MANITOULIN ISLAND, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $180,000 to projects aimed at restoring and protecting waterways on Manitoulin Island, part of the Lake Huron watershed. Officials say the investment will help improve water quality, strengthen fish habitats and biodiversity, and support both environmental and economic resilience in the region.
The funding is being directed to the Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association, a local non-profit that has led habitat restoration and stewardship initiatives for more than two decades. The group will use the support to rehabilitate streams and rivers across the island, focusing on both ecological health and community engagement.
“Clean water is vital to the health and well-being of Manitoulin Island’s communities, waterways and ecosystems, and all of Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Our government is proud to support the work of local experts to restore these creeks, streams and rivers that benefit aquatic ecosystems and local fisheries — creating cleaner, healthier spaces to live, work and enjoy nature, while protecting Ontario’s environment for generations to come.”
Blue Jay Creek Rehabilitation
The association will receive $100,000 through the Great Lakes Program to rehabilitate Blue Jay Creek, a coldwater stream that supports sensitive fish populations. Work will include removing invasive species, cleaning up plastic waste, and restoring habitats with the help of schools, First Nations communities and other local partners.
The project also aims to promote long-term environmental stewardship across Manitoulin Island while supporting outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. Officials noted that healthier waterways contribute not only to biodiversity but also to economic activity tied to angling, tourism, and small business.
“Investing in the rehabilitation of Blue Jay Creek is an investment in the long-term health of Manitoulin Island’s waterways, communities, and local economy,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma–Manitoulin. “By supporting stewardship actions and beneficial water management practices, we are restoring critical habitats, improving water quality, and creating opportunities that benefit both people and nature. I commend the local partners and community members whose leadership and dedication are helping to ensure a sustainable future for all of Manitoulin Island.”
Broader Stream Restoration Efforts
In addition to the Great Lakes Program support, the association has been awarded $80,000 from the Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF). The fund channels penalties paid by polluters into local, community-based environmental projects.
With this funding, the association has undertaken tree and shrub planting, streambank stabilization, and aquatic habitat enhancement along the Manitou River. The project also financed fencing to keep livestock out of Grimesthorpe Creek, reducing contamination and preserving the integrity of sensitive ecosystems.
“Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association is grateful for the funding from the ministry’s Great Lakes Program and Ontario Community Environment Fund,” said Seija Deschenes, Project Coordinator. “These funds have allowed us to restore and protect important coldwater streams that contribute to the ecological, economic and social health of Manitoulin Island.”
Part of a Provincial Strategy
The Manitoulin projects are part of Ontario’s broader plan to safeguard water resources and build climate-resilient communities across the province. Since 2018, the province has invested more than $83 million in 679 Great Lakes projects, ranging from shoreline restoration to invasive species management.
Through OCEF, more than $3.8 million has been directed into 108 projects since 2010, resulting in the planting of more than 450,000 trees, shrubs and plants, the restoration of 52 kilometres of shoreline, and the collection of more than 1,300 bags of litter.
Applications are currently open for the next round of OCEF funding, with nearly $3 million available. Community organizations must submit proposals online by September 24, 2025.
Environmental and Economic Value
Officials emphasize that clean water and healthy ecosystems are critical not only to environmental well-being but also to local economies. Recreational fishing and eco-tourism are major draws on Manitoulin Island, while restored streams and creeks provide long-term benefits to agriculture and communities.
By partnering with local organizations, the province says it is leveraging community expertise and engagement to ensure funds deliver tangible results. The projects underway on Manitoulin highlight how provincial resources and grassroots action can combine to strengthen both natural habitats and local economic opportunities.
As Minister McCarthy noted, “creating cleaner, healthier spaces to live, work and enjoy nature” remains central to the province’s environmental strategy — and for Manitoulin Island, the work being done today is intended to secure the vitality of its waterways for generations to come.
