Conservation Manitou Purchases 87 Acres in Ivry-sur-le-Lac
Ivry-sur-le-Lac, February 18, 2026 – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that it has purchased 87 acres of land on Chemin du Lac de la Grise in Ivry-sur-la-Lac. The acquired property contains forests, significant wetlands draining into Rivière Noire, and a section of the historic Maple Leaf Trail known as the “Nantel”. This eco-sensitive land is directly adjacent to several other properties owned by Conservation Manitou, and close to land owned by Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac, forming a large contiguous protected area of 632 acres connected to the Ivry Wildlife Crossing. This purchase was made with the financial support of the Quebec government’s Accélérer la conservation au sud du Québec (ACSQ) program and a grant from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canadian Wildlife Service.
“This represents our 30th land acquisition in just over 12 years since our founding, increasing our total protected area to 2,304 acres. The Labelle property not only commands a high ecological value due to its large proportion of wetlands and diverse wildlife, but also has high heritage value due to the presence of part of the historic Maple Leaf ski trail.” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of Conservation Manitou. “This latest addition now forms part of a vast and beautiful wilderness area of 632 acres which, due to its proximity to the Ivry Wildlife Crossing, has become central to ensuring connectivity for the regional wildlife corridor we are building with other conservation organizations. Finally, we are extremely grateful to all those who donated to our successful 2025 Capital Campaign to help raise funds for this purchase, as well as the support of Nature-Action Québec, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Quebec and Canadian governments. ”
“ Nature-Action Québec is proud of the efforts made by all parties involved in successfully completing this transaction for which the protected area represents an important gain for the region. We would also like to acknowledge the precious collaboration of our partners, namely the Government of Québec and Environment and Climate Change Canada, who helped purchase these 87 acres. “- Romy Bazo, Head of conservation, Nature-Action Québec
« La mise en valeur de la nature et la préservation de notre territoire sont profondément ancrées dans l'esprit collectif des gens de ma circonscription. L'ajout de tous ces hectares protégés à Ivry-sur-le-Lac est assurément une très belle nouvelle, et je félicite sincèrement les gens impliqués au sein de Conservation Manitou ainsi que celles et ceux qui ont œuvré à l'atteinte de ce résultat. C'est un legs magnifique pour les générations futures! »
- France-Élaine Duranceau, ministre responsable de l'Administration gouvernementale et de l'Efficacité de l'État, présidente du Conseil du trésor et députée de Bertrand
“I would like to thank Conservation Manitou and all of its partners for their contribution and commitment to protecting nature. This acquisition will benefit the region's wildlife and plants, as well as contribute to the well-being of surrounding communities.” - The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“Nature is an integral part of our identity and a pillar of our natural heritage. It shapes our landscapes and connects generations through a shared legacy that we have a responsibility to protect. Across the country, organizations such as Conservation Manitou are working to protect sensitive habitats that are necessary for maintaining our biodiversity. This acquisition illustrates what we can accomplish when governments, local communities, and conservation organizations join forces to preserve the natural environments that define who we are.” - The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
Acknowledgements
This project was made possible thanks to an investment by Nature Conservancy of Canada, through the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) program for which the Government of Quebec is funding for a period of 5 years, and a grant received from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canadian Wildlife Service.
About
Accélérer la conservation au sud du Québec (ACSQ)
The Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project is a co-funding agreement between the government of Québec and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), benefiting Quebec conservation organizations. The project aims to protect and conserve natural habitats of ecological interest, notably through the acquisition of private land, for protected and conserved areas and the establishment of ecological corridors. Through this, the ACSQ will promote the development and sound management of the network of protected areas on private land, as well as public access to nature. The funds invested by the government of Québec over five years must be matched by NCC and its partners with other funds not provided by the government of Québec.
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canada Nature Fund
The Canada Nature Fund supports the protection of Canada’s biodiversity through the creation of protected and conserved areas and through initiatives that help to recover species at risk. The Fund is available to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations, provinces and territories, and others through the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Learn more at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/nature-legacy/fund.html
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments, and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies, and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive.
Learn more at: www.natureconservancy.ca
Nature-Action Québec
For 40 years, the non-profit Nature-Action Québec has had the mission to guide individuals and organizations in applying better environmental practices. The organization works with municipalities, businesses, community organizations and citizens to carry out concrete projects that contribute to improving Quebecers’ environment, health, well-being, and quality of life.
CONSERVATION MANITOU is a registered charity and qualified recipient of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. Its mission is to preserve and protect the ecosystem and natural environment of Lake Manitou and its surroundings, by acquiring land and conservation easements, either donated or purchased, and providing stewardship of its land in perpetuity. It is one of the leading organizations dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in the Laurentians with 2,304 acres of conservation lands under direct ownership located in the municipalities of Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, and Mont-Blanc.
To learn more or donate, please visit: www.conservationmanitou.ca.
Enquiries:
Stephen Takacsy
President and Chair, Conservation Manitou
info@conservationmanitou.ca