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 like 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?
- Ardagh bluffs
- Yanionyen archaeological site!!
- Gables
- Sunnidale
- Bear creek wetlands
- Little lake (all around)
- The area at Ardagh + Hwy 27 (the wetlands)
- Allendale Park station
- Kempenfelt bay
Sandy Hollow Area, Adragh Bluffs, Sunnidale Park and forest, 998 St. Vincent St surrounding forest and river, Willow Creek , Lovers Creek Ravine
The Gables, Lovers Creek, Ardagh Bluffs, Sunnidale Forest
Sunnidale Forest
Little Lake
Bear Creek Wetlands
Ardagh Bluffs
Hewitt's Creek
Whiskey Creek
Minesing Wetlands
- Ardagh Bluffs (the entirety of it!)
- Bear Creek Wetlands
- Sunnidale
1.The oak wood and meadows waterside, east of Allandale Station Park.
2. Ardagh Bluffs.
3. Lackie's Bush.
4. Lover's Creek.
5. Osprey Ridge.
6. Bunker's Creek watershed.
7. All greenspace surrounding Little Lake.
Ardagh bluffs, it needs to be protected
Shear Park must be considered as an ecological microclimate and refuge for migratory and native species.
Ardagh bluffs
Ardagh bluffs
Allandale Station Park
Armagh Bluffs
Test
Allendale Park Station and surrounding meadows are one of Barrie’s remaining treasures and should be included in the Conservation Trust to ensure this land is protected in perpetuity. Sunnidale Park and surrounding forest should also be included.
Leave allandale lakeshore alone, especially the area closest to minets point down to the Hayter southshore. This is really only the peaceful walk in the area. It almost blocks out the noice of the traffic.
Ardagh bluffs. These trails mean so much to our family. This green space is so important to Barrie and we must preserve this green space at all times.
Lackie's Bush as well as other areas already mentioned. Please allow for various wildlife corridors to maintain our biodiversity. We also must protect our water and water views!
Please consider the potential for agricultural land trusts - similar to the Rouge Park Urban National Park, or the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, which leases farmland to young/new farmers... an agroecological foodbelt around Barrie!
Ardagh Bluffs!
Sandy Hollow Buffer is a great candidate. There is a wonderful disc golf course there that keeps a lot of people in this city active with a low cost barrier. Please consider protecting this land from future development
Allandale Station Park, Lackies Bush, Sunnidale Park, Ardagh Bluffs
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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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