This GIS Hub is provided by Esri Canada to share information about the coronavirus pandemic. Information sources include the Community Map of Canada, the Living Atlas, Environics Analytics and others.
https://resources-covid19canada.hub.arcgis.com/
– A fantastic graphic presentation

Public_COVID-19_Canada Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D6okqtBS3S2NRC7GFVHzaZ67DuTw7LX49-fqSLwJyeo/htmlview?sle=true#gid=942958991

COVID-19 in Canada Dashboard
https://art-bd.shinyapps.io/covid19canada/

Genomic epidemiology of novel coronavirus (hCoV-19)
https://nextstrain.org/ncov

The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 170 countries and territories
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

The Executive Committee of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. discussed the COVID-19 situation and decided that in light of the changing direction of the Public Health authorities regarding how people should proceed in protecting the public health, and given the difficulties in maintaining social distance in a large group setting (as evidenced on some hikes this past weekend), we very much regret to have to request that all GHTA clubs and hike leaders cancel any group hikes until further notice.

The Ganaraska Hiking Trail itself, as well as some conservation areas, forests, and other outdoor spaces remain open to anyone who wishes to go for a walk or a hike.

So, enjoy the out of doors… just not in a group setting!

Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.
705-245-1005

Hi all,
In light of the advice of our health authorities, we have considered the ramifications COVID-19 may have on our planned activities, and have therefore decided to cancel any upcoming indoor meetings, such as the March 21 First Aid Course in Midland (tentatively rescheduled to June 6) and the March 26 information evening in Creemore. Our Annual General Meeting is still scheduled for April 18, but we will be monitoring the situation, and may either cancel, or arrange for a meeting by conference call.

With regard to planned hikes, we are comfortable that these can continue, provided proper social distancing (keeping 6 feet away from each other) and other precautions as recommended by the health authorities are being followed. As such, it is suggested that car pooling be eliminated; rather participants should drive directly to the start of the hike, if there is enough parking. With snow banks receding, it may very well be an option to park on the shoulder of the road or in a parking lot that was not plowed during the winter months. When doing a linear End to End, car shuttles between start and end of the hike may be more problematic, so “back and forth” hikes may be more advisable. Obviously, people who are feeling unwell, and/or have been exposed to someone who is sick with a respiratory illness (be it confirmed Covid-19 or not) should not participate. This is our response based on the conditions of today. We will advise if things change in the future, and hopefully we can sooner or later get back to our regular way of doing things, carpooling in particular.

In conclusion, hiking is fortunately an activity where we can easily apply social distances, so we encourage our members to get out there, get your exercise and vitamin D fixes, inhale lots of fresh air, and enjoy all of the beauty our forests and other green spaces have to offer. It’s good for our mental health to switch off from social media, and the news, so, HIKE ON!

Happy hiking!

Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.
705-245-1005

Unfortunately, the northern end of the Oro Medonte Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail remains closed and has been rerouted to Line 5, until further notice.

The middle part of the section between Peter St. and Vasey Road (County Road 23) is very swampy and was impassable after the long wet spring last year. It remains closed until trail maintenance can be undertaken in this section.

Hikers who may be attempting to hike in this area should continue along the road – that is Line 5 until they reach Vasey Road.

Christine Cornu Ph 705-733-3825

A quick note to all and any hikers who are interested in hiking the Mad River section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, at this time, the trail is closed until further notice.
The trail has not been maintained since 2015 but the plan is to have it re-opened very soon, following the scheduling of work parties.  Anyone interested in helping with this venture, please contact Sharon at striegl01@hotmail.com.

Frieda Baldwin
705-245-1005

The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. is pleased to make the following 2 announcements, which will be ratified at our Annual General Meeting on April 18, 2020:
Claudia Jaspert, member of the Midland club, has agreed to take on the role of Publicity Director for the Ganaraska Hiking Trail with a focus on getting our brochures out to places were they can be seen (such as outfitters, libraries, etc.) She will also try to find opportunities to have the Ganaraska display set up, such as at the Toronto Outdoor Show on Feb 22-24 (where we will have a shared table with Simcoe County Tourism) and other venues. Because of her location, her focus will mostly be on opportunities in Simcoe County. Claudia is an avid hiker, biker, paddler and skier, and has some previous experience with trade booths at trade fairs. If you have any suggestions for Claudia, you can reach her at cjaspert@gmail.com Note: I will continue to post Ganaraska Hiking Trail related information on the association’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/GanaraskaHikingTrailAssociation/?modal=admin_todo_tour



Sharon Striegl, also a member of the Midland club, but who also hikes, bikes and paddles with other Ganaraska clubs, has agreed to take on the role of Mad River Club President.  Earlier this year, we had announced that Laura and John Giffin of Glen Huron had accepted the role of co-presidents of the Mad River club, but unfortunately, due to time commitments related to their business, they have had to resign. We are fortunate, however, to have Sharon Striegl step up to the plate. Sharon owns property in Glencairn, along the route of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. Last spring, a significant road section north of Glencairn was taken off road and relocated onto her land, which is rented out as a Christmas tree farm. One immediate focus will be the maintenance of the Mad River section of our trail, which is in desperate need of some trail maintenance (it has not been done since 2015). Until such time as the Mad River section has received its much needed TLC, we have decided to actually close it, mainly for liability reasons.  We hope that some of the neighbouring local clubs will help the Mad River club which only has 8 members, to bring the trail back up to par.  Sharon can be reached at striegl01@hotmail.com.

2020 is certainly looking like an exciting year!

Frieda Baldwin                       President                                705-245-1005                         Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.    

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First annual Nine Clubs Hike. 
Each year one of the member clubs will host a hike(s) to showcase their section of the Ganaraska Trail. This year the Wilderness Club has been given the honour of hosting the first annual Nine Clubs Hike.

Sunday, October 6 <Moderate> 5.2 km  Annual GHTA–Nine Clubs hike: Moore Falls to Fairy Falls return 8:30am: Departing Devil’s Lake access point. Arrive 20 min prior for briefing & waiver.  The Wilderness Club is excited to show and share our section of the trail with everyone on the First Annual Nine Clubs hike.  Parking is limited-please carpool to Devil’s Lake. Space is limited. Register: Glynn Richardson <glynnr@hotmail.com> .

 
Sunday, October 6 <Difficult> 15 km   Annual GHTA–Nine Clubs hike: Devil’s Lake to Highest Point in QEWIIPP return 8:30am: Departing Devil’s Lake access point. Arrive 20 min prior for briefing & waiver. The Wilderness Club is excited to show and share our section of the trail with everyone on the First Annual Nine Clubs hike.   Parking is limited-please carpool to Devil’s Lake.   Space is limited. Register: Glynn Richardson <glynnr@hotmail.com>

Frieda Baldwin 705-245-1005

Rob Halupka has taken over from Glynn Richarson and Robert Campbell as the new President of the Wilderness Hiking Club.

Please welcome Rob and lend him a hand as it is a huge job he has volunteered to fill.