Milton, Ontario
Conserving and restoring nature is essential to safeguarding the places and species that are fundamental to Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Milton, announced an additional $2.4 million in funding to the Bruce Trail Conservancy through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. This is part of the Government of Canada’s largest conservation campaign in the country to meet its emissions reduction targets and protect 30 percent of land and water in Canada by 2030.
This funding is in addition to a $5 million investment through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, awarded to the Bruce Trail Conservancy in 2022. The funding will be used to help advance conservation goals with urgent Niagara Escarpment land securement.
This additional funding advances conservation of over 300 hectares of important habitat and contributes to capturing and storing greenhouse gas emissions by securing carbon-rich forest, wetland, and grassland ecosystems within the Niagara Escarpment. Such projects help mitigate climate change, build resilience, improve water quality, and provide critical habitat for Canada’s wildlife.
This funding will also improve the connectivity of the iconic Bruce Trail and expand recreational opportunities along the trail across all seasons for activities such as nature appreciation, hiking, running, birdwatching, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
As one of Ontario’s largest land trusts, the Bruce Trail Conservancy is the guardian of Canada’s iconic Bruce Trail. For over 60 years, the Conservancy has upheld its legacy of conserving and managing lands along the Niagara Escarpment, connecting millions of Canadians to nature, protecting this important corridor, and contributing to the efforts of combatting climate change.
“Protecting nature is one of the best and easiest ways that we can fight climate change. These vital ecosystems, like those here in the Niagara Escarpment, absorb carbon and increase our communities’ resilience to the effects of climate change. Our Government has launched the largest-ever conservation campaign in Canada’s history, with a goal of protecting 30 percent of land and water in Canada. That starts with protecting biodiversity-rich spaces like the Bruce Trail. The long-term benefits are enormous, getting us closer to our climate goals and protecting forever the critical habitat of so many species.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“For my community of Burlington, the Bruce Trail is a meeting place for neighbours and families to connect with nature and see how nature, climate, and recreation can go hand in hand. The Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail are beloved landscapes, a pivotal climate solution, and what we need to continue protecting for our children and grandchildren.” – Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Burlington