Welcome to
The Trail Research Hub Digest |
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Partnership Announcement: Ontario Trails Council and Canadian Trails Federation Research Update: Trails and Social Enterprise Project A Look Inside: Being a Research Assistant with the Hub
Research Update: Grand Watershed Trail-Based Recreation and Tourism Project Trail Research Hub Partners to co-deliver National Roundtable on Risk Management Research Update: Thunder Bay Region Mountain Bike User Survey
Trail Research Hub Blog: Sharing Insights Between Newsletters |
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PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Hub enters into partnerships agreements with the Ontario Trails Council and the Canadian Trails Federation |
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The saying “many hands make light work” is partnerships in a nutshell. Strategic partnerships are critical to the success of almost every project an organization undertakes. It is, however, important to reinforce “strategic”, as partnerships for the sake of simply having a partnership may lead to more challenges in the long run. In this sense, the Trail Research Hub is no different than other organizations; in order for the Hub to do its work, it needs to form strategic partnerships. This is because the Hub undertakes research and educational and outreach initiatives to support sustainable trail development, construction and maintenance across Canada, while seeking to establish best practice guidelines for trails governance and management, making partnerships pivotal to achieving its vision to be the central hub for trail research, information, and leadership in Canada. The Hub has been fostering relationships with a number of like-minded organizations since its inception in September 2020, and we are pleased to announce the formation of two new and significant partnerships with: The Ontario Trails Council (OTC) and the Canadian Trails Federation (CTF). Both of these organizations will be able to facilitate relationships for the Hub with trail organizations across the country, increasing the Hub's reach and capacity to be of service to the Canadian trails community. These, however, are not one-way partnerships. Some of the benefits for the CTF and OTC include: - Increased opportunities to connect to existing and new members through the Hub's social media, newsletters, and blog;
- Maximizing the potential of trail research in Canada through access to the Hub's researchers and University partners;
- Offsetting the burden of board volunteers by having access to students from both the University of Waterloo and Lakehead University thus helping to cultivate the next generation of trail stewards while freeing up Board members for critical tasks; and
- Access to large scale academic research projects, statistical and qualitative data analysis support, and University-community partnership grants and funding schemes.
With these partnerships established, Memorandum’s of Understanding will be developed in the coming months that will outline potential partnerships with both organizations and collaborative opportunities related to research, education, and outreach of mutual benefit to all parties and in service to the wider Ontario and Canadian trail communities. |
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“The Canadian Trails Federation is excited to enter into this partnership with The Trail Research Hub. We feel that there is a need for more Canadian-based trail research and through this partnership, the CTF can help connect The Hub with our member organizations across the country, therefore ensuring that there is broad representation of trail users, organizations and trail management issues.” Jamie Warren
Vice President - Canadian Trail Federation General Manager, Newfoundland T’Railway |
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The OTC, and its member organizations, have already seen several benefits from their relationship with The Hub. Over the 2020 Winter Semester, students from the University of Waterloo’s Introduction to Tourism and Advanced Seminar in Tourism Courses undertook a series of community-based research projects for Ontario Trails' member organizations. These projects provided valuable insights and tools for OTC members with the outputs serving as best practices exemplars for organizations across the province and the country. During the 2022 Winter Semester, the OTC will also have access to a .25 Marketing and Communications Intern to support the work of their Marketing and Communications Committee, while the remainder of the student’s time will be spent working as a Research Assistant on the ongoing Trails and Social Enterprise project (please see our project update in this edition of the Hub Newsletter). Collaboratively, all three organizations will also partner to co-deliver a National Roundtable on Risk Management in Trails in February 2022 (please see details in this edition of the Hub Newsletter). As The Hub expands its research efforts there will be a need for more partnerships to facilitate the important work we hope to undertake. Should your organization be interested in exploring a partnership opportunity with the Hub please feel free to reach out. You are encouraged to take a look at the projects that The Hub is currently working on and identify how your organization could align with these ongoing projects, or how your project needs compliment or parallel existing Hub affiliated researchers' and community liaisons' skills and professional foci. |
