April 2023
As I prepare this issue of E-Notes that features our upcoming AGM, I'm struck by the incredible work done on our behalf by the Members of our Board. I invite you to do an in-depth read of the AGM package. You'll see how much activity goes on behind the scenes to make our Club the vibrant and relevant association that it is.
I am sure we don't thank them often enough, so let's take this opportunity to thank them by name: David Royle, Louise Kent, Graham Allen, Marlis Butcher, Margaret Corner, Alina Lin, Peter Pritchard, Laurent Thibault, Rhea Rasquinha, David Rowney, Neil Stein, Tom Swales and Juliet Williams. We salute you!
Here's what you'll find in this newsletter
- AGM: If you have not registered yet, do it now! Sunday, April 23. In-person at Kortright.
- Annual Report and AGM Package: Financial statements, last year's AGM minutes, and reports from each of the directors.
- Board Member Profile: Meet Rhea Rasquinha, Board Secretary and the brains behind the AGM package design
- Remembering Maureen Smith: President David Royle pays tribute to a dear friend and strong supporter of the Club
- Hiker Initiation Program (HIP): HIP is returning in May, as a webinar, with introductory hikes to follow
- Humans on the Bruce: A new feature appearing for the first time, we introduce you to humans on the trail, beginning this month with Ian Grindall
- TBTC in 2000-2010: In our ongoing series highlighting the history of the Club, we cover the first decade of the new millennium
- You asked us: About those hills... Peter gives his tips about how to look for flatter terrain, as well as how to navigate hills when you must climb them
- Land Management Committee: Lots of activity happening in this group, like new routes, trail maintenance, cooperation with Conservation Authorities and more
- Winter Coach program: Martina reports on the winter that was. Luckily, the conditions offered a few great outings.
- Army Cadets on the Trails: Read how hiking trips on the Bruce Trail build confidence and leadership skills for these cadets from Brampton.
- Earning the Winter Badge: Maibritt Bergman, one of our badge earners, tells us how much the experience has meant to her and her family
- Event calendar: We help you keep track of what's coming up.
Happy April, everyone.
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Annual General Meeting - Sunday, April 23
by Louise Kent
 Join us, this April 23, 2023, to celebrate 60 years of the TBTC, and to learn about the rich biodiversity along the Niagara Escarpment with Dr. Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.
Why is the AGM important?
Because it gives us connection, learning and club transparency.
As a member of the Toronto Bruce Trail Club, you will hear from the Club Board and other decision-makers who impact the Trail and community you love.
If you are new to the club, come meet people who share your interests and learn about what we do. If you are an experienced member, come to see our progress over the last year. Regardless of your tenure, come to connect, ask questions, and share a warm meal together. To make it a full day, consider joining our photography or biodiversity hikes - registration is still open.
Reserve your AGM spot today and consider bringing a friend or family member (all are welcome, though only members can vote). To help cover costs the AGM is $15 for all attendees. Check-in starts at 11am, lunch at 11:45am and we will wrap up before 4pm. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Annual Report and AGM Package
 As we celebrate 60 years of Club history, it strikes me that the AGM package itself is a good indicator of how far we have come. Experienced members (as Louise so politely refers to some of us who are a little longer in the tooth) will remember the typewriter-produced annual reports which were, quite honestly, deadly dull in appearance. Not to mention the fact that more than a few trees were sacrificed to produce all the paper.
No longer. Now, we have a professionally produced package, with colour photos and use of graphic design to highlight key achievements, and all of it is delivered electronically. All the information you are used to is there, but presented in a more accessible manner.
It makes for lively reading. It includes financial statements and reports by each of the directors. Our Board has been busy on our behalf!
Credit for the design goes to Board Member Rhea Rasquinha, featured in a profile below. I know you'll agree she is a most talented person.
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Rhea Rasquinha’s a Person You Can Count On
 We’re convinced that when Rhea Rasquinha is planning a hike, she has the whole trip planned out, to account for every detail. That’s because Rhea is a CPA and a senior internal auditor for the City of Toronto. Being a CPA requires one to be very detail-oriented, which is why she also is a wedding planner on a part-time basis.
