Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Water sustains life; it is a vital resource for people, nature and our economy. It is more important now than ever that we invest in protecting our freshwater to build a cleaner, safer and sustainable future for all.
The Great Lakes Watershed is a critical freshwater system that we have here in Canada. It supports industry, recreation, ecosystems, and culture. It also holds spiritual and cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and their way of life.
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced an investment of $9.3 million in 26 freshwater projects in the Great Lakes.
“Freshwater is at the heart of our communities, and the Great Lakes are among our most precious shared resources. By investing in these community-led projects, we’re taking meaningful steps to restore and protect this vital ecosystem—ensuring clean water, cultural preservation, and a stronger and more sustainable Canada for generations to come,” said The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency.
These projects are delivered through the Canada Water Agency’s Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Each project addresses key environmental challenges affecting water quality and ecosystem health in the region. They are also key in advancing Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Each of these initiatives is community-led, facilitating collaboration on freshwater science and management.
Among the funded projects, four will support freshwater restoration in Hamilton and Burlington, representing a $1.6 million investment over four years:
- Royal Botanical Gardens will receive up to $150,000 to enhance habitat resilience in Cootes Paradise Marsh in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern through invasive species control, shoreline restoration, and ecological monitoring.
- Hamilton Region Conservation Authority will receive up to $228,000 to engage landowners in implementing watershed improvement initiatives that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern.
- Halton Region Conservation Authority will receive up to $242,000 to develop a science-based nutrient management plan for the Grindstone Creek watershed. This includes analyzing water quality data, identifying nutrient sources, and engaging stakeholders to recommend targeted best management practices.
- The Regional Municipality of Halton will receive up to $995,000 to restore two kilometers of shoreline and dune ecosystems at Beachway Park in Burlington using nature-based restoration approaches.
This investment will help improve water quality in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern and throughout the Great Lakes. Local projects like these drive measurable improvements in water quality and ecosystem health across the region. These projects are also creating lasting economic and social value by supporting sustainable fisheries, protecting drinking water sources, restoring vital habitats, and engaging local communities and landowners in stewardship efforts that strengthen both environmental resilience and regional well-being.
“Protecting and rehabilitating our freshwater is vital for both our environmental and human health. Our community sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. The projects supported today are vital for the viability, protection and sustainability of our freshwater resources locally. We must continue to prioritize freshwater stewardship today and for generations to come,” said The Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington.
Through the newly established Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada is strengthening coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the Great Lakes and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous future, because when we protect our water, we protect what makes Canada strong.
