Ontario is investing nearly $1.2 million in a major wetland restoration project in Brampton aimed at reducing flood risks, improving stormwater management and strengthening natural habitats as the city continues to grow.
The provincial funding will support the Heart Lake Road Wetlands Connectivity Project, led by the City of Brampton in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The initiative will restore and enhance approximately 25 acres, or 10 hectares, of wetlands within the Heart Lake Wetlands Complex and Spring Creek area.
The investment forms part of Ontario’s broader $9.6-million commitment through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, which supports projects designed to protect communities from flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.
Wetlands Viewed as Natural Flood-Protection Infrastructure
The Brampton project will focus on restoring wetland shorelines and upgrading stormwater infrastructure to improve how water moves through the area. The Heart Lake Wetlands Complex drains southward into Spring Creek, making the health of the wetlands an important component of local water management.
“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. “We are proud to support this important project here in Brampton, which will preserve this vital natural space for this community, ensuring future generations can enjoy the many benefits that healthy wetlands provide.”
Work will also include removing invasive species such as Common Buckthorn and replacing them with native plants and trees. Provincial officials said those measures are expected to improve ecosystem function and wildlife habitat while helping reduce flooding.
Brampton Project Targets Stormwater and Wildlife Habitat
The province has previously provided funding for another Brampton wetland initiative. Overall, the city has received $3.69 million for two projects under the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, covering more than 37 acres, or 15 hectares.
The projects have focused on stormwater runoff and urban wildlife habitat, including habitat supporting turtles.
“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to protecting Ontario’s natural environment while supporting communities as they grow. By restoring wetlands and improving wildlife connectivity along Heart Lake Road, this project will help preserve local ecosystems, improve public safety and leave a lasting environmental legacy for Brampton residents.”
– Graham McGregor
Member of Provincial Parliament, Brampton North
Mayor Patrick Brown said the funding will support both environmental protection and the city’s ability to manage the impacts of severe weather.
“Brampton is grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant investment in the Heart Lake Road Wetlands Connectivity Project. Protecting and restoring our wetlands is an investment in both our environment and our community’s resilience. By enhancing natural infrastructure, improving stormwater management, and reducing flood risk, this project will help safeguard residents, strengthen local ecosystems, and preserve these important natural spaces for future generations. We also appreciate our partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as we continue working together to build a greener, more resilient Brampton.”
– Patrick Brown
Mayor of the City of Brampton
Ontario Wetland Program Reaches Nearly $41 Million
Since 2020, Ontario has invested nearly $41 million in 660 wetland projects across the Great Lakes watershed and connecting rivers. Those projects have restored or enhanced more than 12,200 acres, equivalent to roughly 4,950 hectares.
According to the province, projects supported during the first five years of the program helped avoid more than $10 million in damage to built infrastructure while creating 270 full-time green jobs in rural and near-urban Ontario communities.
Projects receiving provincial funding must also secure matching contributions. At least $1 must come from non-provincial sources, including donors, foundations or other levels of government, for every $2 provided by Ontario.
Partnership Focuses on Long-Term Resilience
The latest funding round is placing particular emphasis on Great Lakes coastal wetlands and parts of southern Ontario that have experienced significant wetland loss.
TRCA Chief Executive Officer John MacKenzie said collaboration between governments, community groups and conservation organizations is central to the Heart Lake project.
“Protecting the ecological health of the Heart Lake Conservation Park and surrounding wetlands has been part of TRCA’s work for decades, and projects like this demonstrate what strong partnerships can achieve. We thank the City of Brampton and local environmental organizations, including the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, for their work to champion this initiative. We also thank the Province of Ontario for its investment through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. Together, we’re working with the community to make infrastructure safer and more resilient while protecting this valuable wetland complex and improving habitat connectivity for local wildlife.”
– John MacKenzie
Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
The Heart Lake project adds to Ontario’s broader effort to use wetland restoration as part of community infrastructure and climate-resilience planning. For Brampton, the investment is expected to combine flood protection and improved stormwater management with the long-term conservation of an important urban natural area.