Monday, June 8, 2026
Located along the shore of Lake Ontario, the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area, a new 26-hectare green space has transformed a once-industrial portion of Mississauga’s waterfront into a clean and naturalized green space.
Named after former Mississauga Councillor Jim Tovey, the conservation area reflects his vision of reconnecting people with Lake Ontario while restoring the ecological health of Mississauga’s waterfront. Councillor Tovey was known for his environmental stewardship and championed the revitalization of the Lakeview shoreline. Mississauga Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko worked to continue the project’s momentum, collaborating closely with community partners.
“With the opening of Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area, a shared vision has become reality. What was once a degraded industrial shoreline is now a vibrant natural landscape that restores ecological function, supports biodiversity, and reconnects people with Lake Ontario. This remarkable achievement reflects years of dedication, collaboration, and the collective belief that healthy ecosystems and thriving communities go hand in hand,” said Terri LeRoux, CAO, Credit Valley Conservation.
This waterfront conservation area is part of an award-winning shoreline restoration project. It was led by Credit Valley Conservation with support from the City of Mississauga, the Region of Peel and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The conservation area, located west of Marie Curtis Park, protects wildlife and natural habitats while bringing nature closer to residents.
“Through strong partnerships with CVC and TRCA, and with funding from Peel Region, a long‑degraded stretch of the Mississauga shoreline has been transformed into a lasting ecological legacy. By responsibly reusing more than two million cubic metres of excess soil and concrete from Peel infrastructure projects, this site has been created as a thriving, functional conservation landscape,” said Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair and CEO.
The conservation area features wetlands, forests, meadows, trails, boardwalks and wildlife habitats that support biodiversity while offering accessible recreation for residents and visitors.
Environmental restoration work includes rebuilding shoreline habitat, reconnecting Serson Creek to Lake Ontario, and planting thousands of trees and wetland species. Beyond its environmental benefits, the conservation area also stands as a symbol of waterfront renewal in Mississauga’s Lakeview community.
The features of the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area include:
- 170-metre boardwalk and nearly four kilometers of new trails – about the length of a full loop around Square One district. It offers an inviting space for quick strolls and long rides, with rest areas every 90 metres.
- Scenic viewing areas with interpretive signage.
- 1.7 kilometres of pedestrian trails, perfect for hiking, dog walking, bird watching, photography and cycling.
- Indigenous placemaking features and spaces for learning and reflection, including an Indigenous Teaching Amphitheatre.
More than a green oasis for residents and visitors to enjoy, the conservation area extends the Trans Canada Trail between Mississauga and Toronto. This makes it easier for residents to walk or cycle instead of driving. The new trails section will help restore access to the waterfront for residents.
The conservation area also connects with the City’s plans to develop six new waterfront parks in Lakeview Village, a 177-acre mixed-use development on the eastern edge of Mississauga’s waterfront. This project will provide 18.5 hectares of new parkland, including six parks with natural heritage features that help maintain the wildlife ecosystem and provide clean air and water to residents.
Over the last decade, the project was made possible through a major partnership between several public agencies and organizations, each contributing distinct expertise and leadership. Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) led the environmental planning, ecological restoration, shoreline naturalization and long-term conservation management of the site.
Local Indigenous communities, like Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, also played an important role in informing the vision and stewardship approach for the conservation area. Consultation and engagement with Indigenous partners helped ensure that the project recognized the cultural and historical significance of the Lake Ontario shoreline and incorporated principles of environmental stewardship, restoration and long-term care for the land and water.
The project received support from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario through funding programs focused on environmental restoration, climate resilience and public infrastructure. The Region of Peel supported the project through land ownership, infrastructure co-ordination, and regional environmental planning initiatives. The City of Mississauga played a central role in community planning, public access improvements, waterfront revitalization and integrating the conservation area into the broader Lakeview community vision.
Featured image: Offshore breakwater islands help protect and shape the restored shoreline at Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area. Designed to reduce wave energy and create sheltered aquatic habitat, the islands support fish, birds and coastal vegetation while contributing to the long-term resilience of the Lake Ontario waterfront. (Credit Valley Conservation)
