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Toronto Outdoor Club - FAQs
- How much does it cost to join?
- Do I have to become a member to participate in TOC events?
- How do I find you when I've never met you before?
- Can I meet at a different spot than the official carpool location?
- How does the carpool calculation work?
- What time should I be at the carpool, I'm running late or I'm lost - will you wait for me??
- Why is Downsview TTC station the main carpool location?
- What if I don't want to sign the TOC waiver?
- Do you sell/share my information with any third-parties?
- Why is my age displayed? Isn't that private information?
- Can my children participate?
- Can I bring my dog?
- I have an idea for an event that I may or may not want to organize. Who should I contact?
- Can anyone organize an event?
- What if I can't attend an event that I'm registered for?
- How do I volunteer or donate to the club?
- How do the TOC's difficulty ratings work?
- What is the scope of the TOC events (ie. for risk/difficulty)?
- Can I be bumped off an event list for any reason?
- There is a huge waiting list for the event I want to attend. Should I bother to add my name to the list?
- What if I have to drop out of an event that I've already paid for?
- What should I expect if I'm on the waiting list for a paid event?
- How can I pay for an event?
- I chose to participate in the Member Network. Why can't I view other members' info?
- May I attend an event that I'm not registered for?
- What if I'm not crashing an event but I do run into a club group
because I'm out doing the same activity at the same time?
- How much does it cost to join?
It doesn't cost anything to join the Toronto Outdoor Club and there are no yearly membership fees.We do ask for voluntary donationsfor many of our free events to help us pay for things like web hosting, first aid supplies, etc.
- Do I have to become a member to participate in TOC events?
Yes. At one time we allowed people to sign up for events without joining the club, but we require the same information from non-members that we require from members, so there is no reason not to become a member. It's free to join and you have the ability to hide your information from others if that is a concern.
- How do I find you when I've never met you before?
If you're new to the club and haven't been out to one of our events before, here are some oh-so-handytips for how to figure out which of the strangers you see are the ones you're actually looking for:
- At our social events: A designated spot to loiter will be appointed, and the event coordinatorwill gather everyone in that spot.
- At a carpool or event location: The carpool location will be described in as much detail aspossible. Look for a group of people milling around some vehicles, likely toting hiking or otheroutdoor gear.
-Look at the Volunteer page for the Event Coordinator and you'll find their picture so you'll have a general idea what they look like
- Can I meet at a different spot than the official carpool location?
If the event allows, you may choose to meet at the event. Be sure to have the coordinator's cell phone number with you and a proper map to the location; although, it is highly recommended for you to meet up at the carpool location for any changes in plans, and to get proper driving directions to the event. If you are unable to make it to the carpool location or meet at the event, some coordinators may choose to make exceptions depending on individual circumstances, so please e-mail your event coordinator if you feel it is necessary to meet somewhere else.
- How does the carpool calculation work?
The per car value is shown on the event page. This calculation is done by the website based on the total kilometers of a round trip to the event. The following formula is used to reach the posted cost:
(Current gas price) > ÷ 9 + (0.08 for wear & tear) x (number of KM) = cost per > vehicle
This amount is final and can not be negotiated, regardless of differing mileage on a driver's odometer. To achieve a final per person amount for the carpool the event coordinator does the following:
(Cost per vehicle) x (number of vehicles used in carpool) ÷ (total number of persons in carpool) = per person amount
The coordinator will collect the per person amount from all the non-drivers, and pay the drivers the per car amount less the driver's per person amount. Only people who participate in the carpool will be included in this calculation. If the amount per person is not a full dollar amount, the coordinator will round to the next dollar to make the calculation easier. Any money left over will be added to donations.
- What time should I be at the carpool, I'm running late or I'm lost - will you wait for me??
