Gros Cap - the Sault area's next conservation area?

Gros Cap Bluffs Conservation Park could become the next conservation area in the Sault region, if the Algoma Highlands Conservancy realizes the vision it presented to City Council tonight.

The conservancy intends to seek funding from the Essar Steel Algoma Community Investment Fund to purchase two parcels of land with an approximate value of $474,000.

Councillors voted unanimously - some more enthusiastically than others - to get behind the effort.

"Thank you for bringing this forward - finally," said Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland. "It needed to be done. It needs to be done. It's the right thing to do. Yes, we'll write you that letter. Heck, we'll write you two."

Ward 6 warhorse Frank Manzo was a little more reserved in his endorsement. 

"Why are you here? You know that is in Prince Township [which] has its own council and that's where this is," said Manzo.

"He is just looking for a letter of support from us because our citizens will be using it," responded Mayor Debbie Amaroso.

In fact, the conservancy had already received a ringing endorsement from the Prince Township Town Council which was thrilled to bits with the idea of conserving the Gros Cap bluffs area in its natural state for silent sport.

"What about Batchewana First Nation?" Manzo continued. "That was their land before. Have you talked to them?"

Dean Thompson addressed Council on behalf of the Algoma Highlands Conservancy.

He said the conservancy is hoping to soon enter into discussion with Batchewana First Nation government so they can work together toward a solution that is beneficial to everyone.

Thompson, who heads the conservancy's communication committee, talked about the historic and cultural significance of the bluffs at Gros Cap to the First Nations in the area, to early settlers and to travelers passing through the area.

The bluffs are the last thing people see as they head out to the big lake and the first thing they see before they enter the upper St. Marys River and encounter the mighty rapids.

In more recent times the bluffs and the area around them have become an unofficial recreation area for Saultites and area residents who have frequented the area to hike, bike, fish, swim and photograph the breathtaking views in all seasons. 

The property has been for sale for some time but there have been no takers, said Thompson. 

It's an important ecological area as well, he said.

The thermal updrafts are literally the wind beneath the wings of raptors like eagles, ospreys and hawks who soar for miles to hunt, find mates and find nesting areas. 

"This would constitute a legacy gift to future generations in the Sault and area," said Thompson.

But there's a big catch.

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy needs funding to purchase and protect the bluffs.

Its recent purchase of the King Mountain area has tapped out its fundraising sources and Thompson said that if the group fails to obtain the support of major corporate sponsors, or a sponsor, the plan to conserve the Gros Cap bluffs will plummet.