Rhea is on the Toronto Club’s board of directors as secretary, as well she helps with special events. She was recently featured in her Association’s magazine, Pivot, explaining how she developed a side-line business in helping to coordinate weddings. Read more: https://bit.ly/3n9tS1g
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Remembering Maureen Smith Farewell to the ultimate volunteer
by David Royle, President, TBTC
 When Maureen Smith died peacefully on Thursday, March 1st at the age of 90, allowed to exit with the quiet dignity that was a central theme of her life, we mourned the passing of one of our Clubs most influential volunteers.
Maureen emanated presence, substance, the quality of strength without arrogance. To those of us observing Maureen, at close quarters she seemed effortlessly single-minded, always the rock of dependability so treasured by her hiking friends. I had the privilege of being on relaxed and friendly terms with Maureen over nearly three decades – of savouring , many times in many places, the quiet strength of her individuality, her dry humour, her gracious, unaffected courtesy.
We were linked by a quality of spirit as much as by talent, for at the centre of her greatness as a highly respected leader, pride and humility coexisted without strain. Maureen cherished the virtues of simplicity, refusing to do anything complicated if something apparently ordinary would have more effect.
 The drive, leadership and perceptiveness that made Maureen such a charismatic volunteer helped her achieve sustained success in her many leadership roles including hike leader, trail captain, Trail Maintenance Director and President of the Toronto Bruce Trail Club. In 1999 Maureen started the Halton Hills Chapter: a year later it became an official part of the Club.
Another noticeable achievement: in 2002 Maureen was the person who had the idea for “Bruce Trail Day”, held at Limehouse which is now a regular event up and down the Bruce Trail.
Maureen is pictured on the right at the side trail at Scotsdale Farm that was named in her honour.
Maureen’s was a life lived with compassion, integrity and understanding. No person in my experience ever exemplified better the ability to bring people together, to be inclusive and kind to people from all walks of life.
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HIP: Hiker Initiation Program
 New to hiking? Know someone who wants to hike but doesn't know where to start?
In May, our club's hike leaders will once again present the Hiker Initiation Program (fondly known as HIP) via webinar. This will be followed by introductory hikes at High Park and at Scotsdale Farm.
Topics include trail markings and maps, clothing and gear, and safety issues to consider, and more. You will also learn how to navigate the Club's hiking calendar so you can find hikes appropriate to your interest and skill level.
Circle the date for the webinar on your calendar: May 15, 6:30-8pm. Dates for the follow-up hikes are yet to be determined. Registration links for each of these events will be included in next month's E-Notes.
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Humans of the Bruce Trail, Featuring Ian Grindall
On a regular basis, we will introduce you to members of the Club. We are, after all, humans of the Bruce Trail, joined by our love of the outdoors, and hiking. This month, we introduce you to Ian Grindall.
 Where do you live?
Oakville
Why did you become a member?
I volunteer for trail maintenance in the Toronto and Iroquoia sections, as well as volunteer in the Dundas BTC office. I volunteered my time as soon as I retired in 2019, and really enjoy being part of the Bruce Trail success story, and the camaraderie of the volunteers.
Most memorable outdoor experience?
Camping in the Abu Dhabi desert and the Hajar Mountains of Oman (1991-1994)
Favourite words to live by?
No regrets
Hobbies and interests?
Hiking and trail maintenance, playing tennis, stringing racquets, travel, Arsenal football club
Most admired person and why?
Sir Lewis Hamilton (British race-car driver), for his determination to succeed, showing humility in victory and acceptance of defeat in the most challenging of circumstances, and taking a strong stand against all forms of discrimination.
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A Look Back at 2000-2010: Hiking and Trail Growth, Youth Focus and Fundraising
 In the summer of 1962, the Toronto Bruce Trail Club was established and the first blaze on the trail was painted close to the beginning of the Toronto Section. In this fifth of a six-part series to celebrate our 60thanniversary, we’ll share some highlights from the 2000s:
The decade of 2000-2010 continued to focus on fundraising, land securement, membership growth and attracting new volunteers. By the fall of 2007 the hiking program was in full swing with 546 hikes in total. These included 283 car hikes, 193 bus hikes, 60 urban hikes and 10 winter coach hikes. Many new themed hikes emerged on the calendar such as The Walking Wounded, Wildflower and Photography, Pizza and Theatre hikes. Hikers were able to earn three different end to end badges when they completed our section: End-to-End for independent hikes; annual 2 day End-to-End, Club organized; and biannual 1 day End-to-End, Club organized.
