Waterloo is buying the 123-acre Laurel Creek Nature Centre property from the Grand River Conservation Authority for $1.5 million, a move that will keep the land as public parkland and green space while exploring an Indigenous gathering spot. City council approved the deal on May 25, 2026, following the GRCA board’s approval on May 22. The transfer is expected to wrap up in late summer or early fall 2026.
The property, which includes woods, wetlands, and open fields, has two classrooms, a discovery room, and a living roof with a viewing platform. It has been a staple for outdoor learning since 1977, welcoming about 10,000 to 15,000 students each year and around 400,000 over its history.
The GRCA’s environmental education program will stay put for five years under a separate operational agreement while it moves classes to other conservation areas. This shift came after changes to Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act required programs like this to run without municipal money unless a formal agreement was in place.
Mayor Dorothy McCabe called the land environmentally significant and said she looks forward to talking with Indigenous communities about a possible gathering space. Ward 2 Councillor Royce Bodaly stressed that public ownership is key to protecting sensitive lands. The city plans to use $1 million from its environmentally sensitive lands reserve fund and $500,000 from its parkland dedication reserve fund to cover the cost.
GRCA Chair John Challinor II said the agreement will let the education program transition smoothly over five years while opening doors for future teamwork. The nature centre has long been a field trip favourite for local students, and keeping it in public hands means those traditions can continue alongside new community uses.
