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Regional Forest expands with purchase of 142-hectare property in East Gwillimbury

The land at the corner of McCowan and Queensville Sideroad 'will provide much needed additional natural space for our residents,' York Region commissioner says

Newmarkettoday.ca
Sept. 13, 2021
Joseph Quigley

The York Regional Forest network is expanding with the municipality purchasing 142 hectares of land in East Gwillimbury.

The land, about 350 acres, is at the corner of McCowan Road and Queensville Sideroad, about a 20-minute drive northeast of Newmarket. The region plans to reforest 82 hectares of the land, situated in the Greenbelt. The purchase price was not disclosed in a report put before York Region council Sept. 9.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said it is an incredible addition to the York Regional Forest network.

“This is a significant step forward in our greening strategy and our efforts to combat climate change,” Taylor said.

The purchase price of the property is not yet publicly available. Natural heritage and forestry services manager James Lane said the price would be available from the registered deed once the property has closed.

The purchase is part of the region’s Greening Strategy, including tree planting and protecting natural heritage features. The region has completed a phase one environmental assessment of the land, but additional soil and groundwater work is underway. The land had some agricultural use, but staff said the property is outside the prime agricultural area designated under the region’s official plan.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role natural spaces provide in the lives of our residents,” commissioner of environmental services Erin Mahoney said in her report. “With many activities reduced or suspended due to public health measures, residents have sought opportunities to explore natural areas, including the York Regional Forest. This expansion to the forest will provide much needed additional natural space for our residents.”

The region said 40 per cent of the land purchase and reforestation efforts will be funded by Infrastructure Canada through the Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, amounting to $10.1 million over eight years.

Mahoney said planning is underway for the property, including trails and removal of derelict buildings. York plans to start planting trees there in spring 2022, though she said it will take several years of work to make the land safe for public use.

“Acquisition of this property will provide many environmental and public benefits to region residents,” she said.