Fresh Green Space Opens on Mississauga’s Waterfront

Just in time for summer, the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area has opened its doors to visitors, honoring the late Ward 1 Councillor.

This new 26-hectare green area, located along the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga, has turned a previously industrial part of the waterfront into a clean and natural space. It’s now a welcoming place for hikers, walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts to enjoy.

Named after former Mississauga Councillor Jim Tovey, this conservation area reflects his dream of reconnecting people with Lake Ontario while improving the ecological health of Mississauga’s shoreline. Councillor Tovey was passionate about environmental issues and pushed for revitalizing the Lakeview shoreline. Current Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko has continued this important work by partnering closely with community groups.

This new waterfront conservation area is part of an award-winning project aimed at restoring the shoreline. Credit Valley Conservation led this initiative with support from the City, The Region of Peel and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Located west of Marie Curtis Park, it protects wildlife and natural habitats while making nature more accessible to local residents.

A waterfront renewed by nature

The conservation area features wetlands, forests, meadows, trails, boardwalks and wildlife habitats that enhance biodiversity while providing recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.

The restoration efforts include rebuilding shoreline habitats, reconnecting Serson Creek to Lake Ontario and planting thousands of trees along with wetland species. Beyond its ecological advantages, this conservation area also symbolizes waterfront renewal in Mississauga’s Lakeview neighborhood.

Main attractions

170-metre boardwalk along with nearly four kilometers of new trails – roughly equivalent to a complete loop around Square One district. It provides a pleasant environment for quick walks or extended rides, complete with rest areas every 90 metres. Scenic viewpoints equipped with informative signage. 1.7 kilometres of pedestrian pathways ideal for hiking, dog walking, birdwatching photography and cycling. Indigenous placemaking elements as well as spaces designed for learning and contemplation like an Indigenous Teaching Amphitheatre. Offshore breakwater islands serve to protect and shape the revitalized shoreline at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Credit Valley Conservation.

Encouraging active transport while linking green spaces

More than just a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike, this conservation area extends the Trans Canada Trail connecting Mississauga to Toronto. This encourages walking or cycling instead of driving. The newly added trails will restore access to the waterfront for everyone living here.

This conservation effort also aligns with city plans to create six additional waterfront parks in Lakeview Village-a large mixed-use development covering 177 acres on Mississauga’s eastern waterfront edge. This project aims to provide 18.5 hectares of new parkland featuring six parks that will maintain wildlife ecosystems while ensuring cleaner air and water for residents.

Watch video “Birth of a Landscape,” which showcases how the Conservation Area came together.

Improving life quality for those in Mississauga

Health equity is one focus within the City’s Healthy City Strategy created to tackle health disparities found across Mississauga neighborhoods. Many areas report type 2 diabetes rates above Ontario’s average rate of 9.8 percent.

The new Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area opens up more green space access for residents making it simpler to stay active through affordable options.

The pedestrian bridge at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area connects visitors across restored aquatic channels and wetlands along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Designed as part of the conservation area’s accessible trail network, it links visitors to habitat features like coastal wetlands fish habitat areas plus a 170-metre wetland boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Credit Valley Conservation.

The journey behind creating this Conservation Area

This initiative took shape over ten years thanks largely due partnerships among various public agencies who each brought their unique expertise into play-Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) alongside Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) directed environmental planning ecological restoration naturalization initiatives managing long-term site care too!

Local Indigenous communities such as Mississaugas from Credit First Nation contributed significantly towards crafting visions surrounding stewardship approaches relating directly back again onto cultural historical significances associated specifically regarding properties bordering great Lakeshore environments-consultations held continuously throughout engaged partners ensured recognition occurred concerning those principles tied tightly interwoven intertwined deeply rooted beliefs embracing overall wellness approach focused upon nurturing lands waters relations established mutual respect commitments toward ensuring future viability sustainability practices observed lived experiences resonated effectively enhancing education reflection opportunities fostered connection back again onto Mother Earth too! Spaces carved out promoting teachings dialogues emerged shared values promote integrity harmony cooperation displayed beautifully reflected purpose intentions pursued goals!

A generous amount assistance flowed forth from both Government agencies namely Government federal Provincial supplied funding tailored programs supporting broader objectives geared toward achieving positive outcomes relating environmental restoration climate resilience better infrastructure provisions needing built around here; also received guidance regionally through land ownership coordination urban growth planning endeavors undertaken ensuring sustainable practices maintained accordingly! Finally last but not least City officials played crucial roles shaping community frameworks enhancing accessibility improvement priorities embedding holistic views integrating eco-friendly designs knitting woven neatly together aligning perfectly complements enriching experience awaiting all those who venture here!

Come explore today!

Your chance awaits nearby! Before heading out do visit our website page dedicated specifically regarding Jim Tovey lake view parks where you’ll find updated advisories detailing any sections impacted due upcoming maintenance works scheduled soon afterward.
Parking can only be accessed via Marie Curtis Park located at two forty second street Etobicoke.
There isn’t any designated parking available inside boundaries marked off limits so remember enter exit through said park grounds exclusively instead please!

Digital resources available

Download high-resolution photos courtesy from Credit Valley..

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