407 ETR Helps Launch First Indigenous Placemaking Site on Credit Valley Trail

Orangeville, ON — 407 ETR, in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF), is celebrating a major milestone with the unveiling of the Crane Gathering Space at Island Lake Conservation Area—the first Indigenous placemaking site along the Credit Valley Trail.

A Space for Culture, Connection, and Reconciliation

The Crane Gathering Space was developed by the Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable, a committee led by Indigenous voices including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Cree, and Huron-Wendat representatives.

Inspired by the Ajijaak Dodem (Crane Clan) in Anishinaabe tradition, the space honours the sandhill crane, a symbolic “echo maker” and speaker for the clans, known to stop at Island Lake during its annual migration.

407 ETR’s Commitment to Environmental and Cultural Stewardship

Since 2018, 407 ETR has contributed over $160,000 to conservation and community initiatives across the Credit River Watershed, including the Credit Valley Trail’s 100-kilometre pathway and the new Crane Gathering Space.

“407 ETR is honoured to support the creation of the Crane Gathering Space and to stand alongside our partners in honouring Indigenous culture and environmental education,” said Javier Tamargo, President & CEO, 407 ETR.

Building a Legacy with CVC and CVCF

407 ETR leaders joined CVC and CVCF representatives at Island Lake to celebrate the project’s unveiling.

“As we celebrate the Crane Gathering Space, we also celebrate both a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and the strong partnership that makes this work possible,” said Terri LeRoux, Interim CAO, Credit Valley Conservation.

“407 ETR’s generous partnership is essential,” added Dayana Gomez, Executive Director of CVCF. “We invite other community partners to join us in this vital $10 Million Campaign—together we can build a lasting legacy.”

Fast Facts: 407 ETR’s Broader Community Impact

• Sponsored the Little Native Hockey League tournament in Markham with $180,000 in support.

• Committed $1.8 million to environmental initiatives (2023–2025).

• Sponsors the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival, spotlighting Indigenous roots of maple syrup.

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