SERVICES

Member of the Ministers Advisory Committee on Trails

A major accomplishment during 2005 was Hike Ontario's participation and cooperation with the provincial government and other trail users to develop the Ontario Trails Strategy . This project brought together the input from half a dozen different trail user communities. For the first time in almost thirty years there was an open forum for the discussion of trail wide issues.

The Ontario Trails Strategy will form governmental policy and direction for the next twenty years. This strategy is so important to our future that we strongly encourage you to read the strategy and support Hike Ontario in our continued efforts to assist with the implementation of the goals of the strategy.

Read Hike Ontario's Position on the Ontario Trails's Strategy below.

Hike Ontario 's Support of the Ontario Trails Strategy

A new and exciting era in trails is upon Ontario and Hike Ontario is looking forward to being a strong leader in it. The Ministry of Health Promotion has successfully released the Ontario Trails Strategy and Hike Ontario played a key role in its creation, while looking now to play an important role in supporting its implementation.

In 2004, The Ministry of Health Promotion initiated the Ontario Trails Strategy development, a long-term plan that establishes strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario . Hike Ontario was a committed force on the Ministers Advisory's Committee and attended many of the discussions and workshops on trail related issues. Hike Ontario continues to be a pivotal voice in supporting and advocating walking and hiking in Ontario.

The Ontario Trails Strategy speaks to many key issues for the Ontario trails community and we all have a role to play. As a strategy document, it recognizes diverse challenges in the trail community while also illustrating Ministry commitment to sound strategic directions with Ontario 's trails. It speaks appropriately to strengthening collaboration between stakeholders in trails, enhancing the sustainability of trails in Ontario , enhancing trail experiences for all users, educating people about trails and their environments and fostering better health and stronger economies through trails. All principles Hike Ontario supports. Hike Ontario looks forward now to working with all trail partners in a coordinated effort to implement the ideals of the Strategy.

Hike Ontario believes strongly that our advocacy and support for pedestrian based trail use is very much in line with many of the goals of the Ministry of Health Promotion. We face a crisis in Ontario with health related issues and walking and hiking trails can be effective tools in promoting healthy living and combating health problems. When walking or hiking the trails of Ontario , you get to experience the vast natural heritage resources of our Province, the significant cultural heritage resources of our past, the recreational resources of a diverse landscape and the social fabric of our trails connecting communities and places together. Include in this the physical and mental health gains from hiking and walking these wonderful trails and you can see the important role that trails, walking, hiking and Hike Ontario plays in the lives of all Ontarians.

Hike Ontario supports the principles put forth in the Ontario Trails Strategy and we lend our resources to the Provincial Government under their leadership and within the principles that we advocate. We recognize the diversity of the trail systems in Ontario , the diversity of the trail stakeholders charged with planning, managing and supporting these trails, and certainly the diversity of the trail users themselves. Not all trails can be all things, to all people and nor should they be. The challenges and opportunities with Ontario 's trails are ours to face together and Hike Ontario will do so with our best feet forward.