Ontario Investing $9.6 Million in Wetlands Conservation

September 03, 2025

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $9.6 million to launch applications for the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. The program supports wetland restoration and enhancement projects in the Great Lakes and surrounding areas to help protect communities against the threat of flooding, drought and other extreme weather events.

“Wetlands make communities more resilient. They act as natural infrastructure that protect our homes and businesses against drought and flooding, clean our water and create habitat for a variety of wildlife,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Since the launch of this program five years ago, our government has supported safer, healthier communities through the restoration and enhancement of almost 9,900 acres of wetlands.”

Over the next two years, these projects will bring the government’s total investment in wetlands restoration and enhancement through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to nearly $41 million. This additional funding will support a wide range of projects that restore and enhance wetlands of all sizes with a focus on Great Lakes costal wetlands, ecoregions that have experienced significant ongoing loss and wetlands in more urban areas as part of municipal stormwater management.

Applications are now open for eligible conservation organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities to apply online. Applications are due by October 8, 2025.

Quick Facts

• For every two dollars of provincial funding provided through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, grant recipients are required to match it with a minimum of $1 from other non-provincial sources, such as individual donors, foundations and other levels of government.

• Ducks Unlimited Canada’s story map features the wetland projects supported by the organization through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program.

• Since the start of the program, an estimated $10 million of damage due to flooding has been avoided and over 270 green jobs were created in Ontario’s rural and near-urban communities to undertake wetland projects.

Quotes

"ALUS commends the Ford government for its continued investment in creating and maintaining wetlands. The success of the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program is a key part of community-based efforts to safeguard Ontario’s water resources. Farmers participating in ALUS have benefitted from the program, allowing them to do good work on behalf of all Ontarians as stewards of wetlands."

- Bryan Gilvesy

Chief Strategy Officer, ALUS

"We applaud Minister McCarthy and the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in this program. We all know the critical value that wetlands play for nature and people and it’s great to see this program support the important work of the conservation community including Ontario’s many land trusts and leading national organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada. Combined with Ontario’s Greenlands program and investments in expansions in the provincial parks and protected areas system, Ontario continues to show strong leadership at this critical time for nature and people."

- Mike Hendren

Executive Director, Ontario Conservation Accelerator Foundation

"Ducks Unlimited Canada is grateful for the Government of Ontario’s renewed commitment to protecting and restoring wetlands across the province through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program. This funding represents an investment in the health of our landscapes and the well-being of our communities. Wetlands are among our most valuable natural assets — providing clean water, flood mitigation, carbon storage, and vital habitat for wildlife. Successful partnerships are essential to building a more resilient Ontario — for nature and future generations. DUC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with conservation organizations, First Nations, landowners, and the Ontario government to deliver impactful, science-based conservation on the ground."

- Marie-Paule Godin

Manager of Provincial Operations, Ontario, Ducks Unlimited Canada

"Municipal governments recognize the need for mitigation and adaptation efforts to protect essential services, public health, and the environment. This $9.6 million investment in wetlands restoration is an important step to support municipalities in building naturally resilient landscapes that protect homes and businesses across Ontario."

- Robin Jones

President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Mayor, Westport

Additional Resources

• Learn about the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program

• Learn more about how Ontario protects and restores wetlands

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org