Huntsville Council agrees to partner with Muskoka Conservancy on Brook Nature Reserve
Huntsville Council agreed to partner with the Muskoka Conservancy (MC) for their Brook Nature Reserve, in the September 23, 2024, meeting.
MC representative, Scott Young, approached Council about the rapidly growing Fairyview neighbourhood, due to affordable housing initiatives.
He indicated that resulting challenges include “limited recreational amenities” for residents, and the Nature Reserve has “neighbouring issues” which impacts the environment.
He said the MC has been facing issues such as waste being dumped on the trails, trees and vegetation being cut down, unleashed pets, invasive plant species like mint and ground covers coming from nearby houses, campfires, which all play a role in negatively impacting the natural environment.
According to the MC report, “These activities threaten the integrity of the nature reserve, and with growing neighbourhood density, the pressures are increasing.”
Young said that the MC welcomes public use of the area, however, in a way that still protects the land that was bequested and intended by Catherine Brook.
His solutions included “providing clearly marked trails, routes designed away from sensitive habitat, low foot bridge to protect wet patches, woodchips to protect tree roots, signage with maps at the trailhead, education signs on trails, and users stay on the trails with on-leash pets only.”
The proposed agreement keeps the MC as the landowners and the Town pays for trail maintenance.
He added that the primary use of the land would be for nature conservation, and the secondary use for recreational purposes for the public, with use of established trails.
He requested that Council approve the agreement in principle at this time, and staff can work with the MC regarding the Town funds that can be allocated in the upcoming budget for establishing a legal agreement, planning and cutting the trails, signage, and ongoing maintenance.
Mayor, Nancy Alcock, suggested the request is “timely, in an area highly developed.” She added, “It’s a gem for the health of the community. It’s exactly the type of thing we want to promote and protect.”
Councillor, Bob Stone, concurred. He said, “This is perfect in this intensified area…a perfect solution in the growth of the area.”
Councillor, Monty Clouthier, indicted that there could be an issue with the lack of parking near the trails, and suggested it be considered further, especially with the creation of a map system. He said, “It’s something we should keep in the back of our mind.”
Councillor, Cory Clarke, suggested that staff also investigate the extra workload and costs this could add to the Operations Department that are already under “pressure.”
CAO, Denise Corry, advised that the request already suggests the MC work with the Operations Department, therefore, they will be the ones submitting the report that will also include costs.
Council supported the proposed partnership in principle, which includes the installation and maintenance of trails. And staff will work with the MC to determine ongoing legal and budget requirements.
