Karina Gould, the minister of international development, announced $5.1 million in funding to support 46 new projects. The projects will help protect and restore the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative in 2020–21.
The Great Lakes Protection Initiative supports projects that address key Great Lakes priorities such as restoring areas of concern, preventing toxic and nuisance algae, and reducing releases of harmful chemicals. The initiative also supports engaging Indigenous Peoples on Great Lakes issues, and increasing public engagement through citizen science.
“Protecting and restoring our Great Lakes require collaboration,” said International Development Minister Karina Gould. “The leadership of our many partners and stakeholders on these innovative projects will have a significant impact in improving water quality for millions of Canadians, now and into the future.”
“This work matters to the people who live, work, and play on the shores of the Great Lakes, including my family and the community of Burlington,” added Gould. “Our water is our life, and it is up to us to protect it for generations to come. We are proud, as the Government of Canada, to support this important work.”
During the announcement, Minister Gould was joined by Darlene Bennett-Howes, director of business development and community engagement, at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Its project will receive $53,000 in funding to help restore fish habitat and address algae issues in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern as well as examine ways to better protect the coastal wetland habitat.
“Support from the Great Lakes Protection Initiative is critical for invasive-species management and has provided valuable tools for Royal Botanical Gardens to implement Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement objectives,” said Tys Theijsmeijer, head of natural areas at the Royal Botanical Gardens. “Specifically, funding has helped us implement important restoration projects for the diverse habitats of Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh.”
Through investments like these, the Government of Canada is supporting local initiatives and solutions to environmental challenges.
