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OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF DISCOVERY ROUTES TRAILS ORGANIZATION Winter 2010 |
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In This Issue:
Trail Projects on the Go
Trails Across the Region
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As winter begins, many Northerners want to hunker down for the season, not realizing what amazing outdoor opportunities our region provides during this time of year. We have three Nordic ski clubs scattered around the area, a few not only offering the invigorating sport of cross-country skiing, but also snowshoeing, a more relaxed activity that is appealing to anyone of any age and ability. A number of our trails are accessible throughout the year, and can offer more rugged winter outings on their ungroomed surfaces. Our region also boasts hundreds of kilometres of snowmobile trails that connect every community in the Near North. Instead of hibernating this winter, get out and enjoy the beauty of our snow-covered region. |
| Trail Projects on the Go | |
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2010/2011 Regional Trail Map in the works
To be able to publish the resource, Discovery Routes is selling advertising space on the map. This year, we are introducing panel advertising which will allow businesses that operate in certain market segments to include their name and contact information on a themed panel. There is still a chance to support our efforts. For details, please contact our office, or visit our website at www.discoveryroutes.ca/sponsorship.htm. The Bike Train is coming back to North Bay! After a very successful trial run in the summer of 2009, the Bike Train will once again partner with Ontario Northland to provide cycle-tourists with rail service between Toronto and North Bay during the summer and fall of 2010. New this year will be an expansion to promote the region's rich mountain biking resources. A new partnership with Mattawa's Voyageur Country and Lost and the Rocks and Trees will give mountain bikers the option to participate in the annual race, dubbed "Ontario's toughest mountain bike race". Two other scheduled trips will focus on the region's road and trail routes in August and September, where cyclists will enjoy the region's hospitality and witness the Near North's spectacular fall colours. Details will be finalized within the next few months. The Bike Train will promote our northern connection at two very popular bike shows, the Montreal Bike Show from February 19-21 and the Toronto Bike Show from March 5-7. They will also be making an appearance at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto from February 26-28. For more information about the Bike Train, you can visit their website at www.biketrain.ca. Less than a week remains before the ATV draw at the Nosbonsing Anglers and Hunters' Big Buck Night on January 23rd. All summer, fall, and into the winter, keen volunteers have given their time by sitting at the mall, attending various events, and setting out on their own to assist in the selling of raffle tickets for the 2009 Honda TRX 420 FM9 ATV. This was a new undertaking for Discovery Routes, one which demanded a great deal of coordination and hundreds of volunteer hours. A great big thank you to all that assisted in this endeavour! A full report on the funds raised will be made on our website and in the next newsletter. Good luck to all that bought tickets! And, if you still want to try your luck, stop by our office before Thursday, January 21 to get your last minute ticket. Discovery Routes has teamed up with the East Ferris Knights of Columbus to raise funds to help build the Voyer Trail in Corbeil. The Knights of Columbus' goal is to raise $10,000 towards the development of the trail to match with an existing donation of $20,000. In order to meet this pledge, a steak dinner and silent auction are being planned for April 24, 2010 at the Corbeil Park Hall. The event will provide the opportunity for the Knights of Columbus and Discovery Routes to bring attention to the forthcoming development of the Voyer Trail in the Township of East Ferris. The success of the event depends on the generosity of members in our community. It's still early, but we're currently accepting products or services that can be auctioned off during the event. Tax receipts will be issued for any donations, and each donating business or organization will be recognized. Anyone interested in donating can drop off items at our office or at the Voyer Store on Highway 94 in Corbeil. We'll have more information about the event in our spring newsletter. Stay tuned! |
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Trails Across the Region |
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Improvements to the Wasi Ski Trails According to Wasi Ski Club's November 1, 2009 newsletter, a number of improvements have been made to their trails. Thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Wasi Cross-Country Ski Club spent much of the summer and fall upgrading their facilities. A 0.75 km section of the 4 km trail was widened enough to allow 2-way travel, the parking lot was expanded, troubled water spots were fixed, and other problem areas were smoothed out. Congratulations on all of your hard work! North Bay Nordic enjoying the 2010 Season
The shorter ski trails (purple, gold, and yellow) feature gently rolling hills, and a few moderate climbs, but are easily accomplished by novice and experienced skiers alike. The longer trails (brown, red, blue and green) include more challenging ups and downs and provide the opportunity for solitude, phenomenal scenery, spectacular views of High Lake and the possibility of spotting wildlife such as moose or deer. Snowshoeing is a rapidly growing winter sport, enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. You can often snowshoe when conditions are not suitable for skiing. North Bay Nordic's snowshoe trails begin on the ski trails at the Clubhouse, but soon branch off on their own, covering a variety of terrain, through hardwood forest, across beaver meadows, ridges and past a gorgeous water/ice fall. For more information about North Bay Nordic, check their website at www.northbaynordic.ca or call the Clubhouse at (705) 495-0332. See you on the trails! Winter on the La Vase
