Inspiring Rural Communities is a collection of stories from rural Ontario communities. It is inspired by people who see potential in their home towns and are eager to share their experiences

Trails of Prosperity in Eastern Ontario

"We recognized that in the Greater Napanee area we could offer accessible wilderness. I'm talking about a place where people can get lost in the woods but not be lost," says Terry Shea, manager of the Land O'Lakes Tourist Association.

The idea of trail tourism or trail recreation is not a new development, but public support is growing exponentially. According to the Ontario Trails Council, "support for multi-use trails by the general public is growing like never before. Trails are on the top of the list in what people want in their recreational infrastructure." That's why the Council encourages municipalities and tourism partners to take a good look at the potential for trails in rural Ontario.

The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) was formed in 1997 to capitalize on this trend. They are developing, maintaining and promoting a huge network of year-round, shared-use trails. "We built our trail system for recreation and for tourism. We want the trails to create jobs and economic opportunities for our rural communities. We are looking to assist in new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses," says Cindy Cassidy, General Manager of the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance.

Not only does the EOTA focus on attracting visitors in the summer but it recognizes the potential of the ATV enthusiast to extend the tourism season. Steve Baldwin, founder and President of the Napanee District ATV club thinks this is a good move. For Baldwin, "it's all about being able to access parts of Ontario that nobody else could in their wildest dreams." He says the best way for ATVers to capture the beauty of the countryside is to slow down and take it all in. "If you take your time and take in the sights, you'll see every kind of wildlife, including moose and bear."

Land O'Lakes' Terry Shea says he's always being asked about trails at tourism shows and that's a big plus for his association. Lots of people come on the July first weekend to enjoy cottages and lakes and his members would like those visits to, "start sooner and last longer." The trails offer that four-season potential.

"The 700 kms of shared-use trails managed by EOTA are enjoyed by thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year," says Ontario's Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister, Leona Dombrowsky. "This trail project is tapping into a new economic opportunity for rural Ontario which can be repeated in other areas of the province."

The money for Eastern Ontario's trail efforts was raised jointly. There is community and user funding together with a grant from the Ontario government's Rural Economic Development program.

A visit to the EOTA web site (www.thetrail.ca) reveals a variety of destinations and activities visitors can do on their own or through guided tours. The spin-off benefits to the community are starting to show up in increased revenue for local accommodations, restaurants and other businesses.

Cindy Cassidy is proud of the Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance's approach to promoting shared-use trails, building businesses and creating jobs. She welcomes opportunities to discuss this model with other communities in the province. It's the kind of project that benefits all the partners in the tourism and recreational field from the local store owner to the farm vacation operator.

So when you imagine a long, winding trail surrounded by majestic trees, the chirping of birds and streaming sunlight, you know it doesn't have to be a far-away place. Thanks to trail projects like this one, Ontario's outdoors are just a short drive away.

For more information about this trail project, please contact Cindy Cassidy at info@thetrail.ca. The EOTA business plan is available online at www.thetrail.ca. For information about the Rural Economic Development program that partnered with the Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance, please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at 1-888-588-4111 or visit www.ontario.ca/rural.

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