Managing trails is about managing risk. Offering trail opportunities creates a significant community asset with immense tangible and intangible benefits. Balanced against these positive effects comes an obligation and responsibility to do it right. There is an inherent tension between providing recreation opportunities and at the same time protecting against their possible negative side effects. This is the mediating role risk management plays.

This live webinar lays the foundation for trail managers, builders and volunteers to plan and organize their risk management practices. This introductory theory course is part 1 of a three-part risk management progression, and is the prerequisite to the level 2 and 3.

The theory session covers:

• Mandatory baseline trail risk management practices
• The legal environment, legislative requirements, and defenses against negligence
• Trail risk management systems, user safety, and trail management objectives
• Access, information and signage principles

This live webinar is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

NOTE: This 6 hour training program will be delivered via two - three hour online sessions 

Session One: Tuesday January 27, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

Session Two: Thursday January 29, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).