Ontario Investing Over $3 Million to Restore Wetlands and Protect Communities Against Floods

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GRAND VALLEY - The Ontario government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario communities by investing $3.1 million in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to support 15 projects that will restore and enhance 136 acres of wetlands across the Lake Ontario watershed. The funding is part of the province's $9.6 million investment through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to support wetlands and protect communities against the threat of flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.

"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, 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. That's the size of about 80 FIFA World Cup soccer fields returned to nature."

Ducks Unlimited Canada will carry out projects in areas including Ajax, Hastings County and Kingston alongside its local partners. Together with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, and private landowners, DUC will restore and enhance wetlands, improve fish and wildlife habitat and address erosion damage. Additional projects will also create new small wetlands through excavation and native planting.

"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, DUC Manager of Ontario Operations. "This funding represents an investment in the health of our landscapes and the well-being of our communities and we look forward to working with landowners and local partners to deliver impactful, science-based conservation on the ground."

The government's wetlands program is one of the largest investments in wetland enhancement and restoration in the province's history. Since 2020, Ontario has invested nearly $41 million in 660 projects, restoring and enhancing over 12,200 acres (4,950 hectares) of wetlands in the Great Lakes watershed and connecting rivers.

This year's projects will build on that record, supporting Great Lakes coastal wetlands and prioritizing areas in southern Ontario that have experienced wetland loss.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Our government's investment in wetland restoration projects through Ducks Unlimited Canada, including work in Grand Valley, helps strengthen our community's natural environment, enhance local conservation and protect important ecosystems. By improving water quality, supporting wildlife habitat and strengthening natural flood protection, these projects will provide lasting benefits for residents and communities across Ontario."

- Syliva Jones
MPP, Dufferin - Caledon

"Hosting today's announcement at Luther Marsh highlights the importance of this landscape as a powerful example of wetland conservation and what longstanding collaboration can achieve. With Ducks Unlimited Canada having played a key role here and across the province, this investment by the Ontario government will continue to support vital wetland restoration efforts that benefit wildlife, water quality and communities throughout Ontario."

- John Challinor II
Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority

"Wetlands are some of the most valuable natural assets we have. They help manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, improve water quality and create critical habitat for fish, turtles and other wildlife. Toronto Region Conservation Authority is proud to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Province of Ontario on projects that strengthen the resilience of our communities while delivering lasting environmental benefits across the Lake Ontario watershed."

- Dave Barton
Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

"The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program funding represents a significant advancement for the Lynde Shores Restoration and Resilience Project and complementary restoration initiatives, including the Westside Creek Wetland Restoration Project in Bowmanville. This funding positions the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority to deliver meaningful, measurable restoration outcomes within a defined timeline and to build upon the momentum of restoration efforts that are being delivered with a range of trusted partners."

- Bill Chapman
Chair, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

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