Funding Supports 15 Ducks Unlimited Canada Projects Across the Lake Ontario Watershed
GRAND VALLEY, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $3.1 million in wetland restoration and enhancement projects across the Lake Ontario watershed as part of its broader strategy to strengthen flood protection, improve water quality and increase climate resilience in communities across the province.
The funding, announced by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, will support 15 projects led by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). The projects are expected to restore and enhance 136 acres of wetlands in locations including Ajax, Hastings County and Kingston.
The investment forms part of Ontario’s $9.6 million commitment through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, which aims to protect communities from the growing risks associated with flooding, drought and other extreme weather events while preserving critical wildlife habitat.
“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.”
Projects Target Flood Resilience and Habitat Restoration
The restoration work will be delivered in collaboration with local conservation authorities and private landowners. Key partners include the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority.
The projects will focus on restoring and enhancing wetlands, improving fish and wildlife habitats, addressing erosion damage and creating new wetland areas through excavation and native plantings. Provincial officials say these efforts will help communities better manage stormwater while reducing flood risks, particularly in urban and rapidly developing regions.
“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.”
Part of One of Ontario’s Largest Wetland Conservation Investments
The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program has become one of the largest wetland restoration and enhancement initiatives in Ontario’s history.
Since its launch in 2020, the province has invested nearly $41 million in 660 projects. Those initiatives have restored and enhanced more than 12,200 acres (4,950 hectares) of wetlands throughout the Great Lakes watershed and connected river systems.
This year’s funding round places a particular emphasis on Great Lakes coastal wetlands and southern Ontario regions that have experienced significant wetland loss over time. Provincial officials say these ecosystems play a critical role in absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall events, reducing erosion and supporting biodiversity.
Projects approved under the program are also required to secure matching support from non-provincial sources. For every $2 contributed by the province, at least $1 must be provided by donors, foundations, municipalities or other levels of government.
Conservation Leaders Welcome Continued Support
Local conservation organizations welcomed the announcement, highlighting both environmental and community benefits.
“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,” said Syliva Jones, MPP for Dufferin–Caledon.
John Challinor II, Chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority, noted the significance of hosting the announcement at Luther Marsh, a long-standing example of successful wetland conservation.
“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.”
Dave Barton, Chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, emphasized the role wetlands play in protecting communities.
“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.”
Bill Chapman, Chair of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, said the funding will accelerate several major restoration initiatives.
“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.”
Wetlands Deliver Economic and Environmental Benefits
According to the province, projects funded through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program over the past five years have improved water quality, reduced flood risks and strengthened climate resilience. The program has helped avoid more than $10 million in damage to built infrastructure while creating 270 full-time green jobs in rural and near-urban communities.
DUC has played a significant role in those efforts, having conserved more than one million acres across Ontario, influenced an additional 348,676 acres and enhanced 3,657 acres of habitat. The organization currently manages 5,508 conservation projects throughout the province.
With the latest funding commitment, Ontario is continuing its push to use natural infrastructure solutions to help communities adapt to increasingly frequent and severe weather events while preserving vital ecosystems for future generations.