander through this 750-hectare natural environment park on the Niagara Escarpment, including a 6-kilometre section of the Bruce Trail. The carriage Trail is short and has a wooden staircase that lets you limb to a cliff-top viewing platform. It’s the main access point to four of the park’s seven trails.

Walk through a canyon on the Spillway Trail or past 30-metre cliffs on the Cliff Top Trail. Look for the differences in the trees, shrubs and wild plants through the park. These are caused by climatic variations that can occur in a small area. In the canyon’s rock crevices there still may be snow and ice in July. Some of the plants are rare and very sensitive.

Warm air currents from the cliffs create thermals that attract Ontario’s native turkey vultures. These wonderful flyers ride the air to circle and watch as you hike. Their large, upswept wings, black bodies with light colours underneath and small heads separate them from other soaring birds. The trails here are moderate with natural rocks that can be slippery when wet. Paid parking is available. The park is also home to a well-attended, annual 3 km walk and 5 and 10 km fun run held here every year on the Summer Solstice.


Monora Park There are 10 kilometres of trails in this town park close to Orangeville. Picnic tables are available beside a large pond on the property. Swimming is not advisable, though. Keep track of your route when you’re walking because trails are not well-marked. The area around the licensed gravel pit is off-limits during the spring, summer and fall.

Monora park comes into its own when there’s snow on the ground. The trails are regularly groomed for cross-country skiing and users must belong to the Mono Nordic Ski Club to use the trail. Hikers are not allowed to use the ski trails during the winter months because they tend to break up the skiers’ tracks. Port-a-let washroom and parking available.

Kim Perryman519-941-3599 x [email protected]

The Oak Ridges Trail

This 250 km hiking trail, including side trails, is managed by the Oak Ridges Trail Association. The trail starts with a link to the Caledon Trailway near Palgrave in the west to the town of Gores Landing on Rice Lake in the east. 10 km of this trail is in Caledon and is linked to the Caledon Trailway. The ultimate goal is for this trail to establish a system of public recreational trails along the full length of the Oak Ridges Moraine, from Albion Hills in the west, to the Northumberland Forest in the East.

Harold Sellers, Executive DirectorToll-Free [email protected]

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http://www.oakridgestrail.org/


http://www.townofmono.com/






Orangeville Trails

These trails wander through Montgomery Village and then connect with Brenda Blvd. (Browns Farm). Easy walking, easy to follow. Great for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs. It’s straight; it’s paved and just right for an easy walk close to town. Youngsters will have no problem on these trails and there are some small ponds to add some scenery. Look for the foxes but don’t get too near. Plan on anywhere from a 1.5 to 2 hour walk if you’re doing the whole trail. Toss in a walk through Orangeville’s attractive downtown area and you’ve got a nice afternoon out for everyone in the family.

Bernadette Hardaker 519-941-8711 [email protected]

Sonya Pritchard, Rec Dept. 519-940-9092 x [email protected]

Town of Shelburne Trails

Daphne MillarPlanning Coordinator(519) 925-2600 x [email protected]

The Upper Grand Trail Way

The Upper Grand Trailway is a 4 season 10.5k nature (or resurfaced) trail on the old abandoned CP Rail Line. The Trail begins at Waldemar runs westward crossing over a unique brick lined culvert, built in the early 1900s that the Boyne Creek runs through to join up with the Grand River. Continue to travel westward to County Road 125 where you can take a side tour by following the Grand River (by sidewalk) into the quaint village of Grand Valley and enjoy our friendly hospitality. On returning to the Trail continue westward and you will see the old train station which is now a private residence, and further down the trail there is a new bridge (thanks to a Trillium Foundation Grant) which the same Boyne Creek runs under. You now will enjoy viewing farmland. At concession 24/25 you can follow the gravel road north to the Luther Marsh or you can follow the trail to East/West Luther Townline where you can take gravel roads and join up with the Grand Valley Trail near Belwood which is part of the Elora Cataract and Trans Canada Trail system boosting over 300 km of trail from Lake Erie to Belwood.

