Land Securement

 

York Region's commitment to land securement continues to grow. Historically land securement was considered the direct purchase of land. Today, the public's commitment to, and support of, the environment is being demonstrated through charitable actions including donating conservation easements and land. The Region's Greening and Securement Strategies proactively pursue these opportunities to protect a healthy and natural heritage system for current and future generations.

 

Achievements and ongoing activities

 

• Since the adoption of the York Region Land Securement Strategy, 594 hectares (1482 acres) have been protected through conservation easements, donations, purchases, etc.
• Partnerships continue with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT), and other stakeholders. Opportunities are reviewed through the Land Securement Working Group (region-wide).
• York Region has adopted Regional Securement Criteria that are strategic and unique.
• Expansion of York Regional Forest (Hall Tract) - 24 ha (60 acre) purchase with the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
• Contribution to the Town of Newmarket 4.6 ha (11.3 acre) woodlot purchase.
• MacMillan Nature Reserve - a 49 ha (120 acre) property, on the Oak Ridges Moraine, donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada by Dr. and Mrs. Robert MacMillan. It is protected jointly by the NCC and York Region through an innovative land securement/protection partnership.
• York Region has acquired a major King Township property with the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and TRCA. This property presents a significant opportunity to establish a new Regional Forest Tract in the western portion of the Region.
• Landowner stewardship and securement contact program has brought a number of potential conservation easements to the attention of York Region and our securement partners. Work on these projects is ongoing.