About Us

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The participating agencies that make up the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System recognize the long history of First Nations and Métis people in the province of Ontario, and pay respects to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the treaty and rights holder to these lands and the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. These lands are the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Huron-Wendat nations.

Our History

The idea of a partnership around these natural areas was brought forward in 2006 by the Natural Heritage Planning Committee of the Bay Area Restoration Council.

Following extensive background research and consultation a first strategic plan, the Cootes to Escarpment Park System: Conservation Land Management Strategy, was finalized in 2009 and approved in principle by all participating boards and councils in 2010.

Nine land owning agencies agreed to establish the EcoPark System as a voluntary collaboration operating under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding in 2013, which has been extended twice and currently operates until 2026.

Our Alliance

Our alliance consists of government and non-government land owning agencies. A coordinator acts as the secretariat for partner staff who make up the EcoPark System Management Committee and Governing Council. We are all passionate about protecting our natural areas and bring extensive conservation and organizational experience to the table.

Check out partner reports in support of the EcoPark System here.

Our Partners

Our Vision and Mission

Our VISION is to become a permanently protected natural lands sanctuary
linking Cootes Paradise Marshlands with Hamilton Harbour and the Niagara Escarpment.

Our MISSION as partners is to collaborate to preserve and enhance the natural lands we own and steward by using sustainable approaches to protect biodiversity, highlight ecosystem services, and enable responsible human connection to nature.

Our Priorities

We have identified these five strategic priorities that reflect the collective values and vision of the alliance:

Healthy Ecosystems

A healthy ecosystem at the heart of Hamilton and Burlington provides many benefits, including resilience to climate and environmental change, research and educational opportunities, recreational opportunities, and support for biodiversity, among others. We aim to effectively manage this connected and biodiverse landscape through ecological restoration, rehabilitation, protection of additional lands and naturalization projects that balance nature’s needs with human use.
Human Experience

Connecting with nature provides community members with enriching experiences that include multiple mental and physical health benefits. By supporting opportunities for people to understand, engage and celebrate the landscape, we will ensure its relevance and importance for present and future Burlington and Hamilton residents.
Innovation and Discovery

Using the lands and resources of our partner agencies, we will research new approaches in protecting urban natural spaces, supporting human wellbeing through nature and opportunities for citizen science — improving management of these areas in the face of urban growth and population pressures.
Thriving Partnerships

Strong partnerships are a foundation to our unique collaboration of landowners, stakeholders and the community working together to conserve, protect and support the natural lands linking Cootes Paradise with the Niagara Escarpment. Ensuring a thriving partnership means maintaining existing relationships while pursuing new collaborative opportunities and support.
Financial Sustainability

The EcoPark System provides efficient and effective services for its alliance of partners, stakeholders and the community. Delivering these functions requires funding for programmatic expenses, land securement, and operational coordination. Our secretariat and partner agencies will explore diverse sources for multi-year and self-sustainable funding for existing and future essential EcoPark System work.

Our Values

Conserving, protecting and restoring the natural lands we own and steward
Collaborating on initiatives that support ecological connectivity, biodiversity and sustainable recreation to achieving the vision and mission of the EcoPark System
Promoting innovation in education, discovery and research in the EcoPark System
Securing and protecting additional protected lands in the EcoPark System to better reconnect isolated habitats
The support of the public for the EcoPark System and its neighbouring property owners
Reciprocal and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and the bridging of traditional ecological knowledge and western science in our approaches to land management
The many municipal, regional, provincial and federal policies, programs and initiatives that help achieve our jointly held goals”

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System work?

Oversight is provided by Governing Council of partner agency CEOs, while work is directed by a Management Committee of planners, ecologists, etc. representing each agency.

The alliance is entirely voluntary and decisions are made on consensus.

What role does the RBG play in the alliance?

Royal Botanical Gardens is our “implementing partner”, which means they provide accounting and office space for the EcoPark System Secretariat.

Does the EcoPark System manage land?

No, the EcoPark System is not a regulatory authority or a separate legal existence. Partner agencies and private landowners manage their own property.