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We Conserve

Protecting Nature for Future Generations

By protecting biodiversity and vital habitats, we can ensure that the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay remains as we know it today for generations to come.  One of our key goals in conservation is to actively engage the community while protecting natural spaces through private landowner initiatives, including Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) and Land Trust conservation agreements.

Conserving our Natural Heritage

Spanning 177,864 hectares, the ECA project area is rich in natural forest and biodiversity. It supports over 90 federally and provincially listed species at risk, 52 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and 25 Provincially Significant Wetlands. . The Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay is exceptional in the sense that it provides the most near urban nature for locals and visitors. It draws enormous attention for its biodiversity, so much so that it has become a UNESCO biosphere region. Attracting thousands of visitors whom contribute enormously to our local economy, which in hand benefits our farmers, breweries, small businesses and outdoor tour companies. It is why many of us relocated here or stay here for generations. It deserves to be conserved. These connected lands form a vital refuge for wildlife and ecological resilience in South Georgian Bay.

The Castle Glen Forest

The historic Castle Glen Forest above Collingwood comprises 1,500 acres of forest, streams, and wetlands. This will become a huge subdivision unless we work together to put an end to these plans. The developer is taking action. Are you? Learn more HERE.

Without action from organizations like the ECA, historical forests and sites like Castle Glen could be gone forever.

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Castle Glen Development Proposal Summary

  • The project proposes 1,600 houses, 300 hotel units, 3 golf courses, businesses, and other commercial developments. This amount of forest destruction is equivalent to 1,135 football fields.
  • This would be the largest development of its kind along the brow of the Niagara Escarpment since the creation of the Niagara Escarpment Commission. 
  • Our municipal infrastructure simply cannot safely handle this strain on our water supply, and roads

Watersheds and Species at Risk based on Science

  • A 2023 assessment revealed that Castle Glen and the surrounding area are home to over 20 species at risk—including endangered bats, threatened birds, rare reptiles, and vulnerable amphibians. This rich biodiversity underscores the ecological significance of the land and the urgent need to protect it. With species like the Butternut tree, Bobolink, and Eastern Ribbonsnake recorded, it’s clear that permanent protection is not only necessary—it’s overdue

The Talisman Lands

These 134-acres of public fields and forest gracing Beaver Valley was sold to a Toronto based developer, despite a higher bid from the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. The ECA has been taking action to inform and educate the public as well as open letters to our municipal governments for immediate action requesting permanent changes to policy on these lands.

Talisman Ski Resort Development Proposal (ELLIS)

  • There is an 800 room hotel proposed for the former ski resort and no proposal to reinstate the Ski resort or the Golf Course, which is necessary to get approvals to build on this land.  Read more here

Talisman Lands Development Proposal (BVDG)

  • A 370 unit town home plan of subdivision has been proposed for the foot of the former Talisman Resort. New road access, infrastructure and a stormwater pond flowing into the Beaver River will severely impact the existing ecosystem.
    Learn more here

News & Updates

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