Enjoy Ontario’s Trails

June 10, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Sylvia Jones, MPP

Dufferin-Caledon

There are many great local activities to keep you active and in the riding during the summer. One of my favourite activities is hiking and cycling some of our many trail networks.

Ontario is home to many trails, parks and conservation areas and right here in Dufferin-Caledon we are fortunate to be home to some of the best Ontario has to offer.

Whether it is the Dufferin and Caledon sections of the Bruce Trail, the Trans Canada Trail that runs through Caledon, Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Island Lake Conservation Area, or Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, there are many ways to explore the beautiful landscape Dufferin-Caledon and Ontario has to offer.

Last week in the Legislature, Bill 100 the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2016 passed. I supported the intent of Bill 100 to promote trail preservation and encourage awareness and use of Ontario’s trails.

In addition, Bill 100 includes a section that incorporates my private member’s bill, Bill 36, the Respecting Private Property Act, by removing the $1,000 limit on compensation for damages to a person’s property.

It is important that property owners remain protected, including those who willingly allow clubs to use their lands as part of a trails network.

Bill 100 will ensure that any easement is voluntary. In addition, any easement agreed to would contain covenants that specifically state what can and can’t happen on the property.

Those covenants remain even if the easement is transferred from one eligible body to another. Lastly, easements can also contain covenants regarding future transfers to provide full transparency in the process for property owners and ensure there are no surprises down the road.

I believe Bill 100 will ensure the rights of property owners remain protected while promoting our province’s great trail networks.

It is important to ensure our province’s trail system remain viable for individuals and families to enjoy, but this must be balanced with protecting the rights of property owners.

The summer is a perfect time to explore Ontario’s natural beauty.

I hope you are able to discover some of Dufferin-Caledon’s parks, conservation areas and trails with family and friends over the coming months.