Georgian Bay Land Trust

 

The Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT) is a non-profit, charitable foundation that was set up to preserve and protect land on the eastern shore and North Channel of Georgian Bay that is ecologically and/or historically significant. It accepts donations of land and conservation easements on lands continued to be held by owners and in return, provides donors with charitable receipts.  The GBLT sometimes works in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Canada's largest land trust.

The GBLT now owns and/or manages more than 400 acres of land in 14 reserves along the Georgian Bay shore. Properties include well known natural spaces such as Umbrella Island near Sans Souci, as well as several lesser known properties, such as Friend Island in Pointe-au-Baril.  Property that the GBLT acquires is host to unusual, rare and sometimes unique flora and fauna. By assuring that this land is never developed, built on, mined, logged or in any other way altered, the Land Trust is contributing to preserving the natural heritage of the Bay. 

 

Interest in Land Trusts Growing

Interest in land trusts has increased in recent years, partly due to skyrocketing assessments and tax bills.  A donation of land relieves this burden, provides a charitable receipt for the land value, and gives donors the peace of mind that the donated land will never be developed.

 

Through the purchase or acceptance of land and easement donations, the GBLT is committed to the stewardship of that property in perpetuity. Our Stewardship Program is dedicated to achieving this goal through the support and passion of members of our local communities that share in our interest in protecting these special places. The stewardship of all of our properties is led by dedicated individuals and families that are committed to watching over our reserves to make sure that they are properly cared for, monitored and respected by those that visit.

 

The Georgian Bay Land Trust is actively engaged in acquiring more land, with over 10 properties currently being considered or processed.  To continue the work in protecting our unique heritage the GBLT needs your support.  Donations can be made to special stewardship funds or to general funds, most of which are held for future purchases.

 

Want to Know More?

The GBLT's newsletter, Landscript, is sent out 3 to 4 times a year. If you have supported the GBLT in the past, you will receive this newsletter by mail.  However, the Land Trust is now able to send out the newsletter electronically to anyone who is interested, in an effort to help raise awareness.  If you would like to receive the electronic version, please email info@gblt.org.  You can also check out the website at www.gblt.org. For questions about the GBLT, including land donations and easements, or if you'd like to get involved on any of our committees, please contact the Executive Director, Wendy Cooper, at 416-440-1519 or by email at wendy.cooper@gblt.org.