In this issue

A welcome to new members from your Club Manager, Cheryl McCarney

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new members – you have joined a dynamic, inclusive, non-competitive and social club that is “active and energized together outdoors”. 

Make sure to frequently visit the website at www.haltonoutdoorclub.ca, as events are continuously added throughout the month in all sports. I suggest you check the Events Calendar every couple of days so you don’t miss a scheduled activity. If the event registration is full, make sure you join the waitlist. Typically, registration for most events opens 2 weeks in advance of the start date, however, if there is a cost associated with the event, then the registration open date will be further out. Check the event for the specific date that registration will open.

Consider trying something new: if you joined for cycling, consider joining a hike. We offer various levels/distances in our activities so we can appeal to a novice as well as the experienced. Be sure to read the general description of the activity and what to bring before registering. If you have questions or aren’t sure if you should sign up for an event, reach out to me or the trip leader for further clarification. 

Ask questions, we are here to help you in any way we can!

Some useful tips about our website:

“Home Page” provides a general overview of what the Club has to offer. Lessons are available for paddling and cross-country skiing. Consider trying out a new sport and participating in the lessons – even the best paddler/skier can improve on their technique, and we offer various levels of lessons for that reason. 

“Attend Events Tab” includes the Events Calendar, but also a wealth of information on how to self-cancel a registration, extended trips, sport guidelines, information about lessons, etc. 

“Members Tab” includes a wealth of information about the Club as well as access to Club Forums. Subscribing to the Forums will keep you updated on Club happenings (instructions are on the Forums page):

“HOC Talk” is an online discussion forum to chat with other members and is often used to announce new events added late to the event calendar.

“Marketplace” is the place to buy, sell or trade gear with other members

Mobile App  We encourage all members to take advantage of the "Wild Apricot for Members" mobile app, to make your Halton Outdoor Club experience even more convenient. Further information and guides on how to use the app can be found on our website under the Members Tab. 

You will receive the Club’s Newsletter quarterly. You will also find an Updater in your Inbox every few weeks. As the name implies, the Updater provides up-to-date information about current and future events. Make sure to update your profile so that you receive these publications. Contact me if you require help doing so.

Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns at manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca  905 332 4318

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Message from the Chair, Maureen Healey

In the Halton Outdoor Club world, this is the beginning of the winter sports season along with the new board year. 

Thank you to all those that attended the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) to reflect on a successful year and look ahead.

Welcome and thank you to the newly elected board members and returning directors who extended their terms in service to the club. It takes a full roster of enthusiastic leaders backed by dozens of volunteers to keep the club humming! We're still looking for a Vice Chair. 

Back row (left to right): Jim Blair, Simone Bates, Paul Leppik, Sue Dane, Ed Brunato, Bob Annis, Melanie Baroch  

Front row (left to right): Maureen Healey, Patti Blair, Susan Gower, Cheryl McCarney, Sue Mansfield 

Missing are Kathy Grant-Munoz and Debbie Martin

I look forward to seeing you on the snowshoe trails in the coming months.

Let it snow!!

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Meet our new Assistant Manager

by Melanie Baroch

Hi Everyone! I’m Melanie Baroch, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Halton Outdoor Club as the new Assistant Manager. I’ve always loved being outdoors, whether it’s cycling, hiking, or exploring new places and I’m excited to be a part of a community that shares that same passion for nature and adventure. 

I’ve held an HOC membership on and off over the past 10 years and had the pleasure of collecting great memories with the club. This opportunity is allowing me to use my organizational skillset to assist with the administrative side of HOC. I’m looking forward to working with Cheryl McCarney, the Board of Directors, and Trip Leaders to continue providing the Club with well organized administration. 

Working with the club is a wonderful way for me to give back, meet new people, and support the events and activities that make this group so special. I’m looking forward to connecting with you and discovering more of the beautiful outdoor spaces we’re lucky to have in our region. 

See you on the trails.

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New Director, Marketing & Communications

by Simone Bates

I’m honoured and delighted to step into the role of Director, Marketing & Communications. During my 40-year career in banking, I held a variety of roles—from Corporate Marketing & Communications to Digital Transformation, Customer Experience, and the more traditional path of branch management.

