$4.5 million is available for the acquisition of fee simple and conservation interests in privately owned natural heritage lands. Additionally, $1.2 million is available for land stewardship activities on newly acquired lands.
Interests in privately owned lands are being acquired in partnership with other conservation organizations, using the principle of "willing seller-willing buyer" at appraised market value.
Conservation bodies as defined in the Conservation Land Act can participate. Examples include:
Please refer to Section 3.(1) of the Conservation Land Act for a complete definition of "conservation body."
Yes. To be considered under the program, a property must be located in southern Ontario (as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Eco-Regions 6E and 7E – roughly the area south of the Precambrian Shield).
Examples of natural heritage lands include:
Other examples include lands that have been identified in provincial plans and lands that attract high recreational interest.
Title must be held by the Ontario Heritage Trust or another public agency, unless otherwise agreed to by the Trust and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Where the title of newly acquired land is not held by the Trust, it will be subject to a conservation easement held by the Trust.
Yes, partners are expected to contribute at the 50 per cent level.
Each application will be subject to an eligibility review by the Trust's Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee, comprised of staff from the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Ministry of Natural resources. Decisions on funding will be made by the Trust's Board of directors.
No. Properties or conservation easements that have already been acquired are not eligible for reimbursement through this program. Also, acquisitions that are nearly completed (e.g., completed appraisal, completed agreement of purchase and sale) will not be considered by the program.
The program will consider funding stewardship projects related to newly acquired lands. Eligible costs include:
The Ontario Heritage Trust's Coordinator for the Natural Spaces Land Acquisition and Stewardship Program can answer your questions and provide additional information. Please contact: Sean Fraser Manager, Acquisitions and Conservation Services Ontario Heritage Trust 10 Adelaide Street East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1J3 Telephone: 416-325-5019 Fax: 416-314-5979 Email: sean.fraser@heritagetrust.on.ca