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RESEARCH UPDATE Trails and Social Enterprise Project |
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Since the publication of our last bi-annual newsletter, the Trail Research Hub has continued to make new connections and develop partnerships within the Canadian trails community while continuing work on community projects with the Ontario Trails Council, the Grand Watershed Trails Network, and the Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club (see updates below). As dedicated trail researchers and practitioners from academia, industry and community, we each bring decades of expertise to the Hub while being committed to our guiding principles of Share, Foster and Create. When we started The Trail Research Hub, we wanted to contribute to the professionalization of the Canadian trails community by providing opportunities for collaborative research, creating a network to share ideas and information as well as providing a forum for trail leadership. We have released a number of Blog Posts on trail topics which have been well received and are planning a series of White Papers to continue to help connect various levels of Government to the issues and experiences of the trail community. Current Status: Phases One and Two Complete One of our main research focuses is the Trails and Social Enterprise Project. In October 2021, we completed our Phase One Literature Review. We have also recently completed the second phase (of seven) with the submission of our Ethics Application and finalisation of our research methods, so we can begin collecting data in the new year. To complete this work, we have secured our next round of funding through the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and have partnered with the Ontario Trails Council to hire our next Co-op Research Student through the University of Waterloo’s Co-operative Education program. Next Steps: Phase Three and Forward We are currently waiting for our Ethics Approval so the third phase can begin - a series of Data Collection focus groups with trail organizations in Ontario and the Maritimes. One of the aspects we are researching is trail organizations' capacities to respond to critical stressors like the COVID-19 Pandemic. As researchers, we have also had to adapt our research protocols to ensure focus group participant safety, and will be conducting our interviews virtually until the University permits resumption of in-person research. The results of this study will inform the development of a governance model for trail organizations, based on the principles of collective impact and social enterprise, while fostering meaningful opportunities for engagement with local, regional and national stakeholders and indigenous communities in planning for sustainable trail development, maintenance, and management. Our goal through this research is to improve the resiliency, adaptability, and capacity of, and good governance among, stakeholder trail organizations within the Canadian trails industry and associated sectors while contributing to the long-term viability of the trails industry in Canada. The next few months will be busy for the project, as we reach the half way mark and navigate the implications of the ongoing pandemic for data collection. As the Trails and Social Enterprise project was the spark that led to the creation of the Trail Research Hub, we are excited to see what themes emerge from the community forum data collection and if the model produced validates the use of collective impact and social enterprise approaches to address issues that we know are barriers to trail development in Canada. Stay tuned as we reach out and report back and watch for an update from our Trails and Social Enterprise Research Assistant in the next Hub Newsletter. Funding Acknowledgements
The Trails and Social Enterprise Research Project has been generously supported by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), a Hallman Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Health, and the Ontario Trails Council.
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AN INSIDE LOOK
Being a Research Assistant with the Hub |
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My name is Sara Dominika Skabowski and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Waterloo, studying Urban Planning with a specialization in environmental management and planning. I was recently awarded the Jack and Jean Nicol Award, from the University of Waterloo, which acknowledges my demonstrated interest in, and pursuit of, parks planning and management and wildlife conservation, in both my academic studies and professional work experience. I am currently working as a Research Assistant for the Grand Watershed Trail-Based Recreation and Tourism Project, one of several ongoing projects being undertaken by the Trail Research Hub and researchers in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. Funding for this position was provided partially by a grant received by the Grand River Trails Network from the joint Project Learning Tree and Trans Canada Trail - National Trail Youth Employment Program.