After retiring two years ago, I joined the Halton Outdoor Club thanks to a referral from a family friend—a perfect reminder that word of mouth is a key driver of sustainable membership growth. I look forward to using my experience to help strengthen our marketing strategy and attract new members who will share in the joy of being active outdoors within a safe, welcoming community. Additionally, I will work closely with the teams who kindly prepare our updater and newsletter.

I originally joined the club to cycle with a group and soon discovered a newfound love for hiking and snowshoeing. I’m even hoping to take up paddling in 2026! You’ll often find me at the back of the pack or pausing to snap photos—reference material for my other passion: watercolour painting. I look forward to meeting you soon on the trails or water… and don’t forget to tell a friend!

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Major donation to the Club

by Maureen Healey, Chair

Magali and Francis Vrillaud have been members of the HOC for more than 20 years.

Sadly, Francis passed away in late 2024.

This past year Magali made a $20,000 donation to the Club in Francis’ name.

In consultation with Magali, the Club created a restricted fund with the donation dedicated to:

      Leadership development

•       Volunteer recruitment, recognition                             and retention

•       Promotion of the club

A new policy and guidelines created by the Board of Directors ensure the donation is used for its intended purpose and implemented according to the donor’s wishes.

The Club is grateful to Magali for her support of and engagement with the Club over the years and with this generous donation.

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Sad news

By Lyn & Doug Scott

We are saddened to advise that one of our founding members passed away in early November.  Lore Godau was the club’s first Social Convenor and always made sure we had coffee, tea, hot chocolate and goodies when required.

In the early years of the club, we had many family memberships.  Lore and Harry arranged several activities for the many kids who enjoyed challenging each other on their skis.  The prizes were always coveted.

Lore was an active member who enjoyed skiing, hiking and kayak/canoe outings as well as helping out when needed.

Our condolences to Harry, children Nanette and Brian and their families.

Editor’s note:

Lore and Harry Godau and Lyn and Doug Scott (left to right in photo) were 4 of HOC’s founding members who were recognized as volunteers (among others) who made significant contributions to the club across the decades. At our 50th anniversary celebration, HOC made a contribution to the Bruce Trail Conservancy in each of their names in honour of their years of service and dedication.  

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2025 John Katan Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Halton Outdoor Club

John Katan was an active, long-time member of the Halton Outdoor Club who was an avid cross-country skier and hiker. John tragically died unexpectedly on a Club trip in 1992. This award was created in 1993 in his memory and is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Club.

For the year 2025, the awardees are:

Dave Somerville 

Submitted by Patti Blair and Debbie Martin, Co-Hiking Directors.

As the Hiking Co-directors, Debbie and Patti would like to nominate Dave Somerville for the John Katan Award at the upcoming AGM.

Dave has been an HOC hike leader for many years. 

For most of these years Dave has led a hike every Tuesday morning. Over the years his hikes have gained in popularity and now as many as 30 hikers register each week. Dave’s hikes have become legendary among Club hikers. His hikes are long at approximately 12-17 kms, his pace is brisk at 4-5 kms per hour and his hikes cover a wide variety of terrain in many different locations. As a result of Dave’s hikes, the Club has developed a group of keen and very competent hikers who enjoy a hiking challenge. He has “raised the hiking bar” among our Club hikers!  Over the years, many new members have come into the fold, via “Dave’s hikes” and they remain active club members. Some of these members have gone on to become Club volunteers and hike leaders themselves. 

Looking at the hikes that Dave has offered since the end Covid, he has led over 200 hikes. If we take 15 hikers as the average number, that adds up to an impressive 3,000 hikers. In reality this number is likely much higher.  

Dave only occasionally repeats the same hike twice, meaning he not only leads all these hikes but scouts them as well.  He ventures into new areas to offer an incredible variety of hikes. Locations include Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and North Halton, Dundas Valley and Niagara.  You can almost always hear someone on his hikes say…..”I never knew this place existed”. He has led hikes over the entire section of the Niagara Bruce Trail, The Iroquoia Bruce Trail , the Toronto Bruce Trail and just recently, the Caledon Bruce Trail. 

