Chair person: Gloria Yeung

Those attending: Loretta Dunn, Jane Prime, Ann Roberts, John Robinson, Nancy Stayzer, Gloria Yeung.

1. Membership committee report: John R. reported 89 members thus far in 2005. Membership revenue total $680. John set up a new email address for the trails group: woolwichtrails@yahoo.ca.

2. Guidebooks: Gloria reported in Eleanor’s absence that there was little activity in terms of guidebook distribution since our January meeting.

3. Charitable Status: Discussed whether or not the Trails Group should look to obtain charitable status designation. To be discussed by the Coordinating Committee at its next meeting in April. Pete advised that the CW Optimist club is incorporated, but does not have charitable status.

4. Kiosks: The information on the HVT kiosk has been updated and new information and plexi has been installed on the two Mill Race Trail kiosks. Thanks again to Gloria for all of her time spent getting the information ready and installed on the kiosks.

5. Upcoming hikes: Murray and John will lead the March 20^th hike on the Mill Race Trail. Jane and Merle will lead the April 17^th hike at the Woolwich reservoir.

6. Trail Crest: Nancy Stayzer was presented with her trail crest for the completion of her hike and volunteer log. Congratulations Nancy!

7. 2005 Project Ideas: Please refer to your January meeting minutes for the full list. Group discussion: 1- map of Elmira: carryover for next meeting, 2- HVT improvements: Mark and two volunteers from Elmira will install the stone dust on the west side of the creek in the spring. Ann will contact the landowner about stock-piling wood chips for the east side of the creek. 3- Mileage markers: follow-up for next meeting with Eleanor, 4- Sandy Hills: on hold until we hear from Chris Gosselin, 5- Ring Trail: Ann to contact Art. 6- GVT at West Montrose: John, Gloria and Nancy volunteered to do the April inspection of the trail. Loretta and Jane to do the summer inspection. Ann to provide GVTA inspection sheets. 7- Florica Subdivision in Conestogo: Will wait until more residents have moved in to investigate a trail network. 8- St. Jacobs link from Mill Race trail to new Triangle Park: may be combined with TWEEC project. 9- John’s promo ideas from last meeting (new addition). 10- Update the 2001 Trail User Survey (new addition): would like to run a follow-up survey on the MRT this summer. 11- School hike day (new addition): Jane suggested a hike day for local students, to be run as a school event (like the annual Terry Fox run). Hike day is in early October. Nancy thought this was a good idea and would like to be involved with further discussion/planning. To be discussed at the next meeting.

8. Presentation to Council by Trails Links Group and WTG, clean waterways, TWEEC, Optimist Club and Elmira Lions club: March 29^th has been confirmed as the presentation date.

9. Pedestrian Charter: Information is attached. If you wish to endorse the charter for Waterloo Region please complete and submit the attached form.

10. Ontario Trails Strategy: The Strategy is part of the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation’s ACTIVE2010 initiative, a new strategy to increase participation in sport and physical activity throughout Ontario. The draft strategy was developed over the winter with input from many stakeholders. At this point the draft strategy is being reviewed by many “on the ground” trails groups (including many users: ATV, snowmobile, hikers, cyclists, equestrians). Comments are being received until mid March. Note: Ann has the draft strategy available in hard copy only. If you would like a copy please let Ann know and she will get one to you by fax or snail mail. 669-1647 x265 or Schering@look.ca.

11. WHC Newsletter: Joy is organizing a newsletter for distribution in mid April and looking for ideas for articles. Please submit your ideas to Joy at 664-3794 x 230 or jfinney@wchc.on.ca . Gloria suggested using some of the information from her presentation to council on the 29^th. Could we also include information being presented on March 29^th by Lawrence Murphy, i.e. information about physical activity levels and recent obesity stats.

12. Elmira Lions Club Report: Art was not available to report.

13. Conestogo/Wintebourne Optimist Club Report: Pete was not available to report.

Dates to remember……

Next meeting date: Wednesday April 13, 2005, 7 pm at the fire hall in St. Jacobs.

WHC Celebration Dinner: Wednesday March 2^nd, 6 pm at the Health Centre in St. Jacobs.

Presentation to Council: Tuesday March 29^th, 7 pm, council chambers in Elmira. All are invited to come out and support the group.

Next Family Sunday Hike….

Sunday March 20^th, 2005, 2 pm: 6 km/2 hour hike on the Mill Race Trail and Health Valley/Trans Canada Trail in St. Jacobs.

Meet at the parking area on Three Bridges Road (Township Road 21) near the dam and the low level bridge (between Hawkesville Road and Township Road 32). Trail Rating: easy walking stone dust trail; baby buggies and dogs on leashes are welcome.

For more information please call Murray Beacom (669-5680) or Paul Miller (664-3643).

Minutes prepared by Ann Roberts. Questions? Please contact Ann at 669-1647 x265 or Schering@look.ca . Note: If you no longer wish to receive these minutes or other information from the trails group please contact Ann to have your name removed from the mailing list. Thanks.