Canada Allocates $76 Million for Great Lakes Environmental Projects
The Government of Canada has allocated $76 million to support 50 projects under the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. These projects aim to address environmental challenges affecting the Great Lakes' water quality and ecosystem health. The funding is part of the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (2021–2026), which supports commitments in the Canada–US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
One of the projects includes the study of coastal processes near Clarington on Lake Ontario. The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington will receive $100,000 over two years to guide the restoration of the Graham Creek Jetties and Bond Head Park Beach using nature-based methods to support fish habitats and minimize climate change impacts.
Other projects focus on various aspects such as reducing phosphorus loads, restoring wetlands, and improving climate resilience. For example, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority will receive $2,177,000 over four years to enhance the climate resilience of the Lynde Shores coastal wetland system.
The initiative also includes efforts to engage the public through community-based science. The University of Waterloo will receive $271,000 over four years to expand a program monitoring coastal changes in the Great Lakes, focusing on nearshore coastal health and climate change.
These projects are part of a broader effort to restore water quality, prevent toxic algae, protect coastal areas, reduce harmful chemicals, and increase Indigenous participation in governance and stewardship.
