​For more than 45 years, the Town of Newmarket has managed and enhanced local lands known as Fairy Lake owned by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority under a long-standing management agreement.

Following recent amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority undertook a review of its land holdings and has since transferred ownership of select properties to local municipalities. In August of this year, the Conservation Authority formally transferred ownership of 59 acres to the Town of Newmarket without financial compensation. These lands include Fairy Lake, the surrounding parkland, and the area south of Mulock Drive known as Bailey Ecological Park.

"Many residents no doubt thought the lands were owned by the Town, this really is just a formality that recognizes over 45 years of work by the Town to provide valued public spaces in the very heart of our community," said Mayor John Taylor. "The Town will continue to maintain the trails and park space that is valued by the community."   

"The Town of Newmarket has long been a committed partner in stewarding these lands, and this transfer provides them with greater autonomy over these highly valued green spaces that serve the community," said Clare Riepma, City of Barrie Councillor and Chair of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. "This transition also allows the Conservation Authority to focus more strategically on managing lands with high ecological significance, in alignment with recent updates to the Conservation Authorities Act."

These lands will continue to be enjoyed by the community as public parkland. While the Town now owns the properties, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority will still play a role in overseeing any future changes or development on parts of the land that fall within regulated areas such as near watercourses, wetlands, or areas prone to flooding.

To learn more about the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, visit lsrca.on.ca.