JOINT NEWS RELEASE

St. Lawrence Parks Commission Front of Yonge Township Township of Leeds and the

Consultation Key to Thousand Islands Regional Trails Committee Development St. Lawrence Parks Commission Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Trails Council to Establish Committee to Represent Regional Trail Interests May 17, 2021 10:00 A.M.

Morrisburg, Ontario — St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) and the Ontario Trails Council (OTC) are preparing to launch a public consultation process to work together with as many local stakeholders and partners as possible, towards the creation of a Regional Trails Committee (RTC). The RTC will represent regional trail interests to ensure that the (TIP) Multi-Use Recreational Trail continues to be enjoyed safely and is accessible to all users. Front of Yonge Township and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands have already committed to playing a partnership role.

Working under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SLPC and OTC, OTC will help guide the public consultation process designed to identify and create workplans to resolve local use issues, including winter use concerns that were raised this past winter. The RTC will also work to ensure safe and responsible public use of the TIP at all times, and to strike a balance between serving the local residents and attracting visitors.

The agreement with OTC covers the development phase of the committee, which includes three public meetings and three committee governance meetings. At the end of the consultation process in September 2021, the RTC will be established as an independent body to help guide decision-making and shape the TIP for the future.

Public meetings are open to all. SLPC, Front of Yonge Township and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands will be reaching out directly to many residents and stakeholders to encourage them to get involved.

How to Participate

The first public meeting is scheduled to take place on the following dates in a virtual format:

June 2, 2021 from 6-9 pm EST June 3, 2021 from 1:30-4:30 pm EST

More details on the meetings to follow. Updates will be posted on https://www.parks.on.ca/about/projects/regional-trails-committee/

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario

Quotes

“Creating a Regional Trail Committee for the Thousand Islands Parkway multi-use trail will formalize and strengthen the relationship between municipal, regional and provincial partners. St. Lawrence Parks Commission looks forward to this long-term commitment and working relationship with Front of Yonge Township and Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands to gain a better understanding of local issues and solutions that work for residents, frequent trail users and visitors alike. We are grateful to the Ontario Trails Committee for providing their experience and expertise to help us navigate this important process.” - Hon. Bob Runciman, Chair, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

“The Ontario Trails Council is pleased to be working with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to bring this public consultation on the development of a regional trails committee to the area. In over 50 Ontario communities, land management groups work with non-profit and other community groups through a trails committee. Through the work of trail committees, trails are better signed, safer to use and more accessible to the public. The development of the committee is going to involve 6 public-facing meetings, which in the OTC experience allows for a full and robust consultation. This is expected to lead to the joint enactment of processes allowing both the SLPC and the community to achieve the operation of some of the best trails in Ontario! We encourage members of the community to register through Eventbrite for the first meetings on June 2 and 3rd 2021.”

- Patrick Connor, CEO, Ontario Trail Council

“Front of Yonge Township is looking forward to the Regional Trails Committee partnership, and encourages all users to support the RTC and the regional trail system.”

- Mayor Roger Haley, The Front of Yonge Township

“The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is extremely excited by the proposed RTC partnership and how it will shape the use of our beloved regional trails. We encourage users, neighbours and visitors alike to look into supporting the RTC and the maintenance of the regional trail system. Everyone has a part to play in ensuring our trails are available for all to enjoy now and in the future.”

- Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario

Quick Facts

The TIP is home to a multi-use recreational trail with paved and un-paved lanes, that is used year-round between Brockville and Gananoque in Ontario. In the summer months, the TIP is used for a variety of recreational activities and is a popular destination for avid cyclists. Currently, the multi-use recreational trail is not maintained during the winter and the trail is only to be used by pedestrians, skiers and those who snowshoe when conditions allow and it is safe to do so. Motorized vehicles including vehicular traffic and snow machines are not permitted on the paved recreational trail. Snowmobiles are permitted on the TIP north lane, the land north of the recreational trail. Additional Resources

The Start of a Trail Alliance for the Thousand Islands Parkway Recreational Trail

About St. Lawrence Parks Commission

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Skywood Eco Adventure, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 14 campgrounds and beach day- use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkway.

To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.

About The Ontario Trail Council

The Ontario Trails Council is a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails and trail-based activity in Ontario.

Ontario Trails Council brings the right people together to provide reliable information that advances the management and operation of recreational trails, while providing public access to the largest multi-use trail inventory in Canada.

To learn more, visit www.ontariotrails.ca.

About Front of Yonge Township

Located in beautiful Eastern Ontario along the St. Lawrence River, Front of Yonge Township was incorporated as a separate municipality in 1905. As a member municipality of the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, it has a rich history dating back centuries. Part of the world famous 1000 Islands with 46 islands within its borders, the area is home to natural waterfronts and multiple recreational trails, providing striking scenery.

To learn more, visit www.mallorytown.ca.

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario

About The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (TLTI) was incorporated in 2001 by the amalgamation of the Township of Escott, Township of Front of Leeds and Lansdowne, and the Township of the Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne. The Mayor, Council, staff and volunteers work collaboratively to ensure that quality services are provided to residents, businesses and visitors. TLTI provides services including; treasury and administration, recreation and leisure programming, planning and development supports; waste management and public works. It is the mission of the Township to continue to be a friendly, historic community surrounded by natural beauty, where the economy, nature, and people flourish. This is achieved by planning for the built environment, delivery of quality programming to enhance the quality of life, and provision of infrastructure including roads, bridges, parks, facilities and more.

To learn more, visit www.leeds1000islands.ca.

Media Contacts

Rosalyn Gambhir Heather Kearney A/Communications & Media Manager, Customer Service & Relations Officer Corporate Communications St. Lawrence Parks Commission St. Lawrence Parks Commission [email protected] [email protected]

Stay Connected

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

Facebook: @stlawrenceparks Twitter: @stlawrenceparks

Ontario Trails

Facebook: @OntarioTrails Twitter: @ontrails

The Front of Yonge Township

Facebook: The Corporation of the Township of Front of Yonge Twitter: @frontyonge

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

Facebook: @Twp.Leeds1000Islands Twitter: @leeds1000island

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario