The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) has announced its decision to demolish the former Talisman Mountain Resort buildings, permanently eliminating the threat of development on these lands located in the Beaver Valley. This once-in-a-generation securement project will establish Talisman Forest Nature Reserve, conserving 134 acres for a milestone restoration project focused on reforesting the slope, the creation of essential habitats, and providing free public recreation along the iconic Bruce Trail.
The former Talisman Mountain Resort buildings and slope have sat dormant since the closure of the resort in 2011 after 60 years in operation. Since that time, the land has been the target of large-scale development proposals, including a Nordic spa, while the buildings experienced significant deterioration. The threat of development on these lands generated significant opposition by the community, raising concerns about the environmental impact and precedents such building projects could set.
The timeline for demolition has yet to be determined, but the process will involve significant salvage and reclamation efforts. The demolition of the former resort buildings will enable BTC staff ecologists and volunteers to explore the possibility of resurfacing a buried stream that currently runs beneath the buildings (a process referred to as ‘daylighting’), providing the potential for wetland habitat creation on the property.
BTC ecologists have begun a three-season ecological inventory of the property, making observations about the species and features of the land to determine future restoration plans. In addition to the possibility of daylighting the stream currently running underneath the resort buildings, significant reforestation of the slope is being planned, which will eventually close one of the largest gaps in the forest canopy within ten kilometres. Ecologists are also considering meadow and grassland habitats to support the Meadowlark, Bobolink and other species recorded on the property.
The cost to secure and restore these lands into the future is $7.5 million. Thanks to early support from donors, $1.86 million has already been raised. Now, the next $1.5 million in donations towards Talisman Forest Nature Reserve will be matched by Environment and Climate Change Canada, meaning your donation will go twice as far!
To learn more about Talisman Forest Nature Reserve and support this landmark securement and restoration project, please visit: brucetrail.org/talisman.
