Mississauga Receives 150 Infrastructure Grant for Riverwood

The City of Mississauga received $745,630 through the federal government’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to enhance and preserve Riverwood Park and Chappell House – an important heritage site and bio-diverse natural area open to the public.

“Riverwood, located in the heart of Mississauga, is an ideal place for this significant federal government investment that celebrates Canada’s 150 birthday,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.  “Riverwood’s history can be traced back 415 years and tells the Canadian story of when aboriginal hunting camps were located along the Credit River and first settlers farmed the land.  The extensive improvements to this public space will support its growing public use, expand educational programs and attract visitors to this extraordinary community gem where everyone will have the opportunity to better understand, appreciate and celebrate its unique history and natural beauty.”

The total project cost is $1,491,260 and the infrastructure improvements will include:

• classrooms updated to increase program capacity
• furnace conversion to natural gas, and new doors and windows for efficiency and reduced utility costs
• improved washroom accessibility
• improved public access
• structural improvements including Chappell House foundation walls to sustain historic building for current and future uses

“Riverwood is a wonderful place that connects visitors of all ages to our city’s past and present,” said Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr.  “The City works in partnership with the Riverwood Conservancy, Visual Arts Mississauga and Credit Valley Conservation to offer educational, artistic, volunteer, stewardship and gardening programs that ensure Riverwood is preserved and enhanced for the community now and for future generations.”

Community Services Commissioner Paul Mitcham added, “Riverwood Park and the Chappell House are now very popular destinations and the public demand for its environmental and art programming is expanding.  The improvements to the park and building’s aging infrastructure will ensure that this facility is accessible, efficient and cost-effective to operate as well as able to grow with the increasing use as more people and visitors discover this natural jewel in the centre of Mississauga.”

Background:

Riverwood is a special place in Mississauga where history, nature and art blend together to create a peaceful and memorable outdoor experience.  A unique 60 hectare (150 acre) urban oasis located in the centre of the city, Riverwood reflects the vast natural, agricultural and cultural history of Mississauga. Here visitors can enjoy more than 475 species of plants and animals. Walk on scenic woodland trails, relax in beautiful and accessible gardens, visit an art exhibition or join a fine art class.  Riverwood is owned by the City of Mississauga and managed in partnership with Riverwood Conservancy, Visual Arts Mississauga and Credit Valley Conservation.

Features include:

MacEwan Terrace Garden

The gateway to the cultural and natural landscapes of Riverwood, consisting of small gardens, perennial borders, specimen trees, garden pergola and an Enabling Garden uniquely designed and programmed for people of all ages and abilities.

MacEwan House

Originally constructed in the mid 1800s, with further additions and renovations in 1915, 1950 and 2005, the completed building now houses Visual Arts Mississauga’s Great-West Life Heritage Studio & The Riverwood Conservancy’s MacEwan Field Station.

Visual Arts Mississauga

A Mississauga Urban Design award-winning building, clad in natural stone to complement neighbouring MacEwan House.

Parker/Chappell House (home of The Riverwood Conservancy)

Built in 1919 in the Arts and Crafts style, this heritage house is located at the end of the winding Riverwood Park Lane.