In this role, I have been working closely with Kelsey Johansen, a Lecturer from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, and Chair of the Trail Research Hub, as well as Dr. Karla Boluk, an Associate Professor from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo and Anne Crowe, President of the Grand Watershed Trails Network. The purpose of this study is to gauge regional businesses awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and Ontario by Bike – Bike Friendly Business criteria, and the importance they place on trail-based recreation and tourism, including but not limited to cycling, hiking, and paddling. |
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As a Research Assistant, my responsibilities include supporting data collection and analysis, knowledge dissemination, and stakeholder consultation. More specifically, preparatory tasks include informative consultation with businesses, while collating and analyzing survey results. As the GWTN project advances, I will be supporting the qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis of the Project’s survey results. In turn, I will also be assisting in knowledge dissemination through preliminary report writing and stakeholder presentations. Throughout the project, I will be collaborating with several other researchers, both within the University of Waterloo as well as external organizations, including other key stakeholders. Infographic development will help to translate knowledge to a diverse audience of community-based stakeholders, local businesses, government officials, trail development practitioners, and academics. |
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Through this research project, I am learning about research-based practices, includingcommunity-engaged research, ethics applications, recruitment, and data collection and analysis, and continuing to improving my technical and soft skills. I will gain a wide array of valuable skills that are applicable to my personal academic and career goals. More specifically, I plan to pursue a career in land development and parks planning and management, with a specific focus in tourism and recreation. I aspire to work for Parks Canada, or a similar provincial organization. As a passionate and avid outdoorsperson, I am grateful for this opportunity to learn, grow, and advance in my studies and professional career in order to reach my aspirations. I appreciate and am thankful to the Trail Research Hub team, and the University of Waterloo, for providing me with this opportunity and for supporting me in my Research Assistant role. |
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RESEARCH UPDATE Grand Watershed Trail-Based Recreation
and Tourism Project |
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The Grand Watershed Trail Network Research Project is a joint collaboration between the researchers affiliated with the Trail Research Hub and the University of Waterloo's Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, as well as community partners, including the Grand Watershed Trail Network, Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO 1, RTO 3, and RTO 4), and Six Nations Tourism. Researchers: Kelsey Johansen (University of Waterloo / Trail Research Hub) Dr. Karla Boluk (University of Waterloo)
Community Partners: Anne Crowe (GWTN), President of the Grand Watershed Trails Network.
Industry Liaisons: Joanne Wolnik (RTO 1 - Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation), Maria Fortunat (RTO 3 - Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association), Andrea Gardi and Tristan Vogel (RTO 4), and Spring Sault (Six Nations Tourism). The purpose of this study is to gauge regional businesses awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and Ontario By Bike™ – Bike Friendly Business criteria, and the importance they place on trail-based recreation and tourism, including but not limited to cycling, hiking, and paddling.
The results of this study will inform the development, marketing, promotion and planning of the Grand Watershed Trails Network, while fostering meaningful opportunities for engagement with local stakeholders and indigenous communities in planning for, and benefiting from, the economic growth resulting from increasing visitation levels associated with the Grand River Watershed's trail-based recreation and tourism offerings. Benefits associated with this study include the development of a meaningful collective marketing effort for trail-based recreation and tourism for the entire watershed, development of retail, service and amenity partnerships, and capacity building to drive regional economic development related to trails.
The objectives of this study include: - Determining the current level of knowledge/awareness of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and the Ontario by Bike - Bike Friendly Business criteria, among regional businesses/attractions;
- Gauging the importance of trail-based recreation and tourism (e.g., hiking, cycling, paddling and other activities) to businesses in the Grand River Watershed; and,
- Ascertaining whether businesses in the Grand River Watershed see value in a collective marketing effort for trail-based recreation and tourism for the entire watershed.
The project therefore supports the continued development of the Grand Watershed Trails Network and implementation of the Ontario Bike By Bike, Bike-Friendly Business project at a regional level. |
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The Grand Watershed Trails Network
The goal of the Grand Watershed Trails Network is to create a network of connected trails throughout the Grand River watershed, featuring the river itself as a signature trail. The network will include existing and new, land and water trails to form a unique recreational experience, highlighting natural, cultural and historical heritage in the area. The trail network will connect communities, places of interest, and activities, and will also connect to other major regional trails, such as the Waterfront Trail, the Greenbelt Trail, and the Bruce Trail. You can learn more about the Grand Watershed Trails Network by visiting https://grandrivertrails.ca/ or by following them on Facebook or Instagram. |
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Ontario By Bike™: Bike Friendly Businesses The Ontario By Bike™ Network is a project of Transportation Options, (T.O.), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable transportation and tourism ideas and innovations by providing organizational structure and support to projects and innovations that are healthy, integrated, convenient, economically beneficial, and environmentally sound. The organizations' vision is to build vibrant communities through sustainable transportation and tourism programs and innovations. For cyclists, the Ontario By Bike™ Network offers a variety of information on cycling in Ontario, inspiring visitors and residents to explore more by bike. Find great places to cycle, links to useful cycling maps and plan your day trip or multi day cycling itineraries with stops at certified bicycle friendly businesses enroute. View our on-line map with the location of and links to accommodations, restaurants, cafes, wineries, attractions, bike stores, tours and rental locations that all offer cyclists extra services and amenities, creating a positive experience and fuelling your desire to get back on the saddle to explore more of Ontario by bike.
