The future of the Ojibway Shores, the last remaining undeveloped natural shoreline in Windsor-Detroit, could be determined by the end of this year.
On Tuesday, Windsor West MP Brian Masse demanded the federal government act to protect the land by establishing it a National Urban Park.
The federal property is managed by the Windsor Port Authority, but Masse would like it transferred to Environment Canada or the City of Windsor to protect it from any possible future development.
The Windsor Port Authority and City of Windsor continue to talk about a possible land swap.
Port Authority CEO Steve Salmons expects it will be a positive outcome for all sides.
"We are publicly committed to preserving Ojibway for the community as a natural heritage and the means we are taking is a land swap with the city," says Salmons. "I think MP Masse has put another option on the table for the federal government but from our point of view, we see no reason our deal with the city won't be fully executed and complete by year end.
Salmons admits the authority's view of the land has changed over the years.
"I think if we were standing here five or ten years ago, I think the port has plans for that to be adopted a full terminal and it would have been an excellent location, it was 30 acres, it is in a deep water draft but I think the community came forward very clearly and strongly that it was an important link and connection to the spring garden ansi."
Ojibway Shores is also home to over 160 rare species.
The city has also set aside $1.5-million to purchase the land.
The city has served a Michigan landowner at 75 Mill St. with an expropriation notice, which would then be swapped with the land at Ojibway Shores. The authority is interested in the property on Mill St. and the city believes the land exchange would be the best way to protect Ojibway Shores.