Rideau Lakes is inviting local tourism and business operators, business networks, municipal and economic development representatives, cycling and community organizations, and advocates to attend a free cycle tourism workshop on Tuesday, September 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Portland Community Hall, 24 Water Street in the village of Portland, Ontario.

The Rideau Lakes session is part of a five-workshop fall series presented by Ontario By Bike and sponsored by the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop (EORTL) project partners and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO). The series is designed to help businesses and communities prepare for the economic and community opportunities connected to the Loop's development.

Participants do not need to be cycling experts in order to benefit. The session will provide practical information, build connections and ensure local communities help shape the development of this unique trail experience.

"This workshop gives Rideau Lakes’ businesses and community partners practical information they can use now to welcome cyclists and prepare for future growth," said Councillor Marcia Maxwell, Chair of the Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee. "The proposed cycling loop travels along the Cataraqui Trail, directly through the communities of South Elmsley, Portland, Forfar and Chaffeys Lock with the potential for off shoots to other villages.” The workshop will help identify local strengths, service gaps and partnership opportunities.

When fully developed, the EORTL will form a 320-kilometre continuous off-road trail loop connecting portions of the Cataraqui Trail, K&P Trail, Algonquin Trail and Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail across Eastern Ontario. The project aims to create a seamless multi-day cycling experience by 2030. The Loop is projected to increase visitation to surrounding communities and generate approximately $65 million in direct annual economic impact.

What participants will gain:

• An overview of the cycle tourism market and what cyclists look for when choosing where to stop, stay, eat and explore.
• Practical, often low-cost ways to welcome cyclists and information on becoming a certified bicycle-friendly location through Ontario By Bike.
• An update on the EORTL vision, development work and opportunities for businesses and community organizations to get involved.
• Facilitated itinerary and experience-development discussions that connect local services, attractions and stories into stronger visitor offers.
• An opportunity to identify local strengths, service gaps and partnerships that can improve the experience for cyclists and residents.

"The EORTL will be a huge win for the area, attracting thousands of cycle tourists annually," said Louisa Mursell, Executive Director for Ontario by Bike/Transportation Options. " These visitors spend more and stay longer than regular visitors and will be looking for accommodation, food and beverage, and a variety of other activities. We are excited to connect with businesses and communities at the upcoming workshops to share info on how to capitalize on the coming opportunities."

Workshop Schedule

Register for a Workshop

Registration to attend a workshop is free, and advance registration is requested. The workshop series and registration pages can be accessed through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/cc/eortl-cycle-tourism-community-workshops-4854254

Learn more about the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop at: https://ohto.ca/eastern-ontario-rail-trail-loop

About the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop

The Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop is a regional partnership developing a connected off-road cycling experience across Renfrew, Lanark and Frontenac counties, the Township of Rideau Lakes and the Town of Smiths Falls. The project aims to strengthen rural communities, support local businesses and create a seamless multi-day cycling experience by 2030.

About Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization

Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is a not-for-profit organization mandated and funded by the Province of Ontario to support tourism within the counties of Haliburton, Lanark, and Renfrew and portions of Frontenac, Hastings, and Lennox and Addington. Find out more at www.ohto.ca. 

About Ontario By Bike

Ontario By Bike works with partners to develop and promote cycling and cycle tourism across Ontario. The program administers a network of more than 1,700 certified bicycle-friendly businesses and provides trip-planning information that inspires visitors and residents to explore more of the province by bike. Ontario By Bike is a program of Transportation Options, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable transportation and tourism solutions.