Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Niagara Irrigation Initiative Project Steering Committee announced that up to $1.8 million in total funding has been secured to advance the Niagara Irrigation Initiative Project.
“As an eighth-generation farmer growing tender fruits and grapes in Niagara, I’m thrilled to see this vital investment in the Niagara Irrigation Project. New and improved irrigation systems aren’t just about efficiency; it’s about protecting livelihoods, supporting food security, and ensuring that future generations can continue to farm this land,” said David Hipple, Chair, Niagara Irrigation Initiative Project Steering Committee.
Niagara’s specialty crop lands are one of only a few areas in Canada with climate and soil conditions suitable for high value crops, such as grapes and tender fruit. The impacts of climate change, such as drought conditions, have highlighted the need for improved irrigation infrastructure across Niagara. A need has been identified for a new piped irrigation system in Lincoln and west St. Catharines. In addition, there is a need for upgrades to the existing open channel irrigation system in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“One of the best ways to protect the Niagara Region’s rapidly growing agribusiness sector is to reinforce its long-term competitiveness with new irrigation capacity,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to invest in moving this project forward which will unleash more productivity, growth, and resilience for Niagara growers and agribusinesses.”
To further advance a new piped system in the Lincoln and St. Catharines area, a Feasibility, Costing, and Preliminary Design study is required. The next step in upgrading the existing irrigation system in Niagara-on-the-Lake is to update and consolidate the Town’s three existing irrigation reports based on the Town’s recently completed Irrigation System Strategy and Master Plan.
“This partnership shows what we can achieve when all levels of government and community partners come together to support our agricultural sector,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “The irrigation partnership study brings us closer to a modern, sustainable solution that will help Niagara crop producers thrive. On behalf of Regional Council, I would like to thank all of the partners who have helped us lay the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient future for local farming.”
The Project is receiving funding from the Government of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the Greenbelt Foundation. Additional project partners are funding the balance of the estimated $1.8 million project. This public/private partnership includes Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, Grape Growers of Ontario, local Niagara Greenhouse Growers, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town of Lincoln, City of St. Catharines and Niagara Region.
“Niagara Region is a leading producer of specialty crops and new investment means more irrigated acres, long-term stability for growers and local jobs, all of which contribute to Ontario’s economy,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
