Brant County Land Exchange

Monday, 16 December 2019 at 15:36

The County of Brant has received 140 acres of land, in a recent land exchange with a home building company.

BRANT COUNTY - The County of Brant has been given 140 acres in new Parkland and Trails.

Losani Homes sold Barker's Bush to the County, on top of an additional 40 acres of land known as the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit located in the south end of Paris.

Mayor David Bailey says they've preserved the land for the community to enjoy.

"We are so pleased to announce that the County of Brant and Losani Homes have officially exchanged parcels of land. The County has gained a total of 140 acres of woodland and parkland. The future of Barker's Bush has been important to people in this community. Now, we can preserve and enhance the natural habitat and develop a sustainable trail system for community enjoyment. As well, the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit lands may provide the perfect location for a destination park which could contain multiple sports fields, play structures and other recreational elements."

Losani Homes, a home builder who's been building projects in Paris since 2001, owned Barker's Bush which is approximately 100 acres of natural trails and woodland and boarders the west side of the Nith peninsula in Paris. They also owned 40 acres of land locally known as the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit in the south end of Paris, along Powerline Road and Pottruff Road.

In return, Losani will receive four acres from the County. The lands were officially exchanged on October 18, 2019.

The County of Brant already owned four acres of land on the northern tip of the Nith peninsula, also in Paris.

Losani required additional land to house a storm water management pond to complete their Peninsula community project.

Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer of Losani Homes William Liske praised the land exchange between themselves and the County.

A number of residents approached us with concerns that Barker’s Bush may be either developed or closed to the public. We are delighted to complete this land exchange with the County of Brant. Barker’s Bush is now in the County’s hands to protect and preserve, and the four acres that we acquired from the County of Brant will be used as a storm water management pond serving the 'Peninsula' community. The storm water management pond will be a naturalized area and part of the low impact development approach which is focused on sustainable and environmental best practices."

The land exchange did not require any money from taxpayers.

Bailey says the acquisition is a positive sign for the County.

"We truly see this as a win for the County of Brant. It enhances our overall quality of life in the County and allows us to protect a precious resource such as Barker's Bush."