For tourism industry partners, the Ontario By Bike™ works to develop and promote cycle tourism in Ontario. The established business network is a program certifying and promoting bicycle friendly businesses and cycle tourism in a growing number of regions across Ontario. The Network is open to accommodations, food services, attractions, cycling related businesses and organizations interested in cycle tourism. The Ontario By Bike™ Network is launched in each region with an informative workshop, after which local businesses may register on-line, at no charge, to participate and ultimately reach the growing number of cycle tourists in Ontario. There are currently over 1,500 businesses certified as bicycle friendly, in regions spanning Ontario. You can learn more about Ontario By Bike™ by visiting: www.ontariobybike.ca/ |
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Next Steps: Phase Two and Forward
The researchers plan to host a community workshop following the data analysis. We envision this project to include several phases of research (based on participant/community interest). We plan to present the key findings of the survey in a community workshop and to engage in dialogue with local and indigenous communities, including Six Nations, about the findings. Moving on from here, we plan to use the findings to build a second and third phase of research. Phase Two will involve a student-led, researcher supported, project during the Winter 2022 semester in which students from the University of Waterloo's Department of Recreation and Leisure studies undertake a project explore the user experience of the Grand Watershed Trails Network (read more in our next story in this edition of the Hub newsletter). Phase Three would further engage indigenous and non-indigenous stakeholders in community workshops aimed at increasing local entrepreneurial capacity related to trail-based recreation and tourism. |
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Additional funding for this position is provided partially by a grant received by the Grand River Trails Network from the joint Project Learning Tree and Trans Canada Trail - National Trail Youth Employment Program. Trans Canada Trail offers a 50% wage subsidy to eligible groups who are looking to hire a young employee (aged 15 to 30). The subsidy is intended to support jobs that are contributing to the development and improvement of the Trans Canada Trail. More details about this funding can be found here: https://pltcanada.org/en/green-jobs/funding-for-employers/ and here: https://pltcanada.org/en/trans-canada-trail-employer-portal/. |
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SAVE THE DATE Trail Research Hub Partners to co-deliver National Roundtable on Risk Management |
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RESEARCH UPDATE
Thunder Bay Region Mountain Bike User Survey |
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Kelsey Johansen and Harvey Lemelin |
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The purpose of this multi-phase study is to generate a profile and accompanying market segmentation of trail users in the Thunder Bay Region, including ridership and experience levels and the local mountain biking experience based on local and non-local rider profiles, as well as the socio-economic benefits of mountain biking in the Thunder Bay Region. Results of this study will inform the development of partnership agreements, trail development planning, and marketing and promotion of the Blacksheep Mountain Biking Trails network at a local level. Current Status: Phase One Complete Phase One of the study commenced in July 2021, and involved an extensive survey of local mountain bikers and fat bikers from the Region of Thunder Bay. While the survey was anonymous, respondents were given the opportunity to enter into a draw for one of three $25 gift certificates to local bike shops, provided by the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, who also assisted with data collection via their website, member newsletter, and social media. |
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Results of the survey were used to generate a profile and accompanying market segmentation of local trail users in the Thunder Bay Region, including ridership and experience levels and the local mountain biking experience, as well as the local socio-economic benefits of mountain biking in the Thunder Bay Region. Results of Phase One will be available in early 2022, after the report is ratified by the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club at their Annual General Meeting. In preparation for the release of the forthcoming Phase 1 Research Report on The Status of Mountain Biking in Thunder Bay: Local Ridership Profile - Riding and Spending Patterns a site visit to the new Trowbridge Falls and Kinsmen Park Mountain Bike Skills Park was undertaken in October 2021. This site visit provided an opportunity to get boots on the ground, discuss the site development, signage and risk management with representatives from the Club, and to see progress on the build. You can read more about that in our recent Blog Post.
