Episode 195: The Niska Lands

Today on Breezy Breakfast, we talk about the Niska Lands.  The Grand River Conservation Authority is beginning the process to designate as surplus an 8 hectare field south of Niska Road.

Ontario's Conservation Authorities used to receive a great deal of funding from the provincial government.  Since the 1990's, this funding has decreased to the point that Conservation Authorities currently need to sell land in order to raise money for infrastructure such as dams.  

The current provincial government has mandated that Conservation Authorities create an inventory of surplus lands that might be sold in order to build housing.

Given the provincial growth targets for Guelph, we are well on our way to a Parkland deficit.  Given the City's investment in the land, it might be reasonable to expect Guelph to have a say in what happens to it.  Furthermore, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation have offered to preserve this 8 hectare chunk of land.  But there's a fly in the ointment:  that land is designated as residential in Guelph's Official Plan!

Our guests Susan Watson and Hugh Whiteley take us on a magical mystery tour of the Niska lands, highlighting the terms of purchase, historical significance, and ideal use of these lands.

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