Conservation Trust
On April 22, 2025 (Earth Day), Mayor Alex Nuttall signed an executive order directing City staff to report to General Committee on the creation of a Conservation Trust to protect lands in the area of Little Lake and other environmentally sensitive areas in and around Barrie including a framework, budget and authority to be functioning by 2026.
This executive order signals a significant commitment to conservation and the protection of Barrie's green spaces for future generations. The protected land will provide residents with more opportunities to connect with nature and reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
“By taking this step, we’re ensuring that our city grows with nature in mind, not at its expense." "By creating a conservation trust, we’re making a long-term, concrete commitment to the future of our natural environment, ensuring these lands remain undeveloped for future generations to enjoy.”
Mayor Alex Nuttall
City staff have been instructed to identify and prioritize lands for long-term protection, and to report back with exact locations and designations of the protected lands.
The Conservation Trust will act as an independent board and ensure these lands will be environmentally protected for perpetuity. The members of the Trust will include Mayor Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Thomson, Councillor Kungl, Councillor Nigussie and Councillor Harvey. City staff have also been directed to explore the inclusion of the Mayor of Springwater and members of the public on the board.
The City wants to hear from the public on what lands they would like to be included in the Conservation Trust, such as Ardagh Bluffs, Sunnidale forest, etc.
The following lands won't be eligible for the Conservation Trust:
- an active park
- land that is not owned by the City
What City of Barrie lands should be included in a new Conservation Trust?
Protect the ravine behind Thicketwood avenue in Barrie south end
SAVE Land along creeks, waterways and extensions
We don't want to destroy sanctuaries and eco systems that add value to our city. Take away the forests and you depreciate Barrie, it turns into a CHEAP concrete jungle. We lose property value/appeal
Waterfront - Allendale Station Park and Wildflower trails
Lackies Bush - needs some TLC and accessibility improvements
Assikinack park and bee and butterfly garden green space.
Sunnidale Park. It is one of the best parks in GTA and home of wildlife in our City
Sunnidale Forest
Sunnidale Park and vicinities. The niciest area in Barrie. It must be preserved.
Sunnidale forest, beautiful location supporint the enjoyable atmosphere of Sunnidale park.
Sunnidale Park - nice green space with lots of trees! Great for walks and fresh air amongst the chaos.
The section of forest between Stollar Blvd and Osprey Ridge Road. This is an essential urban waterway leading to Little Lake, which also provides a healthy ecosystem within the city for various species of birds, amphibians, and mammals.
Lovers Creek and its tributaries to ensure its health over the years
Lover's Creek would be a valuable piece of land to conserve. It serves as an important part of Barrie's watershed and a regular area for residents to enjoy a piece of nature which Barrie's growth threatens to swallow.
Please protect, preserve, and keep clean Lover’s Creek Ravine paths and surrounding areas.
Lovers Creek (Ward 9) and Lovers Creek Tributary should be included. Ardagh Bluffs, Hewitts Creek and Bear Creek.
Lovers Creek
From the map location, protect Huronia and Stunden Lane forests, trails, creeks, ponds, wildlife, watershed
OBJECTID: 325
TAX_OBJECT: 77591
PARCELID: 1047899
RollNo: 434205000625720
FullAddres: HURONIA RD E/S
StreetName: HURONIA RD
Lover's Creek and the surrounding area needs to be protected. No development ever. So much wildlife and beauty here. Already we have noticed the disappearance of deer. Our green spaces are worth protecting for future generations to enjoy.
I hope Lover's Creek is considered. It would be a shame to lose the area from Shalom Way and the acres of woodlands behind it. The community needs these forests and trails. I thought it was already protected since so many homes back onto it.
Lover Creek ward 9! Ecosystems galore! I am an Outdoor Education specialist for school board and during covid taught my online synchronous lessons hiking and exploring the area and sharing with hundreds of kids on line. Please put on trust list!
Lovers Creek must be protected forever! Please include in conservation trust. Ward 9! Beautiful ecosystems worth protecting! Thank you
Lover’s Creek Ravine
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Mayor Nuttall wants to know which City of Barrie lands you want to see added in a new Conservation Trust.
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