A number of projects in Midwestern Ontario are included in the latest round of Ontario Community Environment Funding.
The fund uses penalties paid by polluters to fund projects that protect Ontario’s land, air and water such as shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration and tree planting, according to an informational release from the province.
This round of funding amounts to $3 million to support 26 projects province-wide. That includes funding for Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Inc.'s G2G Invasive Species Removal and Native Planting Revitalizing. The project will address degraded trail sections of the G2G Rail Trail by removing invasive species and planting native vegetation to enhance ecological health.
Also receiving funding is the Municipality of North Perth for its Municipal Drain Erosion and Surface Runoff Protection Project. This will stabilize a municipal drain with native plantings to reduce erosion, filter runoff and improve water quality.
Finally, the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation organization is getting funding for the Green Ribbon Champion Shoreline Restoration Program. This project aims to restore fragile beach dune ecosystems through nature based shoreline restoration activities, such as growing native grasses and community engagement.
More on the latest round of funding can be seen here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-community-environment-fund?utm_campaign=%2Fen%2Frelease%2F1007809%2Fontario-investing-nearly-3-million-to-support-cleaner-and-healthier-communities&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsroom#section-7
"This provincial funding supports the volunteers who maintain the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail. Locally, this means a safer, better-maintained trail for residents who use it for walking, cycling, and staying active. Our government will continue to support on-the-ground volunteers who are helping protect our environment and outdoor places," said Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington.
"Investments that protect and enhance our local environment are vital to keeping our communities vibrant and healthy. The Goderich to Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail is a gem in our region, connecting people to our rich rural heritage and natural landscapes," added Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. "By supporting this project, our government continues to empower local partners to tackle invasive species and restore native greenery so this historic trail can continue to be used and enjoyed in our community to its fullest potential."