In addition to his Tuesday hikes:

• Dave, along with Colette, has also led several weekend hikes, including the popular Christmas Lights walks. 
• During Covid, when the ski bus was cancelled, Dave (and Collette) stepped in to offer hikes as replacement activities, sometimes pulling a hike out of his hat within a day or two. 
• Dave and Colette were also assistant hike leaders on the Kingston MultiSport trip in 2023 and on the Coburg hiking trip in 2024. 
• For the past four - five years Dave and Colette have organized and led the very successful Near North Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe trip. 
• Dave has been the ‘lovely assistant’ on some of Collette’s x-c ski lessons.
• In addition to his role with HOC, Dave is a Bruce Trail monitor. Volunteers like Dave keep our trails in good shape for HOC members to enjoy.  

This outlines Dave’s accomplishments and his commitment, but it would be remiss not to mention the quality of Dave’s leadership. Dave is fun and always looks for an interesting twist to his hikes. He regularly embraces holidays and cultural events to add an element of entertainment. Think… a pub stop for green beer on St Paddy’s day, a costume on Halloween, fish and chips in Port Dover once a summer, incorporating Earth Day Clean up into is hike at the end of April.  Speaking of entertainment, Dave loves that microphone on the bus and always keeps a bus trip lively with his witty banter.  

In addition, Dave keeps a close eye out for his hikers and their safety. The lack of “incidences” on Dave’s hikes speaks to the careful attention he pays to the safety of his hikers and he does it in a way that largely goes unnoticed. 

In summary, Dave goes the extra mile (kilometer?). Dave embodies the Club spirit of teamwork, of helping others, and the joy of being active and energized outdoors together.  As hiking co-directors Debbie and Patti marvel at the immense contribution that Dave makes to our hiking program and to our Club. We feel he is more than deserving of the John Katan Award. 

Susan Gower and Rita Weerdenburg 

Submitted by Cheryl McCarney, Manager

It is with great appreciation that I nominate Susan Gower and Rita Weerdenburg for the John Katan volunteer recognition. Their unwavering dedication, efficiency, and commitment to the Halton Outdoor Club have made an extraordinary impact, especially in one of the most demanding roles—Information Technology Director (Susan Gower) and Event Technician (Rita Weerdenburg).

Serving in these two roles is no small task. It requires technical skill, adaptability, and long hours behind the scenes and sometimes under tight deadlines. Susan and Rita have consistently stepped into this role with calm professionalism, ensuring every event is added to the calendar on a timely basis. Whether Susan is troubleshooting technical issues, working on trips for the event calendar, etc. she handles it all with grace and precision.

What sets Susan and Rita apart is their incredible efficiency. No matter how complicated the setup or how tight the timeline, they always find a way to get things done thoroughly and on time. 

Even more impressive is their availability. Whenever we’ve needed help—weekdays, weekends, or early mornings, both Susan and Rita have been there, ready and willing to assist. That kind of reliability is rare and deeply valued.

Susan and Rita don’t seek the spotlight, but the success of many of our events is due in no small part to their behind-the-scenes efforts. They embody the spirit of volunteerism: selfless, skilled, dependable, and deeply committed to the Halton Outdoor Club. 

We are incredibly fortunate to have both ladies as part of our team, and I believe they deserve this recognition for the countless hours of hard work and the immeasurable positive impact they have made.

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A wonderful evening at the Fall Information Fair

by Sue Mansfield

Despite a rainy, dreary evening, the Fall Information Fair was once again a vibrant and successful event for the Halton Outdoor Club. Attendance remained strong and in line with previous years, with 52 non-members joining us to learn more about the club and our activities. It was inspiring to see so many new faces eager to connect, explore, and discover what our outdoor community has to offer.

We continue to see that word of mouth, our website, and social media are the driving forces bringing new members to the club. The people who already know and love the HOC remain our greatest ambassadors.

A special thank you goes out to Cheryl, whose thoughtful planning and seamless coordination made the night run beautifully.

The energy in the room was warm and welcoming, and much of that came from our engaged volunteers. The Sport Directors and members who staffed each sport kiosk shared their knowledge generously, answered questions enthusiastically, and made the evening a truly informative and interactive experience for our visitors. Their passion for hiking, cycling, skiing, snow shoeing, paddling, and more helped bring the club’s spirit to life. Our volunteers remain the heart of the Halton Outdoor Club. 

We are already seeing meaningful outcomes. As of November 3, seven of the 52 attendees (13.5%) have become new members, and four of those are already active participants in club events. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed, attended, shared, and supported. Together we continue to grow a community that explores, learns, and thrives outdoors.

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Centre Island - the everything paddle 

by Denise Davy 

Last year was the first time I did the paddle day trip to Centre Island and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my kayak season, which is why I volunteered to co-lead a trip there. 

It really is the day trip that has everything - a mix of urban scenery and tranquil water as well as the challenge of open water paddling. Along the way, there’s lots of gorgeous scenery that gives you a unique perspective of the city’s skyline.  

With Lisa Sorensen as the co-lead, we launched from Cherry Beach, one of the best-known paddling launch spots on Toronto’s inner harbour. The beach is typically packed with sunbathers, paddle boarders and other kayakers but, thanks to an early arrival, we managed to get parking spots close to one another. The free parking is a definite bonus! Once we were on the water, we paddled toward the open expanse of the Harbour.

The paddle to Centre Island is about three kilometers (one way) and can take roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the wind and current. On calm days, it’s a straightforward crossing, however a little wind can make it more challenging. Fortunately the wind wasn’t too strong so it was a fairly easy paddle but we still kept close together and watched for motor boats. 

Once we reached Centre Island, we paddled through the quieter waterways that offered scenery from willow trees and reeds to an amusement park that’s complete with a swan ride. All combined, it made for some fun distractions. 

The highlight, though, had to be the spectacular view it offers of the CN Tower. We turned a corner and voila! There was The Needle in all its glory. There is something about seeing the Toronto skyline from the water that is truly magical and we each took turns getting our photos taken with it in the background. After a few hours, we stopped at a popular spot for lunch and, with all the picnic tables taken, we made ourselves at home on the bleachers. One of the things I love about kayakers is their ability to improvise! 

Kayaking from Cherry Beach to Centre Island offers a mix of different types of paddling and some amazing scenery that’s truly hard to beat. In the words of Arnold, we’ll be back!

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Cycling the Loire: a journey from Blois to Saumur

by Sandra Redfearn

Twenty club members recently returned from a spectacular cycling trip through the Loire Valley in France.  Our journey took us along the scenic Loire a Velo route, beginning in the charming town of Blois, then on to Amboise, Tours, Chinon, and ending in beautiful Saumur.

Each day brought new sights and experiences: lush vineyards, tranquil forested paths, and postcard perfect villages.  Of course, one of the many highlights was visiting the magnificent chateaux that the Loire is famous for.  From the fairytale-like Chateau de Chambord to the elegant Chateau de Chenonceau, to the stunning gardens of Chateau de Villandry, we had the pleasure of visiting these iconic landmarks (and more!) as we came upon them via our saddles. Often, Thomas; our support vehicle driver, bike mechanic, cheese connoisseur and exquisite lunch preparer, would have our picnic spread awaiting us with one of these castles as our backdrop.  By the end of the trip, if we weren’t already, Thomas had turned us all into troglophiles. 

Our guide, Ruben, kept us on track with his calm, confident demeanour and a quirky sense of humour.  His daily route briefings often came with a familiar grin and the promise of only “a petite rise” which usually turned out to be just a bit more elevation than that! Ruben expounded his knowledge while on the trail and at the various chateaux, at a comfortable pace, to give us time to absorb and enjoy the experience.  His lighthearted approach made every ride feel smooth and enjoyable, even when our legs said otherwise.

Behind the scenes, this fantastic trip wouldn’t have happened without the dedication and organization of Madeleine, who handled the planning with great care and attention to detail.  Her efforts made the trip stress free and truly memorable for everyone.

Evenings were spent sharing stories over delicious French meals, reflecting on the day’s ride, and enjoying the strong camaraderie that makes our club so special.  It was a wonderful week of cycling, culture, laughter and connection.  

Thanks to everyone for making it such a success.  We’re already dreaming about the next one!

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Up the Nottawasaga with a paddle

by Denise Davy 

We had awesome weather for our paddle up the Nottawasaga River, a serene and beautiful river that flows through picturesque Simcoe County.  

It was a return visit to Nottawasaga by the club and we were hoping for a glimpse of what I call the magical forest; a flooded forested area that was cloaked in shades of green. It was spectacular and resembled a setting out of a Spielberg movie.

Paddling around the trees was an amazing experience. Last year’s visit was in the spring and this was September 27^th but we were still hoping for a glimpse of it. 

