Spring 2021
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We have some “turtle-y” amazing news to share!
Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre is building its forever home!
“Where Community and Conservation Connect”
Thanks to you, we have renovated two buildings at our new site; a 100-acre farm 10 minutes from our currently leased site. This was Phase 1 of our long-term plan and has added over 3,000 sq. ft. to house recovering turtles! And we were successful because of our generous donors. Thank you!
Phase 2 involves building our own permanent facility on this same property. The OTCC has partnered with the landowners, Mary and Gerry Young, to form an irrevocable Trust, ensuring OTCC has a secure home and that the Youngs’ vision for their property is protected. We plan to build a new 10,000 sq. ft. building that will house our new hospital – including ICU, hatchling area, and education centre; allowing greater capabilities for all.
We are over three-quarters of the way towards our goal
You can help us reach it!

More space and scope for all our programs translates into more turtles saved and greater impact on conservation
Artist’s depiction of our proposed new site!
(Thank you, Ray McNiece, for donating your talents for this.)
Why do we need a new facility?
Our current location is limited in space and scope… a new dedicated facility and grounds will provide opportunity to have a greater impact on conservation by having…
More capacity to fulfill our potential as a leading-edge teaching hospital

More space to incubate and hatch eggs collected from turtles admitted to our hospital

Greater scope for the public to get involved and learn about conservation

More space to overwinter more hatchlings, therefore increasing survival when released

All necessary surveys and plans have been completed, and we aim to start construction next year!
Donations of any size are welcome! Naming opportunities are also available…
OTCC’s new home: Where Community and Conservation Connect
Thank you so much for all you continue to do, to help Ontario’s turtles and the habitats where they live.
Together, we truly are making a difference!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Carstairs
Executive and Medical Director, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre is the operating name of the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre; Charity Number 857524409