Additional Markham lands added to Rouge Park

Summary#

The federal government issued the Order Amending the Schedule to the Rouge National Urban Park Act to formally add more land to Rouge National Urban Park. The Order brings an additional 470.37 hectares (4.7037 km2) of land into the park and took effect when it was registered on September 26, 2023.

What it does#

• Adds the legal descriptions of several parcels to the Schedule to the Rouge National Urban Park Act, making those parcels officially part of the park.
• Brings under park law the lands that were transferred from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to Parks Canada on November 1, 2018, and that have been managed as park land since then.
• Confirms that the lands include the visitor area known as the Bob Hunter Memorial Park (a main public entry point) and some leased farms and part of the Little Rouge Creek.
• The Order came into force when it was registered (registered as SOR/2023-196 on September 26, 2023).

Who's affected#

• Farmers who hold agricultural leases on the newly scheduled lands. Their leases remain managed by Parks Canada under federal rules; the Order is not intended to change lease terms.
• Visitors and local residents who use the Bob Hunter Memorial Park entry area and nearby recreational spaces.
• Local governments and regional bodies involved in the park (for example, the City of Markham, and neighbouring municipalities).
• The 10 First Nations engaged with the park (including Alderville First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation (Christian Island), Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Mississaugas of Scugog Island, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Huron‑Wendat Nation) — who have been part of consultation and advisory processes.
• If it is unclear who else might be affected, the source does not identify additional groups beyond those listed.

Why it matters#

• The change gives the newly listed lands the stronger protections and enforcement tools that come from being scheduled under the Rouge National Urban Park Act. That can help protect wildlife, waterways and cultural features on those lands.
• It secures agricultural land and public access next to a large urban area, including a main park entrance, which matters for recreation and local food-producing farms.
• These added lands were already under federal control and managed as parkland, so this action formalizes their legal status rather than creating a new management regime.
• The Order helps Canada meet its conservation commitments by counting these lands toward the goal of protecting 25% of Canada’s lands by 2025. It also builds on federal funding commitments for the park (including a total of $170.5 million for establishment and $10.6 million annually for ongoing management, as previously announced).