The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million to support the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, aimed at restoring and enhancing wetlands across the Great Lakes and surrounding areas to protect communities from flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.
“Wetlands make communities more resilient. They act as natural infrastructure that protect our homes and businesses against drought and flooding, clean our water and create habitat for a variety of wildlife,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Since the launch of this program five years ago, our government has supported safer, healthier communities through the restoration and enhancement of almost 9,900 acres of wetlands.”
Officials say the new funding will bring the total government investment in wetlands restoration and enhancement through the program to nearly $41 million over the next two years. Projects will focus on wetlands of all sizes, with priority given to Great Lakes coastal wetlands, ecoregions experiencing significant loss, and urban wetlands as part of municipal stormwater management. Applications are now open for eligible conservation organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities, with submissions due by Oct. 8.
Bryan Gilvesy, chief strategy officer for ALUS, welcomed the investment.
“ALUS commends the Ford government for its continued investment in creating and maintaining wetlands. The success of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program is a key part of community-based efforts to safeguard Ontario’s water resources. Farmers participating in ALUS have benefitted from the program, allowing them to do good work on behalf of all Ontarians as stewards of wetlands.”
Mike Hendren, executive director of the Ontario Conservation Accelerator Foundation, said the program highlights the importance of conservation work across the province. “We applaud Minister McCarthy and the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in this program. We all know the critical value that wetlands play for nature and people and it’s great to see this program support the important work of the conservation community including Ontario’s many land trusts and leading national organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada. Combined with Ontario’s Greenlands program and investments in expansions in the provincial parks and protected areas system, Ontario continues to show strong leadership at this critical time for nature and people.”
Marie-Paule Godin, manager of provincial operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada in Ontario, said the funding represents an investment in both landscapes and communities.
“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. This funding represents an investment in the health of our landscapes and the well-being of our communities. Wetlands are among our most valuable natural assets — providing clean water, flood mitigation, carbon storage, and vital habitat for wildlife. Successful partnerships are essential to building a more resilient Ontario — for nature and future generations. DUC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with conservation organizations, First Nations, landowners, and the Ontario government to deliver impactful, science-based conservation on the ground.”
Robin Jones, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and mayor of Westport, said municipalities see the value in the program. “Municipal governments recognize the need for mitigation and adaptation efforts to protect essential services, public health, and the environment. This $9.6 million investment in wetlands restoration is an important step to support municipalities in building naturally resilient landscapes that protect homes and businesses across Ontario.”
Officials say the program requires recipients to match every two dollars of provincial funding with at least one dollar from other non-provincial sources, including individual donors, foundations and other levels of government. Since its launch, the program has prevented an estimated $10 million in flood damage and created more than 270 green jobs in rural and near-urban communities.
