Postcard - Gilles Grove 10,000 years in the making
Logo - Trees and water inside a circle

The last remaining undeveloped area of land that borders the Gillies Grove Old-Growth Forest is being sold to a developer.

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What's at Stake

Latest News

UPDATELocal community gathering in gymnasium

Community Members Rally

Committee of Adjustment Approves Severance of Environmentally and Culturally Sensitive Lands

February 14, 2025

ACTIONNick Smith Centre Entrance

A Crucial Public Meeting to Sever Land

We need everyone present for this one!

February 1, 2025

UPDATELogo and Mary Reynolds Quote

Community Stands up for Gillies Grove

Ecological Study Needed

January 29, 2025

Join us as we gather together our collective love of this ecological and historical gem to counter the development proposal. Together we can find a better and more sustainable solution that meets the needs of all, including; the Galilee Center, a respected retreat center that has been entrusted with the care of this land for many years; the town’s folk who live nearby or use this area for their physical and spiritual wellbeing; the flora, fauna and fungi of the great and incredibly rare forest known as Gillies Grove; and the developer who needs to find ways to build homes for a growing Ontario population.

Together we can find a better way!

Field

Local Voices

What members of the community are saying about the proposed development:

The Galilee Centre Land is a treasure in our community - one that we cannot lose. It is a habitat for insects, birds and wildlife and a healing space for many. It is important that we protect our green space when planning for development in our town.

- P.D

Another impact that will be felt will be huge traffic implications around the area that is home to three schools and the hospital. It will become a very dangerous area to navigate, especially for children.

- P.M

I use the Galilee Centre grounds for lessons including: hiking, snowshoeing, xc skiing, fitness runs, cycling, scavenger hunts, tree identification, milkweed studies, soil studies, orienteering, etc. I rely heavily on this land to deliver my lessons.

- K.P