The carpool time on the event is the carpool DEPARTURE time. Please plan on being at the event at least 15 minutes before the carpool time ESPECIALLY if this is your first event. There are waivers to sign, introductions to be made, carpool assignments, attendance to be taken, questions to be answered. It's a hectic time for the Event Coordinator and they don't have time to deal with latecomers. Latecomers not only inconvenience people who have made the effort to wake up early in order to be on time, but they also delay the event and the people who are waiting for the club at the trailhead. The coordinator has booked plenty of time to get to the trailhead so that coffee can bought, gas tanks filled up and cottage traffic is considered. Here's a general rule: if you are not ready to leave your house One Hour before the carpool time, you may want to rethink your plans for the day. If you are well on your way, but you got lost, took the wrong subway or hit some bizarre and unexpected traffic delay, please let the coordinator know at least 15 minutes before the carpool time. They will have the final say on how long they will wait but be aware if the carpool time is 10:00 and you show up at 10:01 there are no guarantees. Please do not call the coordinator and ask them to turn back for you or to send someone to come pick you up.
- Why is Downsview TTC station the main carpool location?
It's far from downtown and inconvenient on Sundays when the subway doesn't start running until 9am.
A) It is centrally located for out-of-town events, close to Highways 401, 400, and the 404/DVP
B) Downsview has free parking on weekends for other members who aren't driving to the event
C) It is close to our clubhouse Chalker's (247 Marlee Avenue)
Downsview is the best compromise the TOC could make in order to continue to provide rides for downtowners without cars. Many drivers still drive out of their way to get to this location, without them we wouldn't have much of a club! Maybe in the future we'll have some downtown drivers, but in the meantime get to know your TTC Sunday morning bus schedules!
- Why is my age displayed? Isn't that private information?
Many members appreciate knowing what type of people may be accompanying them on an event and a group of 20 somethings can be a different experience than a group of 50 somethings. The TOC feels that age specific event are discriminatory however members are welcome to choose whether they'd feel comfortable among a group of significantly older or younger participants. Regular members will tell you that ages are insignificant, but it's still nice to know. If you are 50+ but don't feel a day over 29, go ahead and lie on your birthdate - we won't tell a soul! You have the choice to hide your actual birthdate from display since that is considered to be private information..if you are telling the truth!
- What if I don't want to sign the TOC waiver?
If you do not understand, agree to, or sign the TOC waiver, you will be unable to participate inTOC events. This is for the club's protection and safety, and we appreciate your hassle-free signature. Please Note: Signing the waiver does not mean you can ignore the coordinator's request If a coordinator decides that a route is too dangerous, or that equipment is required for that event that is not required by law, signing the waiver does not give you the right to be stupid or unsafe.
- Do you sell/share my information with any third-parties?
We respect the privacy of our members and do not sell or share your information with any third-parties. It isalso up to you whether or not you want to share your member informationwith the other members of the club in the online members area.
- Can my children participate?
Some, but very few, events may allow for children. You'll need to check the particular event's informationonline to see if they are permitted.
- Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted on some events. This is at the discretion of the particular event's coordinator and whether the area in which the event occurs permits them. All Dog questions can be directed to the TOC's official doggie coordinator "Rocky" at Rocky@TorontoOutdoorClub.com.
- I have an idea for an event that I may or may not want to organize. Who should I contact?
Great! We are always looking for new event ideas, whether or not you'd like to organize it. Since we are a club run by the members for the members, we always want to know what exactly you want to do. E-mail our volunteer coordinator, Cynthia, at volunteer@torontooutdoorclub.com to discuss event ideas.The TOC also has bimonthly volunteer info nights, where you can come out and meet the volunteer coordinator and other TOC volunteers who will be there to answer any questions.
- Can anyone organize an event?
Currently, all we ask for is that you are a) enthusiastic, b) have some experience organizing/leading, c) have completed the event previously, d) be an active member (ie. have been out on at least a couple events with us). See our Coordinator Checklist,and/or e-mail our Volunteer Coordinator, Cynthia, atvolunteer@torontooutdoorclub.com for more information.
- What if I can't attend an event that I'm registered for?
If you are a member, there are a couple of ways you can remove your registration from an event. First,log in to the web site, and then either:
- Click on the event details and scroll to the bottom for a button to remove yourself
- Select "My Events" from the left nav and use the section at the bottom to remove yourself
Non-members must e-mail the event coordinator to get their name taken off the list.
Note that if you cancel close to (ie. within 24 hours of) the event start time, you mustcontact the event coordinator to let them know. If you simply do not show up for an event, it mayimpact your participation on future events.Please review our Cancellation Policyfor more information.
- How do I volunteer or donate to the club?
It's easy to help out. We keep our web site updated with our current needs on ourVolunteer & Donate page. Letus know how you'd like to help, and we'll get you started. Thanks for your interest!!!
