Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Richmond Hill, along with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), is contributing 550 hectares of protected greenspace to Canada’s 30×30 conservation initiative, which aims to safeguard 30 percent of the country’s lands and waters by the year 2030.
Ontario Nature conducted an assessment of 31 publicly owned properties – consisting of 429 hectares managed by the city and 121 hectares overseen by TRCA – finding that they fulfill the federal criteria for protected areas or “other effective area-based conservation measures.”
Richmond Hill’s addition features important locations such as the East Humber Trail, Haynes Lake Wetlands and Uplands, Oak Ridges Meadow, and the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory Park. These sites provide various habitats – including forests, wetlands, valleys, and meadows – while also protecting endangered species like the eastern wood pewee, barn swallow, redside dace, black ash, and midland painted turtle.
“Conserving nature isn’t just a goal, it’s a responsibility,” TRCA CEO John Mac Kenzie stated in a release. “This milestone highlights our long-term environmental stewardship and reaffirms our dedication to biodiversity and climate resilience.”
Mayor David West mentioned that this initiative strengthens the city’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and tackling climate change.
The properties are part of 30 designated Protected Areas and one Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure (OECM), primarily situated within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt regions.
According to Ontario Nature, municipal lands can qualify under Canada’s 30×30 target if they are actively managed throughout the year with clear boundaries aimed at ensuring long-term conservation outcomes. OECMs differ from protected areas since their main purpose isn’t conservation; however, they still provide significant conservation benefits.
“This initiative really aligns with our commitment to safeguard biodiversity, mitigate climate change and create a community where humans and nature can thrive together,” West expressed.
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