407 King Street is a five-acre parcel opposite The Commons in Niagara-on-the-Lake — bordered by King, Mary, Regent and Centre Streets. One Mile Creek rambles through its Carolinian woods.
Known for over a century as The Wilderness, the land is of local and national significance, given its Indigenous, military, political and horticultural history.
And that’s where The Foundation comes in; with a commitment to heritage protection and stewardship. Revitalizing this centrally located property over time is integral to our strategic vision, with the goal of long-term preservation and community use.
For more on The Wilderness, including its history, an informative Q&A, and our preservation efforts, see below.
A new year. And a new beginning for The Wilderness
If you’ve walked by The Wilderness lately, you’ll have seen safety signs. They say “Closed for Rehabilitation” to signify that we’ve taken our first steps on the journey to preserve, protect, and restore.
Thank you to donors to The Wilderness
The Niagara Foundation was able to complete the acquisition of The Wilderness property thanks to the 47 donations that enabled the purchase, including the $1-million gift from the Goettler Family Foundation.
The Niagara Foundation acquires The Wilderness
The Niagara Foundation is pleased to announce an agreement to acquire 100% of The Wilderness (as it has been known for more than one hundred years), located at 407 King Street in Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
About The Wilderness
The Wilderness, as it’s been known for over one hundred years, is an almost five-acre parcel of land located at 407 King Street, opposite The Commons, in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Wilderness is bordered by King, Mary, Regent and Centre Streets, a residential area abutted by single-family houses on the east and west sides. One Mile Creek traverses the property.
Goettler Family Foundation pledges $1 million to help safeguard The Wilderness
The Niagara Foundation in November 2022 announced a $1 million pledge by Lauren and Vaughn Goettler, and the Goettler Family Foundation, towards the acquisition, stabilization and protection of 407 King Street, better known as “The Wilderness.”
Foundation to acquire half-interest in historic 5-acre Niagara-on-the-Lake woods
The Niagara Foundation is pursuing the purchase of a half-interest in an historically significant Old Town property known as the Wilderness, the Foundation announced today.