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Trails Strategy Updates

Winter, 2017

photo: D. Ross

Drafted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network

Good Governance

Understanding, information,

awareness and marketing

Stewardship Collaborative Planning

A Trails Strategy: the Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands, in the Region of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere

Introduction

In 2012, the Biosphere Trails Council held a series of consultations and surveys in order to provide those who live in this unique part of our land and going forward view of the role that trails, their development and sustainability, play in building the meaning of living in a world- recognized biosphere. Trails resonate with us all. They are molded the landscape, provide outlets for recreation and health, contribute tour economic wellbeing and heighten our awareness of where we live and how we live there.

This document is an update of that strategy, following on from a December 2016 workshop, held in Ivy Lea, Ontario. The session was help at the Glen House Resort, and was funded by the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, and the Ontario Trails Council. The 61 people attending came from all corners of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere region, of the United Counties Leeds-Grenville, the County of Frontenac and the City of Kingston; and from agencies, municipalities and organizations in all forms of trails interests.

What follows, first in summary form and then in more detail, is a renewed vision for how within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere and surrounding region we can make trails work for us, our visitors and the generations to follow. This trails strategy recognizes that trails have no boundaries in practicality, and certainly in the minds of users. Trails by their very nature are links to experiences, to communities, to opportunities, to health, to well-being – and above all, to a celebration of all that defines our sense of place.

PART I: From the Biosphere Trails Strategy - Summary

This strategy is an active document that guides, and does not dictate, future regional trail- related developments. It does not impose obligation or authority, and does not impinge on the autonomy of any group, agency interest or organization. It does not lay out a timetable, and is not intended to be a financial document.

The Biosphere Trails Strategy is a suggested course of action that with partnerships, collaboration and the comprehensive address of all elements of business, user needs, economic opportunity, marketing and of course trails development, will lead to the this region becoming a world-class trails destination. It can bring significant benefits for the sustainable development of this region for a healthy environment, an enriched culture, a healthy society, and a prospering economy. The way forward requires steps to take place in a timely manner. The success of the Strategy will depend on openness, inclusiveness, participation, respect, and collaboration.

Vision: This Trails Strategy is intended to be a shared vision to connect the broad range of organizations and initiatives, drawing them together to effectively and consistently develop and manage a world-class trails network throughout the Biosphere and region, for our economic prosperity, health and quality of life. Only through collaboration will this succeed. Each partner is respected and honoured. The strategy envisioned services the Biosphere and surrounding region, and its residents and visitors. All will benefit from access to more and safer trails. Children and youth in particular will be encouraged to live healthy active lifestyles.

Objectives: This Trails Strategy will provide a shared vision to connect the broad range of agencies, interests, organizations and initiatives, drawing them together to effectively develop and manage a world-class trails network here and throughout the Biosphere, for our economic prosperity, health and quality of life. The Trails Strategy strives to promote health and fitness within this region, as it is clear that the use of trails greatly benefits the health of a community. An underlying objective is to promote stewardship and conservation of the region‘s globally significant natural and cultural resources and heritage. The objectives of this strategy are to:

1. Facilitate trails development in ways that accommodate a broadest possible range of users; and in ways that accommodate health benefits;

2. Consult with the public, agencies, trails interests, municipalities and organizations on trail development, gaps and needs for trails of all types;

3. Provide consistent information about the presence and characteristics of trails in and around the region’s communities;

4. To enhance the trail information available on the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s websites and link these as a resource to websites of all partners and marketing interests;

5. To better integrate health and wellness information into data about specific trails; and6. To promote and encourage regional collaboration among all partner organizations.

Notes and Summaries – Let’s Talk Trails, December, 2016; Ivy Lea

The Let’s Talk Trails workshop hosted 61 persons from a wide variety of attendees, including agency representatives from all levels of government, six municipalities, small and large interest groups, and trails enthusiasts. From the workshop discussion and survey results, it is clear that there are common interests and needs among many of the organizations represented. Most workshop attendees stated that they were interested in hiking and cycling, as well as tourism marketing and promotion. Other popular responses were interests in paddling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, interpretive signage, and health promotion.

Both the pre-workshop questionnaire and the discussions at the workshop showed that many organizations have ongoing work or short-term plans for promotion, infrastructure, and planning related to trails. Many groups are working on or planning to work on updating interpretive guides, finding more intuitive and innovative ways to create itineraries for trail users, organizing special public events related to trails, updating and creating websites, and generally promoting the use of trails in the region. In terms of the work on infrastructure, some common plans among the group were opening new trails, completing trail maintenance and repairs, creating new parking areas to accommodate trail users, linking points of interest within communities, linking existing trails to each other, and developing and repairing interpretive signage. Many organizations also mentioned their plans to update trails strategies, secure funding for trails-related projects, develop maintenance strategies, and complete research, market assessments and site assessments. Networking was an important point for many organizations at the workshop, as it was mentioned many times that working together to support and promote trails on a regional level would help everyone. Many groups have the same goals and needs, so sharing of resources could be very beneficial to all.

When asked about the biggest gaps and needs related to trails in the region, the most popular responses and discussion topics were related to funding and promotion. Many organizations feel that they do not have the tools or resources to properly promote trails to tourists and locals on their own. This is where the importance of networking comes in. Some attendees do not feel that there is enough communication among trail owners or with tourism operators. One of the most common gaps identified was the need for a single regional trail guide, that could represent everyone’s work. Most organizations also feel that they need a stronger online presence. Web development takes advanced skills and/or a significant amount of money, which many of the attendees do not have access to. Online trail-seekers are often looking for one resource, which has all of the information that they need, as well as a trip planner. More education is needed on the benefits of trails, and how to use trails in a way that is sustainable and respectful towards the environment. Many infrastructure needs were discussed as well. There were a few mentions of safety, including paved shoulders for cyclists, and maintenance for hiking trails. There is also a need for better maintenance strategies and practices. Funding is an issue with trail maintenance as well – many groups do not have the money to pay for this type or amount of labour. It was also mentioned that many trail users would like year-round access to trails, for skiing and snowshoeing. This can create more costs associated with maintenance, but there are benefits to having a year-round trails destination. A challenge for groups that are focused on building new trails is overcoming barriers with private property owners. Organizations have identified the need for networking, as it could potentially solve many of the gaps mentioned here. Many are looking to create partnerships with government, local businesses and other trail partners that will be mutually beneficial.

Recommendations for the future largely included combining resources for many purposes. It was suggested that perhaps one organization, with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network named, could be this aggregator of interests and facilitator of discussions, rejuvenating its Regional Trails Council. This would help in securing large grants when applying as and for a group, instead of competition among many smaller organizations. A Regional Trails Council would also result in having a stronger presence as a trails region and potentially more success in being heard at the provincial and federal scales. Combining resources could also be beneficial in trail construction, as materials could be purchased in bulk, leading to lower costs. Sharing resources would also help solve the challenge of having a single, comprehensive trails guide, a concern expressed by many. Other recommendations included developing more efficient maintenance strategies and standards, having volunteer management programs, and becoming more informed about risk management strategies. It was suggested that a well-built trail, and an efficient and well-documented schedule should not require very much maintenance work. Volunteer management programs would effectively involve volunteers, without causing them to be overworked. The volunteer workforce should be involved in the scheduling of maintenance. Injuries and accidents can realistically never be completely eliminated from trails, but by examining scenarios and developing a strategy, they can be greatly decreased. Risk management, liability and trail maintenance are all topics on which the Ontario Trails Council runs workshops to educate trail owners and managers. These types of sessions result in better decision making, and a better understanding of risk management strategies.

Overall, there was consensus that the workshop was a success, with valuable discussion, and that such sessions should be repeated to assist sharing of information, news and initiatives. As well, it was stated that recommendations and information from this workshop should be assembled, shared and acted upon.

The following section of this report summarizes the input and comments of the Let’s Talk Trails workshop. These comments informed the content of this Trails Strategy Update.

Attendees Survey Results, Collated:

The following is a summary of 44 responses (numbers totals in brackets) from the pre- workshop survey, which was conducted to help workshop attendees learn of initiatives, future work and gaps and needs. This summary was distributed at the workshop, and again presented here to assist the reader in knowing of the scope and realm of work and interests of trails interests in the region.

