Ontario Invests $650,000 in Ajax Wetland Restoration
AJAX — In a significant boost to local conservation efforts, the Ontario government is investing $650,000 in a project to restore approximately seven acres (three hectares) of wetlands in the Carruthers Creek watershed. The initiative is part of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, which is funding around 200 projects across the province with a total of $11 million this year.
The project, led by the Town of Ajax in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), aims to transform the area into a thriving natural habitat. The restoration will involve removing old drainage pipes from previous agricultural use to return the land to its natural state. With additional support from Ducks Unlimited Canada, the plan includes creating wetland “pockets” to retain water and planting native trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants. These efforts will help mitigate urban stormwater impacts, prevent flooding, and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife.
#ICYMI our government has invested over $2.8 million to @ALUS_Solutions that will support farmer-led initiatives to restore and enhance wetlands on 70 farms across Ontario. pic.twitter.com/XbvNqtDZ0p
— Andrea Khanjin (@Andrea_Khanjin) July 18, 2024
“Urban wetlands are incredibly important to our communities — they help provide vital habitat for local wildlife, while absorbing stormwater to protect homes from flooding,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We are proud to support this unique project led by the Town of Ajax to restore wetlands in the Carruthers Creek watershed which will have a lasting, positive impact on the local environment and the community.”
The enhanced wetland habitat will also function as a natural water filter, improving water quality in the area. This initiative underscores the provincial government’s commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of urban ecosystems.
The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program marks one of the most substantial investments in wetland enhancement and restoration in Ontario’s history. Over the past five years, the province has invested more than $31 million to support a wide range of projects. These include large-scale wetlands, smaller wetlands on marginal agricultural lands, and urban area wetlands as part of municipal stormwater management.
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier expressed gratitude for the investment, highlighting the long-term benefits of the project for the community and the environment. “This funding will help us restore a critical part of our natural heritage and ensure that our wetlands can continue to provide essential ecological services for generations to come,” he said.
As work begins, residents of Ajax and the surrounding areas can look forward to a revitalized Carruthers Creek watershed, contributing to a healthier environment and a more resilient community.
