KIMBERLEY, Ontario — The Ontario government is investing $1 million to transform the former Talisman Mountain Resort into a permanently protected nature reserve, expanding the Bruce Trail while restoring environmentally significant land in the Beaver Valley.
Announced October 30, 2026, the funding will support the creation of the Talisman Forest Nature Reserve, protecting 123 acres (50 hectares) along the Niagara Escarpment and permanently adding approximately one kilometre to the Bruce Trail.
The project, led by the Bruce Trail Conservancy, aims to improve free public access to outdoor recreation while restoring forest and meadow habitats that support species at risk.
Former Talisman Ski Resort to Become Protected Nature Reserve
The Talisman Mountain Resort operated as a destination for skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor activities before closing in 2011. The property remained unused for more than a decade until the Bruce Trail Conservancy acquired it in 2025.
The acquisition secured the land for long-term conservation and created an opportunity to reconnect fragmented forest habitats along the Beaver Valley.
Restoration activities will include removing abandoned ski lifts and resort infrastructure, reforesting former ski slopes, controlling invasive species and implementing long-term environmental stewardship measures.
“The Bruce Trail is one of Ontario’s greatest natural treasures, and adding a new, permanently protected nature reserve along its route is a generational opportunity to expand on our natural heritage while breathing new life into local tourism economies,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Through the Species Conservation Program, our government is proud to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy as it restores crucial habitat for species at risk and expands public access to nature, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Provincial Funding Supports Conservation and Local Tourism
Ontario’s $1 million contribution is being delivered through the Ontario Land Trust Alliance under the province’s Species Conservation Program, alongside support from private donors.
The province has provided the alliance with more than $12.5 million over five years to support land protection and conservation initiatives benefiting species at risk.
Investment Expected to Strengthen Beaver Valley Recreation
The project could also support the Beaver Valley’s tourism economy by expanding recreational opportunities and preserving the natural landscapes that attract visitors.
“Protecting the Talisman property ensures that an important part of the Beaver Valley’s natural heritage will be preserved for generations to come. This investment supports species at risk, strengthens local conservation efforts and ensures residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the Bruce Trail and the natural beauty that makes this region so special.”
— Paul Vickers, MPP, Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound
“The Bruce Trail is one of our region’s most valued natural assets, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Protecting these spaces is important to supporting healthy, active communities and ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come. Congratulations to the Bruce Trail Conservancy and its partners for their leadership and commitment to preserving this important part of the Beaver Valley.”
— Brian Saunderson, MPP, Simcoe–Grey
Bruce Trail Conservancy Highlights Long-Term Environmental Benefits
The Bruce Trail extends nearly 900 kilometres along the Niagara Escarpment, connecting Niagara with Tobermory. More than 70 per cent of the trail currently crosses permanently protected land.
The Niagara Escarpment is recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, making habitat protection an important component of regional conservation efforts.
“The permanent protection and ecological restoration of the former Talisman lands mark a monumental milestone for the Beaver Valley and the entire Niagara Escarpment corridor. This vital investment from the provincial government is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when vision aligns with conservation action. We celebrate this investment in our work and this great outcome for nature.”
— Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Trail Conservancy
“The Ontario Land Trust Alliance is delighted to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy in protecting and restoring the Talisman Forest through Strengthening Species Conservation in Ontario (SSCO). We know that conserving habitat is key to protecting species at risk, and the Talisman Forest Nature Reserve does that and goes further by restoring this precious natural space on the Niagara Escarpment. This project underlines the power of community–government partnerships in protecting the lands we love and the species that depend on them.”
— Marketa Evans, Interim Executive Director, Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Expands Funding for Species Conservation
Ontario has increased annual funding for species-at-risk conservation from $4.5 million to $20 million. During 2025–26, the province funded 46 conservation projects, including 15 new initiatives and 31 ongoing projects.
According to the province, protected lands generate more than $1 billion annually in ecosystem services, including water protection, biodiversity conservation and support for recreation-based economies.
The Talisman Forest project represents a long-term investment in environmental protection and public recreation, combining habitat restoration with expanded access to one of Canada’s most established hiking trails.
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