IN MEMORY OF PETER ALLEY

Peter Alley 1929-2006

Peter Alley 1929-2006

For 20 years after earning his own MBA, Peter taught strategic business management in the MBA Program and Voluntary Sector Program at Schulich School of Business, York University. Peter spent much of his time over those years at his cottage at Muldrew Lake near Georgian Bay. A highly perceptive and pragmatic man, Peter discerned that the lands surrounding his cottage were unique. He noticed that this landscape did not resemble those areas to the north, nor did the land appear similar to the fields and farms of the south.

After more investigation, Peter put forward that this “area in between” was extensive, unique and that it needed further consideration. Peter began by persistently asking questions of government officials, appealed for the interest and participation from fellow academics and activists, and gathered maps, documents and relevant research. He learned about geology, ecology, and conservation planning. Fittingly calling the area, The Land Between, after Vernon LeCraw's publication, Peter Alley highlighted the region’s significance. Through his pursuit and persistence Peter inspired many people to take a look at this fragile landscape.  Finally, in 2005, Peter engaged the Couchiching Conservancy and Kawartha Heritage Conservancy, both land trusts who had been doing research and developing programs within the region, forming a Land Between Collaborative to secure funding and a Program Manager to study and develop a conservation approach for the region. It is to the credit of Peter Alley that this landscape was "put on the map".