BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is investing over $2.5 million in a project led by the City of Brampton to enhance four wetland areas in the Etobicoke Creek watershed through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. This project is one of many wetlands projects across Ontario that are collectively receiving up to $11 million from the program this year.
“Wetlands are incredibly important to our communities. They make up the natural infrastructure that protect us from drought and flooding, while keeping water clean and providing homes for many at-risk species of plants and animals,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Working with partners like the City of Brampton and conservation organizations, our government has supported the restoration and enhancement of an estimated 7,500 acres of wetlands in the first three years of the program – that’s about eight times the size of the Toronto Islands.”
Today, @BramptonGraham and I announced that our govt is continuing our historic investments of wetland projects with over $11M this year alone to restore and enhance wetlands in ON.
ℹ️ about the new $2.5 million wetlands project happening in Brampton: https://t.co/EODp5lTmAO pic.twitter.com/A9UtTuJufE
— Andrea Khanjin (@Andrea_Khanjin) March 4, 2024
The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program is one of the largest investments in wetland enhancement and restoration in the province’s history. Over the past five years, Ontario has invested over $30 million to support a wide range of projects, restoring and enhancing large-scale wetlands, smaller wetlands on marginal agricultural lands, and wetlands in more urban areas as part of municipal stormwater management.
The City of Brampton is partnering with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority on the project, which will take place in four locations of the Etobicoke Creek watershed in and around Loafers Lake and Conservation Drive Park. Through this project, Brampton will plant 6,500 native trees and other vegetation, manage invasive species, improve shoreline habitat and install rocky shoals and log piles in the water to support turtles and fish habitat. This project will also build recreational viewing platforms at Loafers Lake that will let visitors enjoy the natural beauty of these wetland habitats, while minimizing the disturbance of sensitive ecological features.
“My ministry has supported wetland conservation partnerships for decades and I’m pleased to see the positive benefits that the Wetland Conservation Partner Program is having on wetlands in the province,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This program helps ensure wetlands are protected so they can provide recreation and environmental benefits for future generations to enjoy long into the future.”
Quick Facts
- In the first two years of the program, an estimated $6 million of damage due to flooding has been avoided and over 170 green jobs were created in Ontario’s rural and near-urban communities to undertake restoration work.
- In the first three years of the program, 18 organizations have received funding for 335 projects across the province.
- An additional $1 million has recently been invested in wetland projects, resulting in a total investment of $31 million, which has taken place over five years and focuses on restoring and enhancing wetlands in the Great Lakes watersheds and supporting municipalities with stormwater management.
Quotes
“One of my favourite things about Loafer’s Lake is that we built our neighbourhood around the nature. I have fond childhood memories of sitting on the hill and walking around the pond and those are memories I cherish. Thanks to our government and the leadership of Minister Khanjin, we are giving Loafer’s Lake the love and appreciation it deserves so my generation and future generations can continue to enjoy it.”
– Graham McGregor
MPP for Brampton North
“This is an incredible investment by the Province of Ontario to support the enhancement of Loafer’s Lake. Investing in the restoration and preservation of wetlands is an investment in the future of our city, ensuring the protection of countless species, like the fish and turtles that call Loafer’s Lake home. Many thanks to Brampton North MPP Graham MacGregor for his outstanding work on this project and I look forward to enjoying the new trails and viewing platforms with the community.”
– Patrick Brown
Mayor of the City of Brampton
“TRCA is proud to be a part of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. Restoring and enhancing our vital wetlands unlocks many benefits for our watersheds and our communities, creating a legacy of resilience and environmental health for generations to come.”
– John MacKenzie
Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
“Ontario’s wetlands are among the province’s most ecologically valuable and productive habitats. Ducks Unlimited Canada believes that ongoing investments and strong partnerships are critical to restoring and enhancing these valuable ecosystems and we are proud to be a partner in this collaborative effort. Having already delivered 145 projects in the first three years of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, DUC is well positioned to deliver another 20 in 2024 – including new wetlands and enhancements to existing infrastructure. With this continued support, wetland restoration projects in high priority areas will flourish, leading to improved water quality, more habitat for at-risk species, and increased climate change resiliency in communities across the province.”
– Marie-Paule Godin
Manager of Provincial Operations, Ducks Unlimited Canada
“Through ALUS, the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program is supporting agricultural communities throughout the province. This funding empowers Ontario’s farmers and ranchers to address the landscape impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. ALUS is proud to direct this funding to its network of agricultural communities, providing them essential resources and skills to manage, enhance and construct wetlands. Wetland projects developed by ALUS participants provide vital water quality and quantity benefits to their community, the environment and for future generations.”
– Bryan Gilvesy
CEO of ALUS
“Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is grateful for the Province of Ontario’s continued investment to advance the collaborative restoration of Cootes Paradise costal marsh, Grindstone river mouth marsh complex and the re-establishment of a historically lost wetland on our Niagara Escarpment property. Through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, RBG will continue to recover the functionality of our wetlands to support fish and wildlife and improve resiliency to the impacts of climate change.”
– Tys Theijsmeijer
Senior Director of Ecological Stewardship, Policy and Programs, Royal Botanical Gardens
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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