Ontario Wetlands Conservation Partner Program supports 15 restoration projects across the Lake Ontario watershed
GRAND VALLEY, ON — The Ontario government is investing $3.1 million in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to support 15 wetland restoration and enhancement projects across the Lake Ontario watershed, helping communities better withstand flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.
The funding is being delivered through Ontario’s Wetlands Conservation Partner Program and forms part of a broader $9.6 million provincial investment aimed at protecting wetlands and strengthening climate resilience across the province.
Provincial officials say the projects will restore and enhance approximately 136 acres of wetlands, an area roughly equivalent to 80 FIFA World Cup-sized soccer fields.
“Wetlands are vital natural infrastructure that protect our homes and businesses against drought and flooding, clean the water and create habitat for a variety of wildlife,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“Our government is proud to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada, a true conservation leader, to restore and enhance an estimated 136 acres of wetlands across this province.”
Projects Planned Across the Lake Ontario Watershed
Ducks Unlimited Canada will undertake projects in several communities, including Ajax, Kingston and Hastings County, working alongside local conservation authorities and private landowners.
Partners include the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) and local property owners.
The projects will focus on restoring degraded wetlands, enhancing existing wetland ecosystems, improving fish and wildlife habitat, addressing erosion issues and creating new wetland areas through excavation and native plant restoration.
Healthy wetlands mean fewer floods, cleaner water, and stronger communities – which is why today, I was proud to announce that Ontario is investing $3.1 million in partnership with @ducanada as part of our historic investments in restoring wetlands.https://t.co/sCC81aJRDi pic.twitter.com/EbAXzkq7vS
— Todd McCarthy (@ToddJMcCarthy) June 22, 2026
According to Ducks Unlimited Canada, the work will provide long-term environmental benefits while helping communities manage stormwater and reduce flood risks.
“Ducks Unlimited Canada is grateful for the Government of Ontario’s renewed commitment to protecting and restoring wetlands across the province through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program,” said Marie-Paule Godin, Manager of Ontario Operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada.
“This funding represents an investment in the health of our landscapes and the well-being of our communities.”
Wetlands Provide Natural Flood Protection
Wetlands play an important role in Ontario’s environmental infrastructure by absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall, filtering pollutants, replenishing groundwater supplies and creating habitat for wildlife.
The province says investments through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program have already generated measurable benefits.
Since the program launched in 2020, Ontario has invested nearly $41 million in 660 projects, restoring and enhancing more than 12,200 acres of wetlands throughout the Great Lakes watershed and connecting waterways.
Government data indicates those projects have helped avoid more than $10 million in damage to infrastructure while improving water quality, reducing flood risks and supporting climate adaptation efforts.
The program has also supported approximately 270 full-time green jobs in rural and near-urban communities.
Supporting Conservation in Growing Communities
This year’s funding priorities focused on Great Lakes coastal wetlands and areas of southern Ontario that have experienced significant wetland loss.
Local conservation organizations welcomed the investment, noting the importance of wetlands in supporting both environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Dave Barton, Chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, said wetlands are among Ontario’s most valuable natural assets because they help manage stormwater, reduce flood risks and improve water quality while supporting fish and wildlife habitat.
The new projects will build on decades of conservation work across Ontario.
To date, Ducks Unlimited Canada has conserved more than one million acres of land in Ontario, influenced conservation efforts on nearly 349,000 additional acres and currently manages more than 5,500 conservation projects across the province.
As Ontario continues investing in natural infrastructure, provincial officials say wetland restoration remains a key component of protecting communities, supporting biodiversity and improving resilience against increasingly severe weather events.
Stay with GTA Weekly for continuing coverage of Ontario environmental policy, conservation initiatives, climate resilience and community infrastructure investments.
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