County of Brant, ON – Beautiful Barker’s Bush is in the hands of the County of Brant! And… as if that wasn’t great enough, the County gained an additional 40 acres to develop a destination park.

 Losani Homes, a home builder with projects in Paris since 2001, owned Barker’s Bush which is approximately 100 acres of beautiful natural trails and woodland and boarders the west side of the Nith peninsula in Paris. Losani also owned 40 acres of land locally known as the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit in the south end of Paris, along Powerline Road and Pottruff Road.

 The County of Brant owned four acres of land on the northern tip of the Nith peninsula, in Paris, which adjoin Losani’s current residential community project known as “Peninsula”.

“We are so pleased to announce that the County of Brant and Losani Homes have officially exchanged parcels of land,” said Mayor David Bailey. “The County has gained a total of 140 acres of woodland and parkland. The future of Barker’s Bush has been important to people in this community. Now, we can preserve and enhance the natural habitat and develop a sustainable trail system for community enjoyment. As well, the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit lands may provide the perfect location for a destination park which could contain multiple sports fields, play structures and other recreational elements.”

The land exchange did not require any funds from taxpayers.

 Losani required additional land to house a storm water management pond to complete their Peninsula community project.

 “A number of residents approached us with concerns that Barker’s Bush may be either developed or closed to the public. We are delighted to complete this land exchange with the County of Brant,” said William Liske Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer of Losani Homes. “Barker’s Bush is now in the County’s hands to protect and preserve, and the four acres that we acquired from the County of Brant will be used as a storm water management pond serving the “Peninsula” community. The storm water management pond will be a naturalized area and part of the low impact development approach which is focused on sustainable and environmental best practices.”

The lands were officially exchanged on October 18, 2019.

 “We truly see this as a win for the County of Brant,” said Mayor David Bailey. “It enhances our overall quality of life in the County and allows us to protect a precious resource such as Barker’s Bush.”