‘Action plans will help determine priorities for restoration, stewardship, and future uses,’ says conservation authority official
NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors has approved a Comprehensive Stewardship Plan that will guide the long-term management of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve in Georgina, Ontario.
“The approval of this plan is an important milestone in establishing a long-term vision for the Preserve,” said Peter Ferragine, Bradford West Gwillimbury Councillor and Chair of the Conservation Authority Board.
“It provides a balanced framework that protects ecological integrity while creating opportunities for future stewardship, learning, and connection to the land.”
The Preserve consists of approximately 360 hectares (890 acres) of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands. The Conservation Authority acquired the property in March 2022 from the Province of Ontario, and a subsequent Minister’s Zoning Order ensured that the lands will be permanently conserved.
The acquisition represented the largest land transfer in the history of the Lake Simcoe watershed and was the result of more than a decade of discussions involving the Conservation Authority, the Province, the Town of Georgina, and the landowner.
Since acquiring the property, the Conservation Authority has undertaken extensive environmental studies, Indigenous engagement, as well as broad local consultation to better understand the land and develop a long-term vision for its future.
The local advisory committee that was convened included First Nations, Municipal, Regional, and community members representing multiple professional sectors. The public consultation process included open houses, the Authority’s online ‘Have Your Say’ platform, door-to-door conversations with neighboring properties, and significant social media engagement.
Guided by advisory committee input, public feedback, and a two-eyed seeing approach that brings together Indigenous Knowledge and Western science, the Comprehensive Stewardship Plan establishes a balanced framework for the property. It protects and restores important natural features while supporting Indigenous cultural connections, sustainable agriculture, passive recreation, education, and community engagement. The plan also identifies opportunities for visitor amenities including trailheads parking areas and educational infrastructure to support future public access and learning opportunities.
“The next phase of work is about translating this vision into a practical roadmap for action,” said Mark Critch Acting Chief Administrative Officer. “The action plans will help determine priorities for restoration stewardship and future uses while ensuring decisions continue to be guided by sound science Indigenous perspectives and community input.”
With the long-term framework now in place; The next phase of work will focus on developing detailed action plans beginning in 2027 to guide future stewardship restoration agricultural Indigenous; And recreational initiatives across the Preserve.
The Comprehensive Stewardship Plan supports the Conservation Authority’s commitment to watershed health climate resilience conservation; And sustainable land management. Ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities residents stakeholders; And municipal partners will remain a key component of implementation.
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