Monday, April 6, 2026
National freshwater conservation charity Watersheds Canada announced March 31 it is expanding its program to four new Ontario communities.
The program, titled “The Natural Edge” will support Horton Township (Renfrew County), Hastings Highlands (Hastings County), Coe Hill (Hastings County), and South Frontenac (Frontenac County) over two years and will focus on restoring shoreline properties with native plants while scaling education efforts, a Watersheds Canada release said.
“Watersheds Canada applauds RBC Foundation for their continual support of climate resiliency projects like The Natural Edge that will help four Ontario communities be able to withstand increasing pressures from climate change and shoreline development,” Watersheds Canada national conservation director Chloe Lajoie said.
“By partnering directly with local municipalities, Watersheds Canada is ensuring landowners have the tools and native plants they need to protect their shorelines in the wake of locally experienced climate change impacts,” she added.
The project, which aims to ensure climate change action is taken for high-priority shorelines in the Great Lakes Basin will be delivered in partnership with Trees for Life, Ottawa Riverkeeper, and Water Rangers, and with funding from RBC Foundation, the release said.
“Healthy freshwater shorelines are important for preserving biodiversity, maintaining water quality and building climate resilience. RBC Foundation is proud to support Watersheds Canada in helping empower communities to protect shoreline habitats along their waterfront properties through programs like The Natural Edge,” RBC environmental impact senior director Thea Silver said.
Plans include multiple in-person workshops, plant kit drop-offs, and large planting events at public sites like boat launches and parks.
In-person “Design Your Shoreline” workshops will teach waterfront property owners about the benefits of a natural shoreline, the release said, highlighting how plants can protect properties from flood damage like erosion, help absorb excess water, and break up wave action.
More information about the program is available at NaturalEdge.Watersheds.ca/.
