Butterly wildlife reserve & garden now complete near Oshawa’s lakefront

A butterfly garden and wildlife reserve on Oshawa’s waterfront that has been three years in the making is now complete and ‘officially’ open.

Gold Point Wildlife Reserve Butterfly Garden, a passive recreational destination located at the southwest corner of Stevenson Road South and Philip Murray Avenue is a 41-acre park containing several significant environmental features, including the Gold Point Coastal Wetland; the General Motors Creek; and a Migratory Butterfly Stopover Significant Wildlife Habitat.

“Oshawa’s Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is quickly becoming a popular destination for those who appreciate nature and is an impressive addition to our City’s beautiful parks, trails and greenspaces,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “With this year’s addition of interpretive signage and the plant species in full bloom the butterfly garden has really taken shape.”

The design includes:

• a formal butterfly garden and gathering space.
• restoration plantings focusing on improving and expanding the significant migratory butterfly stopover habitat, as well as other pollinator plant species.
• interpretive signage highlighting the significant natural heritage features of the area.
• the addition of benches and accessible pathways connecting Phillip Murray Avenue, Stevenson Road South and the Waterfront Trail.

“One of my highest priorities … is the preservation of our waterfront green spaces and natural habitat,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson, Chair of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee and Ward 5 Regional & City Councillor. “Gold Point Wildlife Reserve is an excellent addition to our waterfront and provides much needed natural habitat in our city.”

The design phase for the Gold Point Wildlife Reserve began in 2021 and included feedback from the public. Carter called the park a “hidden natural jewel” at the time, with the monarch butterflies, which arrive each spring and fall, the major attraction.

The park incorporated feedback from community engagement and was completed in late 2023. The final touches were added this year and the garden began to flourish in full bloom.

“Gold Point Wildlife Reserve represents more than just a beautiful natural space; it showcases the City’s commitment to preserving our environment and provides a new place where community members can enjoy the outdoors,” said Ward 5 City Councillor John Gray.

Councillor Rick Kerr called it a “great spot for people of all ages to see nature at its best.”

For more information about Gold Point Wildlife Reserve and the City’s other parks and trails, visit the City’s Parks and Facilities Directory or visit Oshawa.ca/Parks.