The Nottawasaga stretches over 100 kilometres beginning near Collingwood and winding its way through forests, wetlands, and farmland. The river is known for its meandering path but we were doing a shorter paddle that followed its tranquil flow. 

We unloaded our kayaks at the Edenvale Conservation Area then everyone drove their cars to the finish line and took a shuttle back. I had carpooled so I stayed behind and watched the kayaks. 

As we pushed our kayaks into the water, we were greeted by a beautiful sun that reflected off the water. It was perfect weather and the perfect river for experienced and beginner paddlers. The river lived up to its reputation as calm and peaceful. We had at least one new paddler in our group so it was a good opportunity for them to gain some experience. Because the banks are lined with tall grasses and trees, it made finding a lunch spot a little challenging but we managed to locate one that offered plenty of shade and room for our kayaks. Co-leader Gabriela Sebestyen came through with M & M’s! Alas, the timing wasn’t right to experience the magical forest as the marshy area we paddled through to get there was now a thick wall of reeds and weeds. There was no getting around it and believe me when I say we tried. 

It was still a fabulous paddle and we saw our share of bird species, including herons and kingfishers. After the paddle, a few of us took a side trip to Kawartha Dairy in Barrie. What better way to cap off the perfect paddle!

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HOC paddling group – 2025 season finale 

by Sandy Gardner

On October 4, 2025, following an incredible summer on the water, the HOC Paddling group gathered for our paddle and potluck season finale. The original plan was to meet at Binbrook Conservation Area and paddle on Lake Niapenco. However, due to an unexpected hunting season closure—with no prior notice—the park was inaccessible to the public.

Undeterred, 25 paddlers, boats in tow, regrouped in a nearby neighborhood and quickly pivoted to Byng Conservation Area. Our impromptu gathering sparked curiosity among local homeowners, who were understandably surprised to see a fleet of kayaks and wondered where the lake was!

Fortunately, the day turned out to be gloriously sunny and perfect for paddling the scenic Grand River. After a two-hour paddle, we reconvened in a spacious picnic shelter for a lively “Tailgate” party. We feasted on boiled hot dogs (thank you, Sandy Nay!) and a delicious spread of potluck dishes consisting of salads, appetizers, drinks, and desserts generously contributed by everyone.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, stories, and reflections on the season’s adventures, as well as excitement for what lies ahead in 2026.

A heartfelt thank you to Sandy Nay, Paul Leppik, Dorothy Rideough, and Ed Brunato for their efforts in organizing, navigating, cooking, and making this event a memorable celebration of our 2025 paddling season. We can’t wait to get back on the water next year!

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Fall splendour in the peninsula

by Marg DeCourcy

Early on a mid-October Saturday morning, forty three hikers boarded a bus and headed out for a two-day hiking trip in the Beaver Valley and Owen Sound regions.

As with all outdoor adventures, weather is a primary partner in the experience. This weekend was no exception. Saturday was a great day; sunny and surprisingly hot. The choice of two hikes offered a variety of terrain with lots of hills, beautiful forests, creeks, cascading waterfalls and interesting rock formations. The leaves were ablaze in their colours, living up to the trip's description of fall splendour.

Sunday was a different weather day. We woke to a dark and threatening sky and the dreaded rain was imminent. The itinerary was modified and the hikes were condensed to two options instead of three. Heading to Harrison Park the group hustled to the bus, rain gear at the ready, hoping to complete the hikes before the onset of the rain. That was wishful thinking for no sooner had the first group set out when the skies opened and it was a race to don rain jackets and rain pants. The second group, not to be deterred, waited out the worst of it on the bus and then headed out on the trails. What had the potential to be a disappointing day, turned out to be another fantastic day on trails that didn’t disappoint. Harrison Park, described as the ‘jewel in the crown', has its own network of trails and also connects to the Bruce Trail. It is a beautiful park and certainly worthy of another visit in the future.

There were many memorable moments worth mentioning, aside from the scenic beauty and challenge of the hikes. First and foremost is the remarkable leadership of the HOC leaders. Thank you to Sharon Davis Payton, Rita Weerdenburg and Patti and Jim Blair. This trip had its unique challenges, one on Saturday with the 'bus incident' (a story of its own, to be described in the next article) and Sunday, with the prediction of heavy rain. The leaders demonstrated the meaning of the word pivot, and they did it seamlessly with grace, skill and competence. They adjusted the itinerary, reorganized and rerouted the hikes, addressed the needs of all ability levels, and created a most satisfying and enjoyable experience for all hikers. Kudos to all of you!

