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

November 2007

IN THIS ISSUE:

Featured Route
Featured Attraction
Trail Tale
Featured Activity
Updates

FEATURED ROUTE – Burlington

Hamilton and Burlington have beautiful waterfronts with lots of activities. This month’s ride starts in Lasalle Park in Burlington and heads toward the escarpment before looping around and reconnecting to the Waterfront Trail near the Royal Botanical Gardens. The loop is 49km, but if you would like to add distance continue north towards Kilbride, or east towards Appleby line for a fabulous climb up Rattlesnake. You could also start this ride at Discovery Landing in downtown Burlington which has several selections for a post ride coffee break. Check out the route at:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/on/burlington/59245394

FEATURED ATTRACTION – Fulford Place

Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Fulford Place was a residence used to entertain royalty and prime ministers. This 20,000 square foot Edwardian mansion was built during the turn of the 20th century and features original tapestries and paintings collected during the Fulford’s worldly travels.

In June, 1993, the estate became a museum house open to the public year round. Featuring seasonal exhibits in the gallery, guest speakers, such as Stephen Lewis who will discussing "Tomorrow's Past Matters: Investing in Heritage and Enriching Democracy" on Nov. 27, and elegant afternoon tea.

To find out more, log on to:
http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_8830_1.html

TRAIL TALE – End-to-End Tour

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust will be organizing a week-long bike tour from Niagara to the Quebec border. Tentatively scheduled for July 4-11, 2008, the 650km end-to-end tour of the Waterfront Trail will be a supported ride for families, recreational cyclists, and cycling enthusiasts. We are looking for your feedback and invite you to join us for a brainstorming session that will be held in the next 2 to 3 weeks. If you are interested in finding out more about the event and/or would like to participate in the feedback sessions, please respond to this e-mail or call us at 416-943-8080.

FEATURED ACTIVITY – MP3 Walking Tour

Waterfront Toronto has created an MP3 audio walking tour of Toronto’s central waterfront. The audio files and map may be downloaded at www.waterfronttoronto.ca and include information about existing amenities and the exciting plans to come.

UPDATES

IMPROVEMENTS ON THE WAY FOR BAYLY STREET IN DURHAM

The Trust is pleased to announce that major improvements are on the horizon for the notorious stretch of Trail in Whitby along Bayly Rd and Lynde Shores Conservation Area. The Region of Durham is moving forward in its plans to expand Bayly Street between Ajax and Whitby. The wonderful design proposals include a 3m wide off-road trail on the south side of Bayly which will connect to the existing Waterfront Trail at Halls Road in the West and to Whitby Shores Greenway in the east. This stretch along Bayly Street has been a long-standing area of concern for the Trust and Waterfront Trail users due to the high vehicle speeds, narrow shoulders and dangerous bridge crossing. The new plans, which even include a lovely viewing platform on the south side of the bridge overlooking the Lynde Shores Conservation Area, will improve the quality, safety and comfort of this stretch for Trail users.

We’d like to congratulate the Region on their stunning designs and on their outstanding efforts to incorporate the concerns of Waterfront Trail users in their plans.

The Region is currently performing a Class Environmental Assessment Study, which was initiated in December of last year. For more information, please visit the Region of Durham’s website at: http://www.region.durham.on.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/studies.htm.

POTENTIAL FOR NEW TRAIL IN BRIGHTON

According to Northumberland Today, St Marys Cement Group in Brighton has dedicated 200 acres of primarily wetlands to be used for a Species at Risk Program. After receiving approval for a $71,000 funding program through the Ministry of Natural Resources, the company is currently working with the community to determine the best use of the land. The creation of trails is among the opportunities currently being discussed.

This project represents some exciting opportunities both to protect one of our coastal wetlands and create public access.

The article referenced above, written by Joyce Cassin, can be found at http://www.northumberlandtoday.com.

BIKE LOCKERS

There are four new bike lockers for public use at The Long Branch GO train station and six more at the Etobicoke Civic Centre (399 The West Mall). Metro Hall has also expanded to make room for the extensive waiting list there. Lockers are $10/month + gst and can be applied for at:
www.toronto.ca/cycling/locker.htm.

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.