March 10, 2025, Toronto, ON — Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is pleased to invite the public to experience one of the Greater Toronto Region’s most cherished springtime traditions: the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival.
Held at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park in Stouffville and the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan, this annual festival celebrates the rich heritage and enduring appeal of Ontario’s maple syrup season.
The 2025 festival officially launched on March 8 with a special kickoff event at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Distinguished guests in attendance included: Darryl Gray, Director, Education & Training at TRCA; Christina Basil, VP of Communications and Government Relations at 407 ETR; Anna Roberts, Member of Parliament for King-Vaughan; and Anna-Louise Richardson, Chair of the Regional Watershed Alliance.
In his opening remarks, Darryl Gray highlighted the cultural and historical significance of maple syrup production, acknowledging its Indigenous origins, and emphasizing the importance of supporting local producers and sustainable practices.
As part of the opening festivities, MP Anna Roberts presented TRCA with a Certificate of Recognition for “celebrating a staple of Canadian culture and bringing our community together through this great celebration”.
As a longstanding community tradition, the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The festival not only promotes local tourism but also strengthens community connections through a shared appreciation for Ontario’s maple syrup-making heritage.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of 407 ETR, this year’s festival features enhanced programming, including sponsored horse-drawn wagon rides, in addition to the festival’s signature attractions.
Festival guests can enjoy a self-guided sugarbush walk, showcasing both traditional and modern maple syrup production techniques.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample fresh maple syrup, indulge in pancakes and sweet treats, and browse a selection of maple-themed products at the gift shop.
Live entertainment and family-friendly activities will further enrich the festival experience.
This year, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park will host a special event during the festival through the Ontario government’s EnAbling Change Program. On Sunday, March 30, TRCA is hosting an inclusive festival day that makes nature-based events more welcoming for everyone.
Designed to support neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities, this event features a neurodivergent-and disability-friendly vendor market, sensory-friendly spaces, and accessible seating – ensuring a welcoming and comfortable experience for all.
TRCA invites families, nature enthusiasts, and community members to take part in this iconic Canadian tradition and create lasting memories. For more information on festival dates, activities, and ticket details, please visit maplesyrupfest.ca.
Quotes:
“We’re proud to continue our support of the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival, celebrating this Canadian staple. At 407 ETR, we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for our customers and the communities we serve, and we look forward to bringing families together for this memorable experience, supporting local traditions and community.”
— Christina Basil, Vice President, Communications & Government 407 ETR
“TRCA is proud to welcome visitors to the annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival, a longstanding event that brings families and communities together to connect with nature, and explore the rich heritage of maple syrup production, a tradition that has been part of Ontario’s cultural landscape for generations. Thanks to our valued partnership with 407 ETR, we’re thrilled to expand the festival’s offerings and help create lasting memories for all who will join us.”
— John MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events – Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies.
As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property. TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government.
TRCA’s commitment to its employees has earned it recognition as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, reflecting the organization’s dedication to fostering a workplace that empowers its team to deliver positive impact.
TRCA’s jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada’s population.
To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.
About 407 ETR
Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic open-access toll highway located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The highway spans 108 kilometres from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east.
407 International Inc. is the sole shareholder of 407 ETR and is owned by:
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) through indirectly-owned subsidiaries (50.01%);
- Cintra Global S.E. which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S.A. (43.23%); and
- AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., formerly SNC-Lavalin Inc. (6.76%).
Media Contacts
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Afiya Jilani
Specialist, Communication and Media Relations
afiya.jilani@trca.ca
407 ETR
media@407etr.com