Friends of the Laurier Woods


Laurier Woods is an oasis of nature located in the heart of the urban area of North Bay. It consists of over 200 acres of marsh and forest that affords excellent walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The land is privately owned and while the owners have been very gracious in allowing public access for many years, the Friends of Laurier Woods have been trying to secure the land in public ownership so it could be properly developed as a conservation area. On Saturday, September 30, 1996, that goal became one step closer to reality. Bob Gray, Chairman of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, was the master of ceremonies for a event attended by 50 people held on the land against a back drop of marshes and wild ducks. The event celebrated the purchase of the first 8.63 acres of the Laurier Woods land. Congratulating remarks were given by a representative of Primer Mike Harris, MP Bob Woods, North Bay Mayor Jack Burrows. The President of the Friends of Laurier Woods, Dick Tafel, spoke in optimistic terms about the future of the unique natural habitat and then invited the dignitaries to unveil a trail head sign which describes the project to the public. The Laurier Woods Trails will eventually be linked to Discovery Trails and form part of the across Canada Trail system.

Laurier Woods is an oasis of nature located in the heart of the urban area of North Bay. It consists of over 200 acres of marsh and forest that affords excellent walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The land is privately owned and while the owners have been very gracious in allowing public access for many years, the Friends of Laurier Woods have been trying to secure the land in public ownership so it could be properly developed as a conservation area.

On Saturday, September 30, 1996, that goal became one step closer to reality. Bob Gray, Chairman of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, was the master of ceremonies for a event attended by 50 people held on the land against a back drop of marshes and wild ducks. The event celebrated the purchase of the first 8.63 acres of the Laurier Woods land.

Congratulating remarks were given by a representative of Primer Mike Harris, MP Bob Woods, North Bay Mayor Jack Burrows. The President of the Friends of Laurier Woods, Dick Tafel, spoke in optimistic terms about the future of the unique natural habitat and then invited the dignitaries to unveil a trail head sign which describes the project to the public.

The Laurier Woods Trails will eventually be linked to Discovery Trails and form part of the across Canada Trail system.

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