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

October 2007

IN THIS ISSUE:

Website Award
Trail Tale
Featured Route
Featured Attraction
You Tube

WEBSITE AWARD

The American Trails website has announced that www.waterfronttrail.org has won the award for best web-site for kids and families. The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure offers ideas on how to explore the Trail based on activities; while the starters kit offers several bike ride itineraries to help get you started as a Waterfront Trail explorer. We encourage you to check out the section of our web-site titled “Get Started on the Waterfront Trail” for trip ideas and hidden gems.

TRAIL TALE – Waterfront Trail and Greenway Day

The first annual Waterfront Trail and Greenway Day was a success thanks to our sponsors and participants. Mother nature lent her support as well providing a hot a sunny day for the 56km ride from Mississauga to Pickering. It was quite a sight to see a fleet of cyclists taking over the Trail with their
Waterfront Trail flags flying behind them!

The day started off with a tasty breakfast and stunning scenery provided by the Lakefront Promenade Public Marina and the City of Mississauga (special thanks to the City and to Dave from the marina!). Harbourfront provided a beautiful rest stop along the way and the City of Pickering put on an
amazing reception by dressing up Petticoat Creek Conservation Area and arranging for the massages, fire truck cool down, music by Muhtadi, and even help in carrying the bikes up the stairs. Thank you to Ontario Power Generation for the BBQ lunch and ice cream, and to Starbucks who provided snacks in Pickering and set up a great refreshment stand (a welcome treat near the end of the ride!). We would also like to thank Dan from Boomer Bicycles in Oakville for helping us out with rental bikes and supplies.
We are currently working on closing the gap in Scarborough with the proposed route that was presented in last months Shorezine and on September 20th the cyclists realized just how important signage is as most riders took a wrong turn at least once. The detours didn’t deter the smiles though as everyone was beaming after the ride.

If you have ideas on how we should celebrate the Second Annual Waterfront Trail and Greenway Day let us know.

FEATURED ROUTE – Durham Loop

Since Pickering helped us put on a great event, we thought we would showcase more of the Waterfront Trail that meanders through their community. This month’s featured route starts at the mouth of the Rouge and heads east along the Waterfront Trail through Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa. When you reach Courtice Rd. head north. From there you will turn west on Concession Rd. 5 and make your way back to Toronto along country roads, pass the Zoo, down through Highland Park, and back along the Port Union Waterfront Trail. For more details and to see a map, log on to:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/on/pickering/1113410998

FEATURED ATTRACTION – Ireland Park

The Toronto population in 1847 was 20,000 people when 38,000 Irish immigrants arrived, fleeing the Famine in Ireland. Ireland park was created to honour the bravery of the immigrants and generosity of Canadians, and the result is a very moving piece of art on the water’s edge at Eireann Quay, at the south end of Bathurst.

YOU TUBE

There are a few videos on youtube that feature the Waterfront Trail. Check out Winston’s video of Hamilton’s waterfront at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCjOBg-N_Q8

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.