BTC Purchases 523 acre Cape Chin Property

We are pleased to announce that the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) has purchased a large estate at Cape Chin on the Bruce Peninsula.

This transaction secures 523 acres of conservation land offering a spectacular 270 degree view of Georgian Bay and the Escarpment cliffs as well as 1.8 kilometres of Optimum Trail route. This is one of the most significant acquisitions the BTC has ever made.

Some history of the area as documented by our friend the late Ross McLean: “the Trail existed here until 1981 (approximately). It had been acquired by a Mr. Fox and within a year he evicted the Trail from his land. His reasons included a break-in at his cottage (and the theft of a TV set, I was told) and some trampling of a reforestation project. However, also significant was the threat of NEC land-use controls. …It is a beautiful spot with magnificent views up and down the escarpment.” (Ross always chuckled at the thought of ‘hikers’ stumbling down the trail with a 200 pound TV).

The BTC has long recognized the importance of Cape Chin. When the property was listed on the open market and subject to competing bids, there was a real urgency to ensure this land was moved into conservation. We will be fundraising in the coming year to cover the acquisition costs and significant land restoration efforts on the property. I hope that you too will be excited to support this spectacular acquisition and true conservation gem.

For those of you who don’t know the property, there is a large architecturally-designed home very close to the cliffs. The house complicated negotiations (it is on the premium portion of this land, but we didn’t want a house!) and continues to be a challenge moving forward. Options range from demolition to repurposing (visitor centre, gallery, scientist accommodations…) to resale of the house. Each alternative comes with its own issues and challenges. If you have a suggestion, please contact John Whitworth at pbtcgeneralinfo@gmail.com.

Conservation plans include significant restoration of the pasture lands which, according to BTC ecologists, are seriously over-grazed. Trail plans are to be finalized in the new year, but will feature trail along the escarpment cliffs. There are opportunities to repurpose current trails as a loop out to the Cape, with perhaps a parking area close to the road.

There is no trail at present. The house will be secured for the winter to prevent deterioration. For those keen to see the property you can watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_vhCPGTuJ4

It is truly both exciting and humbling to think that the Bruce Trail Conservancy is now responsible for all the land featured in this film.

… Think of it as an early Christmas present!

All the best for the New Year.

John Whitworth / December 2020