Describe your recent trails work or experience: Promotion/Marketing (13)

o Updating interpretive guideso Itinerary creation for visitorso Organizing local events related to trailso Web development/updateso Advocating for trail/cycle tourismo Promoting trail use as a health benefit

Networking (11)o Member of a Board/Committeeo Acting as a liaisono Creating partnerships between interest groups and communitieso Supporting local business by using trails as a tourism attraction

Infrastructure (11)o Opening new trails (clearing), closing trailso Providing professional trail serviceso Trail maintenance and repairs – bridgeso Developing/Installing signage for trails

Planning (9)o Updating trails strategyo Searching for fundingo Research/Market assessmentso Professional Planningo Developing ongoing maintenance strategies

Personal Experience (6)o Goal of increasing quality of lifeo Developing trails on private propertyo Encouragement and support of local groupso Connecting locals and tourists with the natural environment

Briefly describe any trail-related plans that you have for 2017/2018. Promotion/Marketing (17)

o General promotion of trails/sport tourism/healthy lifestyle/active transportationo Developing interpretive/wayfinding signage and consistent brandingo Planning special events for the publico Encourage and promote tourism via trails, cycling, paddlingo Developing a comprehensive trail guide

Infrastructure (12)o Trail creation/maintenance/repair/expansiono Creating new parking loto Create trails that link points of interest/local businesseso Improving accessibility on trailso Repairing/installing signage

Planning (9)

o Development and/or Implementation of trails strategy/master plan/visiono Address issues – parking, safer cycling routes, paved shoulderso Secure fundingo Allow for year-round access to trails (i.e. groomed for x-country skiing)o Site assessments for potential future trails

Networking (6)o Support/Promote relationships and connections between trail groupso Work with/seek support from government sourceso Seek partner groups/local businesses to mutually benefit from shared resources

Personal Experience (2)o Use trails more often

What do you think are the biggest gaps related to trails in this region? Promotion/Marketing (20)

o Common regional branding or marketing is neededo Need to reach more of the general public with information about trailso Active transportation - Should be a higher priorityo Users should be encouraged to have less impact: invasive species, garbage, ATV ruts, etco Lack of funding available for marketingo Online/Mobile resources

▪ No mobile apps with access to all trails in the region▪ Not enough use of social media for trails promotion▪ No single web-based resource for all trails in the region▪ Not enough information on municipalities’ websites▪ Not enough information with links to community partners▪ No online trip planner with comprehensive trail guide

Infrastructure (16)o Need to build more connections between trailso Lack of funding available for infrastructureo Trails should be built with the wants and needs of community in mind (Accessibility, Natural)

▪ Trail professionals are often overlooked, but can provide perspectiveo Transportation

▪ More public transportation to trails (eg. No public buses to Lemoine Point or Little Cataraqui Creek)

o More infrastructure needed to support trail users▪ Lockers, paved shoulders, outfitters, rentals, camping/accommodations▪ Roads should be more bicycle friendly▪ Maintenance is important to keep trails safe

Networking (10)o Not enough political support (Lack of interest, not enough recognition of the benefits of trails)o Not enough consistency/networking between trail groups or tourism operators

Unsure/Hoping to learn at this workshop (3)

What is the biggest trail-related need that you have? Marketing/Promotion (12)

o Tools to promote trails – Regional trail map/guide for tourism purposeso Website development; Creating an online presenceo Comprehensive online guide/A single trail resourceo Education

▪ Make sure users are aware of various rules of trails▪ More community involvement/use of trails

Networking (10)

“Other”:Active Transportation/Health Promotion/Sport Tourism (6)Consulting/Designing/Building/Maintenance for trails (4)Multi-use trails (2)Pilgrimage Walking/Setting up a "Camino"-like experience in Eastern Ontario (2)Fat biking (bicycles with wide tires to ride on snow and ice)

o Professional advice for trail planning/development/signage/marketingo Commitment/buy-in from municipal and provincial governmento Buy-in from all different people/groups (Social groups, churches, local interest groups)o Drive the local economy with cross-promotion of trails and local businesses/amenitieso Accommodation partnershipso Strategic plan for stakeholders for a regional trail crossing two countries

Infrastructure (7)o Paved shoulders to increase safetyo Overcoming barriers to accessing private propertyo Maintenance is required on trails

▪ Labour – funding and manpowero Ability to use trails year-roundo Signage at access points

Increased funding (6)

In Graph form, a summary of areas of interest of the group can be displayed as follows:

Workshop attendees were asked for details and locations of work plans/priorities for the coming year. They reported as follows. See map on following page where numbers refer to locations of the following list.

1. Research the possibility of a multi-day hiking trail in North Frontenac

2. Rebuild Cataraqui Trail from Harrowsmith Junction to Portland-Camden Boundary Road.

3. Loughborough Wilderness Block nature reserves – complete parking lot, wayfinding signage, create and make available trail maps, trail monitoring and maintenance, promote opportunities (Nature Conservancy of Canada)

4. Develop paddling access on the upper portion of Morton Creek

5. Address density of hikers, parking problem at Rock Dunder

6. Gananoque River Waterway (Gananoque to Morton) is an extremely good tourism and recreation resource and should be developed.

7. Marble Rock portage (There is currently no sanctioned portage around the dam at Marble Rock)

8. Local Township and County Roads need to have a smoother surface for high pressure bike tires

9. Public washroom inventory, plan for other amenities to support trail use; find ways to connect with and support local trail providers; improve website to showcase local trail opportunities; link trail strategy beyond our municipality (TLTI); advocate for paved shoulders.

10. Advocate to connect Jones Creek trails with Skywood Eco Adventure to enhance cross country skiing opportunities.

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A map that reflects future plans locations shows:

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Plans for 2017/2018

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0 15 30 60 Kilometers

Hiking

Paddling

CyclingParks & Conservation Areas

Attendees were asked to state work and locations for recent work. It was suggested that this may not be a full list of work undertaken. Refer to the map on the following page for locations of recent trail work, numbers on the map referring to the numbered list, below.

Recent/Current Trails Work

1. Palmerston-Canonto Conservation Area Trails (New – Schooner Trail)

2. Working on plans for accommodation and transportation services for trail users, connections to paddling routes

3. Loughborough Lake - Trail monitoring and maintenance, trail creation and re-routing, trail signage, partnership building

4. K&P Trailhead now in downtown Kingston at Wellington and Bay

5. Heritage interpretive signs at local trailheads (Outlet and Blue Mountain)

6. Launch of recreation library to give people the tools to enhance trail experience (i.e. snowshoes and walking poles); Municipal trail strategy development; Seniors’ initiatives to reconnect our seniors with accessible outdoor infrastructure

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Prepared by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network 2017

¬«1

Recent or Current Trails Work

±¬«2

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0 15 30 60 Kilometers

Hiking

Paddling

CyclingParks & Conservation Areas

Paddle-specific launching docks – a FABN initiative

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The following are highlight recommendations of the Strategy.

1) Build from the base of the Biosphere Trails Council.The Biosphere Trails Council is the Regional Trails Council member of the Ontario Trails Council. While most Regional Trails Councils are creatures of regional municipalities, the Biosphere Trails Council is been composed of organizations, agencies and interests closely related to trails ownership, operation and/or user groups. Discussions during the development of the initial and updated Biosphere-wide Strategy includes representation by tourism interests, the Ministry of Transportation, tourism, health units and health interests, Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, neighbour municipalities and regional government. And importantly, it involves trails interests of organizations and individuals which and who are the on-the-ground—intimately knowledgeable people who know every aspect of trails, from the ground, up. This consortium is equipped to inform all partners in the extensive trails community, and will facilitate collaboration and communication.

In the evolving development of the Biosphere Trails Strategy, surveys of all parties, from organizations and governments to the public are clearly needed. Their issues and interests and suggestions must be incorporated into planning.

The Biosphere Trails Council is not a governing body – it is a facilitator. All participants are autonomous organizations. The Biosphere Trails Council is a committee of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network, and does not direct the activities, goals, discussions or interactions of its partners. Instead it facilitates discussions, and assists in hosting meetings, communications and interactions. It recognizes that all involved are not always aware of the needs, concerns, regulations, programs and plans of the many government and non-government organizations and agencies with which they interact in the enhancement of trails, routes and related services. It recognizes that all must be constantly aware of the needs and interests of landowners, the community at large, and trails users themselves. An effective role is to act as facilitator of discussions, and to help coordinate meetings and workshops; and to collaborate in the much needed funding of developments as may be determined by partners. It will be an engaged community of interests that will lead to effective accomplishments.

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2) Compile a trails priority needs list.Trails of all types are important, and each trail type has it community of users, and proponents. Developing a gaps and needs lists means being aware and considerate of all of those trails types and their communities. That said, there are project areas and focal points that loom large in developing this region as a significant trails destination. And the significance of striving for a regional trails destination, not local destination, cannot be overstated. The majority of trails are not confined to a municipal boundary. Connectivity across a breadth of geography is a primary element in the trails priority list.

Through discussion with all partners and participants, a list of specific regional trail needs to be compiled, shared and updated to assist in setting priorities. As example, there are gaps and upgrades to be addressed in cycling transit-type routes of the region. Road- shoulder paving would assist cycling route development, aid in active transportation strategies and address safety issues. Portages at some locations are absent - limiting the connectivity of regional paddling routes. Hiking can be local opportunities with parks and conservation areas, but an attractor to the world of hikers are routes that traverse extensive geographies, as do the West Coast Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Camino of Spain. Accessibility issues too are currently under addressed. The list is extensive.

