Conservation partners to receive up to $11 million to protect wetlands across the province
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.”
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.”
“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