Developers sell the last privately owned portion of Sifton Bog to UTRCA
Two developers have formally turned over a portion of the Sifton Bog to public hands.
Drewlo Holdings and Auburn Developments confirmed the sale of 7.23 hectares (18 acres) of land to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) on Wednesday morning.
The wooded area located along the eastern and southern portions of the Sifton Bog has been unofficially part of the trail system for decades.
Moving forward it will be managed by UTRCA.
“Much of it is an area of national scientific interest as well as provincially significant wetlands,” explained Brandon Williamson, Land Management Coordinator with the UTRCA. “So, this arrangement protects that sensitive ecological habitat, and now it's in our land holdings, so we can protect it, enhance it and remove some invasive species and also restore it.”
Brandon Williamson is land management coordinator with the UTRCA. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
The UTRCA used a $262,000 federal grant to pay for the purchase, improved signage, and additional maintenance.
Willamson acknowledged that the developers sold at far below market value.
“We approached Drewlo and Auburn and over a few months worked with them on getting this deal done. So, it is really great opportunity for us.”
Jamie Crich, the president of Auburn Developments, said both firms have come to agree that the environmentally significant area should be left the way it is.
He added that its ongoing presence benefits nature lovers and developers.
A group gathered to celebrate the official opening of the trail on Nov. 6, 2024 (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
“We're always looking for amenity features for development and to enhance the city. You know, attracting more people to the city and making it vibrant and grow. It's important. And you need these types of features to do that.”
“Even when we're doing development and having impact on the environment, positively or negatively, we're always looking at the overall positive impact to the city, whether everybody interprets it that way or not,” said Allan Drewlo, the president of Drewlo Holdings.
“So, well, it seems unique from some people's perspectives, this is kind of what we do on a regular day-to-day basis.”
Work to upgrade the trails began over the summer. New access points were officially opened on Wednesday morning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta RCMP officer charged with 2 counts of sexual assault
Const. Bridget Morla, a Leduc RCMP officer, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with an incident that happened two years ago.
Ontario dad removes hockey rink at heart of neighbour dispute
A Markham dad who drew the ire of neighbours and the city after installing a hockey rink in his backyard says the rink has now been taken down.
Motivated by obsession: Canadians accused in botched California murder plot in police custody
Two Canadians are in police custody in Monterey County, California, after a triple stabbing police say was motivated by a B.C. man's obsession with a woman he played video games with online.
Kingston, Ont. doctor in 'disbelief' after being ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY."
Alleged gang member driving from U.S. arrested at Canadian border after making wrong turn
An alleged gang member coming from the United States was arrested at the Canadian border after reportedly making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge border crossing.
AC/DC announces North American stadium tour, Vancouver lone Canadian stop
Big news for AC/DC fans as the heavy metal bigwigs announced Monday they will hit the road next spring. But as of now, there’s only one Canadian show on the docket.
Nova Scotia lawyer suspended following ugly courtroom fracas
A Nova Scotia lawyer who had to be restrained by deputy sheriffs during a court appearance earlier this year has lost his appeal of a suspension following the bizarre incident.
Negotiations between Canada Post, union still on hold
Canada Post says it's waiting for a response from the union representing some 55,000 striking workers after it offered a new framework for negotiations over the weekend.