3) Compile an annual trails project plan document.An annual summary of trails projects and priorities should be assembled, to inform all partners, municipalities and the community of larger works in progress, and to be undertaken. This document would serve to communicate trails development, and would potentially assist in municipal/regional planning, and in partnerships for both work and in developing and leveraging funding applications.

4) Active transportation.Currently, trails are generally discussed under headings of recreation and tourism. In sustainable community development, trails can as well contribute to address health, healthy living, quality of life, alternative transportation and climate change issues. Active transportation is any self-propelled form of travel, and can contribute to sustainability planning in communities.

Active transportation is a component of the trails strategy, and would be an on-going component of trails development. Particular attention would be made to collaborate with neighbor municipal and county governments and planners. This recommendation area associates strongly with recommendations 2, 3, and 5.

5) Interactive Trails.Such trails may be geared towards exercise, but are not specifically called a ‘health trail’, because that excludes other reasons for using a trail. An ‘interactive trail’ would encompass all uses for trails, with physical activity challenges incorporated into the trail. They may also include interpretive information about nature and heritage. These types of trails in communities feature stations with instructions and basic aids for workouts of those following the paths. Currently, there are few ‘health or exercise trails’ in the region – Bay of St. Lawrence and Seeley’s Bay, both in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands,

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and have been built with assistance of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network trails crews. Such trails cost little to build and maintain, with no fee to use, and no travel costs to access. Also, these ‘Interactive Trails’ should be developed with children in mind, to make them fun. They could be incorporated into municipal parks.

Establishing such trails in communities throughout the region is a component of a regional trails strategy. This is a major step to providing a means of active, healthy living that is broadly accessible. Particular attention would be made to collaborate with municipal and county governments and planners, with community input to assist in promoting buy-in by community residents.

6) Collaborate to create a regional identity for the region as a trails destination.Central to this trails strategy is consistency in the approaches for trail information and awareness of trails locations across the region. The high calibre trails of all and many types that make up the trails system in this region should be viewed as a valuable regional asset. A successful trails system recognizes that trails users do not see municipal boundaries in those trails that criss-cross the region. To create a trails destination, the trails system should be promoted in broader initiatives such as the province’s Regional Tourism Organizations, national and international marketing, and with the Ontario Trails Council.

7) Develop a consistent signage program.A consistent signage program relates intimately with the identity of a trails destination. Consider the use of trails from the users’ perspective. Trail users need to locate trails, know that they are on their chosen trail (cycling, paddling, transiting hiking/cycling routes in particular); have certainty about the trails degree of difficulty, length, surfacing, local opportunities; and for regional way-finding. Numerous trails organizations and agencies responsible for trails properties. Routes for cycling and paddling are in largest part on public roads and waterways. A consistent trails sign program becomes vital to the users’ enjoyment, and to successful marketing. But, such consistency of the trails’ sign program identity is not intended to replace the current signage of trails organizations and agencies. Rather it would supplement them by providing some commonality that would become recognizable by users. This approach relates to the previous recommendation, to ‘collaborate to create a regional identity for the region as a trails destination’. To that end, all should participate in a discussion that works to develop consistent elements for a regional sign strategy.

A regional sign strategy handbook would be developed, building on existing standards and practices currently in use, researched from other Ontario Trails Council members’ standards and practices, and in collaboration with appropriate regulators such as the Ministry of Transportation. Such a strategy would lead to trails users having clear way- finding, reinforce that the region is a key trails destination, and lead to collaboration of the marketing of the region as a key trails destination. The handbook would be made available to all parties.

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8) Provide a community education and information platform.An important aspect of a regional trails strategy is that the public at large has a way in which to be informed about trails use opportunities, benefits and events. As well, the public should have a means to bring forward their observations, suggestions, issues and contributions. Cross-posting of linkages of all partnering party’s websites is important here. The “News and Events” and “Explore” sections of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere websites are as well such a platform, but will rely on input for content from trails partners and participants. This is an opportunity to relate healthy, active living and community engagement to trails users.

9) Assistance to regional marketing efforts.Trails, trails events and related trails activities are assets to assist regional marketing efforts. Websites designed to promote regional trails and activities, such as FAB Experiences, The Great Waterway, Tourism Kingston, Brockville, Gananoque and many others. The Trails Council should help provide consistency of information. All participants would be encouraged to inform tourism marketing offices of events, well in advance of event dates. At the same time, tourism marketing offices are encouraged to participate, and to communicate with all participants to inform of marketing programs and opportunities. To enable successful program and product development, all parties would be encouraged to collaborate on mutual priorities.

10)Risk management.The key element of risk management is best practices. Ownership, management, programs or activities is complex in the region, with exceptions of those within municipal parks, and other government-owned parks. Each organization is advised to address its own needs and obligations. But it is important to understand fully the current and developing legislation surrounding the use and development of trails, easement processes, and infrastructure of and for trails. Risk management seminars should be organized as information sessions for all parties. Presentations of trails guides and maps should be accompanied with disclaimers and advisements.

11)Promoting healthy and active lifestyle by being outdoors and eating nutritious food. There has been much research and work done by the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, the Kingston - Frontenac Health Units, and the province about the positive benefits of being active and being outdoors. It is important to be in the natural environment because it hasbeen shown that people who have regular contact with nature are less anxious, depressed and angry, cope better with stress, and are more creative. Children are also able to better focus and learn. Moreover, other positive health benefits include a better immune system, stronger bones and muscles and being better able to cope with stress. Those of any age who do not ‘get out and play’ are subject to what is broadly known as a Nature Deficit Disorder.

Being healthy outdoors also ties into eating healthy foods. Eating a variety of healthy foods allows one to get the nutrients needed to be active, build strong bones and muscles, and feel good about oneself. Vegetables and Fruit, and Grain Products provide the

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carbohydrates needed to fuel an active person. Milk and Alternatives, and Meat and Alternatives provide protein to build and repair muscles. There is a link in this to the local food economy, where studies show potential for contributions to the local food economy as well as benefits to healthy living.

Healthy living and healthy eating are proven to reduce costs to the health care system, and therefor taxpayers. A healthy lifestyle assists an aging population to be able to live longer in their own homes, and to contribute to the community.

Summary:

Trails are an important and key feature that highlights the unique region of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, and an understated asset of the region as a whole. It is therefore critical that they are a coordinated, well-developed and properly maintained system. The basis of a sustainable (long term) strategy will be the sense of collaboration among the partner groups, to increase the sense of ownership. In conclusion, the outlined Trails Strategy will provide a foundation and a framework for the Township and all communities of the Biosphere region to be fully engaged with their surrounding trail systems, and in the development of a potentially world-class trails destination region.

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PART II: Detailed Trails Strategy:Introduction

A Word About the Biosphere

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere works towards promoting sustainable development within the communities that covers not only the 2700 km2 region within its boundary, but the nearly 5,000 km2 of the region involved in programming. There are a total of 16 municipalities, and literally hundreds of organizations and agencies active across this region. The Biosphere Trails Council envisioned a Trails Strategy as a unifying element for all stakeholders within this region. Therefor, the trails strategy becomes a means to develop, maintain and enhance a significant and world-class trails destination region. The Biosphere Network has focused considerable effort to date on building the websitefabexperiences.ca to provide users with information about different trail types, and as a resource for all.

Trails – a Definition

What is a trail? Trails are not just pathways. They are routes for heritage exploration, paddling, cycling, diving, self-confidence and self-development, food and arts destinations, healthy, active living and active transportation. Trails are not just pathways: they are experiences – the journey and the destination. Trails are about our sense of place—where we are, what our natural and cultural heritage means to us, and about enriching our lives and experiences - whether for us as residents, or for those that travel to explore and experience us.

Detailed Summary of Recommendations

1. The Broad Base of the Trails Strategy.

The Vision: A World-class Trails Destination:

a. Where we want to be:

This Trails Strategy is a 10-15 + year commitment and investment. This commitment will require a long-term vision towards sustainability and healthy active living that the Township and partner organizations will need to support. In order for the vision of ‘Trails for All’ to be accomplished, partner organizations must continually strive to educate communities about the importance of trails and being active.

b. We’re in this together:

It is very important to recognize the connection people have to the landscape. There are numerous trail organizations in this area, and all manage their own data. In a broader strategy, collaboration is the thing. There is a flow of information online about trail systems, but interconnection is lacking. The FABN Biosphere Trails Council can assist to link all of

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the trail groups together and assist in putting a system and discussion forum in place. The Township would develop a municipal partnership and community engagement within the strategy.

