The Ontario government has announced plans for a restoration project at Brampton’s Heart Lake Conservation Park.
At a press conference on Monday, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd Mc Carthy stated that the province will collaborate with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to tackle erosion, remove invasive species, plant native plants, and upgrade stormwater systems in the wetlands area.
The province is investing almost $1.2 million to restore around 10 hectares of wetland, he noted.
“Wetlands are vital natural infrastructure,” he told reporters. “We do not have to choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment because with smart, practical action, we can continue to deliver both.”
The TRCA’s chief executive officer John Mac Kenzie mentioned that the initiative aims to replace an aging section of road, restore over one hectare of wetland shoreline habitat, rehabilitate more than 800 metres of shoreline, and install about 740 metres of wildlife exclusion fencing.
“Most people traveling along Heart Lake Road and Highway 410 don’t give much thought to what lies just beyond the pavement,” he said. “Metres away is a thriving wetland ecosystem that supports turtles, birds, amphibians, fish and countless other species, many of them becoming more rare.”
Areas such as the Heart Lake Conservation Park act as sponges, absorbing heavy rainfall and reducing the severity of floods, Mc Carthy said. (Antoine Simard/CBC)
This project is part of a larger provincial commitment totaling $9.6 million over the next two years.
‘Wetlands protect our homes’: environment minister
Areas such as the Heart Lake Conservation Park act as sponges, absorbing heavy rainfall and reducing the severity of floods, Mc Carthy said.
“Wetlands protect our homes and our businesses against flooding, drought and extreme weather,” he stated. “Wetlands filter sediment and nutrients from runoff before it reaches our larger waterways, improving water quality and protecting aquatic life.”
“Wetlands create clean, healthy habitat for a remarkable range of plants and wildlife,” Mc Carthy added. “Healthy wetlands also support opportunities to enjoy our great outdoors – opportunities like fishing, canoeing and bird watching all contribute to our local economies.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown was present at the news conference alongside Mc Carthy; he expressed that this project goes beyond environmental protection.
“It’s about protecting residents supporting our infrastructure ensuring Brampton remains a great place for generations for families to enjoy,” he said.
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