Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has announced that a recent court decision has confirmed its ownership of lands at Hibou Conservation Area, ensuring continued public access and conservation of this valued natural space.
This decision follows a situation that arose in April 2020, when a ‘For Sale’ sign appeared on the northeast portion of the Hibou property near Leith. The sign raised immediate concerns from local residents and community groups, prompting widespread attention on social media. GSCA staff became aware that another party had registered a title interest in this section of the property and took immediate steps to address the issue.
Following legal action to prevent the sale and resolve the title dispute, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a decision on May 27, 2025, declaring that all right, title, and interest in the subject property is vested in Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and that any claim by the respondent or other parties is extinguished.
“We’re both delighted and relieved by this week’s Ontario Superior Court decision,” said Tim Lanthier, GSCA Chief Administrative Officer. “After a long process, we’re proud to confirm that Hibou Conservation Area will remain a treasured public space for our community.”
Hibou Conservation Area consists of approximately 329 acres of land along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. It was acquired by the former North Grey Region Conservation Authority (now GSCA) in the early to mid-1970s, following a successful community fundraising campaign. Since that time, GSCA has maintained Hibou as a public access conservation area.