The growth of the Club was marked in several different ways. Former president Maureen Smith created a Halton Hills Chapter in the fall of 2000 which continues to this day. The Pear Tree Parking lot was created in the fall of 2007 with 194 tons of gravel being donated by Dufferin Aggregates. A new bridge was built in Speyside north of Milton, supervised by Trail Maintenance Director Paul Vanhanen. The Hilton Falls Side Trail and Phil Gosling Side Trail were also opened during this decade, along with the dedication of a commemorative plaque to mark the first blaze on the Bruce Trail.
The volunteer appreciation awards program was created. It was named after Nina Carlisle, a long-time volunteer in our Club. In 2009 Francis Walker was presented with the first Nina Carlisle award.
New programs were established to bring new hikers to the trail. An article in 2007 featured a Korean hiking group called Sansamo (Mountain Lover’s Club) that hiked on the Bruce Trail every Saturday with most of its members belonging to the Toronto Club. In the winter of 2009 an “Introduce the Bruce” program was created for three Toronto community organizations with a focus on youth. Seven hikes were organized for these community groups to share the joy of the outdoors and hiking. One of our Club members, Hike Leader Tony Pau, created an annual bus trip for inner city kids, which he generously paid for with his own money. In 2007 they went to Dundas Valley.
Fundraising took different forms. By the fall of 2003 only 40% of the Bruce Trail optimum route was secured and the Toronto Club created a fundraising team to do more. The following year, the Club created a Legacy Bank account, and held special events, to raise $25K in one year!
For the first time, a Land Management Committee representative was nominated to the Toronto board. The Board also created an Environment Committee. The Bruce Trail Association changed its name to the Bruce Trail Conservancy to better reflect its role in conservation and protection. Our Club applied for a City of Toronto health award and was given $5k for promoting hiking as a healthy activity for families.
We end the decade on two negative notes: The CN railroad bridge over the Credit River forced the closure of a part of the Credit River footpath on CN property (and a portion remains closed to this day). There were 21 confirmed cases in Toronto of West Nile virus, causing hikers to take extra precautions while out on the trail. As if stray dogs, poison ivy, and slippery rocks weren’t enough to worry about!
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Questions about hiking? Our E-Notes columnist, Peter Leeney, has the answers.
Q: How can I find flat terrain for hiking?
A: The intent of the Bruce Trail is to follow as closely as possible the Niagara Escarpment – ideally at the top, or second choice, near the bottom. But inevitably there will be times that hikers must climb a hill.
A close look at the Bruce Trail maps will reveal a helpful feature – contour lines. These are wavy, light gray lines which connect points of equal elevation above sea level. The interval between each line is 10 meters. Every fifth contour line (so an elevation change of 50 meters) is represented by a darker line with the elevation indicated, e.g., 300 meters. The closer together the lines, the steeper the hill.
As an example, we might look at Map 14 in the Caledon Hills section – the infamous “Devil's Pulpit”. The contour line at the top is “400”. Where the Trail comes out to level ground at Forks of the Credit Road the line is marked “300”, so a 100-meter drop in elevation, (or a 100-meter climb) over a distance on the Trail of just over half a km.
OK, I understand, maybe you do not want to be peering at the maps with a magnifying glass when you are out on the Trail. But the detailed information is there if you need it, to aid in pre-planning your outing – the closer together the lines, the steeper the hill. And that can be determined by a quick glance. If contour lines are more or less parallel to the Trail that is an indication you will be hiking on level terrain. The Trail description in the BT Reference Guide will also provide information about the kind of elevation change you can expect. In the Bruce Trail Reference, section V-2, there is a more detailed explanation of contour lines.
