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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, May 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 | 20 Cycling Halton a tourism draw by Marta Marychuk O a k v ille B e a v e r S ta f f Halton Region's economic development division is developing a Halton Cycle Tourism Strategy-- to position it as a leading region for cycle tourism in Ontario. Nancy Field, tourism specialist for Halton Region' s Economic Development Division, presented a report on the strategy at the Regions April Administration and Finance Committee. The strategy will identify and evaluate Halton's current cycling, related tourism assets and supporting businesses to produce a comprehensive marketing plan to increase awareness of cycle tourism regionally. In January 2017, economic development issued a request for proposals to create a cycle tourism strategy. Ontario By Bike/Transportation Options and Economic Planning Group was hired for the job. Cycle tourism is one of the fastest-growing sport and recreational tourist activities in Canada and internationally, Field said. N o longer geared toward the athletic elite, Field said travellers are increasingly embracing cycle touring to stay active, minimize environmental impact, and experience diverse landscapes, food and culture at a personal level. She said Halton is well-positioned as a cycling destination, in part due to the natural beauty and topography of the Niagara Escarpment, rural landscapes and the Lake Ontario waterfront. Field said Halton is already home to the country's largest "Gran Fondo" (big ride) cycling event, EpicTour Halton, established in 2013, which attracts 4,000 cyclists each year. The Mattamy National Cycling Centre (Velodrome) is one of only two indoor facilities in North America that meets requirements to host elite world track cycling championships. The Velodrome opened in Milton in 2015 and was the cycling venue for the Toronto Pan Am/ Parapan Am Games. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail/Greenbelt Route established in Halton in 2016, connecting the region to other area cycling routes. Field said there is not a lot of research in Canada on the economic benefits of cycling tourism. Research from the United States shows the annual economic benefit of cycling in Colorado is $1 billion. Field said the next step is to develop a Halton Cycling Tourism Committee. The marketing plan will go to regional council this July. Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville said some side roads are popular with cyclists, but encountering a large group of while driving -- "It' s enough to give you a very minor heart attack." He called on police, EMS and municipalities, to ensure the safest route to travel. "They (cyclists) may be up on technology, but they don't know the safest way to go," he said, noting people must also be reminded of common courtesy -- no trespassing on private property and no littering. GET THE FRIL OUT YOUR BILL. Crow Avenue Odtville Amhock Cornwell Rood ^ O R E a S io N F E E S :N ^ m T -m eo u o u B . B iL AGES WELCOME S S S S - ESSS? 13 nofrillsxa PRICES EFFECTIVE FROM THURSDAY MAY 11 UNTIL WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2017. * W on't be b e at conditions and restrictions apply, see in store. W e reserve the right to lim it quantities, while quantities last. N o rainchecks. We reserve the right to correct any unintentional error that may occur in copy or illustration. R/TM Trademarks of Loblaws Inc. and others. All rights reserved, used with pemission C2017 Loblaws Inc W o rldC t r n R e p a i r sG u it a r W o rld Oleg's NoFrills Colanaelo's ingel NoFrills 125iCri Cross 1395 Abbeywood Avenue Drive 905.257.3110 · theguitarworldoakville.com r m is QEW i 380 Dundas St. E. at Trafalgar Road in L o n g o 's Plaza O A K viLLE 1