Kim [email protected] [email protected]

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http://www.grandvalley.org/





http://www.orangeville.org/






Terra Cotta Conservation Area

Terra Cotta Conservation Area: Centre for Environmental LearningLocated on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment (a World Biosphere Reserve) and close to the geographic center of the Credit River watershed, Terra Cotta Conservation Area is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Stroll around our award-winning human-created wetland, and watch for signs of wildlife now returning to the area, or travel deep into the escarpment woodlands to explore its rugged landscapes. Whether strolling along a pond loop trail, enjoying the forest community, picnicking, or casting a line in Wolf Lake, you will experience nature close up at Terra Cotta Conservation Area; a center for environmental learning.

The Trails of Terra CottaAt Terra Cotta, we have created a network of interconnected hiking trails, footpaths and old roadways that will take you to different parts of the conservation area where you can experience a mosaic of natural and cultural settings. Many of the trails are named for individuals or families that have influenced this area of escarpment land. Some trails are complete loops and some are linear, with links to others. Use the trail descriptions and map to decide the best route and always plan ahead.

The Bruce Trail - 1.6km, 1 hourA portion of the famous Bruce Trail travels through Terra Cotta on it's way between Queenston and Tobermory. Accessed from 10 Line Road and always recognized by white trail markers, the trail passes ponds and exposed red clay hills (similar to nearby Badlands). The Bruce Trail connects and follows the Vaughn, but is still marked by white paint. The Bruce Trail is not a loop and is isolated and rugged in spots, so plan accordingly. (Blue markers identify Bruce Trail side-trails).

Terra Cotta Lane - 3.2km loop, 1hourTerra Cotta Lane is a great way to introduce yourself to this conservation area and is a major access route to some of our other trails. Starting near the parking area, the trail follows an old road along the eastern shore of a pond and eventually loops back to the parking area. Although this trail is a loop, there are a number of one- way arms that allow you access to the Vaughn and McGregor Spring Pond trails. This easy trail is good for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Bill LidsterSenior Superintendent, Conservation AreasCredit Valley Conservation Authority1-800-367-0890Cell: (416) [email protected]

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The Vaughn Trail - 2.8km one way, 2.5 hoursBeginning beside the Nature Centre Trail Kiosk, the Vaughn Trail is an excellent way to explore deep into Terra Cotta. Peer into lush valley floors, enjoy mature forest stands or experience edge ecosystems, where forest meets field. The Vaughn Trail connects in places with Terra Cotta Lane and ends at the McGregor Spring Pond Trail and you can follow either back to the parking area. This moderate trail is long, rugged in spots and takes you over varying terrain so plan accordingly.

Wetland Trail - 0.6km, 0.5 hourStarting from beside the gatehouse or from the parking area, the Wetland trail lets you explore our unique, human-restored wetland ecosystem. With the old public swimming pool removed, we have created a home for a number of floral and faunal species common to a typical Ontario wetland that you can see from shore or boardwalk. This easy trail is great for all ages and there are a number of other footpaths in the area to explore.

The A.F. Coventry Nature Trail - 1.2km one way, 1 hourStarting near the Nature Centre, the trail meanders through different examples of forest communities that are home to birds of prey, mammals and other wildlife. This moderate trail starts 100 meters southeast of the Nature Centre building and ends at the Vaughn Trail, which you can follow back to the parking area. There are some elevation changes so plan accordingly.The McGregor Spring Pond Trail - 1.8km loop, 1 hourThe McGregor Spring Pond Trail loop starts and finishes at the Muskrat Pond Trail Kiosk. Follow the shore of a spring-fed pond and watch for surfacing fish, muskrats or turtles. Stroll through mixed deciduous forest and listen for songbirds or try to catch the sounds of different frogs as they all compete for prime wetland real estate. This easy trail is great for any nature lover.

The Graydon Trail - 1.2km, 1 hourBeginning in the southeastern portion of the conservation area near the Caledon Trailway off Winston Churchill Boulevard, this route is a Bruce Trail side-trail. Taking you past old conifer plantations, valley edges and into mature forest stands, this trail connects to the A.F. Coventry Nature Trail, which you can follow back to the Terra Cotta parking area or to the Vaughn Trail which eventually connects with the Bruce. The Graydon Trail is isolated and rugged in spots so plan accordingly. For more information visit http://www.creditvalleycons.com/recandleisure/terracotta.htm

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http://www.creditvalleycons.com/recandleisure/terracotta.htm

APPENDIX #6

Making the Case: The Benefits of Trails

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THE BENEFITS OF TRAILS

Trails offer a range of benefits to communities. These benefits include:

