A Battle for Green Space: Guelph Community Rallies to Protect Vital Land Near Former Kortright Waterfowl Park

There’s a quiet worry brewing in Guelph, a deep concern among residents who cherish their natural spaces. At the heart of it all is a specific 20-acre parcel of land, nestled right next to what was once the beloved Kortright Waterfowl Park. A passionate community group, known simply as the Friends of Kortright, is on a mission, advocating tirelessly for its permanent protection, fearing that this crucial piece of our natural heritage might otherwise be lost to development.

For many years, the Kortright Waterfowl Park, managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), was a cherished local gem, a place where families could connect with nature and observe an incredible array of birds. But, as often happens, things changed. The park eventually closed its gates in 2012, and the ownership of the land, a significant 100-acre tract, reverted to the City of Guelph. However, it's this smaller, 20-acre piece, located just south of the park's original entrance off Kortright Road, that's now causing so much unease.

This isn't just any patch of ground; it's a vibrant, living ecosystem. We're talking about wetlands, woodlands, and open spaces that serve as a critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Imagine painted turtles basking in the sun, frogs serenading the evenings, and countless migratory birds finding refuge during their arduous journeys. It acts as a vital ecological corridor, connecting larger natural areas and contributing immensely to the region's biodiversity. To lose it would be a significant blow, not just to the animals that call it home, but to the entire ecological balance of the area.

The Friends of Kortright, a group that officially came together in 2019, has been diligently researching and advocating for this space. They point to a pivotal moment in 2013 when the MNRF declared this very 20-acre parcel as 'surplus' land. Here's the kicker: this declaration came with a very specific, and one might say, vital condition. The land was to be 'naturalized.' That's a powerful word, isn't it? It implies a commitment, a promise to restore it to a wild, untouched state, allowing nature to reclaim its rightful place.

So, what’s the big hang-up now? Well, the City of Guelph is currently engaged in a master planning process for the main 100-acre portion of the former park site. This is excellent news, as it aims to guide the future use and protection of that larger area. The sticking point, however, is that this precious 20-acre parcel isn't explicitly included in that master plan. This omission, you see, creates a significant void, a frightening uncertainty about its ultimate fate. If it's not part of the plan, then what is the plan? Could it be sold? Developed? These are the questions that keep the Friends of Kortright up at night.

The community's vision is clear: they want to see the entire area, including these crucial 20 acres, designated and protected as a unified, natural space. They believe in upholding the original intent of naturalization, ensuring that this irreplaceable ecological asset remains intact for generations to come. What's needed now is a firm commitment from the City, a clear signal that this vital land will be safeguarded, allowing the wetlands to thrive, the forests to grow, and the wildlife to prosper, undisturbed.