Province to Introduce Legislation to Improve Trails Network

Ontario will introduce new legislation today to protect and improve thousands of kilometres of the province’s urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails network while encouraging its expansion.

If passed, the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act would:

  • Provide the trails community with enhanced tools to effectively develop, operate and promote trails
  • Remove barriers to help connect and expand trails across the province
  • Increase trail awareness and promote local tourism by enabling the recognition of trails of distinction, supporting communities and jobs across Ontario
  • Enable the development of a classification system to help users find trails that match their interest and ability

The proposed act would also improve, sustain and encourage the expansion of trails by addressing liability, trespassing and crown land issues.

Expanding and improving Ontario trails is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUICK FACTS

  • The proposed legislation is based on feedback received from an environmental registry posting, engagement with Aboriginal groups and five regional sessions across the province.
  • Since 2009, Ontario has invested more than $80 million in trails.
  • The province has approximately 2,500 trails and more than 80,000 kilometres of trail; the second-largest network in Canada.
  • Almost 20,000 kilometres of trails are located within municipalities.
  • Thousands of kilometres of trails and roads are on provincial Crown land that are open for the public to use free of charge.
  • Ontario Parks protects and manages approximately 2,200 kilometres of trails and boardwalks.
  • As a key legacy of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, Ontario will complete 250 kilometres of gaps in Ontario’s Trans Canada Trail and connect communities from Ottawa to Windsor and Fort Erie to Huntsville.

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