CVC Foundation’s Holiday Campaign Hits New Milestones in Support of the Credit Valley Trail
January 11, 2021 – Credit Valley Conservation Foundation’s (CVCF) annual Holiday Giving campaign closed out 2020 on a high note receiving an exceptional level of support. The month-long campaign in December raised more than $40,000 to help connect the Credit Valley Trail (CVT) and support conservation initiatives across the Credit River Watershed. Individual donations were doubled in impact through the generous support of presenting sponsor Imperial and matching donor Canon Canada who each committed to match donations up to $10,000.
“Charities have been greatly impacted by the pandemic so we’re beyond grateful for the strong support we received from our generous donors and sponsors,” said Terri LeRoux, Executive Director of the CVCF. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people supporting important environmental initiatives like the Credit Valley Trail, that provide access to nature close to home.”
The 2020 Holiday Giving campaign kicked off CVCF’s largest fundraising initiative to date, a $10 million campaign to help connect the remaining 68 kilometres of the CVT. Once complete, the legacy trail will be a 100-kilometre pathway following the banks of the Credit River, from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. It will connect people to the beauty of nature, rich cultural experiences, Indigenous heritage and values and the sustaining waters of the Credit River.
The need for protected green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities is more pressing than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to natural spaces, like parks and trails, plays a critical role in maintaining health and wellness. Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has seen a 54 per cent increase in park visitation during the pandemic.
“Our Holiday Giving campaign gives us great momentum as we head into the new year, with new hope and a new fundraising goal to support the remaining trail development,” continued LeRoux. “The Credit Valley Trail puts nature at the heart of our communities and will be a protected, natural legacy for future generations.”
The CVT project is led by CVC in partnership with the City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Town of Halton Hills, City of Mississauga, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Town of Orangeville and Region of Peel. Core funding for the project has been generously provided by 407 ETR, CVCF, Government of Ontario, and the Greenbelt Foundation.
For more information and to support CVCF’s $10 million fundraising campaign to connect the CVT, visit creditvalleytrail.ca.
About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.
Photo: https://cvcfoundation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CVT_Rendering-2018-05-24-Final-rgb.jpg
Caption: Artistic rendering of the Credit Valley Trail
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Media Contact
Sophia Maio
Supervisor, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
C: 437-240-4801
[email protected]
Hiking Toward a Healthier Future
From CVC Foundation’s Terri LeRoux
During the holidays, we find ourselves reflecting on the year past. Whether it’s lessons learned or what we’re grateful for, it’s a time to cherish what’s important.
This holiday season is unlike any other for my 10-year-old son Luke. When he was four months old, he was diagnosed with epilepsy. It’s the fourth most common neurological condition and it affects people of all ages. It often results in unpredictable seizures. Luke was having as many as 16 seizures a day.
For most of the his life, we managed his epilepsy with medication – sometimes having to take 10 pills a day. But not anymore! And access to nature and greenspace had a lot to do with it.
I’m always worried for his safety, anticipating his next seizure and its severity. Luke’s epilepsy medication was critical for managing his condition, but it also came with unwanted side-effects. It affected his language processing, dexterity, cognitive abilities, coordination and confidence. Just being a kid was difficult.
Despite the difficulties, I’ve always encouraged him to get outside. Having grown up canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping, I’m no stranger to the benefits of nature. And just like me, Luke found that he can be his best-self outdoors. Being active in nature significantly reduced his overall stress levels, which was a major trigger for his seizures.
Luke’s journey to being less reliant on his medication began on January 1st. We set out to complete 100 hikes across Ontario over the course of the year. We documented our hikes on Instagram, highlighting stunning outdoor spaces, many of which are supported by generous donors who value the special role nature plays in our lives.
I immediately noticed a calming effect on Luke, which was incredibly helpful as we slowly weaned him off of his medication. And Luke isn’t alone. In a recent study, 95 per cent of participants saw a significant increase in calmness just from being active in nature.
