To commemorate Earth Day, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall has signed an executive order establishing a conservation trust to protect natural land including the Bear Creek Wetlands, Ardagh Bluffs and Little Lake.
The move is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to safeguard its natural environment.
“By creating (a) conservation trust, we’re making long term, concrete commitments to the future of our natural environment,” Nuttall said. “Ensuring these lands remain undeveloped for future generations to enjoy.”
The conservation trust will act as an independent board with members including Mayor Nuttall and councillors Robert Thomson, Ann-Marie Kungl, Nigussie Nigussie, and Gary Harvey.
“What we’re doing is in perpetuity for the long term, we are saying that these lands will forever be, used as recreation, as natural habitat, and preserved by both the city partnered with citizens and hopefully our surrounding municipalities,” Nuttall said. “In addition to preserving these lands, the trust will also focus on creating accessible trail systems to encourage the public to spend time outdoors.
The initiative also opens the door for nearby municipalities, such as Springwater, to join the effort in preserving shared natural spaces.
As the city continues to grow, Nuttall emphasized the need for balance between development and environmental conservation.
“We really need to make sure that while we’re moving forward with housing, making it more affordable for folks to be able to buy a house to live in Barrie, that we’re finding jobs for those folks that live in Barrie, that we also maintain and enhance the beautiful natural environment that we have,” Nuttall said.
Members of the conservation trust will be asked to report back to council on the appropriateness to include the mayor of Springwater and members of the public.
