What’s Next With the Absolutely Massive Park Proposed in Milton?

Halton | Milton | Ontario | Latest News |

Published January 30, 2018 at 8:51 pm

There are plans for a massive new ‘geopark’ in Milton that’s bigger than New York City’s Central Park.

It’s called the Giant’s Rib.

There are plans for a massive new ‘geopark’ in Milton that’s bigger than New York City’s Central Park.

It’s called the Giant’s Rib.

The plan involves tying existing Conservation Halton parks in Milton, Burlington, and smaller areas near Guelph.

It’s one of the biggest natural spaces in an urban area.

In terms of size, it’s more than 10,000 acres — that’s larger than Point Pelee National Park and Prince Edward Island.

The Giant’s Rib would be the third geopark in Canada and the first in Ontario.

In other words, a major tourist attraction.

So how much will it cost?

“We are at the concept stage only, so no budget needs have been identified,” Conservation Halton spokesperson Norm Miller told inhalton.com.

“Our next steps are consultation with possible partners and community stakeholders. We are looking to have conversations to see what interest there may be in the idea of a geopark.”

This means Conservation Halton (CH) will be seeking community support for Giant’s Rib geopark throughout 2018.

The Giant’s Rib geopark will follow a globally established model, supported by UNESCO, to engage people and businesses in outstanding geological features, to create destinations for tourists and visitors, and to provide opportunities for local economic growth.

Here’s what CH is saying about the grand-scale project so far.

  • “It will hopefully lead to a collaborative approach between many stakeholders who own or have an interest in public use of the natural environment around the Niagara Escarpment running through Halton to promote cultural and natural heritage, recreational and learning experiences, and to enhance the natural environment.
  • “The Giant’s Rib geopark will follow a globally established model, supported by UNESCO to engage people and businesses in outstanding geological features, to create destinations for tourists and visitors, and to provide opportunities for local economic growth.
  • “We hope it will allow a number of partners who have land, or an interest in land, on the Escarpment to engage the public in opportunities to be involved in the environment through existing, and potentially, new public spaces and parks.
  • “It will capitalise on our position within a one-hour drive of eight million residents in the GTHA and within a short distance of the growing urban centres of Oakville, Milton and Burlington to provide for a consistent and coordinated approach to opportunities on the Escarpment.
  • “Giant’s Rib will be a stakeholder and community led initiative with a people-centric focus – it is about engaging communities in the escarpment.”

What are your thoughts on this park proposal?

Images courtesy of Conservation Halton

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