The decision to wean Luke off his medication became clearer with each hike we conquered together. After our 100th hike at beautiful Upper Credit Conservation Area on November 9th, we revealed to our friends and family that Luke was no longer dependent on his medication to manage his condition. We were overjoyed and it wouldn’t have been possible without access to beautiful natural spaces, so close to home.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is trying to ensure that people in our community have even more access to natural with the Credit Valley Trail.
CVC is creating a 100-kilometre trail along the banks of the Credit River, from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. The Credit Valley Trail will connect people like Luke to the beauty of nature and the sustaining waters of the Credit River.
32 kilometers of the trail currently exist, including the first signed section at Upper Credit Conservation Area. This is thanks in part to generous donor support through the CVC Foundation. It’s my hope that Luke’s story and the holiday season will inspire you to give so we can connect the remaining 68 kilometers.
Your donation will fund critical aspects of the Credit Valley Trail, including securing new land, building the trail surface and creating stops along the way where people can explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Credit River. Nature offers a safe, carefree space for Luke and so many others to explore, destress and build their confidence. Having access to a connected and protected trail so close to home will be transformative for our children. Whether big or small, your holiday donation will have a major impact on people in our community for generations to come.
Please donate before December 31st and our partner, Imperial, will generously match your holiday gift (up to $10,000)! Every dollar you contribute will have double the opportunity to connect people like Luke with nature.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday,
Terri LeRoux,
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Trail Takes Shape with First Sign Unveiling and Campaign Launch
The Credit Valley Trail (CVT) gained its first stake in the ground on Tuesday, November 3, as project partners officially unveiled the trail’s first wayfinding signage at Upper Credit Conservation Area in Alton. The Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) also announced the launch of a major $10 million fundraising campaign to help connect the full 100-kilometre trail. In attendance were representatives from the Credit Valley Trail Leadership Council, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Board of Directors, CVCF Board of Directors, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Community, Greenbelt Foundation and 407 ETR.
The CVT was first envisioned in 1956 as a fully connected trail through the Credit River Valley. The vision for the trail is a 100-kilometre pathway along the banks of the river, from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. It will connect people to the beauty of nature, rich cultural experiences, Indigenous heritage and values and the sustaining waters of the Credit River.
“This is a milestone day for the Credit Valley Trail,” said Karen Ras, Chair of the CVC and CVCF Boards and Councillor for the City of Mississauga. “Today’s sign unveiling takes the bold vision of this legacy trail from strategy to reality. This is an important step as we continue to work with our generous donors and supporters to help complete the trail that will connect our communities and become a protected, natural legacy for future generations.”
To date, 32 kilometres of the trail have been completed. These existing trail networks are in various areas along the proposed CVT optimum route and listed in the interactive Ondago trail app. As the CVT continues to take shape, this app will help local residents and visitors explore the existing sections of the trail and connect with nature.
“We’ve come a long way from the first concept of the Credit Valley Trail explored in CVC’s 1956 inaugural watershed report,” said Deborah Martin-Downs, CAO of CVC. “Today, we are bringing this vibrant trail to life. These signs give the CVT an identity and sense of place, but we still have a long way to go. Our work must continue as we connect the remaining 68 kilometres.”
The CVCF’s latest fundraising campaign is their largest to date. In support of the CVT, the new campaign aims to raise $10 million to help connect the remaining 68 kilometres of the legacy trail.
The need for protected green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities is more important now than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to natural spaces, like parks and trails, play a critical role in maintaining health and wellness. CVC saw a 47 per cent increase in park visitation during the pandemic.
The CVT is a legacy project led by CVC in partnership with City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, CVCF, Town of Halton Hills, City of Mississauga, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Town of Orangeville and Region of Peel. To date, funding for the project has been generously received from the CVCF, Government of Ontario, Greenbelt Foundation and 407 ETR.
For more information about the Credit Valley Trail or to support the campaign, visit creditvalleytrail.ca.
About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.
