100 For Harold Town Fundraising Campaign

A New fundraising campaign, 100 For Harold Town, is raising funds to enhance Harold Town Conservation Area in celebration of the renowned Canadian artist’s 100th birthday.

Otonabee Conservation has launched a 2023 fundraising campaign to raise funds that will enhance Harold Town Conservation Area. A new accessible trail, new wayfinding and interpretive signage, the addition of an accessible trail, and habitat restoration on the face of the drumlin are all planned to commence in 2024, when Harold Town would have been celebrating his 100^th Birthday.

Harold Town Conservation Area is named after the renowned Canadian artist who enjoyed the property during the mid-1970’s to early 1990’s, until he passed away. In 1994, the property was donated to Otonabee Conservation by Harold Town’s estate. The property is named in his memory and is dedicated as a park for public enjoyment and protection, as requested by the estate.

The ‘100 for Harold Town’ campaign encourages each donor to celebrate his 100^th birthday with a gift of $100. The campaign seeks to raise $50,000 towards the upgrades.

Over the last 30 years, the Conservation Area has attracted many visitors who travel to the site to enjoy the international-class mountain bike trails, hiking through a variety of ecosystems, and the spectacular views from the top of the drumlin.

In the past three years, Harold Town Conservation Area has seen an increase in traffic as many residents seek the solace of nature nearby, and have taken up hobbies such as birdwatching, hiking, dog walking, and biking. Upgrades and expanded parking facilities, accessible washroom/changeroom facilities and a shade structure were built in 2022, providing vital infrastructure for this beloved site.

The ‘100 for Harold Town’ campaign will allow for continued enhancements that have been carefully considered to improve accessibility for all visitors and to provide a location in nature for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers to have safe access. Enhanced signage and wayfinding maps will also enhance safety and accessibility at the site.

Otonabee Conservation is a registered charity. Each donor will receive a tax receipt, photo card, and sticker. Each donation of $100 or more will receive a multi-use Otonabee Conservation neck gaiter that can be worn as a bandana, scarf, neckerchief, hat, or face covering. A donation of $500+ will be recognized on a new trailhead sign.

Learn more about Harold Town, the artist.

For more information:
Karen Halley | Manager, Communications, Outreach and Special Projects
Otonabee Conservation
khalley@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 Ext. #224