Volunteers form the basis of trail systems across Ontario. This vast network of trails was largely built by volunteers, such as the members of trail clubs and other not-for-profit organizations who have spent many hours building and maintaining trails, including in provincial parks and conservation authorities. Trails continue to provide abundant opportunities for volunteering in the community, which is one measure of the vitality of asociety1. In a trails strategy, the partners must participate in observing that volunteers donot become burned out or overburdened. Thus, the role of partners in the trails initiatives must become greater, in order to encourage all people and collaborate for funding for the work that is being done.

c. Binding us together:

All trail stakeholders are bound together in trail projects that envision enjoyment of the beauty of the natural world, while preserving the environment and educating others to do so. In effect, we are all hoping to accomplish the same goals, and therefore should be united together in our causes. The Ontario Trails Council warns organizations developing trials and strategies not to become out of sync with other organizations. Collaboration is a key factor in the success of this strategy. Collectively, we a huge potential in terms of promoting healthy active living, experiences for residents and visitors of all ages, new economic development and new employment—all while meeting the residents’ key priority of maintaining the rich natural heritage of the region. Thus, the Trails Strategy will include all ages and demographics, landowners, businesses, organizations and agencies alike in development and planning.

d. Trails today, and tomorrow.

The region has many networks of trails, but the future holds the potential of developing more. There has been a great amount of work done in the past to recognize these trails and promote them among the various trail users and communities. However, there still remains a vast opportunity and potential to further develop and enhance the trail systems, highlighting the natural outdoor beauty of each community.

The section below – Trails for Tomorrow – page 27 - speaks to the future developments.

1 Ministry of Health Promotion. 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto,

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2. Collaboration and Partnerships

Several key steps are needed for a successful trails strategy:

▪ A policy to include trails in planning and development;▪ Providing current, innovative and comprehensive resources about trails for trails users and

trails partners, on a platform that shares and maintains such information and resources;▪ Providing current, innovative and comprehensive resources about trails as assets for

businesses, tourism and government in the region;▪ Partnering and Leverage – working with other sectors, including organizations, agencies

and businesses, and across municipal boundaries;▪ Sustainability plan– including trails integrated into health, active transportation, community

development, climate change initiatives, economic development etc.;▪ Mentoring of the tourism and business communities to become knowledgeable hosts for

experiential travellers;▪ Identifying and updating knowledge of gaps and needs for an integrated trails destination

area to be developed, and maintained;▪ Working collaboratively on identity for the region, through marketing to signage;▪ Active trails groups to be encouraged.

a. Working Together:

The key for success is consistency. Everybody has a role to play, and the table is round. There should be a focus on leveraging roles and ideas as opposed to separating roles. This is not to say that individual projects are not undertaken, but simply that all should be mindful of any opportunity to collaborate. The way forward is to bring experiences, people and knowledge together. The goal is to fit hundreds of trails into a coordinated experience.

b. Information:

The Ontario Trails Strategy states that across Ontario, approximately 70 to 85% of trail users live within 40 km of a trail2. This region has a richness of trails opportunities. However, many of these people are not aware of the trails near them, and it is clear that more public awareness is needed. A celebration of trails through events, trail openings, guided walks would be ways to engage the local community, possibly piggy-backing onevents already existing. This goal of the strategy is ultimately to get all people informed and involved. With a successful trails strategy, it is imperative to have public information sessions.

c. Building the trails we need.

The Biosphere has many trails already in existence. And so looking ahead, the current trails need to be maintained and united as a system. The Integrated Community Trails Strategy of North Grenville, for example, states that a properly maintained and well-

2 Ministry of Health Promotion. 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.

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designed trail system is a critical part of the trail user’s experience. They state that “the better the quality of the design and construction, the more attractive it will be to users, the more it will be used, and the longer it will be before requiring upgrades”3. Moreover, the North Grenville strategy states that it is key to match the trail design and type with the type of experience that its trail users desire, as there is a wide range of experience that trail users have. The North Grenville strategy states that “a recognizable and consistent high quality design will create a community asset where user experience, enjoyment and safety are maximized”4. This pertains to ideas and visions about a new, regionally integrated signage system.

From an online survey conducted by the Biosphere, it was learned that the public requires proper trail location information and adequate direction finding signs along the trail route to maximize their experience. They also would like more information regarding trail difficulty. Furthermore, a suggestion was raised about having multi-use trails, in order to accommodate people with walking difficulties. One solution may be to have ‘all-terrain’ wheelchairs made available at municipal centres or conservation area trailheads. These would be for the use of individuals who need a scooter or wheelchair to travel around but would also wish to experience some of the multi-use accessible trails in the Biosphere.

d. Accessibility concerns:

The access to trails is a significant issue. There are many barriers preventing people from using the trails within the region. One of them is awareness, as people might not be aware of the trails systems. Another barrier is transportation. For instance, many people do not have the transportation available to drive to a rural destination to hike, or they cannot afford to. A third barrier is the appeal of trails. Many people just do not see the importance of trails because it does not appeal to them. This may be the case for many children and youth. To illustrate, “social media play an increasingly important role in marketing.Particularly for the younger generations, there is a shift away from traditional to social media and they spend a significant amount of time with this new form of communication”5. Children and youth are generally drawn to things that are deemed ‘cool’ by their peers, and often trails do not have that appeal. A goal of the Strategy is to promote trails and make them available particularly to youth. The question that we face is how to get children andyouth away from their screens and in the natural environment?

e. Funding:

A successful strategy stems from a collaborative approach to funding future trail maintenance and development. There is logic of coordinating efforts to find funding as opposed to each organization competing for funding separately. Through collaboration, the gaps and needs are clearly outlined. With collaboration is support for one another. This will require finding out the things in common, generally agreeing upon basic needs within the region and recognizing those needs.

3, 4 Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy

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f. Expertise:

There are numerous trail organizations involved in the Biosphere that represent a significant body of expertise. The coordination of these trail groups is noted to be a key challenge in moving forward with a trail strategy6. The collaboration meetings are platforms at which this wide range of expertise can come together to harness energy and ideas. The Biosphere Trails Council will work to continue to provide this platform, regionally.

g. Trail Maintenance:

It is important that trails are designed and managed appropriately. Where trails are currently located or to be built in natural areas, an environmental assessment should take place. The By-laws of the Township would be referenced and in force as and where appropriate. Trails ‘owners’ should be encouraged to monitored regularly for the effects of misuse and/or overuse. People will often create their own trail routes if trails are not carefully designed, planned, constructed and maintained in natural areas, and thus may damage sensitive habitats. The balance between use and protection can be achievedthrough design, planning, and construction of trails united with public education7. Thechallenge in developing new trails and linkages between trail segments may involve partnering with private landowners for access to their land. There is a role for the Township in these discussions.

Trail maintenance is a continual effort, which requires participation from various people. “Many of Ontario’s 447 municipalities and 36 conservation authorities build and maintain trails”8. Some trail associations are very thorough with trail maintenance and others may not be, depending on funding and volunteer involvement. It will take a more focused effort from all parties involved in the Trails Strategy to properly maintain trails.

h. Liability

The issue of liability is one that is difficult to deal with in broad strategies such as this. The cost of liability insurance often threatens the feasibility of trail organizations remaining in operation9. Unfortunately, there is no way to get around this issue. There are some 90,000 KM of trails in Ontario, many of them have varying degrees of difficulty and possibly danger and thus there is great liability10. In order to minimize liability issues, appropriate risk management and documenting efforts must be implemented. Risk management should include advocating for user responsibility, properly and clearly explain risks on trail signs,

6 Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto,

Ontario.7

The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy. Kemptville,Ontario.8

Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.9


Patrick Connor, February 16, 2010. Biosphere’s Trails Summit. Rockport, Ontario.

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incorporating the practice of due diligence, having documents dealing with insurance, and also having enough regulation in place to allow accountable groups to manage the trails. Moreover, there should also be an access agreement with private, conservation, crown, and volunteer organizations, as appropriate.

i. Landowners

There may be occasions where new trails or existing trails are on private properties. These will be subject to agreements that should be formal agreements, related to liability issues. The 1026 Ontario Trails Act provides guidance.

3. Compile a trails priority needs list

The Trails Strategy will be informed by:

▪ Researching other trail strategies from various trail organizations across the province;▪ Compiling a database of current trails organizations, interest groups and agencies;▪ Online surveys, developed for both the general public and interested trail organizations;▪ Meetings held with representatives from trail and health interest groups;▪ A Trails Summit to address the survey results and plan the next steps for this project;▪ A Summary Report of the Trails Summit, made available to the public on the website;▪ On-going meetings with the goal of presenting the details of the Trails Strategy and input

on the next steps in this process;▪ Meet with neighbour municipalities and lead trails groups, to share knowledge and ideas;▪ Meet with representatives from the Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Health Unit to develop

healthy eating plans and well being articles;▪ Promotion and education for trail activities and organizations in the region, with the goal to

promote various events throughout the region and expand community involvement and knowledge;

▪ Highlight each week on websites, the cycling, paddling, hiking, heritage, interactive and other sanctioned trails;

▪ Use social media posts to inform the public and to receive feedback; and▪ Continue to be up to date on risk management, insurance, and general trails-related

concerns, legislation and issues.