Photo:
Caption: Credit Valley Trail sign unveiling took place at Upper Credit Conservation Area with project partners
Left to right: Johanna Downey, CVC Board of Directors, CVT Leadership Council member and Councillor for Town of Caledon; Karen Ras, Chair of CVC Board of Directors, Chair of CVC Foundation, Councillor for City of Mississauga and CVT Leadership Council member; Edward McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of the Greenbelt Foundation; Terri LeRoux, Senior Manger, Property, Assets, Recreation and Conservation Areas of CVC and Executive Director of CVC Foundation; Deborah Martin-Downs, Chief Administrative Officer of CVC and CVT Leadership Council member; Conan O’Brien, Program Manger, Marketing, Communications and Government Relations for 407 ETR; and Carolyn King, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Community member, CVT Leadership Council member and CVT Indigenous Roundtable Chair
Link: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MOD-IMG_4712-scaled.jpg
Caption: Credit Valley Trail partners participated in an official ribbon cutting of the trail at Upper Credit Conservation Area
Left to right: Johanna Downey, CVC Board of Directors, CVT Leadership Council member and Councillor for Town of Caledon; Deborah Martin-Downs, Chief Administrative Officer of CVC and CVT Leadership Council member; Terri LeRoux, Senior Manger, Property, Assets, Recreation and Conservation Areas of CVC and Executive Director of CVC Foundation; Karen Ras, Chair of CVC Board of Directors, Chair of CVC Foundation, Councillor for City of Mississauga and CVT Leadership Council member; Conan O’Brien, Program Manger, Marketing, Communications and Government Relations for 407 ETR; Edward McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of the Greenbelt Foundation; and Carolyn King, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Community member, CVT Leadership Council member and CVT Indigenous Roundtable Chair
Link: https://cvc.ca/creditvalleytrail/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MOD-IMG_4687.jpg
Caption: Credit Valley Trail’s new wayfinding signage at Upper Credit Conservation Area in Alton
Link: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_1618.jpg
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Media Contact
Jamie Williams
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
C: 905-431-5772
[email protected]
Canoe the Credit Receives Record-Breaking $28K in Support for Conservation Initiatives
On September 12, 2019 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted its 14th annual Canoe the Credit event at the Mississauga Canoe Club in Port Credit. Over 200 participants enjoyed a fun and impactful day on the water in support of a great cause. The event raised over $28,000 through sponsorships, team registrations and participants fundraising efforts.
“We’re so grateful for the show of support at Canoe the Credit this year,” said Terri LeRoux, Executive Director for CVCF and Senior Manager, PARCS for Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). “The event raised a record-breaking $28,000 thanks to corporate partners who rallied in support of conservation initiatives. Together, we’re helping to connect, protect and sustain nature in the Credit River Watershed.”
Teams paddled hard for conservation in a twelve-team triple elimination dragon boat race. Peel Regional Police 11 & 12 Division successfully defended their reigning first-place champion title, with R.J. Burnside & Associates retaining their second-place champion title. Lakeview Community Partners joining the coveted champions circle in third-place.
The corporate team challenge included paddlers from the following companies and organizations: Alectra Utilities, Credit Valley Conservation, Fielding Environmental, Lakeview Community Partners, Peel Police 11 & 12 Division, Signature Communities, R.J. Burnside & Associates, Samsung, and Schneider Electric.
In total, corporate teams fundraised over $12,000 in pledges for Canoe the Credit. Lakeview Community Partners raised more than $5,000 of total pledges, earning them the Most Spirited Team award for outstanding fundraising efforts.
Over the past decade, Canoe the Credit has raised almost $260,000 in support of programs like CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps, a youth environmental education, leadership and career training program. Funds raised this year support CVCF’s five-year Protect Connect Sustain Campaign. The campaign goal is to raise $5 million by the end of 2020 in support of three key projects: Conservation Youth Corps, the Credit Valley Trail and Land Securement, including the current featured Capstone property in Caledon.
The event was generously supported by Paddle Partner Sponsor, Lakeview Community Partners. Prizes and refreshments were generously donated by Credit Valley Conservation, CVCF Board of Directors and staff, Forks of the Credit Inn, Patagonia Toronto, Pump House Grille Co., Starbucks Port Credit, Snug Harbour, Suncor and The Waterside Inn.
