By now, many of you know about the 226-year legacy of 407 King Street in Old Town. After a decades-long mission to safeguard “The Wilderness”, The Niagara Foundation acquired the remaining 50% interest in the property in December — with the help of generous donors.
What we’re excited to share is how we’re proceeding in our new role as steward, and what’s in store for 2025.

A commitment to heritage protection
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.
The initial assessments to be done are archeological, architectural, and environmental. So, we’ve carefully identified experts in each field to begin the evaluation process. Our advisory team includes:
- ERA Architects Inc. This award-winning, Toronto-based firm focused on conservation and restoration will assist with the analysis of heritage architecture and building integrity.
- Dougan Ecology of Guelph will use a multi-disciplinary approach to survey vegetation, including trees (living and fallen) — given the first-growth Carolinian forest — and advise on next steps to clear the site and create access points.
- Larocque Group, a St. Catharines firm with over five decades of experience, will do the land survey, with topographical and hydrological components — the latter of importance as One Mile Creek traverses the property.
- We’re currently vetting archaeological consultants, and also look forward to sharing any significant information about that aspect of the investigation with you down the road.

Partners in The Wilderness
As we gather intelligence to inform a long-term plan, what’s obvious to us is that we’ll not only need to be strategic but also pragmatic, given the funds required to realize our ambitious goals of rehabilitation, and eventual ongoing public use.
For example, we’ll be seeking partnerships with decision-makers who align with our commitment to honour the indigenous, historical, military, and horticultural significance of The Wilderness.
And, of course, as a registered charity with a volunteer board, we’ll continue to appeal to individuals, corporations and family foundations who believe that the unique culture, history and heritage of Niagara are worth preserving—and enhancing—for future generations.
Thank you for your interest in The Wilderness. It’s going to be a remarkable adventure together.
Reach out
If you’ve got a question about The Wilderness, send us a note at tw@theniagarafoundation.com.