Funding will support natural infrastructure projects to keep communities safe against drought and flooding
The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million to launch applications for the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. The program supports wetland restoration and enhancement projects in the Great Lakes and surrounding areas to help protect communities against the threat of 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.”
Over the next two years, these projects will bring the government’s total investment in wetlands restoration and enhancement through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to nearly $41 million. This additional funding will support a wide range of projects that restore and enhance wetlands of all sizes with a focus on Great Lakes costal wetlands, ecoregions that have experienced significant ongoing loss and wetlands in more urban areas as part of municipal stormwater management.
Applications are now open for eligible conservation organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities to apply online. Applications are due by October 8, 2025.
Quick Facts
- For every two dollars of provincial funding provided through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, grant recipients are required to match it with a minimum of $1 from other non-provincial sources, such as individual donors, foundations and other levels of government.
- Ducks Unlimited Canada’s story map features the wetland projects supported by the organization through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program.
- Since the start of the program, an estimated $10 million of damage due to flooding has been avoided and over 270 green jobs were created in Ontario’s rural and near-urban communities to undertake wetland projects.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
