Dan Andrews Expert Advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport OPA Ed Conference, Burlington, ON March 1, 2018
I Will Share With You Typical New User Experience Leading Towards Classification: a short history Classification Context Ontario Trillium Trails Draft Framework March 1, 2018 02/35
Ontario s Typical New User Experience March 1, 2018 03/35
200m, 3 minutes in March 1, 2018 04/35
400m, 6 minutes in March 1, 2018 05/35
600m, 9 minutes in March 1, 2018 06/35
800m, 12 minutes in March 1, 2018 07/35
1km, 15 Min. Have to turn back March 1, 2018 08/35
Leading Towards Classification: a short history March 1, 2018 09/35
Year Accessibility Connection Action 2000 TrailPAQ/TrailsCanada 2003 2005 2006 DMSG Integrated Mapping AODA Proclaimed Ontario s Best Trails 2007-08 www.ontariotrails.on.ca 2009 2010-15 American Trails Award Accessibility Ed on Trails March 1, 2018 10/35
Government Support 2005 - OTS - Facilitate internet access to information on best practices in trail user accommodations and safety Encourage communities to inventory trails and identify gaps in provision for non-traditional users Encourage outreach initiatives to target nontraditional users March 1, 2018 11/35
Convergence 2015-2018 Ontario Trails Action Plan Access and Awareness Pillar Increasing Access to Trails: Explore options for a voluntary trail branding and classification system March 1, 2018 12/35
Classification Context Ontario Trails Act, 2016 S.O. 2016, CHAPTER 8 SCHEDULE 1 Trail classification system TRAILS IN ONTARIO 6 (1) The Minister may establish a trail classification system. Compliance voluntary (2) Compliance with a trail classification system established under this section is voluntary. March 1, 2018 13/35
80,000km of Trail in Ontario March 1, 2018 14/35
Public Demand for Trails to be Classified Consistently Q: Which of the 80,000km is a good fit for my abilities, interests? March 1, 2018 15/35
System Benefits It will create an Ontario brand and support the implementation of the Ontario Trails Strategy, Trails Action Plan and the Ontario Trails Act, 2016, toward a world-class trails system It will support the Trails of Distinction Program, launched in June 2017 The Ontario Trillium Trail classification will promote consistent messaging and trail experiences Trail users and non-users will be able to assess the right trail experience for them based on the classification system, which focuses on the characteristics of the trail, and other information provided March 1, 2018 16/35
System Benefits Con t It will foster increased trail usage in Ontario including growth in trails tourism through Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) and the Destination Ontario All trails that are compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will be identified with a accessibility identifier It will help trail managers to establish a consistent system for managing, maintaining and promoting trails March 1, 2018 17/35
Parks Canada: Best in Class Model March 1, 2018 18/35
Trails: Parks Canada and Ontario = Sustainability, Experience, Access and Use March 1, 2018 19/35
Experts in the Field March 1, 2018 20/35
Expert Panel Review March 1, 2018 21/35
Highlights from Consultation Strong Support for: A classification model or overall structure and layered design including: The use of trail characteristics and their variability versus levels of difficulty as the basis for trail classification; and Individualized Trail Activity Guides per trail activity The Ontario Trillium Trails provincial brand potential symbology March 1, 2018 22/35
Project Expectations Additional feedback is required (i.e. user groups specific to activity guides) Signage decals will be applied to existing signage Communications and educational considerations will be built-in Rigor will be applied from an accessibility lens and risk management perspective March 1, 2018 23/35
Initial Discussion What symbols should be used? Use the established system, which is internationally recognized (i.e. by Parks Canada) but not consistently interpreted, and based on levels of difficulty and not trail characteristics? Will re-education work? Will others migrate to this system? Should the colour coding be maintained? Use another set of symbols (e.g. a trail related symbol with 1,2,3,4) which would be clearer from the outset but might add to the symbol clutter nationally and beyond? How well do the symbols apply to multi-use trails? March 1, 2018 24/35
Parks Canada Experience: Easy-Difficult and Unrated March 1, 2018 25/35
Ontario Trillium Trails Draft Framework The Framework includes all trails (i.e. land/water, motorized/ non-motorized and on and off-road trails) It provides 4 classes based on the typical trail characteristics ranging from Class 1, being the least variable trail route, to Class 4, being the most variable Trail classification may vary along the same route as its characteristics change from one trail segment to the next March 1, 2018 26/35
