Help Name South Stormont’s First Conservation Area

The Township of South Stormont has partnered with the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) to create the municipality’s first Conservation Area at a 105-acre site located north of Vincent Massey Drive, between Lakeview Heights and the City of Cornwall.

Location of Future Conservation Area

Commonly known as Lakeview Marsh, the property was recently donated to the RRCA by the Township and features a mix of wetland and forest habitat. The RRCA is actively working to restore the site to support biodiversity, environmental health, and future opportunities for residents to connect with nature.

Community members are invited to help officially name the site by choosing their preferred name from the options listed below. The name receiving the most votes will be recommended for official adoption by the Township.

Naming Options and Background Information

Option 1: Lakeview Marsh Conservation Area

Lakeview Marsh has been the unofficial name of the property for over a decade and is taken from the name of the larger Provincially Significant Wetland that makes up a large portion of the site.

The 105-acre site mostly consists of Provincially Significant Wetland and forest habitat.

Option 2: Brownell Marsh Conservation Area

This option recognizes the contributions to the local community by the Brownell family, especially the work championed by Jim Brownell to preserve and showcase the history of the area, such as the development of the Lost Villages Museum just west of the new Conservation Area. Coincidentally, the Brownell family were once the custodians of a section of the Conservation Area site in the early 19^th century.

A view of the wetlands – looking west – from the earthen berm that once supported a spur line.

Option 3: Limestone Ridge Conservation Area

The site and its surrounding area have a centuries-long connection to limestone extraction, which supported construction projects across the region. The establishment of spur lines to move material resulted in earthen berms that likely helped create wetland conditions benefitting a wide biodiversity, including migratory birds and turtles. Many residents may remember the old, abandoned spur line that once crossed the site.

Photo of one of the so-called “donkey engines” used to transport stone extracted near the site.

Cast Your Vote

Using poll below, select your preferred name from the options below. The name receiving the most votes through all voting methods will be recommended for official adoption.

What Happens Next?

The RRCA and project partners are currently working on site restoration activities, including invasive species management, site cleanup, and environmental assessments. The next phase of the project will involve the preparation of a Conservation Area Master Plan, including a trail system and potential amenities, and will include further public consultation.