Photo:
Reigning Canoe the Credit champions, Peel Regional Police, 11 and 12 Division
https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1st-Place-Champions-Peel-Police-11-12-Division.jpg
Second Place Champions, Burnside Bass Kickers (R.J. Burnside & Associates)
https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2nd-Place-Champions-Burnside-Bass-Kickers.jpg
Third Place Champions, Lakeview Village Stone Hookers (Lakeview Community Partners)
https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3rd-Place-Champions-Lakeview-Village-Stone-Hookers.jpg
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About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.
Media Contact:
Jamie Williams
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
905-670-1615 ext. 285
[email protected]
Information Contact:
Terri LeRoux
Executive Director – Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Senior Manager, PARCS – Credit Valley Conservation
905-670-1615 ext. 218
[email protected]
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley announces $265,000 donation to CVC Foundation
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley announced on Wednesday night a donation of $265,000 to Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) for the securement of the Capstone Property, part of Credit Valley Conservation’s land securement campaign.
The Capstone Property, a 44-acre parcel adjacent to TPC Toronto, will provide public access to Charles Sauriol Conservation Area while securing the optimum route of the Credit Valley Trail and protecting critical brook trout habitat.
The presentation was made by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk during the Caledon Community Council Golf Tournament.
“Credit Valley Conservation’s efforts to secure and protect this critical property and enable access to this beautiful part of Caledon have been inspiring. We are thrilled to help complete this campaign and look forward to seeing people connect with this wonderful area right in our backyard,” said Humeniuk.
Partially forested with the Credit River meandering through, the Capstone property includes stunning cedar forests and incredible biodiversity, along with critical Brook Trout habitat. The property is the inaugural land securement initiative for the Credit Valley Trail, a 100-kilometre continuous, connected river valley trail from the headwaters in Orangeville through Caledon, Halton Hills, Brampton to the shore of Lake Ontario in Mississauga.
“CVCF is so grateful for TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk family for their support of our land securement initiatives,” said Terri LeRoux, CVCF Executive Director. “When the local community rallies to support these critical conservation initiatives, everybody wins. This generous gift for the Capstone will have a lasting impact on the Credit River watershed and its communities for generations to come.”
“This is a generous and welcome gift from TPC Toronto Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk family,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “This donation will help secure a major addition to our natural and environmental heritage in Caledon. On behalf of Council and the community, we express our deepest thanks for this amazing contribution.”
The $265,000 represents a donation of $250,000 from TPC Toronto to go along with a $15,000 contribution of proceeds from the 2019 Osprey Valley Open.
Learn more about the Capstone campaign here.
Photo link: https://cvc.ca/creditvalleytrail/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0720-1024×768-1.jpg
Photo (left to right): Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson, Region of Peel Chair Nando Iannicca, Caledon Councillor and CVC Foundation Trustee Johanna Downey, CVC CAO Deborah Martin-Downs, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, CVCF Vice-Chair Ed Arundell.
Conservation Gala Receives Record Support
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) hosted its 14th Annual Conservation Gala on Thursday, May 30. This year marked another successful event with 390 guests who raised approximately $310,000 in support of local environmental initiatives. Sponsorship from community businesses raised a significant portion of these funds.
The Conservation Gala is a fundraiser that supports CVCF’s five-year Protect, Connect and Sustain Campaign. The campaign goal is to raise $5 million for Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) by 2020 to support three key projects: the Credit Valley Trail, Conservation Youth Corps and land securement. To date, CVCF has raised $4.8 million of their 5-year campaign goal.
“We’re so thankful for all the support received at this year’s gala,” said Karen Ras, CVCF Board Chair. “These funds will help Credit Valley Conservation complete critical environmental work toward a vibrant, sustainable future. We’re grateful for the support from businesses, partners, volunteers and individuals in our community.”
The gala, held at Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton, kicked-off with a cocktail reception sponsored by Lakeview Community Partners. Additional entertainment included a Birds of Prey experience with native wildlife, and pianist Davor Jordanovski.
