THE QUEENSVILLE FOREST PROPERTY

York Region consulted with residents and external partners on the proposed Queensville Forest Property Management Plan from September 13 to October 4, 2022. Public consultation focused on the plan’s most important features for residents and Forest visitors including:

• Restoration plans and timelines - York Region will restore the property’s natural features and habitats by planting 145,000 trees over 70 hectares (173 acres). Restoration will occur over five years and, over time, newly-planted trees and shrubs will mature and become mixed-wood forests. The Region will work with contractors and engage the public in the planting process. Almost 50,000 trees have been planted since 2021
• Trail design and location – There will be five trail loops on the property so visitors can explore a range of natural features like forests, wetlands, streams, fields and restoration areas. These will range from fully-accessible trails to single footpaths, for a total trail length of 6,700 metres
• Parking lot location and design - Vehicle access to the property will be provided through a gravel parking lot off of Queensville Sideroad. The parking lot will be large enough to hold approximately 50 passenger vehicles and several large vehicles (such as horse trailers). Three accessible parking spaces will be included and constructed to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards. There will be two entrances to the parking lot from Queensville Sideroad. Visitors will be able to access trails from the parking lot, which will include a display case and signs 

On September 13, 2022, a virtual information session was held and residents were invited to explore the plan and leave comments on the interactive map from September 13 to October 4, 2022. 

Click here to view the presentation slides

Visit the map and view comments

The Region also consulted separately with various external partners including cities and towns in York Region, conservation authorities and the York Regional Forest Advisory Team. 

The Indigenous communities of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation were also invited to participate in the consultation process.

Overall, feedback received on the proposed Queensville Property Management Plan was very positive and most welcomed another opportunity to enjoy nature in York Region.

Participants’ top three sentiments reflect general support for:

• Land purchase and intent to create a new York Regional Forest tract on the property
• Restoration objectives (tree-planting) and incorporation of diverse habitats including grassland communities
• Number and design of the proposed trails and parking lot

Additional comments and questions in relation to dog walking, washrooms and amenities, hunting, naming the property, invasive species and agricultural land were also received from participants.

Click here to see the "What You Said" report

The final property management plan will incorporate feedback from residents and external partners and elements that acknowledge the cultural history of the property. 

Where is the Queensville Property located?

The property is located at 20753 McCowan Road and 4762 Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury. 

What work is currently happening on the property?

The Region will continue working on the property over the coming years to plant additional trees, construct the parking lot and trail system and add signage, benches and waste receptacles. It is anticipated construction of the parking lot and some initial trails will begin in late 2023 or early 2024. Once in place, the Region will be able to welcome the public to explore the property.

Will dogs be allowed to be off-leash on the Queensville Property?

Currently, this property is planned to be an on-leash tract.

Off-leash dog walking is permitted in the Bendor and Graves Tract (entrances at 17858 McCowan Road and 17689 Kennedy Road) in the Town of East Gwillimbury and the Davis Drive Tract (entrances at 4277 Davis Drive and at 17242 McCowan Road) in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. There is also an enclosed dog off-leash area at the Bendor and Graves Tract at 17858 McCowan Road in the Town of East Gwillimbury. Visit york.ca/dogsintheforest for more information.

Will hunting be allowed on the property?

At present, hunting will not be permitted on the Queensville Property.

The Region currently allows hunting in the Pefferlaw, Cronsberry and Metro Road Tracts of the York Regional Forest, subject to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Town of Georgina Discharge of Firearms By-law. Visit york.ca/yrf for more information.

Will there be washroom facilities on the property?

Currently, there are no washroom facilities at any York Regional Forest tracts. Public feedback as part of this process and other consultations related to understanding the York Regional Forest visitor experiences highlighted the need for this type of facility. The Region will consider the feasibility of adding restroom facilities in the future to the tracts where warranted and appropriate.

What will this property be called?

The Region is considering different names for the property, and the official name will be confirmed before opening the property to the public in late 2024. The name “Queensville Property” is a placeholder due to the location. In the past Forest tracts have been named based on local landmarks, location, land donors, history of the property or local areas.