OTT Draft Framework ONTARIO TRILLIUM TRAILS (OTT) Ontario s Trails Classification System The OTT is a trails classification system based on the variability of trail characteristics ranging from Class 1, as the least variable, to Class 4, as the most variable Trail users should refer to the Trail Classification Activity Guides, where available, for more specific trail characteristics by trail activity Trail classification may vary along the same route as its characteristics change from one trail segment to the next Trail classifications indicate the typical trail characteristics under usual conditions at the time of posting All users must recognize that the trail conditions could change from day to day, or in response to weather or significant environmental events 1 2 4 TRAIL USER SUITABILITY Suitable for most users including families (e.g. no trail experience, spontaneous event) TYPCIAL TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS Trail is clearly visible and well-marked Expect minimal variability in the trail slope, elevation gain/loss, width/passage etc. Surface materials/conditions are usually consistent No natural or built obstacles on the trail TRAIL USER SUITABILITY Suitable for most users who have some basic trail experience, knowledge, skills and fitness TYPCIAL TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS Trail is clearly visible and well-marked at key access points Expect variability in the trail slope, elevation gain/loss, width/passage etc. Surface materials/conditions may be inconsistent May encounter natural and/or built obstacles on the trail TRAIL USER SUITABILITY Suitable for most users that have good trail experience, knowledge, skills and fitness TYPCIAL TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS Trail may not be clearly visible and may have limited markings beyond key access points Expect some challenging variability in the trail slope, elevation gain/loss, width/passage etc. Surface materials/conditions may be inconsistent May encounter major natural and/or built obstacles on the trail TRAIL USER SUITABILITY Suitable for most users who have extensive trail and navigation experience, knowledge, skills and fitness Rescue training recommended TYPCIAL TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS Trail may not be clearly visible and may have limited markings, if any Expect extreme and/or constant variability in the trail slope, elevation gain/loss, width/passage (including narrow passages) etc. Surface materials/conditions may be subject to extreme and/or constant change May encounter extreme natural and/or built obstacles on the trail March 1, 2018 27/35
OTT Framework Con t TYPCIAL PREPARATION REQUIRED Supplies (e.g. water and nutritional snacks) Safety equipment appropriate to the activity (e.g. helmet, floating rope, sounding device etc.) Proper apparel (e.g. foot ware) Route mapping/awareness Seasonal and weather considerations ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES Refer to Ontario Trillium Trails Activity Guides, where available, for more classification information (e.g. trail length, width etc.) by type of trail activity Ontario Trillium Trails Activity Guides also provide additional sources of trail-specific information (e.g. links to trail organization websites), as available (e.g. route maps, apps, special preparation requirements, emergency services, access to amenities, accessibility for persons with disabilities etc.) Ontario Trails Council website: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/ Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport website: http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/home.shtml ote: Pedestrian trails, that are compliant with the trail standard under the Design of Public Spaces in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), will be signed ccording to the requirements of the act. TBD Note the symbols are not confirmed. Use of the Ontario Trillium logo is under consideration. March 1, 2018 28/35
Symbology OTT Framework Con t March 1, 2018 29/35
Activity Guides Each Guide will be specific to each trail activity Descriptions will be listed that allows a potential user to come to the trail experience prepared As the trail becomes more variable in terrain, elevation, etc. and there are less services, the classification moves up a level for that activity March 1, 2018 30/35
Ex. Activity Guide - Cycling ACTIVITY(IES) INSERT ACTIVITY SYMBOL(S) HERE 1 ONTARIO TRILLIUM TRAILS (OTT) TRAIL CLASSIFICATION ACTIVITY GUIDE FOR CYCLING (On- and Off-Road) OTT is a trails classification system based on the variability of trail characteristics ranging from Class 1, as the least variable, to Class 4, as the most variable Trail classification may vary along the same route as its characteristics change from one trail segment to the next Trail classifications indicate the typical trail characteristics under usual conditions at the time of posting All users must recognize that the trail conditions could change from day to day, or in response to weather or significant environmental events Trail User Suitability Users should be able to maneuver a bike among other low-speed trail users. Users should know to keep right and to warn other trail users when overtaking. Users should have knowledge of the rules of the road and be comfortable interacting with traffic at intersections. urban areas. urban areas. Off-road and completely May be off-road or on-road but Typically on a roadway shared Typically on a roadway shared separated from motor vehicles typically separated from motor with motor vehicles. Space may with motor vehicles. Space may Typically not more than 10km vehicle traffic by physical space or may not be specifically not be specifically designated for between access points and or a barrier. designated for cyclists. cyclists. General Route Description amenities 1 Outside urban areas, the Outside urban areas, the Passing motor vehicles may be Width typically