Trails enhance quality-of-life – which is good for attracting & keeping business

Corporate CEOs say quality-of-life for employees is the 3rd most important factor in locating a businesses, behind only access to domestic markets and availability of skilled labor

Owners of small companies ranked recreation/parks/open spaces as the highest priority in choosing a new location for their business

Trails offer economic benefits to communities

In 1997 “33% of Bruce Trail users indicated that they had made purchases of goods relating to their use of the trail. These purchases over a one-year period had a direct impact of over $20 million and a gross (direct and indirect) impact of almost $47 million – supporting almost 900 jobs

In 1998, the Route Verte in Quebec estimated that non-locals spent between $22.50 - $25 per trip (total value of $3.4 million) and locals spent between $7-8 per trip (total value of $17-$20 million)

In 2000, Route verte cyclists spent a total of $95.4 million. This corresponds to approximately 2,000 jobs (person years) and revenues of $15.1 million for the Government of Québec and $11.9 million for the Government of Canada.

Using this data – and based on a reasonable growth scenario – Route verte estimated that by 2006 the amount spent annually by users would increase to $134 million. This spending would generate over $38 million in government revenues and help support 2,861 jobs (person years).

The U.S National Parks Survey found that 3 rail trails created in Iowa, Florida and California contributed between $1.2 million - $1.9 million per year to their home communities

Proximity to Trails increases property values

Real Estate agents that sell properties in the Bruce Trail area revealed that 80.5% felt that proximity to the trail would either make a home easier to sell or would have no negative effect.

Lots adjacent to the Mountain Bay Trail (in Brown County, WI) sold faster and for 9% more than other lots

A 2002 survey of U.S. National Association of Realtors concluded that trails promoting active transportation ranked as the 2nd most important community amenity

Trails have environmental benefits

The environmental benefit of trail systems has been well documented in articles such as Trails and the Environment, published by Go for Green which lists these benefits as:

Protecting habitat for native animals and plants Raising environmental consciousness Helping to mitigate pollution cased by fossil fuels Reducing noise levels and providing visual diversity Offering living laboratories to monitor changes in the environment

Greenways along stream valleys and wetlands help filter and remove pollutants, thereby protecting downstream water quality – particularly relevant for our Headwaters region

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Raising environmental awareness is particularly important for young children as it has been recognized that “when children do not explore nature when they are young, they do not understand it when they grow up.”

A natural by-products of linking trails together – as set out in our vision – is that it increases the use of the individual parks and open spaces that it connects.

Trails offer important health benefits to communities

a 2005 Delightful Places survey found that “natural environments, trails paths and parks were the sites of most delightful places” and that “delightful places contribute to happier, healthier communities”

Evidence suggests that genuinely happy people live longer, recover from illness more quickly and are more likely to seek out and act on health information”

The percentage of overweight & obese children has increased 400%.

46% of males and 43% of females are inactive in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

Less than 15% of those 15 years or older in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph get sufficient activity to support optimal health

In 2001, 30-34% of females and 40-44% of males in Wellington and Dufferin between the ages of 20-64 were considered overweight

Obese and sedentary workers have:

Higher health costs Increased absenteeism Lower overall job performance Higher workers’ compensation claims

Residents of Headwaters Region see the creation – and connection – of trails as a high priority

Trails emerged as one of the top priorities to enhance quality-of-life within the community from consultations that HCIA facilitated amongst more than 400 local residents in 2004-05

Demographic trends suggest that demand for trails and cycling routes will increase dramatically across Canada – for both youth and aging “baby boomers”.

Reflective of general aging trends across Canada, an increasing percentage of Ontario’s population is the so-called ‘baby boomer’ generation, in Canada born between 1946 and 1964. With typically more leisure time on hand, and retirement anticipated or achieved, this age cohort is viewed as one that is increasingly more active, and seeking to stay healthy through recreational pursuits. They are generally considered to be one of the highest users of trails.

In a survey of Canadians undertaken in 2005, the types of activities that are supported by trails rank highest amongst adult users aged 45 to 65. In fact, walking was ranked as the top physical activity for both men and women, with seven in ten (71%) of all adults 20 years of age and older, reporting having undertaken it in the 3 months prior to the survey. Bicycling also ranked in the top 5 activities (20%) for all adults, exceeded only by gardening (49%), home exercise (33%), and swimming (22%)

As well, given the relatively young median age and stable youth population of Dufferin County, the same study identified that for youth under the age of 19, trails-supported activities - walking (66%), jogging, running (56%), and bicycling (49%) were the top-ranked activities.