In addition to the overall fun of the weekend, other memorable moments include the laughter, the camaraderie, the helping hands, the encouragement, the support, the interesting conversations, and the newfound friendships that developed on the trails and over the evening meals. It really was a weekend of splendour! 

Thank you to HOC for providing these opportunities to the membership. We are very grateful for the work done behind the scenes in planning and preparing (including a full weekend the leaders spent scouting the trails in advance) and for the dedication of those who make these trips such a success.

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From the desk of the Winter Sport Director

by Jim Blair

As I was stacking wood in the midst of our early November snowstorm, I found myself hoping that this early snowfall might foreshadow a snowy winter to come. I certainly hope so.

The season got underway in October with the first of our Winterfit sessions at LaSalle Park in Burlington. Our dedicated group of winter enthusiasts could be found every Saturday afternoon until early December bounding up the hills, working on their balance and strengthening their cores in preparation for a winter of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.    

                 

The ski/snowshoe day trips are the heart of our Winter Program. We have planned 20 winter day trips beginning on Sunday Dec. 14th at Highlands Nordic and ending on Saturday, March 14th at Hardwood Ski and Bike. Our day trips will also take us to Wasaga Beach, Horseshoe Valley and Scenic Caves. We work very hard to make sure that our day trips are successful. If there is good snow to be found we will do our very best to find it. If conditions are poor or if the driving is too dangerous, we will cancel the day trip and all participants receive a refund. So please, make sure that you sign up for the day trips and let us worry about the weather. If the bus isn’t full, we can’t go no matter how good the snow conditions might be.

Once again, we are offering Level 1 ski lessons on three different dates: Saturday, Jan. 10, Sunday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 25. If you are new to cross country skiing or if you are returning to the sport after a long hiatus, the full day Level 1 lessons are a great way to jump start the season. For more experienced skiers, the half-day ski clinics are perfect. If you have taken the Level 1 lesson recently or if you just want to brush up on your skills, try the Level 1 refresher clinic. The Level 2 clinics are for intermediate skiers who wish to refine their diagonal stride or improve their downhill technique. The Level 3 clinic is for more experienced skiers who wish to become even more efficient in their skiing technique. If you want to try something new, sign up for the Skate Ski clinic.

Four extended trips round out the winter season. The January midweek getaway in Huntsville offers back-to-back days of early season skiing at Horseshoe Valley and Arrowhead Provincial Park and it’s a great warmup for the wonderful Italy/Austria trip which departs on January 23rd. The always popular Near North Trip visits Huntsville, North Bay and Parry Sound in late February.  Finally, in early March, we return to Quebec City, after a long absence, to enjoy four days of winter adventure on the French-Canadian trails.

I wish to thank our excellent ski instructors, extended trip leaders and bus captains for making our winter season something special.

There is a lot to look forward to this winter. Join us on the bus!

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How popular are the Club’s ski lessons? Hugely…

Once again last winter, the Club offered a variety of ski lessons: classic skiing Levels 1, 2 and 3 and skate skiing. And last year the snow gods cooperated and all sessions went ahead as scheduled! Instructors Patti Blair, Sandra Redfearn and Collette Somerville led the lessons, assisted by Dave Somerville.

And our members spoke up! Here are some of their reactions to the lessons:

From Wendy Ruffle-McDonald:

“I was completely impressed by the level of organization and the friendliness of the members on yesterday’s ski excursion. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! As it turns out, not having skied in nearly 40 years, yesterday was a strong reminder that skiing did not come naturally. The lessons were hugely needed and extremely helpful. Most of all, I had a ball.”  

From Ken Besser:

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for Sandra’s Level 2 ski lesson but wasn’t disappointed. It was fun and informative, and despite being a cold, cloudy day Sandra kept us warm with plenty of practical exercises to help engrain our new learnings.

I walked away, or I should say skied away, with great takeaways, and not just for use out on the trails either. For example, I now brush my teeth standing on one foot, inspired by Sandra to help improve balance.

Thanks Sandra, for a fun and informative session.” 

