Investment will support development of the Giigoonh (Fish) Doodem Indigenous Placemaking Site in Caledon and create a new space for learning, reflection and connection

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, 407 ETR announced $1.5 million in funding for Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) to support the development of the Giigoonh (Fish) Doodem, the second Indigenous Placemaking Site along the Credit Valley Trail.  

Located along the banks of the Missinnihe (Credit River) at Charles Sauriol Conservation Area in Caledon, the Giigoonh (Fish) Doodem Indigenous Placemaking Site is being developed through the leadership of the Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The space will be guided by an interpretive trail that celebrates the Fish clan families while sharing Anishinaabe knowledge systems, cultural teachings and traditions. Designed as a place of connection and learning, it will provide opportunities for gathering, reflection, cultural education and ceremony. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

"At 407 ETR, we believe the places that connect communities should also reflect and celebrate the stories that shape them," says Jose Espinosa, President & CEO, 407 ETR. "We're proud to support the second Indigenous placemaking site along the Credit Valley Trail. Together, with our partners, we're helping create a space where people can learn, reflect and deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories and connections to the land."

"This transformational investment is about much more than building a trail--it is about building relationships, creating places where people can learn, gather and experience the enduring stories of this landscape, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations," says Dayana Gomez, Executive Director, CVCF. "Through this remarkable partnership with 407 ETR, we are advancing a shared vision where conservation, Indigenous leadership and community come together to create experiences that inspire stewardship, learning and connection. Together, we are helping create one of Canada's most meaningful examples of how conservation, philanthropy and Indigenous leadership can advance reconciliation while protecting nature for generations to come."

"The Credit Valley Trail is one of the most ambitious conservation and community-building initiatives in our watershed," says Terri LeRoux, Chief Administrative Officer, CVC. "This investment demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose. Through our partnership with 407 ETR and the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, we are creating healthier landscapes, stronger communities and new opportunities to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and the cultural heritage of this watershed. The Credit Valley Trail will connect communities physically, culturally and ecologically, creating experiences that inspire stewardship, belonging and a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we share. Together, we are building a legacy that will benefit people and nature for generations."

"The Missinnihe, the Credit River, and the lands and waters of its watershed have sustained the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation since time immemorial and remain an integral part of who we are as a people, says Darin P. Wybenga, Heritage Interpreter, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. "Our longstanding work with Credit Valley Conservation provides an important opportunity to ensure that our history, knowledge, responsibilities and continuing relationship with these lands and waters are reflected within the Credit Valley Trail. We are grateful for this generous $1.5 million gift and for the commitment it represents. The development of the Giigoonh Indigenous placemaking site will create a meaningful place where our people can gather, share teachings and ceremony, and where visitors can learn about the enduring presence and perspectives of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Investments such as this help ensure that our stories and responsibilities to the land are carried forward for generations to come." 

Seven Indigeneous Placemaking Sites are planned along the Credit Valley Trail. The first, the Ajijaak (Crane) Doodem or Crane Gathering Space in CVC's Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville opened in June 2024 with support from 407 ETR.

The Credit Valley Trail is envisioned as one of Canada's leading landscape-scale conservation initiatives. When complete, it will stretch 100 kilometres from the Hills of the Headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Port Credit. Beyond creating new opportunities for recreation, it will protect and restore natural habitats, improve ecological connectivity, strengthen climate resilience and create spaces where Indigenous knowledge, history and culture are meaningfully reflected throughout the watershed.

Fast Facts:

• 407 ETR commissioned Indigenous artist Philip Cote to create a mural transforming the Mississauga Road bridge on Highway 407 ETR into a powerful visual expression of Indigenous knowledge, identity and connection to the land. The mural is inspired by the history and teachings of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and is on track for completion in October.
• Since 2024, 407 ETR has supported the Little Native Hockey League tournament in Markham with $85,000 in funding and $350,000 in travel gift cards to help families move easily between tournament venues.
• In June 2026, 407 ETR expanded its partnership with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) by committing $2 million over four years to help support the restoration of 35 hectares of land in the GTA to help create and strengthen critical habitat for pollinators, including monarch butterflies and native bees.

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:

• Cintra Global S.E., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S.A. (48.29%)
• Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and other institutional investors with non-controlling interests (44.20%)
• Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) (7.51%)

About Credit Valley Conservation

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.

About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation

Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity dedicated to protecting and conserving the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation raises funds to support vital conservation initiatives and events led by Credit Valley Conservation, helping safeguard the health and well-being of the watershed, its flora and fauna, and the communities that depend on it now and for generations to come.

SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited