ONTARIO ENHANCING PROTECTION FOR SPECIES AT RISK IN HALTON REGION

MILTON — MPP Parm Gill announced that the government of Ontario is investing $177,100 to help protect and recover plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing in Halton Region. The funding will be provided to Conservation Halton through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program for on-the-ground projects that help preserve species at risk and their habitats.

“As part of the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, our government is committed to conserving the province’s rich biodiversity by protecting and recovering species at risk and their habitats,” said Parm Gill, MPP for Milton. “The funding being given to Conservation Halton will improve endangered aquatic species using critical habitat monitoring and rehabilitation.”

In 2020-2021, over 80 projects were approved for funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, including the following for Halton Region:

  • Aquatic Species at Risk stewardship actions in support of endangered Redside Dace and American Eel recovery in Bronte, Sixteen Mile and Fourteen Mile Creek
    • Utilize monitoring, habitat rehabilitation, habitat assessment and fish passage barrier mitigation on private and public property

“Conservation Halton is grateful for this funding that will allow us to engage in extensive outreach with landowners in the watershed and better educate them on ways we can work together to improve habitat for Redside Dace and American Eel. Habitat restoration requires a collaborative approach, and we look forward to working with our community partners to empower Ontarians to be part of the solution to environmental challenges.” Hassaan Basit, President & CEO, Conservation Halton.

“Our government is committed to conserving Ontario’s rich biodiversity by protecting and recovering plants and animals at danger of disappearing. By providing funding of $177,100 to Conservation Halton to preserve species at risk, we are engaging a local environmental leader in this work,” said Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North—Burlington.

Applications for funding for the 2021-2022 Species at Risk Stewardship Program are now open.  Individuals, communities and organizations have until 3 p.m. February 9, 2021 to apply.

Protecting species at risk and their habitat is part of the government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan – a roadmap to preserving and protecting the province’s land, air, and water.