General

 Sometimes it has looked like the 21st century could see the canoeist put on the endangered species list as we seemed to be an aging group with few new recruits in generally, and especially at the younger ages. However, there now are indicators that things are looking up. Here is some very positive news about the rediscovery of paddlesports and canoe tripping by the younger generation in this upbeat article recently featured in rapidmedia's on-line newsletter.



https://www.rapidmedia.com/canoeroots/categories/skills/8901-the-new-future-of-canoeing?utm_source=Paddling+Magazine&utm_campaign=378b13c1f7-PTW_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_66b554bdc5-378b13c1f7-84943813



(Note that you may have to disable pop-up blockers to open link.)






It's well worth a read.



Bill

Worth the watch!

With all the renewed interest in all types of paddling it is even more important that paddlers do not take the gift of paddling lightly.
Hopefully more will be inspired to be involved.
One person can make a difference.
A lot of us can do so much more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgdeEKa_akE

I thought I should maybe I should post in the Enviro or media thread but too few visit them.
We need to remember that there are those who came before that put tremendous effort for future paddlers, some known, many who are not.
And we need those in the present to paddle up to that level.

Jeff

On Feb 8th the Federal Government tabled Bill C-69 an omnibus bill that deals with the Navigable Protection Act.
Part 3 deals what concerns paddlers on their navigation rights.

I have not read it in depth yet. (just getting it out there)
There will be hearings and time for more input.
So here is some "light" reading for you for you winter hibernation.

Link to Bill
If you go to the right side of the page under the Table of contents click on "Navigation Protection Act" it will take you right there.

http://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/bill/C-69/first-reading

Jeff

My best guess is that this tape came to me from either George Luste or Toni Harting. Don't remember.
Can you recognize yourself on this tape, or anyone else? Please add your comments here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vTOt2ZmIF0VhZvTV2

Feel free to share the info.
This is for you Ontario Prov. Park and Prov. Conservation areas lovers.
Ecological Integrity in Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves: A Discussion Paper

I will be attending a MNR meeting over this discussion paper on December 4, representing the Wilderness Canoe Assoc.

As you know this study covers huge areas of Ontario, and if you have any insight to an area that you love, then you should be involved.

The comment period Comment Period is 90 days: submissions may be made between October 26, 2017 and January 24, 2018.

https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noti…

If you go to this page you will find several pertinent links under “other information” including one to a survey based on the questions of the discussion paper

Ecological Integrity in Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves: A Discussion Paper

https://apps.mnr.gov.on.ca/public/files/er/ecological-integrity-in-onta…

Be a Gord.

This posting short, sweet and to the point.

Even though this is pretty saturated with the passing of Gord Downie I have a challenge for you.

I would say I am a fan of his music, I am much more a fan of the man who gave his name and his effort to save our waters.

I have long been involved in the fight to protect our rivers.
One of the things I felt most disheartened by was the lack of passion of people to put their names on the line.
Gord DID!
Even before his diagnosis.
He was a board member of Lake Ontario Water Keeper.
For those of us involved to protect our watersheds, it was something that we do not see.

If you are passionate about your rivers and lakes this is the challenge I have for you.

Be a Gord

Put your name and voice on the line!

Comment period is now on for -

DRAFT 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy

If you love the thought or currently or in the past used the train to get to Ontario's remote crown lands then this should concern you.
We really need some wide input from the outdoors community, especially in maintaining rail access to these areas.
For those following what is happening in Churchill Man. you understand the value of the passenger train service.
We need some southern Ont. people to speak up and help out!

For those that have seen the continued loss of easy access to Southern Ont. Crown lands and access points this is important so we can maintain access to Northern crown lands.

You can click on the top bar - How Can I Get Involved?
It will take you to a page on how to easily do it.

https://nomts.ca/draft-northern-ontario-multimodal-transportation-strat…

Just in here is the update!

Please share with all!

We have an opportunity here paddlers, please try and convince those with power of pen to be involved.
We waited a long time for a 2nd chance and we have seen the results of "not wanting to be political"
And I am talking about how we got to this point in the NPA.

This involves all paddle sport participants, so if you float, this is about your rights!

If you are unsure how you should approach this then just be specific that you want to see are access rights ensured under any updates.

Keep it short and to the point, (you want to be heard)

Or contact your local clubs and Provincial and National groups to make sure they are involved.
We need an across Canada representation here so it is not just a few "older" paddlers sitting away at their lap tops typing madly away (but we will anyway :) )

Let's get out of the water for a few moments, so we may all enjoy the ability to keep getting on the water easily!

Links are below the quoted letter.

Jeff

[quote]Good afternoon,

This message is to notify you that Transport Canada has released four (4) supplementary papers on proposed changes to the Navigation Protection Act that can be accessed on the Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes Canada website.

The supplementary papers focus on the following issues:
1. Context for the Navigation Protection Act Review
2. Restoring Lost Protections
3. Partnering with Indigenous Peoples
4. Open, Accessible, and Transparent Processes

Transport Canada is continuing to seek views over the summer on these supplementary papers, which support the Government of Canada’s Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes discussion paper, launched on June 29, 2017. The opportunity to comment on this whole of government review is open until August 28, 2017.

Please contact Transport Canada at NPPHQ-PPNAC@tc.gc.ca if you have questions or would like to discuss any of the proposals related to the Navigation Protection Act contained in these supplementary papers or in the government’s discussion paper.

We thank you for your ongoing interest and involvement in these reviews.[/quote]

Links

Review of Environmental and Regulatory Processes Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/…

Context for the Navigation Protection Act Review
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/…

Restoring Lost Protections
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/…

Partnering with Indigenous Peoples
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/…

Open, Accessible, and Transparent Processes
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/assessments/…

If you want to help The Couchiching Conservancy purchase one of the missing puzzle pieces IN QEIIPP,
Here is your chance!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Nature-Reserve-in-the-works.html…

Here is more on the story
http://www.couchichingconserv.ca/ganaraska-trail-joins-the-effort-to-pr…

Jeff

PS Make sure you tell them you are a paddler!