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Surveys

Through the online survey conducted in 2011 by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, associated with the development of its Trails Strategy, it was found that the top three trails types in the Biosphere for partner organizations are;

1. Walking/Hiking2. Paddling3. Cycling & Fitness

Similarly, the top three uses of trails in the Biosphere for the general public are;

1. Walking/Hiking2. Paddling3. Cycling

The public stated that trails were most important for them for the purpose of physical health and well-being. Access to public space, the outdoors and the natural environment were the next priority, while discovering new places came in third. The public also stated that the most important improvement needed to maximize their trails experience is adequate direction finding signs along the route, and trail location information. The focus of the Trails Strategy will be to develop and implement a plan to improve these factors, in the context of a regional trails destination development.

Interestingly, organizations involved in the Biosphere Trails Council stated that the most important challenges that they face are maintenance and funding. Moreover, approximately 77% of organization responders said that there are underserviced areas in the Biosphere region, and that the types of trails that are lacking are mainly cycling, paddling and hiking/walking trails. Experience trails for local food, arts, heritage and active transportation were also noted as lacking.

Surveys are proven to be a very useful tool. FABN found from the public survey was that there needs to be clearer information regarding trails; their location, gradient information, and more concise signs. In comparison, the main point raised from the organization surveys is that trail organizations need to work in greater collaboration with one another.

From the public consultation process, several common themes and trends emerged:

▪ Safe routes to and from school as well as to recreational areas;▪ Funding and costs – for the trails to be built, programmed and maintained; consulting,

collaboration and partnerships among organizations and governments are needed;▪ Develop safety, promotion and education campaigns;▪ More signage and uniform, identifiable signage, particularly signs visible on and from roads▪ Address the issue that motorized users need a place to go, but some people don’t want

them in urban areas or trails for non-motorized users;

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▪ Leisurely trails activities were found to be popular – dog walking, horseback riding, running/jogging/walking for exercise;

▪ Collaboration and cooperation is required, particularly between different user groups, various levels of government and community groups;

▪ Need to promote this region as tourism opportunity;▪ Need a clear set of trail standards; and▪ Development of trails over private land – there are issues with maintaining agreements

when ownership changes11.

This list of needs within the current trail system shows us that there must be a clear ‘trails priority needs list’ that will allow all interest groups to fully participate and understand the trails systems of the Biosphere.

4. Active Transportation

Active transportation is any mode of travel that is self-propelled. It has become a major discussion in communities across Canada, given the better understanding of the way people need to become more active and live in more healthy ways, and to reduce the carbon foot-print in the urgent pursuit of slowing climate change. This includes cycling and walking, in particular. There are numerous benefits to designing communities that have easily accessible trails. These benefits include a healthier community, safer roads, and greater environmental sustainability. It is therefore imperative to encourage people to be active and partake in active transportation, as well as the recreational use of trails, towards a healthier, more sustainable community that increases the quality of life for each person in that community. A more sustainable community means not only being economically efficient, but also environmentally sensitive and aware. Clearly, decreasing the amount of motor vehicles on the road corresponds to a decreased amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. Thus, promoting the use of and partaking in active transportation is a significant step towards a community being more environmentally sustainable.

The Ministry of Health Promotion encourages active transportation among all of Ontario’s municipalities. Thus, the development and use of all types of trails is a major provincial initiative. The Ministry seeks to make Ontario’s Trails “a world-class system of trails that captures the uniqueness and beauty of Ontario’s vast open spaces and natural and builtcultural/heritage resources”12. As the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve covers such anextensive region of Eastern Ontario, it is important for all trail stakeholders in this region to join together to promote trails in a unified way, which will most likely bring more success to the Ministry’s goal. This also includes people and places being “connected through quality, diverse, safe, accessible and environmentally sensitive urban, rural and wilderness experience trails for recreational enjoyment, active living and tourism development”13.

11 The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy12


The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy. Kemptville, Ontario.

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Forums for active transportation and public consultation hear strongly the need for paved shoulders for cyclists. Not all road shoulders need to be paved for cyclists. Cycling on roads that have little traffic, especially where hills and curves do not impede visibility for both motorists and cyclists, greatly lowers the priority need for improved cycling lanes. But, at the same time, there are strong arguments for paved road shoulders, to reduce run-offs by motorists, extend the lifespan of the pavement, and reduce maintenance costs for gravel shoulders.

The Biosphere Trails Council will work with the Ministry of Transportation and municipalities to assess the feasibility of developing a strategy for shoulder paving. The strategy will be informed by discussions with cycling groups and avid cyclists, assessing traffic counts, assessments of the level of risks for motorists and cyclists on county and municipal roads. This aspect of the strategy will lead to cycle routes that can be highly visible to both residents and regional visitors. Such trails, with expanded shoulders, ‘Share the Road’ signage, and ‘Sharrow’ markings on paved roads where expanding or paving the shoulder is not feasible becomes cycling infrastructure that creates cycle tourism14. It is infrastructure that will encourage more people to cycle and thus promote safe, activetransportation.

As communities in this region become more active and sustainable, tourists who are active in cycling, paddling and hiking will be attracted to the area. It is a major step towards developing tourism packages, with tourist attractions and businesses connected to this large and growing segment of the population. The packaging strategy is one that the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council has had much success in promoting. They havepackages for wine tasting, golf events, and B&B selections15. These have been successfulfor the Adirondack region; however, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere could be the leader in developing cycling, hiking and paddling packages within Eastern Ontario. In short, the concept and practice of Active Transportation is an important goal for the trails strategy.

5. Interactive Trails

This section proposes that there be trails developed that promote interaction with the natural environment and also being physically active. The health of our children and youth is a significant concern. Unfortunately, children are far less active in the natural outdoors as they have been in previous decades—and generally less physically active all together. For instance, over one half of children aged 5 to17 in 2000 did not meet recommendedlevels of physical activity16. This statement shows us that children need to be more active in order for their health to improve. Health decline can be directly related to inactivity. For

17 The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy. Kemptville,

Ontario.15

Adirondack Region Tourism Council, 2012. Adirondack Getaway Packages. Lake Placid, New York.http://visitadirondacks.com/where-to-stay/packages.html16

Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario.

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instance, the occurrence of overall obesity in Canada is known to have increased over the previous decades17. This is greatly impacting our health care system.

To illustrate, studies show that in 2001 approximately $2.8 billion was spenton health care due to physical inactivity in Canada, which could be reduced by $280 million if physical activity was increased by 10%18. This statement presents a startling image that we can in fact improve our health care system and overall health if we become a more active society. Being inactive puts a burden on the health care system. According to a study done in 2010, the “annual economic burden of physical inactivity in Ontario is$1.8 billion”19.Therefore, it is important for organizations and municipalities to makeinvestments in both infrastructure and outreach to promote healthy active living for both recreational purposes and active transportation for commuting purposes. Having interactive trails in each community would be a way to promote active lifestyles.

The concept of an ‘Interactive Trail’ is to promote healthy, active living, and multiple forms of exercise. Trails improve not only physical health, but also emotional and mental health as well. An Interactive Trail would encompass all uses for trails, with physical activity challenges incorporated into the trial. It would also include interpretive information about nature and heritage. They should be developed with children and parents in mind, to make them fun. For instance, it would incorporate a walking trail with exercise stations, while also including heritage information or ‘nature searches’ as a game to spot certain plants or birds while walking on the trail.

The physical activity component of the Interactive Trails in communities would feature stations with instructions and basic aids for workouts of those following the paths. Currently, there are a few ‘health or exercise trails’ in the region. The Bay of St. Lawrence development and Seeleys Bay, both in the Township of Thousand Islands, are model examples of Interactive Trails. Such trails cost little to build and maintain, with no fee to use, and no additional travel costs to access. A key to their continued use and uptake is that they are fun, reasonably challenging, durable, all-season easily accessed by communities. Trail systems for walking, cycling, skiing, etc., have a significant and positive impact upon the health of communities. Therefor, connecting communities to these trails through linkages and extensions to the broader trails system is a priority. The FABN trails survey indicated that approximately 78% of public respondents state that using a trail for physical health and well-being is very important to them.

Interactive Trails would be geared to and beneficial for all ages. There health term called ‘Nature- Deficit Disorder’ 20 explains that children, and even adults, who do not have enough exposure to the natural environment are not as healthy as they could and should

17 Katzmarzyk, P.T., and Mason, C., 2006. Prevalence of 1, 11, and 111 Obesity in Canada. Queen’s University,

Kingston, ON.18

The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy. Kemptville,Ontario.19

Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, Ontario.20 Louv, R. The Nature Principle. 2011. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US.

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be. The goal of Interactive Trails would be to build life-long habits in children and their parents to be in the outdoors and active. Interactive Trails are therefor designed for the whole family.

6. Collaborate to create a regional identity for the region as a trails destination

There are over 80 organizations with which the Biosphere works with to achieve initiatives. Many of these are trail organizations, parks and protected spaces agencies, municipalities as well as health and transportation organizations. A goal of the Biosphere’s Trail Strategy is to promote this region as a prime trails destination. There are challenges though, as “Ontario continues to have little profile as a potential destination and there is very lowknowledge of Ontario as a travel destination”21. Thus, it is important to actively promote the trails within the Township, and collaborate across our diverse area.

Another way to promote healthy active living and therefore trails use is through Community Based Social Marketing. This involves promoting trails as a prime mode of transportation and recreation. It has been noted that the use of community based social marketing (CBSM) techniques create an increased awareness and greater use of the trail system. It is more than a simple marketing and advertising initiative - it becomes a way of life. It is directed at altering behaviour and mindsets over a period of time through changing social norms, prompts, pledges and direct contact involving a change of mindset and making distinct choices.

In terms of trail development and collaboration among organizations, it has been noted that organizations should connect or link their websites, which would be a platform for information sharing. In effect, this is part of Explore section of FABN’s website, which is a community resource. It is important to continue marketing the trails within the Biosphere as a collaborative effort so that people are aware that it is a trails destination.

Stewardship is a key principal of trails development - to conserve and preserve the natural environment – and a primary value of the people of the Township. The Trails Strategy is being developed in part because the community and partner organizations all appreciate the beauty of the natural environment and understand the importance of conserving it. In effect, a healthy community will result from people being more sensitive to and aware of the environment—critical in acting as stewards of the land.

21 Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, 2010. 2011-2012 OTMPC Marketing Plan. Queen’s Printer

for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario.

Sign confusion

What? Who?? Where???

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7. Develop a consistent signage program

The Ontario Trails Strategy implies that there is a great need for easily accessible information22. One of the main comments from the online survey that the Biosphere Trails Council put forth was that it was difficult to find information about the trails and where they are located. Thus, a significant goal of the Trails Strategy is to develop a consistent signage program.

A suggestion to deal with the issue of information availability is that organizations can maximize information available ahead of time online, and minimize the information to key items on the ground. The FABN websites provide such information. Moreover, “consumer behaviour for travel information is rapidly shifting away from print to digital mediums with over 93% using the Internet during the travel planning process”23. Thus it is important to encourage linkages among websites, and further develop website databases by providing information about trails. Even with web technology, it was noted at the Let’s Talk Trails session that people do enjoy using paper maps, so they must be incorporated into information systems. As well, data and trails guides and maps must keep current withtechnologies, and users expect all guides and materials to be up to date.

22 Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto,

Ontario.23

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, 2010. 2011-2012 OTMPC Marketing Plan. Queen’s Printerfor Ontario, Toronto, Ontario.

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Suggestions relating to signage are:

▪ Trails and points and features of trails should be GIS referenced, for accuracy and accessibility on GPS-enabled phones and devices.

▪ Way-finding signs and trails routes should be consistent across the region for recognition and branding, and could carry local identity and partner logos as well;

▪ Way-finding signs should have distance markers and time estimates;▪ Along trails, there could be species at risk identifiers, feature descriptions, heritage notes

and so forth, to enhance experiences;▪ To avoid aggravation and conflicts, signs as indicating private properties should be posted

where appropriate;▪ Ideally, a trail user can go online to gather and download all of the trail information ahead

of time; and▪ Use technology in smart phones such as proximity apps for stories, and expanded

information.

Effective and concise signage is critical to marketing or promoting a trails destination:

▪ Having a distinct logo for this trails destination region;▪ Use frequent directional signage: surveys report there not being enough directional

signage about a trail, coming from the road or while on a trail;▪ Interpretive Signage: visitors to an area are interested in the cultural and natural history of

the area. Interpretive signs are beneficial, and part of the visitor experience. They should be kept up to date and inspected regularly for condition and damage, replaced as appropriate;

▪ Trailhead Signage: the trailhead sign is perhaps the most important sign for a trail, indicating important information about the trail, species that might be viewed, and directional information. This should include how long the trail will take, distances to key features, the character of the trail and important landmarks; and

▪ Road Signage: a significant amount of people learn about a trail while driving past a sign on the road. Thus, these signs should be distinct and should clearly indicate when the trail is on-road, to mark an up-coming trailhead, and when an off-road trail crosses a highway24.

In addition for the need for signs to be distinct and clear, orientation, ‘rules of the trail’, regulations, interpretive information, route markers and trail directions avoid conflicts, risks and issues.

“A strong destination brand is the best response to the competitive pressures facing us all”25. The trails signage system would contribute to a strong logo that people recognize and become familiar with. An issue and concern has always been that an organization should not impose their brand on any community or organization. Communities and organizations all have their own distinct and unique identities, which are important to preserve. This is a significant challenge in dealing with the topic of signage and branding.

24 The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy.25

Canadian Tourism Commission, 2011. Experiences. Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication. Vancouver, British Columbia.

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One example of a very coordinated trail system is the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Canada. This trail network covers an area of 540 km along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. 265 km of this trail has been noted to be a world class hiking standard and the route is made up of a series of 21 paths each with a northern and a southern trailhead that is marked with unique signage26. The information on these signs is consistent and clear, with an assigned difficulty rating of either ‘Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Strenuous’ for each path. The accompanying (ECTA) maps are greatly recommended for locating trailheads, understanding how the level of difficulty for each individual paths are determined and learning about distances.

The East Coast Trail Association has used the following conditions to rate their trail;

▪ Easy - Good trail conditions. Typically minor elevation changes (less than 25 meters).Usually less than 7 kilometers in length;

▪ Moderate - Average trail conditions. Moderate elevation changes (less than 75 meters).Usually less than 12 kilometers in length;

▪ Difficult - Rugged trail conditions. Significant elevation changes (up to 150 meters). Usually less than 20 kilometers in length; and

▪ Strenuous - Poor trail conditions. Major elevation changes (over 150 meters). Trail usually covers a very long distance27.

While this region does not have such large elevation changes, the nature of our geology presents varying degrees of steepness of slopes, and varying degrees of ruggedness of terrain. Collaboration towards this will aid the goal of promoting this region as a trails destination because people will be able to follow the signs more clearly.

8. Provide a community education and information platform

It is very important to provide a community education and information platform so that people are aware of what the trail owner is doing and what are the intended the goals of projects. Newsletters, trails talks, advertised conducted walks, events – all can provide awareness. Through surveys, many people will become more interested, provide feedback with suggestions and become involved in the trails of this region. The development process and future plans for this project are outlined below.

9. Assistance to regional marketing efforts

The Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands recognizes the need to see trails as an asset to the whole community. Moving forward therefore means that we are challenged to avoid segmenting our thinking into one set of interests. Rather, they coalesce as shown in the diagram below.

26 East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada.

http://eastcoasttrail.ca/trail/.33

East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada.http://eastcoasttrail.ca/trail/.

Economic Value

Attract Active Visitors Nature &Heritage

Health & Quality of Life

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Figure: The Value of Trails: An Interactive Opportunity

The use of trails provides significant benefits for individual and community health, sustainable economic growth, environmental health, and active transportation.

Trails play an important role in building a healthier, more successful Ontario. The economic value of trails is mainly based upon the tourism industry statistics. “The Ontario Trails Council estimates that trails contribute at least $2 billion a year to the provincial economy”28. Trails attract tourists to communities in Ontario and so jobs are created which support local economies. Tourists partaking in recreational activities such as hiking or cycling will need to purchase amenities in communities, thus bringing capital to local businesses. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network seeks to help local businesses grow and prosper, promoting local arts and art venues, local food producers, and local stores to tourists coming into the area. Approximately 35% of respondents from surveys state thatusing trails as a low-cost and family-friendly activity was very important to them. Surveys by The Great Waterway to quantify the interests of tourists coming to this region are heavily weighted towards expectations of experiences in a natural and heritage landscape– those same elements that locals state are fundamental to their ‘sense of place’. Clearly, trails represent an affordable activity and yet they greatly contribute to local economies.

The province’s CycleON initiative notes that active transportation translates into actions against climate change, and a reduction in health care costs due to increased physical activity and reduced respiratory and cardiac disease29. Also, another positive impact of active transportation is the growth of cycle tourism, with increases in lengths of stay in the area, and increased expenditures locally. Perhaps most relevant to the case for active

28 Ministry of Health Promotion, 2010. Active 2010 Ontario Trails Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario.29 Go for Green, 2004. The Economic Benefits of Walking and Cycling. Gloucester, Ontario. http://thirdwavecycling.com/pdfs/at_business_case.pdf

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transportation in regards to economic value in this region, is that with improved cycling pathways (such as paved shoulders), there is a decrease in road construction, repair and maintenance costs. It has been shown by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration that two-lane, rural roads with paved shoulders have been known to actually decrease the amount of head-on, sideswipe and run-off-the-road collisions by 30%-40%30.

Most importantly, a well-developed and maintained trail system brings tourists into a region which may not otherwise come there. For instance, approximately 70% of Bruce Trail hikers state that the trail is the main reason for visiting the Greater Toronto Area, and they spend approximately $20.00 per user day per visit within a corridor of 10 km on either side of the trail31. Thus, trails are a significant draw for tourism in a region.

A consistent theme and brand for a region helps to attract tourists as well. The Regional Tourism Organization is The Great Waterway, but water is only one medium for self- propelled travellers. This marketing strategy would involve all things that make this region unique.