- How do the TOC's difficulty ratings work?
The mission of the TOC is to provide events for all skill levels, with the main focus being at a beginner/intermediateskill level. Our events are rated for difficulty with this in mind. Because we are a variety club, and are nothard-core into a specific activity, our events are often rated more difficult than an expert would consider them tobe (they are rated for our group, not for the expert, or hard-core community). If you have never participated inan activity before, you should be just fine attending an event that is ratedEasy or Easy to Moderate. If your confidence level is higher with an activity, our events rated more difficultthan that should still be fine. Make sure that you have an excellent fitness level, and/orextensive experience with an event, before signing up for anythingrated Difficult or Advanced. If you are unsure of your ability tocomplete event in which you’re interested, please e-mail the event coordinator to discuss before registering.
It is challenging to quantify the difficulty rating for various events, but in keeping with our mandateof being a variety club, and not a hard-core single-activity club, our rating system/guidelines are as follows:
- Hikes: Hikes are rated according to the amount of distance and/or elevation gain involved. Ahike under 8 kilometers, pace = 2km/hr and terrain is gentle will be rated easy. Between 8-10 km (or so) withpace = 2-3K/hr and terrain that is mostly gentle with some hills or rough trail will be rated easy to moderate. Between 10-14 km(or so), pace = 2.5-3.5k/hour and the terrain is varied with some challenging sections will be rated moderate.Between 14-20km and pace = 3.5-4.5k/hour with terrain that is varied with a significant portion of the hike through hilly terrain or rough trail will be ratedmoderate to difficult. Distances of 20K+ with a pace of 4.5+k/hour and Hilly and/or rough terrain and trail will be rated Difficult and technically challenging trips i.e. multi-day backpacking trips and trips where specialized skill sets i.e. orienteering and bushwhacking skills - are required will be rated Advanced Note: all difficult and advanced trips will only be open to those who meet the event coordinator's criteria: if this is your first event with that coordinator, you may be contacted before being allowed to participate.
- Urban Hikes (easy-easy to moderate): Urban hikes are rated easy or easy to moderate depending on distance and elevation gain(see "Hikes" above for more information).
- Ice Skating (easy-easy to moderate): Ice skating is rated easy or easy to moderate depending on location. Skating in anindoor arena is easy; on outdoor ice, because the surface is rougher, it will generally be rated easyto moderate. Beginners are ALWAYS welcome on ice skating events and some informal assistance/instruction will likely be available from the event coordinator and/or other participants.
- Inline Skating (easy-moderate): Inline skatingis rated easy to moderate depending on the location, andintended distance covered. Beginner (easy) events are held on a smooth flat trail, and the intentionis to instruct beginners and help those not that experienced to increase their skill and confidencelevel without an expected distance to be covered. Other inline skating events are held on busier trails which may have more hills,intersection crossings and other hazards. These events will likely be intended to cover a specificdistance, and are not intended for beginners or those looking for an easy practice skate.
- Snow Shoeing (easy to moderate-moderate to difficult): Snow shoeing events are rated similarly to hikes, but with lower parameters fordistance and elevation gain. For example, Chester Lake, an 8km/220m gain hike will be rated easy tomoderate, but for snow shoeing will be rated as moderate because of the additional effort requiredduring snow shoeing.
- Cross-Country Skiing (easy to moderate-moderate to difficult): Cross-country skiing events are rated similarly to hikes and snow shoeing.
- Backpacking (moderate to difficult-difficult): Backpacking events are rated moderate to difficult,or difficult, depending on distance and elevation gain involved.
- Street Biking (easy-moderate to difficult): Street biking may be rated from easy to moderate to difficult depending on hills, distanceand traffic hazards.
- Mountain Biking (moderate-difficult): Mountain biking begins at moderate and goes up from there depending on distance,elevation gain and loss, and technical difficulty of the trail.
- Canoeing (easy to moderate-difficult): Canoeing events begin at easy to moderate for short trips such as an afternoon on theGlenmore Reservoir, and go up from there depending on distance, hazards and technical difficulty (forexample, canoeing in moving water, in rapids, etc).
- River Rafting (easy to moderate-difficult): River rafting events begin at easy to moderate for 1/2 day floats within Calgaryand go up from there depending on distance, hazards and technical difficulty.
