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Do More on the Shore Ezine
An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust
CIBC* COIP*The waterfront
municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation
authorities and community groups*The Eastern Lake Ontario – St.
Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group* MapArt* Dunmap*Ontario Ministry
of Health Promotion* Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee* St. Lawrence
Cement* Tilley Endurables
December 2008
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Great Waterfront Trail Adventure –
What’s New
- Trail Tales – Bateau Velo (Part Deux)
- Upcoming Events: Upper Canada Village “Alight
at Night”
- Trails of the World: Portland Oregon
GREAT WATERFRONT TRAIL ADVENTURE – WHAT’S NEW:

New Package for Families
The Trust is pleased to announce the introduction of a new package to
the 2009 tour, which is specially designed for families who want to take
part in a shorter adventure. This year we are offering a One Night Adventure
(2 days, 1 night, July 5th & 6th) at a discounted rate of $250 for
the whole family (2 youth/2 adults,10 and under free). The package includes
an overnight at Fort York, free entrance to Ontario Place and 2 days of
fully supported riding. The GWTA truly is for families!
Ontario Place On Board for 2009
The Trust is pleased to announce that Ontario Place will be partnering
with us on the 2nd Annual GWTA, providing free passes to participants.
Riders arriving in Fort York on Day 2 will have the opportunity to drop
their gear and walk the short distance to Ontario Place to enjoy all the
great activities the park has to offer.
Website Updates
We’ve just completed a full update of the GWTA website for 2009,
including itineraries, training sessions and an all-new photo gallery.
Check out pictures from the 2008 tour at http://www.waterfronttrail.org/gwta_web/photo_gallery.htm.
The next step for the website involves a complete French translation of
the GWTA site with support from the Ministry of Health Promotion. The
translated site will be launched in mid-December.
We have launched the revamped GWTA website with a new masthead, new options,
photo gallery, and will introduce our French version prior to the December
Holidays.
The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure on Youtube:
One of the riders from last year’s adventure, Antonio Siracusa has
put together a video that can be viewed on YouTube highlighting the 2008
GWTA. The fact that one of last year’s riders took the time and
effort to produce this footage, exemplifies the passion people have for
the waterfront and the communities along the route! A huge thank you from
everyone here!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhcjGh_ZRbQ
Tour Director Ian Lobb Attends Meeting of The National Bike Tour
Director’s Association…
This year’s meeting was held in the beautiful and historic city
of Charleston, South Carolina. This conference brought together Tour Directors,
coordinators and staff, from all across the United States as well as some
representation from Canada in the form of Velo Quebec and the GWTA.
Over the period of 4 days we discussed the
growth and impact of cycle tourism here in North America, and how in these
economic times, these events are more important than ever. The cumulative
years of cycling event experience in one room was incredible. Ideas were
exchanged, high profile guest speakers presented, and in the end we learned
that the GWTA is unique in many ways, but also on the right track with
incredible community support!
For more information on this Association:
http://www.nbtda.com/default.php
TRAIL TALES:
A New Way to Vacation (Part
Deux) - Bateau Velo Combines Cycling and Boating
Last Shorezine we introduced the
Bateau Velo tour, an innovative new tourism company that was launched
in Quebec this past summer, which combines cycling and nautical tourism
in one vacation. The “Bateau Velo,” tours were developed by
Latitude 45º Nord based on a similar concept in the Netherlands. As a
follow up to that announcement we have added a recent article by Gilles
Morneau pertaining to Latitude 45º Nord for your enjoyment. http://www.waterfronttrail.org/pdfs/Ezines%20PDF/Latitude_45_nord.pdf
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Upper Canada Village “Alight at Night", Morrisburg
Step back in time and enjoy the Holidays in
an 1860’s Village, with over 40 Heritage buildings to visit and
a horse drawn sleigh ride for the family. The “Alight at Night Festival”
runs from November 27th until January 4th 2009.
Check out the link below for more details.
http://www.alightatnight.ca/
TRAILS OF THE WORLD:
Portland, Oregon
Here in North America infrastructure
for cycling is a relatively young concept in comparison to our European
brethren. One of the cities on this side of the pond that has taken on
the challenge of creating a cycling friendly environment is Portland,
Oregon. Not only have they passed numerous bills in support of cycling,
and made human transportation part of the commuting culture, but now as
a tourist to the city you will be able to unpack your bike at the airport,
and ride all the way into your hotel in the city centre. Impossible???
Not at all, especially with bike lanes to support your ride.
The current Mayor was elected partially
on his platform surrounding cycling, and now their example is lighting
the way for other cities to follow suit. The following article speaks
about neighbouring Seattle’s desire to join the ranks of the cycling
friendly cities….take a look.
http://www.worldchanging.com/local/seattle/archives/008906.html
If you have any questions or would
like to contribute to this Ezine, please contact Ian at:
il@wrtrust.com
416-943-8080
372 Richmond Street West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1X6
 
WARNING: The information and suggestions in this newsletter have been
developed to assist Trail users in planning both their recreational and
commuting trips along the Waterfront Trail. It mentions signed routes
of the Trail, as well as possible routes and connections in areas where
routes have not yet been designated as part of the Waterfront Trail. The
possible routes and connections have been identified in consultation with
the municipalities and Conservation Authorities of Lake Ontario and from
Trail users. Some of these possible routes and connections may not be
ideal for cycling, in-line skating, or hiking. They may be unsuitable
for some Trail users because of the close proximity to vehicular traffic
or unsuitable trail surface. Whenever possible, indicators have been placed
on the maps to warn of caution areas. However, be prepared to make your
own evaluation of traffic, trail and road conditions, and plan routes
appropriate to your riding, in line skating, and hiking skills and your
comfort level. This newsletter is not intended as a guide for children.
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