30 The Municipality of North Grenville, 2011. North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy. Kemptville 31 Go for Green, 2004. The Economic Benefits of Walking and Cycling. Gloucester, Ontario. http://thirdwavecycling.com/pdfs/at_business_case.pdf

An overview of mapped trails in the FAB region; TLTI highlighted in yellow

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Trails for Tomorrow

There are specific opportunity for trails of all types to contribute to the economy, well-being, environment and natural and cultural heritage of the region. The region is blessed with a landscape and to a degree with infrastructure that lends to trails development. It is also very fortunate to have a broad and capable community of interests in the organizations and government agencies that are based in and around the region. Furthermore, the we come to an interest in trails at a time when so much of the work has already been done, or started, in creation, in development and on-going promotion of trails across the region.

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Opportunities by Trail Type

Paddling Trails:

As the map of trails on the previous page shows, there are paddle routes that both lie within, and that transit the region. There is a tremendous attraction for paddling enthusiasts. And of course, canoeists and kayakers who live on and cottage at some of the smaller lakes and streams of the region take to and enjoy those places as well.

Paddling these routes is certainly not a recent phenomenon. The St. Lawrence, the Gananoque, the Rideau and the lakes connected have been routes used by First Nations peoples for thousands of years, and explorers for centuries. Part of the joy of modern-day paddlers is to follow in the paddle-strokes of many, many previous generations. These are a part of the rich heritage and legacy of the FAB region. This heritage can lend itself to the marketing of this region as a trails destination in Canada.

Paddle routes are on public waters. While there is no private ownership of the water, there are layers of jurisdiction and regulation of those waters, and importantly, applied to the lands and shorelines. In the development and enhancement of paddle routes and paddling experiences, it the land-related issues, controls and access that present hurdles.

Access to and egress from the lakes and rivers and streams is allowed to the public in actually limited places and circumstance. Nearly all shoreline is in private ownership. There are some public lands for access – but in many of those limited places there are hurdles of regulation, the physical character in terms of topography or infrastructure (roads, bridges etc.) and lack of infrastructure such as allowed parking. Case by case, location by location, these are matters needing resolution for routes to be properly developed and then allow a tourism asset to be marketable.

In the last few years, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network along with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Foundation (former Barbara Heck Foundation) have had trails crews on the landscape, via Job Creation Partnership programs of the province. Within the Township and in Gananoque, this crew has built and installed, at no cost to the Township, five specialty paddle docks. These are gifted to the landowners, which include the town, Township and Parks Commission, and Conservation Authority. The crew as well built a portage route on Charleston Lake Provincial Park property, between Charleston and Red Horse Lakes. These facilities have gone a long way to overcoming issues of public access. But, there are specific locations where routes, in an official sense, are blocked – and therefor prevent any marketing of the routes.

Within the Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands for example, there is a long-standing hurdle to paddling the length of the Gananoque River. The dam owned by the power utility Eastern Ontario Power blocks paddlers – but there is no sanctioned portage on either side of the river, and no sanctioned put-in/take out location. In fact, both above and below the dam, the waters can be seasonally treacherous. And in addition, there is no place to park and leave a vehicle if one were to try to begin or end a portion of the Gananoque River

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experience here. Individuals do make the river trip from time to time, but this does involve trespass and does not sit well with particular landowners and the power company. To see paddle tourism, and recreational paddling, this “roadblock” does need to be overcome. There is a role and responsibility to be taken here by the municipality, but the municipality will need the assistance from several partners, including the conservation authority and paddling interests.

In the Town of Gananoque, the passage from the St. Lawrence to the Gananoque River above the falls and dam is hindered by the infrastructure of roads in the town, and issues that again pertain to the Eastern Ontario Power Company. Similar to Marble Rock, all possible parties should collaborate with Gananoque on solving portage issues in the town.

There has been recent discussion in the Township about seeing the completion of a historic paddle route that would link Charleston Lake Provincial Park to Frontenac Provincial Park, and beyond south and north. There is a partially completed portage, years in coming to resolution, between Loon Lake – an offshoot of the Rideau Canal – and Desert Lake at the edge of the provincial park. The most suitable landing site at Desert Lake is on the edge of a sluiceway of the power utility. Once that hurdle is overcome, the portage extends over MNR lands to cross a township road, and across a very narrow strip of private property into Loon Lake. Again, the Biosphere’s trails crew has created a modest landing site on the Desert Lake side, and has worked to develop the walkable portage over MNR lands.

These are example matters. Beyond these, there are gaps in infrastructure that pertain to way-finding, safety, access, interpretation and hospitality. As examples, there would be modest washrooms – portable or compostable options – at each specialty dock site, and clearly marked parking at or near these locations.

Appreciated infrastructure would be provision of kayak/canoe portage carts. Some portages are long as in walking across towns and villages, carrying boats and gear. There are many simple designs for these two-wheeled conveyances. There may be a cost- offsetting opportunity through sponsor ads on the carts.

Signage related to paddling would be identification of access/egress sites along roads that approach the sites, and at the paddle docks, with route descriptions and map – a “you are here” approach. Signs are needed as well to point the way to parking, to identify concerns such as private property, regulations regarding fires, picnicking etc., and for washrooms.

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Cycling Routes:

There are currently no mountain bike trails or winter fat bike trails in the region. Cycling today occurs on public roads, and on the recreational trails as the Cataraqui Trail, K&P and parallel to the Thousand Islands Parkway.

There are basically three types of cyclists here. There are those that ride distances for exercise – and these may be either residents or vacationers that enjoy going distances of often 50 to 75 or more kilometers in a day, generally out-and-back on a road, but preferably in long loop routes. They prefer good pavement, using narrow and high- pressure tires. Proof of this is when the Parks Commission rebuilt the recreational pathway along the Parkway in 2015 – 2016: even performance cyclists stopped using the Parkway itself, and embraced the (far safer) repaved path.

There are those that are transiting the region, on long, multiple day journeys. These cyclists used to travel with large packs and panniers, camping along the way. The majority today travel light, staying often at B&Bs, or hotels/motels that can and are willing to host cyclists. This group plans trips carefully, knowing features, attractions, best dining, and suitable accommodation along the way. Their economic impact can be significant, if they are lead to opportunities.

A third group are family excursionists. They may be residents and often cottagers exploring the region, and vacationers who enjoy the slower pace to explore and experience the region. This group too can leave a significant economic footprint.

The ‘Gold Standard’ in demonstrating how to accommodate cycling in all its forms, and all its opportunities and issues, is the Quebec program, Route Vert. They held a three-day tour of this region in 2015 – and while enjoying the landscape and experience, found infrastructure and accommodation of cyclists needs lacking (personal communications with many cyclists and organizers). The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network completed a paper about how to accommodate self-propelled travellers, including cyclists, for the Frontenac County Community Futures Development Corporation. That paper is found on the FABN website, fabexperiences.ca

As has been well discussed in sections above, the ideal to accommodate cyclists is to have paved road shoulders. This is a top-of-mind issue for touring cyclists, and for those residents that would consider being more active on bicycles or for active transportation. With our hilly landscape and winding roads, the visibility of cyclists by motorists is of grave concern. This concern translates into an issue for development of cycle tourism.

At the same time, the development of cycle routes and cycle tourism should not have to await shoulder paving. Counties have been reluctant to pursue such paving on their roads, despite the many advantages of safety and road longevity. There is no doubt that the lack of safe cycling on some roads in particular is a severe impediment to cycling, and development of cycle tourism for the region. Because many cyclists park at the FABN

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office on the Thousand Islands Parkway, to cycle north, we have considerable feedback and comment on the perceived danger and deterrent of such roadways.

Cyclists visiting a region rely on the knowledge of others in their exploration. They look for logical, safe, efficient and scenic routes, usually online. They look for mapping with turn-by- turn notes, places of interest, services, great food (bakeries included), and degree of difficulty. Extensive mapping to this end is on the FABN websites – but needs updating, ongoing.

Establishing cycle tourism needs specialty infrastructure, way-finding signage, cycling related services, and education of accommodations businesses. Specialty infrastructure includes strategically placed and properly built racks, where these often expensive bicycles can be securely parked while riders explore, eat and shop locally. Such racks can present opportunities to exhibit and feature local features and businesses. Engineering students at Queen’s University have prepared such a design for the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network. This design is available to all.

Way-finding signs, as discussed in sections above need to be of a consistent, recognizable design across the region – recognizing the distances and routes cyclists follow will certainly cross several municipal boundaries. These signs would be placed strategically where turns onto other roads are made, carrying route names and distance from a starting point. En route, signs may point to special features not to be missed. Business directories need to make a point of including cycle-related services for repairs – often needed on rural roads.

