Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is inviting residents to weigh in on which natural spaces across the city should be added to a new municipal conservation trust.
In a video posted to his social media accounts on Tuesday, May 13, Nuttall announced that Little Lake in Barrie’s north end will be included as one of the first properties in the newly established trust. He encouraged the public to share suggestions for other areas that deserve protection.
“One of the things we’ve recently announced is that we’re going to be proceeding with a conservation trust here in the City of Barrie,” he said in the video.
“For generations, councils have purchased land around Little Lake to make sure that it can’t be developed — to ensure it is preserved for future generations. I’m asking you to look around the City of Barrie and tell me, and tell council, where you would like to see other lands added to our conservation trust.”
Several residents who commented on the video suggested potential additions to the Conservation Trust, including Allandale Station Park, North Shore Trail, Wilkins Walk, and Minet’s Point.
Speaking to Compass News, Nuttall emphasized that protecting vital environmental areas is essential to preserving Barrie’s natural heritage.
“The preservation of environmentally significant areas, such as Little Lake, reflects our commitment to safeguarding Barrie’s natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
“The intention of this is to ensure environmental sustainability and community access to green spaces.”
Although a final list of spaces for the conservation trust has not yet been determined, Nuttall said the selection process will involve community input and collaboration.
“Community collaboration will play an important role in shaping this initiative as we work to identify and protect the most meaningful natural areas across the city,” he said.
“As the city considers additional lands for inclusion in the conservation trust, we welcome residents to share suggestions with their ward councillors for other areas across Barrie that may be suitable for inclusion in the conservation trust.”
On May 9, the City of Barrie and the Township of Springwater announced they are in discussions regarding servicing agreements and boundary adjustments. If approved, the changes would bring all of Little Lake — currently located mostly within Springwater’s jurisdiction — entirely within Barrie’s limits.
