OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF DISCOVERY ROUTES TRAILS ORGANIZATION                                                                     Fall 2008

In This Issue:

 

 

Trail Projects on the Go

 

Active in Trails

 

 

Trails Across the Region

 

Callander

North Bay

 

 

Helping Us Connect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discovery Routes is extending an invitation to attend our second annual Trail Mix and Mingle and twelfth Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Corbeil Park Hall.  The event is a great opportunity to mingle with trail enthusiasts from across the region and learn about the issues facing trail developers.  Whether you are a trail user, a volunteer involved in trail maintenance, or just looking for a new route to explore, all are welcome to participate.  We intend to bring in a guest speaker and fill your stomachs with some local grub….  so mark your calendars for Nov 27th and stay tuned for more information.  Please let us know now if you are interested, so that we can ensure you are on the mailing list once the details become finalized.  

And if you can't make the meeting, you can at least get the T-shirt!  Discovery Routes has gone commercial.  You can now get your very own Discovery Routes and Trans Canada Trail merchandise with a simple click of a button at our online store.  Check it out

As a new commitment to the natural spaces we celebrate in the Near North, Discovery Routes will be featuring a new trail with each issue of Trail Tales.  Keep reading for this season’s trail:  The Cranberry Trail in Callander.  

Trail Projects on the Go

Active in Trails

 

Community trails don't just happen.  There are countless volunteers that manage, maintain and develop the network of routes that crisscross the region.

Discovery Routes would like to acknowledge the hundreds of individual volunteers and groups that work to provide countless opportunities for trail users.  The following is a snapshot of some of the volunteer groups that you may meet on our local trails.

 

Local
North Bay Nordic Ski Club
West Nipissing Nordic Ski Club
Wasi Cross-Country Ski Club (Astorville)
Himsworth South Cross-Country Ski Club (Powassan)
Forgotten Trails Association (South River)
Friends of La Vase (North Bay)
Friends of Laurier Woods (North Bay)
Otter Lake Friends (North Bay)
Sturgeon River House Museum (West Nipissing)
South Shore/Restoule Snowmobile Club
North Bay Snowmobile Club
West Nipissing Snowmobile Club
Magnetawan and Area Business Association
Powassan Recreation Committee
Callander Trails Advisory Committee
North Bay Trails Committee
Commanda Heritage Trail Committee
Voyer Trail Committee
Frontier Trails Association
Blue Sky Riders
Nipissing University & Canadore College
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park (Mattawa)
Mashkinonje Provincial Park (Lavigne)
Mikisew Provincial Park (South River)
Marten River Provincial Park
Restoule Provincial Park
 
 
Regional
Voyageur Multi-Use Trails System (VMUTS)
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
Near North Trail Association

Trails Across the Region

Callander

Trans Canada Trail Enthusiasts Welcome

The Trans Canada Trail in Callander's southwest corner is now 'unofficially' open for use.  This has been our big project for a lot of years now, so it is exciting to report that the gates are open! The 10-km stretch of trail is a beauty.  It winds up and down through terrain that is characteristic of the region's landscape.  Wildlife is abundant on this remote trail as it passes through numerous habitat types.  At the western reaches, the trail crosses through active farmlands where cattle roam amongst the trees.  The trail is suitable for all types of users with secondary hiking trails developed around the wet areas offering an alternative for hikers and cyclists that don't fancy the mud.  Check our website for more information to access to the trail. 

Discovery Routes intends to have an official opening next spring.  This is a biggie for us and we would like to do it right!  

North Bay 

Kate Pace Way 'Missing Link'

 

The trucks are hauling!  Travel along Booth Road these days and you will see evidence of the City's commitment to closing the gap on the Kate Pace Way.  As we are all too aware, trail projects can take years to complete.  This is because every trail has a unique set of circumstances that can cause delays and headaches to those involved in its development.  In this case, the project's number one stumbling block has been the routing.  Behind the scenes, a lot of work was and continues to be done to ensure that the trail follows a route that is safe and meets the needs of the community.  No timeline has been set for the completion of the missing link with issues yet unresolved, but trail users can be confident that this project has renewed attention.

 

Photo Contest Still Going

 

There is no better time to experience a trail then amongst the brilliant Fall colours.  And this year is certainly no disappointment.  The North Bay Blooms Committee is still looking for entries in the Great Heritage Trails Photography Contest.  The contest goes until October 21, 2008 so take advantage of the colour perfect guarantee.  More details here.  

Helping Us Connect

Discovery Routes would like to thank all of our current Business Members for supporting our organization and the region's trails.

- FRi Ecological Services -
- H. Freeman and Company -
- Quiet Bay Log Motel -
- Woodland Echoes Cottage Resort -

All of our trails partners throughout the region provide continuous support to our organization by keeping us up-to-date on the status of trails and local trail events.  Discovery Routes would like to extend our thanks to these Trail Connector Members for contributing to our organization and our efforts:

- West Nipissing Nordic Ski Club -
- North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority -
- Near North Trail Association -
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit -
- West Nipissing Information Centre -
- Forgotten Trails Association -

Over the past year, Discovery Routes has welcomed new Municipal Members to our organization.  We would like to thank the following for their support:

- City of North Bay -
- Municipality of Powassan -
- Municipality of Magnetawan -
- Municipality of Whitestone -
- Municipality of Callander -

Trails connect communities businesses and families.  Bring trails to your business or organization and become a member of Discovery Routes.  By building awareness and exposure of our regional trails system, you will be contributing to a healthy, natural Near North.

1375 Seymour Street, North Bay, P1B 9V6  ~  T: (705) 472-8480  ~  F: (705) 472-8027  ~  info@discoveryroutes.ca