Education of accommodation businesses is a must. While accommodating motorist tourist is second nature, the needs of cyclists – or paddlers or hikers for that matter – are little known. Secure lock-up space, basic specialty tools, tire pumps, spare tubes should be common courtesies. Such businesses need to know where cycle-related services are found. Successful businesses may offer to pick up cyclists that choose to ride out distances, or that need to find return rides because of misfortune and mishap. Cyclists eat well, and healthy – this is fuel. Businesses need to be aware of the type of meals cyclists look for – and which often influences their choice of accommodations.

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Driving routes:

Driving routes may not seem to be trails at first glance, and in most areas are separate ventures. However, that is an invitation for opportunities to fall through the cracks.

Areas as Prince Edward County, Nova Scotia and Charlevoix have made much of their art and food trails. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network has created theme tours that are currently drive-oriented, on the fabexperiences.ca site. FABN is in the process of loading all of its hundred+ trails and routes to the FAB Experiences site and program. There are 10,000 points of interest mapped into our database – and they should be apparent to all travellers, regardless of how they travel. But it’s often what motivates people to travel and trace routes that creates route successes. Food and art are equal as motivators as are nature and history. Something learned from this is to integrate various motivators such as food into active type trails. These can and should be shared and linked to others’ sites.

Motorists – by car, truck, motorcycle and RV – can travel much larger distances in a day than can those by any other mode. Distances between features are thus not as critical, as long as the destinations meet expectations. But beyond that, travellers by any and all means have their own unique interests and passions. They may be motivated by art, history, genealogy, nature, geology, local food, events, adventure… any number or combination. Important to remember is that today’s travellers – and residents and seasonal residents too – are used to discovering what interests them, personally, and do not want to be confined to pre-packed, predetermined experiences, including routes and trails. It is key to remember that, as the old saying goes, it is not the destination – it’s the journey. The journey is always an adventure in discovery. Our stories, our heritage, our amazing places– all are the gems of the journey.

A wonderful thing about driving, and cycling routes as well, is that they can be changed, added to or deleted at will – unlike paddling and hiking routes, confined to corridors. Driving tours can be seasonal, associated with events, fitted to types of interests and experiences – hundreds of options. In the FAB Experiences program, the website lets users pick and choose, and ‘add to cart’ any or all of the features of this region that are of special interest, customizing experiences.

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Hiking and walking trails:

This region is fortunate to have so many hiking trails in so many great parks and conservation areas. What is missing in this central part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, though, are transiting trails that stretch across the landscape, linking to other major trails. There are legendary hiking routes around the world, but not in this part of the world – as yet. A collaboration with the Algonquin to Adirondacks Coalition and FABN, and many regional trails associations could lead to such an international route being established, and crossing this region. It would be very significant to be seen on the same stage as the West Coast Trail of Vancouver Island, the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or Spain’s Camino Trail. Such routes are challenges that draw from the world over.

In the region, there are a number of long-distance trails. The Trans Canada Trail runs to the north through Rideau Lakes Township and Central and South Frontenac Townships. The Rideau Trail, the Cataraqui Trail and the K&P Trail run through the Biosphere region, towards the west side of the region, and trend southwest to northeast. There is the Great Waterfront Trail, called the Thousand Islands Recreational Trails as it parallels the Thousand Islands Parkway, forming an east-west route. But, there is no southeast – northwest route, with linkages to these other routes. As a result, there isn’t a large internal triangle route that could circulate users – hikers and cyclists – within the region.

However, the opportunity of the Thousand Islands International Bridge at the south-central edge of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands could be the Canadian ‘bridgehead’ of the A2A Trail, and the needed southeast – northwest route. The bridge, then, becomes a key asset and linkage – not just a starting point, but a connector. In our discussions of cooperative planning with the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere, and associated agencies, organizations and universities, this connection is seen as a major element of future interaction.

The second aspect of the major opportunity for a long-distance trail is to work out cooperative agreements with landowners, for a summer and actually a four season north- south route that could be connected to the bridge opportunity. The trail in this opportunity is part of the Athens Snowmobile Club network. It is connected to the Thousand Islands Parkway, about five kilometers east of Gananoque. It meanders across country on private lands, and does reach Athens. Using this route would mean going from/to the bridge along the Parkway path – unless another cross-country connection could be found. There will be more discussion and detail in this, with the proposals from the A2A organization.

The trail development isn’t limited to having to work entirely through landowner agreements. There are, for example, wonderful and scenic sideroads in the region. Some of these apply to the cycle route section. Hikers enjoy off-road experiences where possible, but where rural roads are lightly travelled by vehicles and the route is scenic – as is the case in many roads here – on-road trails sections may be a very good option.

In any case, there is a municipal role in this development, in assistance with contact with landowners, and agreement developments. This is the sort of process that has been used

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with the Rideau Trail, and the renowned Bruce Trail. The opportunity in the Township is that of economic development. While distance hikers spend little on goods and souvenirs, they do spend money on food, dining and accommodation at campgrounds and at B&Bs. An example of this is on the Bruce Trail, where B&Bs have developed a program called the “Home to Home Network”. B&Bs along the trail take in hikers overnight, with usually both high-calibre breakfast and dinners served, and move the hikers’ gear and luggage to the next B&B along the route. The hikers enjoy this, well-fed and having to carry just a day- pack. Certainly the community enjoys this, a new source of income.

There are infrastructure matters as well where municipalities need to be involved. In this case, it is signage and washrooms. Here again arises the matter of regional trails destination development, and associated matters of consistency in signage. A micro-local campaign to market such trails has little chance of success. Way-finding signs are needed. Wherever there is a place where the route is unclear, to keep people from making wrong turns, and avoiding trespass as well, signs need to point the way. Those signs must have a high recognition factor. They may have local identity as well, as a part of illustrating the “you are here” aspect, certainly that is a design element – but the essential brand must lead. There would as well be signs that point to communities and their services; and opportunities for interpretive panels.

Washrooms are not necessarily behind every tree – nor should that be the case. That is not the case to say the municipalities should be the only parties providing and placing these facilities. There would be some locations that have no opportunity stations, where multiple interest groups could be so served – at junctions of trail types, for example, as where cycling and hiking routes intersect or coincide, and where driving/touring motorists too could be served. This is a part of the collaborative planning effort, with several minds and ideas at work. As example, there are publically owned washrooms at several township buildings. Currently, these have no visibility to tourists that travel by any means; and currently, these have limited hours of operation/access. Solutions could be found to identify these, and to operate independent of the building itself. As well, there are many locations in villages across the region where travellers do stop to go, if they can talk their way in. Perhaps at some logical locations, the municipalities could grant a supplementary contribution to costs, for supplies for example, encouraging businesses to become part of the trails system.

Walking routes are another aspect of the Trails Strategy. Each village often has a great history tour. These are windows into our history, heritage and sense of place. Currently most are just paper published, but some are mapped and text-accompanied on municipal and the FABN websites.

These heritage walking trails have multiple opportunities. Better identified in each village, with obvious trailheads/starting points, and with markers and plaques along the way, they become attractions to visitors – who then spend time further discovering, and shopping.

As well, heritage village walking trails can be considered as pearls along other routes – hiking trails, driving routes and cycling routes in particular. Linked to these other trails, they

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are opportunities to slow those trails users down, keep them lingering in the communities and region, and attract them to accommodations, businesses, events and other features and businesses.

Hiking and walking trails present opportunities from a health viewpoint; for quality of life; for recreation; towards attraction and retention of business and youth; and as economic development potential.

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Conclusion

Trails are an important and key feature that highlights the unique region of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. It is therefore imperative that they are a coordinated, well-developed and properly maintained system. The basis of a sustainable (long term) strategy will be the sense of collaboration among the partner groups, to increase the sense of ownership. In conclusion, the outlined Trails Strategy will provide a foundation and a framework for the communities of the Biosphere to be fully engaged with their surrounding trail systems.

At the heart of this Trails Strategy is regional trails destination development. Obviously, a micro-local campaign to market such trails has little chance of success. The bigger picture and bigger prize is the regional developments, regional collaboration, regional way-finding program, and the regional branding and marketing. Collectively we have the opportunity to create an outstanding trails destination region. Much of the needed components and infrastructure exist. Achieving the goal is, literally, a matter of joining the dots. Trails are an under-realized, underutilised asset and opportunity, from a health viewpoint; for quality of life; for recreation; towards attraction and retention of business and youth; and as economic development potential.

Travellers by any and all means have their own unique interests and passions. They may be motivated by art, history, genealogy, nature, geology, local food, events, adventure… any number or combination. Important to remember is that today’s travellers – and residents and seasonal residents too – are used to discovering what interests them, personally, and do not want to be confined to pre-packed, predetermined experiences, including routes and trails. It is key to remember that, as the old saying goes, it is not the destination – it’s the journey. The journey is always an adventure in discovery. Our stories, our heritage, our amazing places – all are the gems of the journey.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is in a position to facilitate this broader discussion, being the province’s Regional Trails Network Member, through the Ontario Trails Council. FABN can further assist in the local and regional case-by-case planning, development and execution of trails creation, trails linkages – and in associated economic development opportunities and business training.

Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network January, 2017

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