Guests were welcomed to the dining room by CVCF’s Chair and Master of Ceremonies, Karen Ras. The event featured a special 8-item live auction sponsored by 407 ETR with Philanthro-tainment by Layne the Auctionista. Guests also showed their support through a silent auction featuring 118 unique items and experiences. Port Credit West Village Partners sponsored the three-course dinner. Wine was sponsored by Condrain, DG Group, Aquatech and GEMS.
“This year our Fund-A-Need auction was a huge success, raising over $17,000 in under five minutes,” said Terri LeRoux, CVCF Executive Director. “These funds will help us acquire 44 acres of crucial land in the heart of Caledon. This will be the first land securement initiative for the Credit Valley Trail. Thanks to the support of local businesses and community members, we’re connecting more people with nature and protecting land for the future.”
Since 2006, the Conservation Gala has raised over $2.2 million in support of CVC projects and initiatives that enhance the local environment for present and future generations. Each year our corporate leaders, individual donors and municipal representatives attend the Conservation Gala.
Photos:
Caption: left to right: Michael Ras, CVCF’s Executive Director Terri LeRoux, CVCF’s Chair Karen Ras, CVC’s Credit Valley Trail Senior Coordinator Natalie Faught and CVCF’s Past Chair Jim Muscat at the 14th annual Conservation Gala on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Link: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/P1140735.jpg
Caption: Left to right: CVCF’s Chair Karen Ras and CVCF’s Executive Director Terri LeRoux at the 14th annual Conservation Gala on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Link: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_8377.jpg
Caption: Left to right: Town of Orangeville Councillor Grant Peters and wife Heather at the 14th annual Conservation Gala on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Link: https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/P1140767.jpg
About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow.
About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Media Contact
Jamie Williams
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
905-670-1615 ext. 285
[email protected]
Credit Valley Conservation
Our journey of 100 kilometres begins with a single step
Sixty years ago, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) first explored the concept of a continuous trail through the Credit River Valley. The trail would connect communities along the Credit River in a unique and meaningful way.
Today, we’re working with the Credit Valley Conservation to transform this vision into reality. The Credit Valley Trail (CVT) will be a 100-kilometre continuous river valley trail connecting the hills of the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. This historic trail will connect people to the beauty of nature, rich cultural experiences, Indigenous heritage and values, and the sustaining waters of the Credit River.
The CVT is being built through leadership, forward-thinking, collaboration among community partners and Indigenous leaders, and the land to support the planned route. The good news is an important piece of the puzzle has recently become available.
In the heart of Caledon, along the upper stretches of the Credit River, is a 44-acre piece of land that is crucial to developing the optimum route of the Credit Valley Trail.
We’re calling this our Capstone property because it’s the inaugural land acquisition for the Credit Valley Trail. Owning it would give us a gateway to our Charles Sauriol Conservation Area, 188 acres of conservation land that’s currently inaccessible to the community.
The Credit River meanders through the partially-forested Capstone property with its stunning cedar forests and incredible biodiversity. This is a true natural jewel to be protected now, and forever.
Acquiring this land will secure 650 metres of the CVT’s optimum route, connecting 8.5 continuous kilometres of trail. It will also help protect critical brook trout habitat, the Credit River Watershed’s most important native fish species.
Together, we can take action. We are launching an important fundraising campaign on National Philanthropy Day (November 15) to support the Capstone property purchase.
The Capstone Campaign is your chance to help build a piece of the legacy Credit Valley Trail. With your help we will raise the $425,000 needed to support the purchase of this incredible natural gem.
Your donation will directly contribute to a thriving environment that protects, connects, and sustains us. It will have lasting impact along the Credit River while helping to inspire, connect and empower infinite generations of river guardians to value and protect this watershed.
Take the step. To learn more about the Capstone Campaign or to donate, visit www.cvcfoundation.ca/capstone.
Funding Announced for Credit Valley Trail: Greenbelt Foundation Earmarks $100,000 for Trail’s Master Plan
Credit Valley Conservation is receiving support from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation to develop a plan for a 110-kilometre hiking trail along the Credit River.
