Do More on the Shore Ezine

An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

CIBC* COIPThe waterfront municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation authorities and community groupsThe Eastern Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group* MapArt* DunmapOntario Ministry of Health Promotion Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee* St. Lawrence Cement* Tilley Endurables

March 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:

Featured Route - Hamilton to Oshawa
Featured Attraction – Fort Wellington
Featured Activity – Bike Mechanic Courses
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure Updates
New Mapbooks
Forum
Upcoming Events

FEATURED ROUTE – Hamilton to Oshawa

One of the benefits to having a recreational trail through cities is the availability of public transportation. The GO Train runs from Hamilton to Oshawa and bikes are welcome during non-rush hour times during the week and on week-ends. By riding parallel to the GO Train you are able to ride in one direction, with the tail wind, and hop on the train to return to the start. It also offers flexibility should you wish to shorten or lengthen your ride, ride outside your neighborhood, or if you want to spend more time at an attraction and run out of daylight. GO stations are marked on the Waterfront Trail maps:
http://www.waterfronttrail.org/trail.html

FEATURED ATTRACTION – Fort Wellington

Fort Wellington was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route between Montreal and Kingston from possible attack by the United States. It was called into service again in 1838 when invasion from the United States was once more imminent. The fort was opened to the public in 1923 and continues to offer a glimpse into Canadian history.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/wellington/index_e.asp

FEATURED ACTIVITY – Bike Mechanics

Spring is here and it’s time to tune up the bikes and get them ready to ride! While the snow is stubbornly holding on, why not consider taking a bike mechanic course and learn how to tune up and maintain your bikes. The Toronto District School Board and the Community Bicycle Network offer classes; log on to their respective websites below for more information.

GREAT WATERFRONT TRAIL ADVENTURE

There was a buzz at the Toronto Bike Show about the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure and registration is filling up! The early bird price will end on April 1st for the 8 day, 680 km, tour of the Waterfront Trail and updates are continually being added to our website at www.waterfronttrail.org. If you are unable to join in for the whole week, consider being a part of this exciting experience by riding one or two days of the tour.

If you don’t want to ride all 680 km or want to share the experience with younger kids, consider the Personal Support Vehicle options. More information may be found at:
http://www.waterfronttrail.org/gwta_web/personal_support_vehicle.htm

MAPBOOKS

The Second Edition of the Waterfront Trail and Greenway Mapbooks are now available. One of the most significant updates is the inclusion of the proposed route through Scarborough that we are working on having signed this upcoming summer. To order a copy log on to:
http://www.dunmap.com/people-order-wt-mapbook.html.

FORUM

Waterfront Trail users and Great Waterfront Trail Adventurers can now communicate with one another. A group has been created at mapmyride.com to share Trail experiences, highlights, and upcoming trips. It is also a great resource to share training information for the upcoming Great Waterfront Trail Adventure and to find people to car pool or share the expense of a bus charter with to the start of the ride in Niagara-on-the-Lake and from the end in Riviere Beaudette. Check it out at: http://www.mapmyride.com/community/groups/1141785104.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Earth Hour

Created to take a stand against global warming, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world http://www.earthhour.org/about/supporters. As a result, at 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour. Check out their website to find out how to participate.
Date: 8pm March 29, 2008
Website: www.earthhour.org.

Shoreline Cleanup

Year after year, tens of thousands of Canadians from coast to coast band together to clean up rivers, lakes, streams and ocean shorelines in their communities, and help restore the health and beauty of our shoreline ecosystems. Last year, Gisela Bach received the Site Coordinator Award of Achievement for her work along Scarborough’s waterfront during the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; congratulations Gisela! If you would like to take part in the event this year, contact Gisela – ghbach@rogers.comor 416-698-7322
Date: April 19th,2008

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the Shorezine, please contact Petrina at:
pt@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.