The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has acquired five new parcels in Niagara, Haldimand, and Hamilton. These additional 125.8 hectares of conservation land represents 70 per cent of NPCA’s 10-year land acquisition goal, helping to increase biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and natural cover. These acquisitions result in NPCA exceeding the 180-hectare 10-year target in just two years.
Each of the properties holds significant environmental value and contributes to NPCA’s conservation efforts and the natural heritage of the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
The Kala Property at North side Concession 4 Road, Part Lot 19, in Town of West Lincoln, Regional Municipality of Niagara.
This undisturbed parcel lies within the St. Anns Slough Forest Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) Complex and Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Designated under multiple environmental protection categories and zoned for conservation, it represents a valuable addition to NPCA’s conservation area system, supporting future efforts to protect ecologically significant natural features.
The Black Property at North side Smithville Road in Canfield, Haldimand County.
The Dykstra Property #1, 267 Smithville Road in Canfield, Haldimand County.
The Dykstra Property #2, 435 Smithville Road in Canfield, Haldimand County.
These three acquisitions are adjacent to the Ruigrok Conservation Area and add 89 hectares of ecologically significant land to NPCA’s holdings, helping protect one of the largest contiguous natural features in the watershed known as the Caistor Canborough Slough Forest PSW, and contain significant interior forest habitat—a rare habitat in the watershed and for Southern Ontario. Each acquisition includes a conservation severance, allowing NPCA to preserve key natural areas while landowners retain agricultural and residential uses.
The Du Property, 5299 Chippewa Road East in the City of Hamilton.
The acquisition of 28 hectares from the 33-hectare Du Property, adjacent to Binbrook Conservation Area, will enhance restoration efforts on the north shore of Lake Niapenco, improving natural heritage features and surface water quality through forest and wetland restoration. The property’s strategic location, ecological value, and connectivity to existing conservation lands—along with potential for public access and trail integration—make it a valuable place for wildlife and community to thrive.
The newly acquired properties will remain closed to the public until management plans are completed. These will ensure each conservation area is utilized appropriately while prioritizing environmental conservation, accessibility, and user experience.
These acquisitions align with NPCA's Land Securement Strategy launched in 2022, which provides tactical guidance for acquiring land. In 2025, NPCA acquired 125 hectares of land over five separate parcels throughout the watershed, representing 70 per cent of the 10-year target. The new parcels will also enhance NPCA’s existing contribution of over 1,900 hectares to the federal 30x30 initiative which aims to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.
NPCA is grateful to the former landowners for their commitment to creating a natural legacy for future generations. The Kala Property, an 8-hectare parcel, was generously donated by the landowner, Yvonne Kala, who participated in the federal Ecological Gifts program. The conservation authority continues to work towards protecting and enhancing the watershed’s significant natural areas and encourages others in the community to support this important endeavour by engaging with NPCA and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.
The five acquisitions were made possible with funding from the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Priority Places Program, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Haldimand County, City of Hamilton, Ontario Power Generation, and private donations through the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. NPCA is thankful to all supporters and partners for enabling this important work.
QUOTES
"With the acquisition of these five ecologically significant properties, we are proud to announce that NPCA has surpassed our 10-year land securement goal in just two years. This remarkable progress not only strengthens biodiversity and habitat connectivity across the watershed but also demonstrates the powerful impact of a clear strategic vision backed by collective action for the environment." - John Metcalfe, Board Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
“Land donations are vital to NPCA’s mission of protecting the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s unique ecosystem and building a resilient natural environment. Every donation strengthens NPCA’s strategic vision and reinforces our commitment to preserving the health and vitality of the watershed. Through strategic partnerships and relationship building, we work cooperatively with landowners to ensure these ecologically significant lands are protected for generations to come.” - Eric Baldin, Manager Conservation Areas Land Planning, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
"These acquisitions highlight what can be achieved when communities come together to support conservation. We are deeply grateful to the landowners, our funding partners, and the generous donors who contribute to the land acquisition fund, including those who support us through programs like the Ecological Gifts Program. Together, we’re building a lasting natural legacy, safeguarding the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s landscapes for generations to come."- Barbara Greenwood, Board Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.
“The Kala family is pleased to donate this property as an ecological gift. We are glad it will be kept safe for future generations and to protect nature through this donation.”- Yvonne Kala
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About NPCA:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
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About NPCF:
Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations.
When you donate to the NPCF, you help support conservation projects and programs led by the NPCA that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing greenspaces, and environmental research and education.
Connect with the NPCF today to explore opportunities for creating your own natural legacy: foundation@npca.ca.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca