The provincial government is making $6 million available to support 30 different projects aimed at protecting the Great Lakes.
These investments will help reduce plastic litter, excess nutrients and road salt entering lakes, rivers and streams, advance climate resiliency, and make significant progress on restoring environmentally degraded areas of the Great Lakes.
Locally, the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association is receiving $474,500.
“This group of projects around the Lake Huron-Georgian Bay basin will help to enhance water quality and aquatic habitats, restore streams and a wetland, increase biodiversity, remove plastic waste and engage local First Nation communities to improve the ecosystem health of the Great Lakes,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers.
“Given the significant agriculture industry in Huron and Bruce Counties, a resilient agriculture and food industry has a direct co-relation to the health of our Great Lakes,” noted Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs. “This announcement is another positive step in advancing best practices that support the goals outlined in Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy. We are taking a multi-ministry approach to positioning Ontario as ‘best in class’ when it comes to good stewardship and healthy ecosystem associated with our Great Lakes.”
“Our government is continuing to work with partners to ensure Ontario’s Great Lakes are protected,” added David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We’re very proud to be supporting projects that will improve water quality, reduce plastic and salt pollution and increase collaboration with farmers, Indigenous organizations and communities to help improve the Great Lakes.”