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In a 2006 survey, 71 percent of surveyed Canadians ranked “appreciation of the natural environment” over issues of employment and national security. The same study found that these views are strongest amongst adults aged 44-65 and that the degree of support for the environment increased with levels of education

As the population of Ontario ages, it is anticipated that there will be a shift away from participation in more strenuous outdoor activities such as team-based sports and skiing, toward more passive pursuits. This combination of factors suggests that in the future, an aging baby boomer cohort nearing retirement will be strong supporters of environmental conservation, and of initiatives such as trails that combine nature-based recreation and stewardship activities.

David K. Foot, economist and author of the widely-read ‘Boom, Bust and Echo’ and ‘Boom, Bust and Echo, 2000’ notes: “Even with the impacts of the echo generation, Canada probably has all the football fields, squash courts and volleyball courts it needs. If funds are available for new facilities, they should be devoted to walking trails, curling rinks and swimming pools for recreational swimming, because an older population continues to engage in these activities. As a majority of the population moves from activities like tennis and spectator sports to ones like walking and birding, the movement to make the countryside more accessible will intensify."

Communities that lack a well-developed and well-maintained trails and cycling infrastructure will be at a significant competitive disadvantage when hoping to attract and retain residents and employers

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APPENDIX #7

Cycling Lanes on County RoadsSome Suggested Routes

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Bike Lanes of County Roads: Suggested Principles & Proposed Routes

In its final report, the Headwaters Communities in Action Trails Committee has identified, in collaboration with its community partners, five key trail priorities for the next three to five years. They are:

Completion of the trail around Island Lake Development of the Rail line from Orangeville to Shelburne Providing a Safe crossing of highway 10 from Island Lake to Orangeville Development of a Route south from Orangeville connecting into a route that goes on to Terra Cotta Development of Bike lanes for Dufferin County roadways

This document outlines some suggested principles that can be used for developing a bike lane network for Dufferin County as well as some specific suggestions for bike lanes that we would propose be considered and the principle that each suggestion relates to.

PrinciplesThe following Principles should be used to guide the development of bike lane options for Dufferin County roadways:

1. Develop routes which are loops or which are interconnected 2. Develop routes which have a specific “destination” that people want to travel to (i.e. Hockley Village

where people can stop for a coffee and a visit to the gallery)3. Develop routes that are close and accessible to “built up areas” with larger populations4. Create safe corridors where bicycle or pedestrian safety is an issue5. Create routes which have the potential to be linked to multi-use routes in adjacent jurisdictions such

as Caledon6. Avoid developing bike lanes on high use or high traffic roads7. Provide a balance of north/south and east/ west routes 8. The routes that are developed should provide a base for trail development for the long term9. Paved routes were traffic is low and speeds are not an issue would not need specified bike lanes.

However, they should be supported with improved signage and possible changes in maintenance standards to help ensure they are safe for cyclists

10. Develop routes that offer alternative transportation routes to school & work (promotes healthy lifestyle) and serves to profile the community as an active transportation leader

11. Create appropriate signage for all routes

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Suggested RoutesWith these principles in mind, we propose the following be considered for developed.

Route Related Principle Short Term/Medium Term1

County Road 7 from Highway 10 to Hockley Village 2

Short Term

County Road 16 Highway 10 to Townline 4

Short Term

County Road 16 down Townline to Broadway 3 and 4

Short Term

County Road 12 1 Short TermCounty Road 10 between Townline and County Road 12 1

Short Term

County Road 10 from County Road 12 to County Road 25 1 and 5

Medium Term

County Road 25 South to County Road 10 to County Road 5

1 and 5 Medium Term

County Road 25 North to County Road 17 1

Short Term

County Road 17 across Highway 89 to Highway 10 1

Medium Term

Designated Bike RoutesIt is also suggested that the County consider developing a “designated bike routes” system for the County. The suggestions noted above would be used to form the basis of that system. Further, it is suggested that the routes be accompanied by the development of maintenance standards that would meet the needs of cyclists as well as signage standards in order to ensure safe sharing of the roadways between bikes and cars. In addition, specific road construction standards should be established to support this.