ranges from distance between access points distance between access points operating at high speed 1.8m to 4.0m 2 and/or amenities is typically less and/or amenities may range (>80km/h). Pedestrians and other nonmotorized than 25km from 25-99km. Outside urban areas, the distance 1 evaluation trail criteria users that may were also developed be by Pedestrians MTO for province-wide and other non- cycling network identification. Width of designated Distances between space for communities between under 25km access were points considered and most accessible Distances suggested here are consistent with route for a variety of users and distances over 100km were considered least accessible though these can be expected in rural and Northern contexts. on the trail, as indicated by motorized trail users may also be bikes will typically range from amenities may be greater than 2 Widths are based on guidelines for minimum and desired facility widths in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities Users should have knowledge of the rules of the road and be comfortable riding in traffic. Users should be able to perform a bike safety check. Ability to patch a flat tire and make minor repairs is essential over long distances outside of Users should have knowledge of the rules of the road and be comfortable riding in traffic. Users should be able to perform a bike safety check. Ability to patch a flat tire and make minor repairs is essential over long distances and outside of March 1, 2018 31/35
Ex. Cycling Con t Trail Surface Paved or hard packed gravel or stone dust. Usually a consistent surface. May be slippery when wet. Paved, hard packed gravel or stone dust. Usually a consistent surface. May be slippery when wet. Paved, hard packed gravel or stone dust. Surface types and quality may be inconsistent. Trail Markings Suggested Preperation Pavement markings and/or signage will show if space is designated for specific types of users. Access points will include signage showing the distance to the next destination or access point. Bicycles should have a working brake system, full tires and a bell to warn other trail users. In low light, lights and reflective material are also required on a bike. Someone with the appropriate skills should do a safety check on the bike before departure. Bicycle helmets are recommended for all cyclists and mandatory for cyclists under 18. Bring water and snacks. Dress in layers and check the weather forecast. Remember that wind and rain will feel colder when cycling. In urban areas, it may be possible to make a back-up plan to complete your trip by transit. Typically on a roadway shared with motor vehicles. Space may not be specifically designated for cyclists. Passing motor vehicles may be operating at high speed (>80km/h). Outside urban areas, the distance between access points and amenities may be greater than 100km. Width of a shared travel lane will typically range from 3.0 to 4.5m. Width of a designated space for bikes will typically range from 1.2m to 2.0m. There may be undulating terrain and steep grades (greater than 6%) that continue over long distances (>3km). There may be road crossings or bridges where cyclists need to dismount and cross as pedestrians. Paved, hard packed gravel or stone dust. Surface types and quality may be inconsistent. Pavement markings show if space is designated for cyclists. Shared use markings (sharrows) may be present in shared lanes. The trail may only be indicated with signage. Signs are typically 400m to 2km apart. Bike should be in working order and equipped as required by law. Bring sufficient water, food and a complete repair kit. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind, rain and seasonal conditions. Bicycle helmets are recommended for all cyclists and mandatory for cyclists under 18. March 1, 2018 32/35
Ex. Cycling Con t Additional Information Sources Young cyclists guide Cycling skills Guide The trail may only be indicated with signage. Signs are typically 400m to 2km apart. Young cyclists guide Cycling skills Guide Young cyclists guide Cycling skills Guide Bike should be in working order and equipped as required by law. Bring sufficient water, food and a complete repair kit. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind, rain and seasonal conditions. Bicycle helmets are recommended for all cyclists and mandatory for cyclists under 18. 1 Distances suggested here are consistent with route evaluation criteria that were developed by MTO for province-wide cycling network identification. Distances between communities under 25km were considered most accessible for a variety of users and distances over 100km were considered least accessible though these can be expected in rural and Northern contexts. 1 Widths are based on guidelines for minimum and desired facility widths in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities 1 Adventure Cycling Association s difficulty ratings for cycling tours were considered. Grades are also consistent with route evaluation criteria that were developed by MTO for province-wide cycling network identification. 4 Frequency of signage based on guidelines in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities. March 1, 2018 33/35
Next Steps Input from OPA Workshop Finalize symbology Prep how to classify for trail managers Develop supporting implementation materials March 1, 2018 34/35
Thank you! Dan Andrews Email: d.andrews@lsrca.on.ca (p) 905-895-1281 March 1, 2018 35/35