With a $100,000 grant from the Foundation, Credit Valley Conservation, partnering with the Credit Valley Heritage Society, will bring to life a 60-year old vision of a connected pedestrian corridor. Stretching from the river’s headwaters in the Greenbelt outside of Orangeville, through the urban river valleys of Peel, the trail will end at the mouth of the river in Lake Ontario, not far from Port Credit.
In collaboration with municipal partners, the Trail Master Plan will identify the preferred route for the Credit Valley Trail, highlight noteworthy natural and cultural tourism destinations along the valley, and assess land securement priorities. Once finalized in summer 2017, Credit Valley Conservation and its partners will be ready to take the next steps in completing the trail, including the creation of a tourism and marketing strategy and bringing lands along the Credit River Valley into public ownership.
“The Credit Valley Trail will serve as a living legacy of what we can accomplish together with a shared vision and collaborative resources,” said Mississauga Councillor and Chair of Credit Valley Conservation Nando Iannicca. “When complete, the trail will protect natural spaces along the Credit River, serving as a gateway to the Greenbelt’s inland lakes in the northern watershed, weaving cultural, historical and natural tourism spaces to Lake Ontario in the south.”
“We have heard from many people about the importance of protecting and enhancing the region’s urban river valleys, to keep our drinking water clean and fresh,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. “Once completed, the Credit Valley Trail will be one of the prominent features and jewels of our urban river valleys in southern Ontario. This endeavour has been in the imaginations of this region’s residents for nearly three times longer than the Blue Jays’ current playoff drought.”
Funding of more than $380,000 was also awarded to EcoSpark, Environmental Defence, Ontario Farmland Trust, Sierra Club, and the Toronto Environmental Alliance for initiatives that help continue to protect the province’s Greenbelt as the solution for fresh air, clean water, healthy local food, and a thriving economy with good jobs. To review further information on these grants, please visit: http://www.greenbelt.ca/grants_made.
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About the Greenbelt:
Ontario’s Greenbelt is the solution for fresh air, clean water, healthy local food, and a thriving economy with good jobs. At nearly 2 million acres, it’s the world’s largest permanently protected greenbelt, keeping our farmlands, forests, and wetlands safe and sustainable. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, and protect natural features. Join us in 2015 as we celebrate 10 years of success for the Greenbelt! Learn more at: greenbelt.ca or find us on Twitter and Facebook.
Credit Valley Conservation
Conservation authorities are a provincial/municipal partnership. For 60 years, Credit Valley Conservation has worked with its partners to support a thriving environment that protects, connects and sustains us. Credit Valley Conservation gratefully acknowledges financial support from our member municipalities for facilities, programs and services: the Regions of Peel and Halton; the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton; the Towns of Caledon, Erin, Halton Hills, Mono, Oakville and Orangeville; and the Townships of Amaranth and East Garafraxa. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
Photo:
On the Culham Trail today near Credit Valley Conservation’s administration office in Mississauga, delegates announced a $100,000 grant from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation to support development of a master plan to develop a continuous 110-kilometre trail along the Credit River.
Celebrating at the announcement were (L – R) Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) CAO Deborah Martin-Downs, Orangeville Councillor Gail Campbell, Caledon Councillor Johanna Downey, Mississauga Councillor Karen Ras, Township of Amaranth Mayor Don MacIver, MPP Mississauga Brampton-South Amrit Mangat, CVC Foundation Chair Jim Muscat, Erin Councillor John Brennan, CVC Chair and Mississauga Councillor Nando Iannicca, Oakville Councillor Tom Adams, Friends of the Greenbelt VP of Communications Susan Murray, Halton Hills Councillor Bob Inglis, Brampton Councillor Martin Medeiros, Mississauga Councillor Ron Starr, CVC Manager of Community Outreach Dave Beaton and Credit Valley Heritage Society President Susan Robertson.
https://cvc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/150911-launch-of-master-plan-CVTmedia.jpg
Contact:
James Berry
Communications Manager
Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation
(647) 999-9068[email protected]
Jamie Williams
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Credit Valley Conservation
905-670-1615 ext. 285
[email protected]