The Ontario government is investing more than $2.5 million in 19 new projects to protect the health of the Great Lakes. These projects demonstrate commitment in the recently signed Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.
These projects will help improve the water quality of the world’s largest freshwater lake system. It will help farmers and landowners adopt green infrastructure projects and best practices that improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
David Piccini (Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks) and Lisa Thompson (Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs) from Pine River Watershed Initiative Network announce projects that include:
- $60,000 for Pine River Watershed Initiative Network to provide outreach, education and guidance to local farmers and landowners to implement agricultural best practices
- $300,000 for the Ausable Bayfield, Conservation Authority to provide soil management and crop production
- $199,800 for Ryerson University to assess how farming practices can reduce the amount of nutrients entering rivers
- $265,000 for the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association to develop a Soil Health Mobile Technology Suite
"Our government is proud to be delivering on our commitment to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes," shares David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
"The Great Lakes basin is home to 95 per cent of Ontario’s agricultural lands, which is why it is so important that we invest in projects that will give our agricultural partners access to the latest best practices and innovations to keep local waterways clean and healthy. These 19 initiatives will have a positive impact on the Great Lakes, their watersheds, and the well-being of the communities that rely on them every day."