RECENT NEWS

June 10, 2025
For immediate release

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is excited to announce the completion of major accessibility upgrades at Inglis Falls Conservation Area, one of the region’s most popular natural destinations.

Guided by community input and recommendations outlined in the Inglis Falls Management Plan, this project focused on addressing key accessibility barriers to help ensure the conservation area is welcoming and inclusive for all visitors. Public feedback gathered through a 2024 accessibility survey also played an important role in shaping the final design.

The project included renovating the existing washroom facilities to add two gender-inclusive, accessible washrooms, both equipped with automatic doors and baby changing stations. A new paved pathway has also been implemented to improve access to the washrooms and the existing viewing platform that overlooks Inglis Falls. GSCA plans to further enhance accessibility at this property by incorporating additional features in the future.

“These improvements represent an important step toward making Inglis Falls more accessible to visitors,” said GSCA’s Operations Manager, Morgan Barrie. “By creating spaces that are inclusive and barrier-free, we are fostering greater participation in outdoor experiences and encouraging more people to connect with nature.”

GSCA extends its sincere thanks to the local businesses who went above and beyond to support this initiative. Chris Robertson and the team at Extreme Linings and Coatings made the accessible trail to the lookout platform a reality. Patrick McCormick of McCormick Painting and Drywall volunteered his time and expertise to paint both the interior and exterior of the washroom facilities, and Madison Macdonnell from Grey Bruce Paint & Decor generously donated all the Benjamin Moore paint used for the project.

Visitors are invited to experience the new accessible features at Inglis Falls Conservation Area and enjoy everything this iconic property has to offer. The conservation area is open daily from dawn to dusk, with parking available for $10 + HST per day. For those looking to explore even more, purchasing a Membership Parking Pass offers year-round access to multiple GSCA properties. Parking Passes are also available to borrow from libraries throughout the GSCA watershed, making it even easier to get outside and enjoy nature!

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Photo 1: Upgraded washroom facilities at Inglis Falls Conservation Area.

Photo 2: Newly constructed accessible pathway leading to the lookout platform.

For more information:
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
media@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Vision: A vibrant watershed, supported by the GSCA, where ecosystems thrive, and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous.

Mission: To champion a healthy and safe watershed through innovative conservation efforts, sound planning, and inspiring education initiatives, now and in the future.

May 30, 2025
For immediate release

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is pleased to announce that a recent court decision has confirmed its ownership of lands at Hibou Conservation Area, ensuring continued public access and conservation of this valued natural space.

This decision follows a situation that arose in April 2020 when a “For Sale” sign appeared on the northeast portion of the Hibou property near Leith. The sign raised immediate concerns from local residents and community groups, prompting widespread attention on social media. GSCA staff became aware that another party had registered a title interest in this section of the property and took immediate steps to address the issue.

Following legal action to prevent the sale and resolve the title dispute, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a decision on May 27, 2025, declaring that all right, title, and interest in the subject property is vested in Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and that any claim by the respondent or other parties is extinguished.

“We’re both delighted and relieved by this week’s Ontario Superior Court decision,” said GSCA Chief Administrative Officer, Tim Lanthier. “After a long process, we’re proud to confirm that Hibou Conservation Area will remain a treasured public space for our community.”

Hibou Conservation Area consists of approximately 329 acres of land along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. It was acquired by the former North Grey Region Conservation Authority (now GSCA) in the early to mid-1970s, following a successful community fundraising campaign. Since that time, GSCA has maintained Hibou as a public access conservation area.

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For more information:
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
media@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.

April 7, 2025
For Immediate Release

Join the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation for the 8th Annual Earth Film Festival – an inspiring evening of storytelling, networking, and fundraising for local conservation and environmental education initiatives.

This year’s feature film, All Too Clear, uses cutting-edge underwater drones to explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive mussels, known as quaggas, are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. To capture this epic change, the husband-and-wife filmmaking team of Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert spent more than 150 days filming underwater, making it the most ambitious underwater film ever made about the Great Lakes. Part scientific exploration, part natural history adventure – the film showcases freshwater wildlife and environments like never before.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from the filmmakers and see the underwater drone up close. This is more than just a film screening, it’s an evening to connect with fellow environmentalists, support local conservation efforts, and leave feeling inspired!

The event will take place at The Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Doors open at 6:00pm, allowing guests to network and bid on silent auction items before the film begins at 7:00pm. The silent auction will feature a variety of locally handcrafted products, services, and experiences, with proceeds supporting conservation projects and environmental education in the region.

Schools are invited to attend a special matinee presentation at 10:00am, providing an opportunity for students to learn about the impact of invasive species and the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems.

Tickets for the evening presentation are $30, while school matinee tickets are $7 per student. Tickets can be purchased through The Roxy Theatre by calling 519-371-2833 or visiting www.roxytheatre.ca.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Lakes on the big screen, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. Get your tickets today!

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For further information:
Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation
Don Sankey, Chair
foundation@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.