So that is the technology but here is a more anecdotal approach:
Moving south to north, Niagara is a generally flat section – but not including the Short Hills area (despite the enticing name). Iroquoia Section has many flat stretches but also some serious hills. Toronto Section is reasonably level although there are a few hills in Scotsdale Farm/Silver Creek area. The side trails in Hilton Falls and the Main Trail on Maps 11/12 (the “Kythera Friendship Trail”) cross level terrain. In Caledon Hills you can expect a lot of significant climbs (no surprise there). Dufferin Hi-Lands is hilly, but there are some trails in the Mono Cliffs Park with modest elevation change. Beaver Valley has many steep hills, in particular near the ski clubs. Blue Mountains and Sydenham are a combination of terrain. Peninsula Section is fairly flat but not easy hiking by any means. It is rocky with a lot of small ups and downs and some very significant staircases to climb.
Of course, it is not easy to categorize the difficulty of hilly terrain because so much depends on the fitness of the individual hiker. The best approach to any hill is to take it as slowly as you need to. No extra badges for being first to the top. And here is a technique which might be helpful: with every step you take, straighten your back leg as much as possible – almost to the point where it locks. That will take some pressure off your leg muscles just for a moment.
Do you have a question about hiking? Submit it to info@torontobrucetrailclub.com.
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Land Management Report: Trail, Biodiversity and Property Updates
by Neal Stein, Chair
 The Land Management Committee meets regularly to address ways to improve your experience on the Toronto section trails. Here is a selection of activities that may be of interest to members.
Trail Maintenance. We are working to re-open a temporary closure of the Reservoir Side Trail which has been closed since mid- February due to danger from multiple overhead trees down. We will notify members when the trail re-opens. New signage is being placed on the Main Trail at the top of the Dublin Line road allowance to discourage hikers from using an unsanctioned route down to Dublin Line.
Exploring new routes for the main trail and side trails. We will be meeting with the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) on April 13th to discuss improvements on existing routes. New signage reflecting these changes will be installed when the changes are implemented.
Bio-Diversity team/Land Stewardship. We met with CVC and Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) ecologists on March 1 to discuss ways of cooperating to offer more educational and ecological training opportunities to our group and collaborating on research projects in our area. As an outcome several things will occur. First, in our publications we will promote proper trail etiquette, in particular to discourage foraging on our trails. Second, CVC and BTC staff have committed to offering several hikes to promote ecological issues, including a “Butterfly Blitz,” where citizen scientists can help track butterflies in specified areas, and using “iNaturalist”. There are also hikes planned by the BTC on April 28th that will focus on forest ecology and another on Indigenous issues on May 6th.
Hiking Data from the CVC was reviewed and showed that for 2022, approximately 56,000 visits occurred at all entries points at Limehouse CA , 81,000 at Silver Creek CA and 48,000 at Terra Cotta CA . The numbers are from trail counters except for the Terra Cotta CA main entry which has a gatehouse.
Summer Trail Ambassadors. The BTC is planning a modified program for the summer of 2023 where we will share ambassadors with the Caledon club. They will be primarily focused on hiker engagement. Planning will continue in May to integrate their experience with our club at multiple levels including working with us in trail maintenance, communications, land stewardship, ecological issues and attending board and LMC meetings.
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Awesome Winter Coach Trips
by Martina Furrer; photo credit - Helene Wong
 After a slow start, we had a successful cross-country ski and snowshoe season. Five fun day trips and a wonderful weekend in Magog made for a lively winter. We were treated to two awesome Saturdays in Arrowhead Provincial Park complete with ice skating in the forest, a blustering but beautiful cold day at Kawartha Nordic (thank you Dorota and Lilian for building a roaring fire in the Tanney cabin), a perfect winter wonderland at Scenic Caves (thank you everyone for sharing delicious treats at the party), and a fantastic finale at Highlands Nordic.
A huge thank you to all the hike leaders who made these trips possible: Brenda Menezes, Janet Patterson, George Lennon (who stepped in at the 11th hour), Michael Humpage, Duro Vukman, Geri Poulouski, and Brenda Dalglish. Special thanks to Shaya Petroff for collecting trail fees. To all those whose trips were cancelled: sorry you missed out. I hope we can count on you all again next year.
