A bobolink was seen last spring in the restored meadows of the nearly finished Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area in Mississauga. This bird is classified as an at-risk species by officials from Credit Valley Conservation. (Photo: Credit Valley Conservation X)
Residents of Mississauga and surrounding areas are set to benefit once a large waterfront conservation area opens this spring in the city’s south end.
As per conservation specialists involved in the significant restoration effort on Lake Ontario, another creature is already taking advantage of what the almost completed Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area has to offer – and it has probably been doing so for some time.
Credit Valley Conservation, one of the collaborators on this $59-million project named after the late Mississauga city councillor, mentioned that spotting a bobolink last spring in the restored meadows was a “hopeful sign for grassland birds.” The area is slated to open to the public in May 2026.
“Once declining due to habitat loss, this at-risk species is finding new homes thanks to ongoing restoration along Lake Ontario’s waterfront,” stated the conservation authority in a social media post on Thursday.
The bobolink, historically called the “rice bird” because it often feeds on cultivated grains during winter and migration, is considered threatened across Canada and at risk wherever it’s found. Typically, these birds breed during summer in Canada and parts of the U. S., with most nesting occurring in northern U. S. regions, while they migrate south as far as southern South America during winter months, according to information from the National Audubon Society.
This is one of two new pedestrian bridges built as part of the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area. (Photo: Credit Valley Conservation)
The 64-acre Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area represents a joint restoration initiative led by Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and Region of Peel. The cities of Mississauga and Toronto have also played roles in this extensive project.
Recent developments at this conservation area include two newly placed pedestrian bridges introduced in late September (see video below).
Officials noted that these crossings “will connect trails, boardwalks and lookouts across the 26-hectare waterfront site, transforming a former industrial space into a vibrant green oasis for people and wildlife.”
This environmental “gem” is expected to be located in Canada’s seventh-largest city’s south end; initially scheduled to open last July but faced delays lasting nearly a year.
A raised boardwalk amidst nature is anticipated as another key feature within the conservation area, according to project leaders earlier statements.
The local conservation authority mentioned that this raised boardwalk trail will be especially appreciated by birdwatchers; it will provide “a one-of-a-kind vantage point allowing visitors to gaze over surrounding vegetation and into wetland habitats.”
CVC added that visitors can expect close-up views of various birds along this new boardwalk trail adjacent to Serson Wetland East.
Constructed on previously degraded shoreline land and named after a dedicated late Mississauga city councillor who worked hard for its realization, Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area repurposes construction rubble as sustainable resources aimed at creating greenspace that reconnects communities with Lake Ontario, project leaders explained.
Lakeview Village-a sizable mixed-use community-is being developed alongside Jim Tovey conservation area on land formerly occupied by Lakeview Generating Station. This facility was decommissioned back in 2005 following controlled demolitions of its iconic smokestacks known for many years as “The Four Sisters.”
A hopeful sign for grassland birds! #Throw Back to last spring when our team spotted a bobolink in the restored meadows at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area (#JTLCA). Once declining due to habitat loss, this at-risk species is finding new homes thanks to ongoing restoration… pic. twitter. com/PUDb3g RD7L
– Credit Valley Conservation (@CVC_CA) January 8, 2026
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