Laurier Woods Expands Laurier Woods, owned by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, has recently expanded their lands under the control and preservation by the Friends of Laurier Woods. An extra 25 acres have been added, increasing the total size of the Laurier Woods Conservation Area to over 140 acres. The new lands offer a lovely trail with a variety of wooded and rocky sections and some very inspiring lookout points on the south side of the slough. New boardwalk access is currently being planned that will allow entry from the Old Callander Road. Volunteers with the Friends have recently added a trail running along the southerly side of the lands running up to the new entrance at the Old Callander Road. This new route shows off the Pre-Cambrian rocky outlook of our region. It is especially pretty as it adds a new dimension to the original habitat, and it also ensures better protection to the wetlands. This trail is sure to add even more enjoyment of this lovely, city-centre preserve. Excellent Snowshoeing at Otter Lake Presently all 5 km of the Otter Lake trails are open for snowshoeing, and the conditions are said to be excellent. These trails are well marked, so there's no need to worry about getting lost despite the area's remote location. Winter is a beautiful season to enjoy this pristine, undeveloped area just 15 minutes from downtown North Bay. Free trail maps are available at the South Road trailhead, or check out the Otter Lake Friends website at www.venturenorth.com/otterlake to print off your own copy. Restored Education Centre Trails As many local outdoor enthusiasts know, the trails at the Education Centre have been in need of some TLC. With renewed energy, staff and students of Nipissing University have managed to put considerable time and attention into this unique trail system. The Education Centre has made some amazing improvements to their trails, and they have become a top-notch destination for cross-country skiers. The campus has recently acquired a new groomer, and has added quality training facilities including a sprint track for classic and skate techniques. Ski and snowshoe equipment is available to faculty, staff and students at no cost. Take a trip up College Drive and check out these new and improved winter trails. Saying Goodbye to Himsworth's Ski Trails After 32 long and successful years, it is with great sadness that the Himsworth South Cross-Country Ski Club announces the closure of their ski trails effective this season. Aging grooming equipment, lack of funds, and dwindling volunteer interest has contributed to this difficult decision. On behalf of all trail users in the region, Discovery Routes would like to thank the members of the Himsworth South Cross-Country Ski Club for their efforts over the past three decades. Your trails will be missed! Continuing success at the Sturgeon Falls Rod and Gun Club The ski and snowshoe season has finally arrived, and for members of the West Nipissing Nordic Ski Club, it couldn't come fast enough! Skiers and snowshoers finally have the opportunity to experience the Club's newly developed trails, and can try out the newly acquired equipment. With the help of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, an additional 3 km of snowshoe trails have been cut by dedicated volunteers, new grooming equipment has been purchased, and new snowshoes and skis have been added to the ever growing inventory. To top it off, the West Nipissing Community Health Clinic graciously donated 10 new sets of skis and 7 pairs of snowshoes to the Club's lending program. New signage has been posted, including 50 bright, visible signs on the 7.1 km of snowshoe trails. The ski routes have also been uniquely marked by painted skis to indicate which of the 5 trails users are on. The Sturgeon Falls Rod and Gun Club has become a popular winter destination for various school groups. This year, the Club will not only offer ski and snowshoe outings, but will also incorporate ball hockey games in the Club's parking lot, and sleigh rides into the beautiful forest. In addition, Family Day activities are being planned for this February. Take a trip out to Sturgeon Falls, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the West Nipissing Nordic Ski Club. |
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| Helping Us Connect | |
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Discovery Routes would like to thank all of our current Business Members for supporting our organization and the region's trails.
- FRi Ecological Services - 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 - 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 - 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. |
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1375 Seymour Street, North Bay, P1B 9V6 ~ T: (705) 472-8480 ~ F: (705) 472-8027 ~ info@discoveryroutes.ca |
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Discovery Routes is
revising and updating our existing trail map, and we are expecting the
release of the new 2010/2011 resource within the next couple of months. 
Another winter
season is here, and for all of the 650+ members of the North Bay Nordic
Ski Club, it is not a cause for moans and groans but for jumps of joy
and eagerness to get back on the trails. With 50 km of ski trails
groomed for both skate and classic skiing, 2.5 km of lighted trails for
night skiing, a large stadium, ski playground, a sprint course and over
6 km of snowshoe trails, North Bay Nordic has something for everyone.
Ski (classic and skate) and snowshoe rentals are available on site for
those who don't have their own equipment.
Traditionally canoe
season