1 Note: Short term refers to 1- 3 years and medium term to 3-5 years

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APPENDIX #8

Event Proceedings fromCreating Healthy Communities: From Design to Practice

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APPENDIX #9

HCIA’s Proposed Motion To Dufferin County

For a Active Transportation and Trails Master Plan

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A Motion for the County of Dufferin Public Works Committee

That the Public Works Committee of the County of Dufferin assume leadership for the creation of a Trails (Pedestrian & Cycling/Active Transportation) Master Plan for the County of Dufferin.

Such a plan would provide a long-range planning document to guide County staff, Council, Local Municipal staffs & Councils, Developers, Agencies and other key stakeholders.

BENEFITS

The benefits of a Dufferin County Trails Master Plan include: A communication tool that can be shared with local municipalities and their planning

departments so that the implementation of an integrated, regional trails network can be:o coordinated amongst municipalitieso coordinated with emerging and/or existing local trails planso coordinated with other initiatives related to transportation, recreation, tourism,

land use and economic growth and development across the County It provides a concrete action plan for moving forward to achieve the goal of an integrated

network of multi-use trails It supports budget planning that will support actual construction It provides standards that will ensure the trails are safe and competitive with other

jurisdictions It signals the County’s commitment to public health, active living and the preservation of

our environment It communicates the County’s leadership around an integrated trails system which can

be shared with developers who have interests in our community It sends a message to potential residents and business owners that Dufferin County is a

desirable place to live, work, run a business and play It signals to residents that the County has heard their desire for such a trails system and

is responding with leadership It provides a means by which points of cultural interest across the County can be

connected and highlighted It provides a means to encourage viable transportation alternatives that are

environmentally friendly and sustainable It offers a resource to augment the work of the County’s Growth Management Study

SCOPE OF THE PLANWe recommend that the proposed Dufferin County Trails Master Plan include:

A recommended network of off-road trails supported by on-road links (bike lanes) which connects existing trails, communities and key destinations

An implementation strategy that identifies priorities, costs, and an approach to implementation that can be shared with potential stakeholders as well as integrated into the County’s annual capital and operating budgets

Suggested strategies to promote, encourage and increase the level of trail use across the County

A monitoring and maintenance strategy that ensures that trails are properly monitored and maintained once they have been constructed

Suggested structures to support the effective implementation of the plan

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DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary & Summary of Recommendations

Purpose of the Plan

The Trails System of Todayo Trail useso Planning and Policy Context

The Trails System of Tomorrowo Dufferin County of the Futureo Trends in Trail Useo Benefits of Trailso A Vision for Trails in Dufferin County

Trails Issues and Recommendationso Planning Principleso Trails Planning and Managemento The Bruce Trailo Trails on the Rail Corridoro Trails that Link Communitieso Future Trails Corridorso Forest Management Tracts and Conservation Areaso Road Based Cycling Routeso Insurance and Liabilityo Line Fences Act

Implementation Strategyo Priorities and Phasingo Capital and Operational Costs

Capital Projects Operational Costs Trail Maintenance

o Trail Maintenance Activitieso Potential Funding Sources o Recommended Trail Standardso Recommended Community Planning Standards

POTENTIAL COST AND OPTIONS FOR FUNDING THE PLANCost estimates for such a plan depend on the scope of work and the degree to which staff of the County and others can assist with the process to develop it. However, we anticipate the cost would likely range between: $ Amount to be determined Options for funding such a plan include:

1. Accessing discretionary funds from within the County2. Incorporating this plan into the scope of transportation planning initiatives that may be

underway at the County Level3. Budgeting the cost of this plan into next year’s public works budget4. Other?

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RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS

Headwaters Communities in Action would be happy to work along-side the Public Works Department as Advisors and contributors to the Process. As such, we could:

make available to the Public Works Department and its consultants the research and data that we have already compiled regarding:

o current state of Trails and Trails Groups throughout the regiono consultation data and results that establish priorities for trail construction

throughout the Countyo Data to guide the establishment of planning principles for trails within Dufferino Recommended standards for trail construction within Dufferin

Support consultation processes for the creation of the Master Plan by sharing our experience and our database of trails contacts

Endorse this initiative with Council and the broader public Facilitate and help organize a community consultant process

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· web [email protected] steve revell 519-843-3650 forks of the credit provincial park...

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