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| | Trowbridge Forest and Kinsmen Park Trailhead Map
© Kelsey Johansen |
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| | New Skills Park Features being Built at Kinsmen Park
© Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club |
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| | Local Skills Park Riders at the October 2021 Grand Opening © Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club |
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Next Steps: Phase Two and Forward For the next year, the project aims to undertake a second round of data collection, focused on non-local riders / mountain biking and fatbiking tourists, particularly from underrepresented and equity deserving groups (e.g., women, LGBTQS2S+ and BIPOC cyclists) whose insights into trail design and tourism product development will increase the accessibility and useability of the mountain biking system in Thunder Bay while promoting the development of inclusive cycling events in the Region. As such, Phase Two of the study (intended to commence in Summer 2022) will focus on non-local riders, including generation of a non-local ridership profile and market segmentation, as well as assessing local accommodation, spending, and additional experiences had by non-local riders visiting the region.
Collecting data about regional businesses amenities and service offerings and comparing existing trail and tourism assets to target market amenities and service provision needs will ensure the development of a viable cycle tourism and recreational mountain biking / fatbiking product. Therefore, Phase Three of the study will explore the market readiness of local bike shops, amenities, and hospitality and tourism service providers for cycle tourism in the Thunder Bay Region. As such, it will include a survey and series of focus groups to gauge regional businesses awareness of cycle tourism (mountain biking and winter fatbiking) in the region, and the Ontario by Bike – Bike Friendly Business criteria, and the importance they place on trail-based recreation and tourism. This will lead to the development of a Visitor’s Guide to Bike-Friendly Businesses, and a 5-year marketing and promotion plan for cycle tourism in consultation with regional stakeholders.
The intended outcomes of the project are the development of cycle tourism opportunities in the City of Thunder Bay, including mountain biking and (winter) fatbiking. This multi-phase project entails establishing a non-local rider and trail user survey to establish existing tourist demand, tourists’ and recreationists’ amenities and service provision needs, and a series of site visits to assess local offerings. Additional outcomes associated with the project include:
- A market readiness assessment survey of local businesses and amenity and service providers based on the Ontario-By-Bike - Bike Friendly Businesses criteria;
- A series of focus groups with regional businesses / attractions to gauge the importance of cycling-based recreation and tourism (e.g., mountain biking, fatbiking and cycling events) to businesses in the City of Thunder Bay;
- A collective marketing effort for cycling-based recreation and cycle tourism for the City, including a Visitor’s Guide to Bike-Friendly Businesses (e.g., those supporting mountain biking and winter fatbiking); and,
- An associated 5-year marketing plan.
Currently, funding applications have been submitted to secure funds to support the second phase of data collection, including the hiring of Summer 2022 Undergraduate Research Assistants from Lakehead University’s School of Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism who would support in-situ data collection at trailheads in Thunder Bay using survey collection techniques enabled by tablets with mobile data plans. Additional funds are being sought to hire a Fall 2022 Undergraduate Co-Op student from the University of Waterloo’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies to assist with survey design and analysis, report writing, and visitor guide development.
You can learn more about this project, including accessing forthcoming research reports, by visiting the research project website: https://www.trailresearchhub.com/blacksheep-mountain-bike-club-project. |
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TRAIL RESEARCH HUB BLOG
Sharing Insights between Newsletters |
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As Kirsten Spence mentioned above, we recently released a number of Blog Posts on trail topics of benefit to the trails community, including a piece on Transformative Placemaking, Regenerative Tourism, and Trails, and one about why All Trails Should Have a 'Shovel-Ready' Project. We are also planning a series of White Papers to help connect various levels of Government to the issues the Trail Community faces and to share our in-progress research findings. To help us have the widest impact, and generate the greatest benefit, we're looking for your insights into topics of interest to members of the Canada Trail Community. If there is a Blog topic you would like us to cover, please click on the link below to submit your suggestion. |
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