Magog greeted us with good snow and Saturday's storm turned the Parc National du Mont-Orford into a magical winter wonderland. Except for some clumping (some of us didn't get the wax quite right), ski conditions were great with many fun trails to explore and cozy trail side cabins to warm up in. Our snowshoers enjoyed discovering the parks' many scenic trails and some danced through the forest (thank you Emma Rosal for the super video). Most participants enjoyed the town of Magog with its waterfront trail and many bars and cafés; some found Memphré and many savoured an après ski and shoe pint of Allez Pou-Pou at the Microbrasserie des Cantons. Thank you so much Roland Mark for scouting out the town and the park with me in early January.
Here's hoping 2024 brings a steady winter with consistent good snow.
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Army Cadets Take to the Toronto Trails Platoon-Style
 They came, saw, and conquered the Toronto trails in platoon-like numbers.
Two leaders and 33 cadets from the 557 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Brampton have completed the Toronto section. It was by far the biggest bulk order for Toronto’s End-to-End badge we received in some time!
Hiking is a regular weekend activity for the army cadets, who are between the ages of 12-18. The cadets have also hiked the Caledon Section of the Bruce Trail and parts of the Niagara Section. Their go-to Saturday hikes are mostly through the Claireville Conservation Area, which has a variety of different trails. This May, they are hiking the Niagara Section again and staying overnight in Grimsby at a church hall that is home to a local air cadet squadron. They are also planning an overnight camping trip in the Peninsula Section of the Bruce Trail.
The hiking trips build confidence for the cadets and help to teach them leadership skills, says Major Martin Singh, their Commanding Officer. “They are proud of their accomplishments, as well they should be. Some will go on to finish the entire Bruce Trail, which could be an impressive achievement to put on their resumes.”
Some of these activities are tied to the cadets’ interest in applying for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh award. The award criteria is to take on a challenge of an adventurous journey with a team of peers. They are very thankful for the support of Laura Cogill with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Toronto office.
Hiking is integral to the army cadet program because it promotes physical fitness and helps the Cadets feel at home in a natural environment. They are taught map and compass, first aid and survival skills (including going on all-year, all-weather hikes). Classroom training takes place Wednesday evenings in Brampton at the Khalsa Community School. The 557 Lorne Scots are very appreciative of the support provided by the Khalsa Community School.
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"A Wonderful Experience" - Earning the Winter Badge
Jude Keast, the TBTC volunteer who responds to requests for badges, passed along this lovely personal note that was included with Maibritt Bergman's hike log, shared here with her permission:
 "During 2020 my daughter and I discovered the Bruce Trail hiking. It was amazing and so uplifting to our total health during the experience of Covid. It led me to become a member and support the Conservancy trail work.
"During autumn 2022 I discovered badge challenges on the website and made the decision to complete the winter end-to-end badge requirement for the Toronto section. I was able to persuade other family members and friends besides my daughter to join me on trail, thus sometimes the hikes were short to keep the partners keen. Plus we only used one car so always had to return to the car!
"It has truly been a wonderful experience to winter hike and obtain a badge to sew on my backpack. Thank you for your commitment to the Bruce Trail and sparking the passion in us all to treasure and maintain this 'ribbon of wilderness' by overseeing badge achievements."
Photo credit - Maibritt Bergman
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Mark your calendars
Hike leader training
Thurs April 6 Hike leader training session 1 (online)
Thurs April 13 Hike leader training session 2 (online)
Sat April 22 Hike leader training session 3 (in-person, outdoors)
TBTC AGM
Sun April 23 AGM, Kortright Centre
April Bus Hikes
Sat April 1 – Hockley Valley and Mono Cliffs
Sat April 29 – Pretty River Provincial Park
HIP (Hiker Initiation Program)
Mon May 15 - Webinar
Upcoming Coach Trips
Sat July 22 – Silent Lake Provincial Park
Fri September 22 to Sun September 24 – Saugeen Peninsula Hiking Weekend
For the latest in all our hikes (bus hikes, car hikes, urban hikes and coach hikes), check the Hiking Calendar.
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