SVCA celebrates 75 years of conservation, opens Formosa Conservation Area

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) marked its 75th anniversary with a special celebration, Tuesday (July 29), at its administration office in Formosa.

The event welcomed approximately 100 guests, including SVCA staff, past employees, members of the public, and representatives from watershed municipalities, counties, local agencies, fellow conservation authorities, and Conservation Ontario.

The SVCA received congratulatory remarks and certificates of recognition from Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson, and South Bruce mayor Mark Goetz. Additional greetings were delivered by Leslie Rich on behalf of Conservation Ontario, Edward McGugan (Maitland Valley Conservation Authority chairman), Dan Gieruszak (former SVCA chairman), Gloria Dangerfield of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Southgate Township mayor Brian Milne.

A key feature of the celebration was the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the new Formosa Conservation Area, a 24-acre site directly adjacent to the SVCA’s administration office at 1078 Bruce County Road 12. The conservation area was established as a tribute to 75 years of protecting people, property, and the environment, and reflects the SVCA’s enduring commitment to community and conservation partnerships.



Erik Downing (centre, pointing), general manager/secretary-treasurer of the SVCA, addresses the crowd at the 75th anniversary celebration, prior to the group going for a walk at the newly-opened conservation area; photos by the SVCA

“We are excited to celebrate 75 years of conservation by opening the Formosa Conservation Area to the public,” said Erik Downing, general manager/secretary-treasurer of the SVCA. “It reflects our ongoing mandate to protect natural spaces while encouraging responsible public access and recreation.”

Purchased by the SVCA in 2011 as a field, the site has been slowly transformed with the planting of native species, including cranberry bushes, sumac shrubs, white pine, and white spruce. The trail system begins at a newly-installed pergola and winds through areas of significant elevation change and coniferous woodland. Users are advised that trails include uneven terrain and that the area is intended for passive recreational use. Visitors are welcome to hike, snowshoe, or dog-walk at the Formosa Conservation Area year-round.

All SVCA day-use properties are accessible for $5/day or $55/year per household. Learn more at www.saugeenconservation.ca/membership.



South Bruce mayor Mark Goetz (right) presents a certificate of recognition for the SVCA’s 75th anniversary, to Tom Hutchinson (left) and Erik Downing of the SVCA



Taking part in the ribbon-cutting at the pergola located at the trail head of the new SVCA Formosa Conservation area, are Tom Hutchinson (left), SVCA chairman and West Grey deputy mayor; Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson; and SVCA general manager/secretary-treasurer Erik Downing