Ontario is investing $5 million in projects aimed at controlling invasive phragmites and protecting wetlands, waterways and other natural areas across the province, with funding expected to support 119 projects and nearly 200 local jobs.
The provincial government said the investment will assist municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and community organizations with efforts to prevent the invasive plant from spreading. Projects will include mapping, monitoring, prevention and direct management of affected areas.
“Protecting Ontario’s natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “By investing $5 million in local partners, our government is moving to protect Ontario’s biodiversity, strengthen local economies and preserve the outdoor spaces that our families and communities enjoy.”
Funding Targets Phragmites Prevention and Control
The funding is being delivered through Ontario’s Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, administered by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Of the $5 million investment, $3.1 million will go to the Invasive Species Centre and $1.9 million to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The organizations will work through the Ontario Phragmites Action program with local partners and experts on prevention and control initiatives.
Invasive phragmites spreads rapidly and can form dense stands that displace native vegetation and damage wetlands, beaches and wildlife habitat. Its extensive root system also makes established populations difficult to remove.
“Phragmites are one of the most damaging invasive plants in Ontario, threatening our wetlands, shorelines and the natural spaces that communities value,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. “With this $5 million investment, our government is fighting invasive species, restoring affected ecosystems and protecting Ontario’s communities and natural heritage for future generations.”
Niagara Organizations Among 119 Funding Recipients
Several Niagara-area organizations are among the recipients. Niagara College will manage phragmites at its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses, while the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will undertake mapping and management work throughout its watershed.
The Town of Pelham will use funding to treat environmentally sensitive stormwater management ponds in an effort to control the plant’s spread.
“This critical provincial funding to fight the spread of phragmites in our local wetlands and waterways is another important step by our government to protect Ontario’s natural environment. This investment is key in our fight against one of the most harmful invasive plants in the province and will help support habitat restoration efforts in our region, including by the Town of Pelham, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Niagara College,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
Invasive Species Carry Significant Economic Costs
Ontario estimates invasive species have an economic impact of about $3.6 billion annually across sectors including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and outdoor recreation.
The latest funding follows a $2 million provincial investment announced in June for more than 110 community-led projects. Since 2024, Ontario says it has invested $16 million in invasive species management, prevention and control, supporting nearly 600 projects.
“Ontario’s wetlands make up vital natural infrastructure that filter water, protect communities from flooding and support local economies and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. By taking decisive action to address invasive species, we can continue to protect these ecosystems and keep our natural spaces resilient for generations to come,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Partnerships Aim to Protect Infrastructure and Ecosystems
The Nature Conservancy of Canada said invasive phragmites can affect not only natural ecosystems but also agricultural land and infrastructure.
“Invasive Phragmites threatens wetlands, agricultural lands and critical infrastructure across Ontario. Our experience shows that coordinated action delivers results. By working together, we restore landscapes that reduce risks, strengthen communities and support long-term economic resilience. These projects improve roadway safety, protect critical infrastructure and help reduce long-term maintenance costs for municipalities. This investment will support communities and partners in tackling invasive Phragmites, creating lasting benefits for people, wildlife and Ontario’s long-term resilience,” said Dana Kleniewski, Regional Vice President – Ontario, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The Invasive Species Centre also emphasized the role of partnerships.
“Collaborative action is key to mitigating the significant environmental and economic costs of invasive Phragmites. The Invasive Species Centre is thrilled to partner with the province, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and community organizations to deliver this important work across Ontario. Thank you to the many grant recipients who are putting in the hard work to protect our environment and economy from this prolific plant,” said Colin Cassin, Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre.
Ontario’s Invasive Species Act currently lists 42 species, four groups, one family and two carriers as invasive, providing the province with regulatory tools to restrict certain species and limit their spread.