Augusta Township’s plan to sell surplus land sparks concern from local residents

At a recent meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Augusta on Monday, June 23, 2025, a popular piece of property was declared as surplus to the needs of the Township. The proposed plot to go up for sale as surplus land, located at 120 East McLean Boulevard, is sparking concern from residents and visitors who say the property is a valued community hub used for outdoor activity and recreation throughout the year.

Many residents were surprised to see the Township recently posted a Public Notice of Intent to Sell Surplus Land on the site of 120 East McLean Boulevard in Maitland, declaring the property surplus to municipal needs. The notice, dated June 24, invites public feedback on the matter until July 14.

However, for some locals, the land in question is far from expendable. The area is home to the Maitland Education & Recreation Centre (MERC) trails, a community-maintained pond that doubles as a winter skating rink, and a popular disc golf course frequently used by residents of both Augusta Township and Brockville.

“This land serves our community year-round: summer walks, winter snowshoeing and skiing, and disc golf,” said Alex Thompson in an email sent to Council, that was shared with Brockvilleist.

Thompson is a Maitland resident who regularly uses the trails and maintains the selling of this property will be a massive loss to hundreds if not thousands of year-round visitors. “These trails are more than surplus land—they’re a community asset.”

When reached for comment on these concerns, Augusta Township Mayor Jeff Shaver told Brockvilleist that the primary motivation behind this decision is the provincial housing crisis. “We are in a housing shortage in our Township. We are mandated and encouraged by the Province to provide affordable housing. Since Augusta Township does not have an urban centre the only locations that will allow us to do this is in our settlement areas.”

Shaver continued, “We are currently looking at other locations within settlement areas as well. Augusta Township has put great effort into adding more businesses and employment into our Maitland Industrial Park. These business and future residents will need housing. We currently have prospective developers looking at these lands in our different settlement areas.”

In his email, Thompson emphasized that the potential sale is out of alignment with the Township’s own Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, which prioritizes open space, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. 

“The Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee emphasizes the Township’s goal to be “a sustainable community in which to reside, work and play.’” quoted Thompson. 

He also directly pointed to the Township’s strategic goals, which promote sustainability and quality of life. “By selling this land, the Township risks eroding its commitments to sustainability and community well-being,” Thompson wrote. “The trails offer inclusive access to outdoor exercise and mental wellness activities.”

To this point, Mayor Shaver explained, “Augusta Township has spent a great deal of money over the last two years (approximately $2 million) for recreational needs for our residents. We realize the importance of this value to family life.”

“Therefore, we discussed the intent with the MERC and the Disc Golf Committee last month. The Committee supported the idea and will benefit from more residents in the area to enjoy the recreational facilities. The Maitland Trails will have little or no effect on their location. The Disc Golf will be moved to another area close by with the assistance of the Township. The pond is undetermined at this point.”

Thompson’s partner, Brooke Taylor, told Brockvilleist that this situation raised concerns about the level of public notification and communication between council and their constituents. While the township did put up a public notice online on July 4, Taylor noted that most residents do not regularly check that section of the website.

“I was shocked to discover the township is intending to sell this land. The tiny public notice signs posted on the property are barely visible. I had to squat down close to even be able to read the small font,” explained Taylor. “I grew up in this area walking the trails with my dogs. I moved back to the area as an adult believing I would get to continue to enjoy this beautiful community asset. Our property taxes increased substantially and recreation space is being sold. What’s next?”

Apart from recreation and environmental factors, the sale is also raising cultural concerns. Thompson noted that Augusta Township has recently reaffirmed its recognition of Indigenous peoples and their relationship to the land. “Selling these trails diminishes that respect and our shared heritage,” he noted.

Thompson is calling on Augusta Township Council to withdraw the notice of sale, preserve the public access to the trails, and engage the community more effectively in future land-use decisions.

“We realize that the wooded area in question will receive both positive and negative comments,” acknowledged Mayor Shaver. “We will follow the Provincial standards moving forward with surplus lands. This still leaves the options for residents to contact their councillors as well for more information. We definitely see adding more affordable housing as a positive move forward in our Township.”

Written comments about the proposed sale can be submitted in person or by mail to the Township Office at 3560 County Road 26, Maynard, Ontario, or by email to lvelltkamp@augusta.ca before July, 14 at 4:30 p.m.