Ontario and Canada Celebrate Successful Restoration of Nipigon Bay

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NIPIGON - The Governments of Ontario and Canada are celebrating the official removal of Nipigon Bay from a list of the most polluted locations in the Great Lakes following nearly 40 years of cleanup work. These efforts have resulted in improved water quality, revitalized fish populations and restored habitats for fish and wildlife in Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is protecting more natural areas and waterways to support healthier communities, local tourism and a stronger economy.

"Returning Nipigon Bay in northern Ontario to a vibrant, healthy ecosystem is a major victory made possible through the dedicated efforts of our two governments, along with the many Great Lakes partners and local residents who supported this conservation work," said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "By working together to restore the health of the Great Lakes, we are delivering on our promise to protect Ontario and support the resilience of our communities and local economies for generations to come."

Nipigon Bay was listed as an Area of Concern in 1987 when hydroelectric development on the Nipigon River, discharges from the former Red Rock pulp and paper mill and municipal wastewater had degraded its water quality and fish habitat. Delisting Nipigon Bay from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern confirms that all impacted ecosystems have since been restored and improved. This work includes:

• Upgraded wastewater treatment, with secondary treatment facilities brought online in the Township of Nipigon and in the Township of Red Rock
• Stronger industry standards, with changes made to align with stricter federal and provincial pulp and paper regulations, leading to improved water quality
• Restored aquatic habitat, including former wetlands and historic spawning grounds in the lower Nipigon River, improving natural river flow, rehabilitating creeks and rivers to repair severely degraded brook trout habitat, and creating fish and wildlife habitat in the Township of Red Rock's marina

"Today is a great day for Nipigon Bay, the Great Lakes, and freshwater in Canada. The delisting of Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern reflects decades of dedicated work by our government and partners to restore water quality, habitats, and ecosystem health," said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency. "By working together, we have transformed a once-degraded area into a healthier ecosystem that will benefit local communities, Indigenous people and future generations. It shows that environmental restoration is possible when governments and communities work toward common goals."

This milestone accomplishment was made possible through the joint efforts of the governments of Canada and Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health; and reflects decades of sustained restoration work by local and Indigenous partners including Red Rock Indian Band, the Township of Nipigon, residents from Red Rock and Nipigon, Lakehead University, Nipigon Historical Museum, and other community groups and businesses.

"The delisting of Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern is a major milestone that reflects decades of hard work and collaboration among local partners and First Nations to improve ecosystem health, restore fish habitat and protect the natural resources our communities depend on," said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. "It shows what's possible when we work together with a shared commitment to keeping Ontario's fisheries and waterways healthy, resilient and thriving for future generations."

As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is preserving, restoring and conserving the Great Lakes to support one of the largest economies, strengthen communities and build a brighter future for everyone.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Today's delisting of Nipigon Bay is a tremendous achievement for Northern Ontario and a testament to what can be accomplished when governments, Indigenous communities, local partners and residents work together toward a shared goal. For decades, people across the Nipigon region have been committed to restoring this important ecosystem, and we are now seeing the results in cleaner water, healthier fish populations and revitalized habitat. As Minister of Forestry and MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, I'm proud to celebrate this milestone and the lasting benefits it will bring to the lands, waters and communities of Northwestern Ontario for generations to come."

- Kevin Holland
MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan

"Since time immemorial, the lands and waters of Nipigon Bay have sustained my people and remain an important part of who we are. After nearly four decades of work to restore the bay and address the impacts of industry, we are seeing the results through cleaner water, restored habitat, and stronger, healthier fish communities. Today is an important milestone, but our responsibility to these lands and waters does not end with the removal of this designation. Red Rock Indian Band will continue to protect and care for Nipigon Bay, ensuring these lands and waters remain clean, healthy, and capable of sustaining our people for generations to come."

- Chief Allan Odawa Jr.
Red Rock Indian Band

"On behalf of Lakehead University, we are pleased to support the delisting of the Nipigon Bay Area of Concern. Over 30 years of commitment by regular citizens of the Nipigon Bay is a testament to the power of community action and local resolve to remediate the most serious legacy pollution issues in Lake Superior."

- Robert Stewart
Associate Professor, Department of Geography and the Environment, Lakehead University

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