The Bruce Trail Conservancy is set to give away items from the former Talisman Mountain Resort.
The charity organization bought the property back in 2025, and has plans to return the former ski resort area to its natural state. The Bruce Trail passes through part of the parcel of land the conservancy now owns.
- Bruce Trail Conservancy Purchases Parcel Of Former Talisman Resort Property
- Bruce Trail Conservancy To Demolish Former Talisman Resort Buildings
They plan to demolish the derelict resort buildings and ski lift infrastructure and conserve 134 acres, and are working to fundraise $7.5 million for the work.
The giveaway event is set to happen on Friday, September 11, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the former Talisman Mountain Ski Resort.
There will be chairs, small tables, desks, dressers, ironing boards, luggage racks, and more. Items will be available as-is on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will also be some plants, including hostas, hydrangeas, and other landscaping plants available. Organizers say to bring your own shovel, pots and gardening tools to remove plants from the property.
The conservancy says while entry to the event and all designated items are available free of charge, donations to support the protection and future restoration of Talisman Forest Nature Reserve are appreciated, but are not necessary.
All items must be taken from the property between 12p.m. and 4 p.m. on September 11.
Those who are interested in building materials can contact Adam Brylowski, Director of Conservation Trail at abrylowski@brucetrail.org.
‘Talisman Forever’ merchandise will also be available for purchase. To make a donation online, you can visit talisman.brucetrail.org.
Before the Bruce Trail Conservancy bought the middle of three parcels of land, the resort buildings and surrounding area went unused for over a decade, and had been considered by developers, though there was also significant opposition to development among some area residents.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy plans on filling in the only break a 10km stretch of forest canopy. They say on their website, “Native trees and understory vegetation will restore shade, wildlife habitat and support biodiversity.”