You may not have heard of it, but the Winding Lane Bird Sanctuary in Mississauga has been caring for birds for longer than most of us reading this have been alive.
According to The Mississauga News, the bird sanctuary is currently in danger of being developed.
The Bird Sanctuary was founded around 1928 by Roy Ivor, or the "Birdman of Mississauga". He cared for birds at Winding Lane for over 50 years, when he died and his assistant Bernice Inman-Emery took over the sanctuary. Ms. Inman-Emery has Alzheimer's, and has has since moved to Leisure World, a long-term care facility.
In September, the property went up for sale, asking $1.5 million for a
"Builders lot. 92 acres … ideal for custom home or to be sub-divided".
The city of Mississauga is apparently looking at the site, which borders on Sawmill Creek valley. It's possible the city may consider buying the property so it can still be used by the public.
Support Mississauga Preserving the Area
If you support the city of Mississauga purchasing the site and keeping the area open to the public, you can email the area councillor and/or mayor McCallion in order to have your voice heard:
katie.mahoney@mississauga.ca - Email Ward 8 Councillor Katie Mahoney
mayor@mississauga.ca - Email Mayor Hazel McCallion
More Information
You can read more about Roy Ivor, who founded the sanctuary, in the Heritage News - Spring 2001 (PDF) newsletter from the Mississauga Heritage Foundation.
Approximate Location of Winding Lane Bird Sanctuary
Photo by Earth Sanctuary
