Ontario Investing in Wetlands Restoration in Oxford

Province partnering with Thames Talbot Land Trust to protect local wetlands

July 11, 2023

WOODSTOCK — The Ontario government is investing up to $6.9 million in 100 local conservation projects to restore and enhance wetlands across the province, including projects at nine wetlands in Oxford. This funding will help conservation partners restore local wetlands, which will improve water quality, help prevent flooding and build climate change resiliency.

“We’re very proud of these historic investments and to be working with conservation organizations and municipalities to restore and enhance the health of wetlands in Ontario,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We will continue to support more wetlands projects to ensure vital ecosystems in the province are protected, now and in the future.”

The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program represents one of the largest investments in wetland restoration in Ontario’s history. The five-year, $30-million program supports a wide range of projects, restoring and enhancing large-scale wetlands, smaller wetlands on marginal agricultural lands, and wetlands in more urban areas as part of municipal stormwater management.

Locally, projects include $38,310 to Thames Talbot Land Trust to conduct restoration at nine wetlands including management of non-native invasive species such as Phragmites, Reed Canary Grass, Garlic mustard, Buckthorn and other non-native shrubs. 

“I’m pleased to see our government investing in our local wetlands,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “These lands are important ecosystems that provide many natural services for humans and many other species.”

Ontario will also support new projects with the remaining funding under the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program with a new call for applications this year. The government will begin accepting applications between August 8^th and September 12^th, 2023.