From Kathy Grant-Munoz:

“Thanks to Sandra Redfearn for a great Level 2 cross-country ski lesson. She was patient and encouraging as she taught us various skiing techniques. Our group had a lot of fun together and in just those few hours, we could see how we all were improving!”

From Oscar Munoz:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my Level 3 cross-country ski lesson with Patti Blair. She was great at demonstrating the techniques and had many valuable insights for the group on how we could improve. Thanks to Patti and the Club for organizing!”

From Cora MacLeod:

“I was so excited about how Level 3 reinforced and built on the skills I had learned in the amazing Level 2 lesson taught by Sandra the week before.

The emphasis in Level 3 lessons was on diagonal striding and double poling techniques. There was lots of time for practice and observation. Patti made this so much fun! She gave me tips and made suggestions, teaching this old dog some new tricks! Some appreciated examples were her pointing out how planting my foot forward could help me shift my weight. She stressed the importance of leaning forward while tightening my core. I worked on the rhythm.

My next steps are to practice the techniques I learned on my day and overnight trips. I plan to attend gym classes to build up my endurance and strengthen my core and leg muscles.  

I will take a Level 3 lesson again next year to get more feedback and tips. We are never too old to learn and improve! Thank you Halton Outdoor Club for offering such great lessons.”

From Vince Ye:

“I took a skate ski lesson with Patti Blair this season. She was very experienced and patient, and I found the lesson quite helpful in regards to my skill improvement, especially the technique re how to lift your foot effectively when doing the side kick. 

I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who's interested in learning skate skiing.”

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‘I was told I was covered:’ Ontario man gets $12,000 air ambulance bill from Alberta

Credit with permission granted: Pat Foran CTV News in its entirety

Out-of-the-country medical bills could add up fast, which is why travel medical insurance is needed whenever leaving the country. But it may surprise those travelling within Canada that they too need additional health insurance.

An Oakville man says he always purchases travel medical insurance when he leaves Canada, but he didn’t when he went to Alberta this year.

After receiving emergency care for a heart attack, Doug McGinley was shocked to get a bill for more than $12,000. “I was surprised, disappointed, angry, you could put all of that together,” said McGinley.

While driving through Saskatchewan, he started to have chest pains, and after they crossed the border into Alberta, he ended up in a hospital in Medicine Hat. “They admitted me into the ER, and they did tests and determined that I was suffering or had suffered a mild heart attack,” McGinley told CTV News Toronto. He had to be flown by air ambulance to Calgary for emergency treatment. “I said, ‘Who is paying for this?’ and they said, ‘Don’t worry, you’re covered,’” McGinley recounted.

He said he was given excellent care but was surprised last month to get a bill from Alberta Health Services for ambulance charges of $12,483.

That’s when he found out the flight was not covered under Alberta or Ontario health plans. “I was told it was covered. They came back and said transportation is not covered under the Health Care Act and you owe us the money,” said McGinley.

When CTV News reached out to the Ontario Health Ministry, a spokesperson confirmed that out-of-province transport is only covered when a patient is transferred by ground ambulance from one facility to another for diagnostic or therapeutic service and the patient returns to the first hospital within 24 hours.

“In these instances, the cost of the transfer is included in the first hospital’s billing rate(s) and the patient should not be billed. Out-of-province ambulance charges (with the exception of the inter-facility transfers described above), are not covered and are the responsibility of the patient,” the spokesperson said.

According to Martin Firestone, the president of Travel Secure, ambulance fees are the most common charge Canadians face when getting health care in other provinces.

“The number one item that is not covered within Canada is ambulance coverage, whether it’s off a mountain in British Columbia or what happened to this individual,” said Firestone.

Firestone said most health services are covered when travelling within Canada, but there are exceptions. Provincial health plans don’t cover ambulance air and ground, mountain and sea rescue, emergency dental services, medical equipment rental, and prescription drugs.

Firestone recommends purchasing a product called “Travel Within Canada” insurance, which is less than a dollar a day. “It is a product that is available and some people after hearing this story may feel it’s a wise product to invest in,” said Firestone.

McGinley said he appreciates the care he received but didn’t know he would have such an expensive ambulance bill to pay.

“If telling my story can help someone else avoid the situation I’m in – then that’s great,” said McGinley.

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