Gold Point Wildlife Reserve opens in Oshawa

Members of Council recently celebrated the opening of Oshawa’s newest outdoor space, Gold Point Wildlife Reserve.

Located at the southwest corner of Stevenson Road South and Philip Murray Avenue, Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is the City of Oshawa’s newest passive recreational destination.

Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is approximately 16.7 hectares and features a number of significant natural environmental features. The design includes:

• a formal butterfly garden and gathering space; and,
• restoration plantings focusing on improving and expanding the migratory butterfly stopover significant wildlife habitat.

The project also included the addition of benches as well as accessible pathways that connect to Phillip Murray Avenue, Stevenson Road South and the Waterfront Trail. Interpretive signage highlighting the significant natural heritage features of the area will be installed in the spring.

The Gold Point Wildlife Reserve project incorporated feedback from community engagement undertaken in summer 2021 on a concept design and accessibility. Construction began in 2022 and was completed in October 2023.

For more information about Gold Point Wildlife Reserve and the City’s other parks and trails, visit the City’s Parks and Facilities Directory or visit Oshawa.ca/Parks.

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Quotes:

“Oshawa’s Gold Point Wildlife Reserve promises to be a popular destination for those who appreciate nature, and is another fantastic addition to our City’s beautiful parks, trails and greenspaces,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “We are excited to see this design come to life so that community members can discover and enjoy this hidden natural jewel.”  

“One of my highest priorities as Ward 5 Regional and City Councillor is the preservation of our waterfront green spaces and natural habitat,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson, Chair of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee and Ward 5 Regional & City Councillor. “Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is an excellent addition to our waterfront and provides much needed natural habitat in our city.”

“Home to a migratory stopover for monarch butterflies, the new Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is a great spot for people of all ages to enjoy nature at its best,” said Councillor Rick Kerr, Vice-Chair of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee. “I certainly look forward to seeing the interpretative signage installed in the spring and enjoying this significant natural area.”

 “Gold Point Wildlife Reserve represents more than just a beautiful natural space; it showcases the City’s commitment to preserving our environment and provides a new place where community members can enjoy the outdoors,” said Councillor John Gray, Ward 5 City Councillor.