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Nonprofit Gifts Greenspace to Indigenous Organization, Sparking Neighborhood Debate
14 Nov
Summary
- Thresholds Homes and Supports plans to sever land and give it to Crow Shield Lodge
- Neighbors raise concerns about safety, traffic, and impact on wildlife
- Nonprofit aims to support Indigenous reconciliation and provide healing opportunities
In a move to support Indigenous reconciliation, Thresholds Homes and Supports, a nonprofit organization, plans to sever a portion of land it recently purchased in Guelph, Ontario and gift it to the Crow Shield Lodge. The Crow Shield Lodge offers land-based healing opportunities, including workshops, sharing circles, and ceremonies, in the Kitchener, New Hamburg, and Guelph areas.
However, the plan has faced pushback from local residents who have raised concerns about the potential impact on the neighborhood. Neighbors worry the land transfer could compromise the safety of people on Hyland Road and Glenburnie Drive, increase street traffic, and limit access for dog walkers and children. There are also concerns about the potential for structures and increased human presence disrupting the area's wildlife, which currently includes a large population of deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, and birds.
Despite the opposition, Thresholds Homes and Supports CEO Eric Philip remains optimistic about the project, stating that the organization has received overwhelming support from the Guelph community. Philip plans to continue engaging with neighbors and inviting them to learn more about the organization's intentions for the land. The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the City of Guelph's committee of adjustment on November 14, 2025.
