Conservation & Natural Heritage Areas

Fairplay Woods is a 51.2 hectares (126.4 acres) of Carolian forest. The area is Town-owned property and is identified in the Official Plan (OP) as part of the Natural Heritage System. It is designated as a Natural
Environment and a Natural Environment Overlay supported by Policies in the OP 4.9.2 which are focused on the preservation, restoration and enhancement of natural features.

The site is bordered on the west by a closed section of the 12th Concession. The other sides abut agricultural fields, except for the extreme sought of the site, which is adjacent to a disturbed meadow. The fourth is composed of the Pike Creek municipal drain and creek side vegetation. The 8.094 hectares (20 acres) of the Town’s property on the north side of the woodlot are designated as Restoration Opportunities Overlay and are currently leased, on an annual basis, for agriculture use.

At the March 11, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council, Report CRS-2025-04 Fairplay Woods Update was approved by Council which provided direction to implement the following:

• An amendment to By-Law 2001-37 to prevent the discharge of Firearms and Bows in Fairplay Woods, including the farmed section, the closed right of way (12th Concession), Pike Creek and the parking lot at Baseline Road and to provide for enforcement penalties related to the infractions thereof. 
• That signage be erected on the entire perimeter of the property as follows:
  • Identify the area described above as property of the Town of Tecumseh;
  • Indicate that the use of Firearms and Bows is prohibited;
  • Indicate that motorized vehicles are prohibited except for agricultural equipment within cleared areas and the former road of right of way.

Further to this direction, the area is now identified as a Town Park and governed by the Parks By-law 2024-107, By-Law 2025-41 and By-Law 93-18. Signage has been erected and compliance will be enforced.

The parking lot area at Baseline Road has restricted vehicular access and is under surveillance to prevent vandalism and to assist with compliance and enforcement of the above.