- What is the scope of the TOC events (ie. for risk/difficulty)?
Because the TOC is a free, volunteer-run organization, there are certain activities that arebeyond the scope of what we're able to offer. The scope of the TOC includes:
- Hikes, walks, backpacking, camping, canoeing, rafting, scrambles, inline skating
- Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating
- Special events run through a tour company (caving, dog sledding, trail rides)
- Social and variety events
The scope of the TOC does NOT include:
- Singles events - these are WAY too dangerous (ok, seriously, they're just outside of our scope.The TOC is an "everyone welcome" club that does not discriminate based on marital status)
- Mountain climbing, rock climbing or ice climbing (unless run through an external organization)
- Sky diving, hang gliding, paragliding, wind surfing, kite boarding
- Can I be bumped off an event list for any reason?
Event sign-ups and waiting lists are always on a first-come, first served basis. It is, however,possible for you to get bumped off an event list in the following circumstances:
- You are not physically able to complete the event, or are putting yourself (or others) at riskby attempting the event
- You arrive without the required equipment to complete the event(ie. a helmet for a biking event)
- The event hasn't got enough drivers, in which case a person willing to take their vehicle maybe given precedence on the event over someone who isn't
- You have two or more no-shows logged on your account (see ourcancellation policyfor more information)
- You have been notified previously that you are not welcome on this coordinator’s events (dueto past issues).
- There is a huge waiting list for the event I want to attend. Should I bother to add my name to the list?For the most part we try to get as many people onto an event that want to attend. For hikes or other outdoor activities, the limited numbers are more of a suggestion and some volunteers are willing to add more people to the hike than they initially intended. In some cases, a second group will be added to accomodate a growing waiting list. However, for social events like dinners, paid events or house parties the number of people allowed is usually not flexible. There are always last minute drop outs . The best option is to watch your email for any notification from the co-ordinator, or even to call the day ofthe event to let them know you are still interested. If you do notwant to be put on a stand by situation, you have the option to be dropped off the waiting list automatically at a certain number of days before the day of the event. Don't forget that a guaranteed way to get on an event is to co-ordinate one!
- What if I have to drop out of an event that I've already paid for?If it is still before the cut-off date, you may fill out the Refund Request Form (on your left nav)to receive a full refund. If the cut-off date has passed, you will receive a refund only ifsomeone takes (and pays for) your spot on the event.
- What should I expect if I'm on the waiting list for a paid event?If paid attendees drop out of a paid event after the registration cut-off, the people on the waitlist will be contacted. The first person to commit and pay for the spot gets it. You can "Prepay" for a spot if you are on the waiting list!. If you are totally committed to attending a paid event but you are on the waiting list you may prepay the amount. This will put you first in line as soon as someone either drops out or the payment date passes and there are people who have not paid by the cutoff. If you prepay and still do not get on the event, the money will be refunded to you. Prepayments are not recorded on the website, so contact the coordinator and/or treasurer to see if this option is available for the event, first. Note that this isdifferent from our waiting list "first come first serve" policy for regular events.
- How can I pay for an event?You must pay for your events (which require payment) by the cut-off date. Payment must be made to theclub Treasurer. See our Payment Infopage for more information. Note that if you pay via cheque or money order through the mail, yourpayment MUST be received by the cut-off date otherwise your registration will be cancelled and yourpayment returned to you - if you're mailing in a payment, be sure to mail it EARLY.
- I chose to participate in the Member Network. Why can't I view other members' info?
Until you have attended 2+ events with the Toronto Outdoor Club you will not have access to view the information of other club members. This is a privacy/security measure which ensures that personal information is not made publicly available (ie. all someone would have to do to gain access to the information is sign up for a free club). To protect our members' privacy we have implemented a policy that the information is only made available to participating members.
- May I attend an event that I'm not registered for?
No, event crashing is against club policy. Please see "Event Crashing" on our Rules page for complete information.
- What if I'm not crashing an event but I do run into a club group because I'm out doing the same activity at the same time?
Most of our events do take place in public venues that are open to everyone. Please see "Event Crashing" on our Rules page for complete information about what constitutes "crashing" and what does not.
Please contact us with any additional questions you may have.
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