Awards and Recognition

The Cootes to Escarpment Park System has been recognized as an innovative and effective approach to preserving valuable natural and cultural heritage:

Implementation Award, Bay Area Restoration Council (2015) - Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System 

For the multi-institutional initiative to preserve and manage the health and continuity of an area of Hamilton’s Harbour’s north shore that is home to biological diversity of national significance. The EcoPark project is already raising awareness and knowledge of this unique local natural resource. 

Ian Shenstone Fraser Memorial Award, Ontario Nature (2009) – Cootes to Escarpment Parks System, and its Steering Committee

Awarded to an individual or group who produce innovative work of exceptional quality that makes a contribution to the maintenance, protection, or preservation of the Niagara Escarpment.

Cootes to Escarpment Parks System, and its steering committee, was able to rally all major partners with lands in the 1,500-hectare proposed park pass resolutions that signalled their support. Officially launched in February 2010, this globally significant urban park would stretch from Hamilton Harbour, through Cootes Paradise, to a 10-kilometre section of the Niagara Escarpment. It is the only piece of the escarpment that is not separated from Lake Ontario’s wetlands by a 400-series highway. The system will provide an important layer of protection and enhancement for existing green areas, including the Niagara Escarpment. Although much work remains to be done to turn the vision into reality, the steering committee has already established a critical mass of supporters and attracted major media support.

Dr. Victor Cecilioni Environmentalist of the Year Award, Hamilton Conserver Society (2009) - Dr. David Galbraith

Dr. David Galbraith, Head of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens and Chair of the Cootes to Escarpment Park System Steering Committee, was awarded the 2009 Hamilton Environmentalist of the Year Award in recognition of his work on several initiatives including the Cootes to Escarpment Park System Project.