Protecting fresh water is crucial to building a cleaner, safer, sustainable future for all. The Hamilton region is a vital part of the Great Lakes ecosystem, supporting industry, commerce, recreation, and culture. The region also holds spiritual and cultural importance for Indigenous peoples.
Today, the Honourable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, an investment of over $700,000 in five freshwater projects for recipients and projects based in the Hamilton region. The Honourable Karina Gould is joined by Members of Parliament Lisa Hepfner and Chad Collins.
As part of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, these projects tackle key environmental challenges affecting the Great Lakes' water quality and ecosystem health. They also advance by delivering on Canada's commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. These initiatives will be led by members of the Hamilton community, allowing for a collaborative approach and shared knowledge on freshwater science and management, both of which are central to the Canada Water Agency.
Among the projects funded are the following:
- McMaster University will receive $292,000 to research climate change-induced water-level changes in coastal marshes in eastern and northern Georgian Bay.
- The Halton Region Conservation Authority will be awarded $210,000 to coordinate the Remedial Action Plan for the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern.
- Redeemer University will receive $69,692 to monitor nutrient and bacterial contamination in the Chedoke Creek and Red Hill Creek watersheds.
- The Bay Area Restoration Council of Hamilton and Halton Inc. will receive $140,000 to support communications, engagement, and leadership for the implementation of the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan.
- The Governing Council of the University of Toronto will receive $75,000 to examine the impact of rainfall on nutrient pollution in two key, combined sewer overflows in Hamilton Harbour.
This investment will help restore water quality in the Hamilton Harbour Area of Concern and across the Great Lakes. Projects like these drive actions to improve water quality and ecosystem health and will complement the effects of key local projects, such as upgrades to the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment plant and sediment remediation at Randle Reef, to yield measurable results in Hamilton Harbour. Through the newly established Canada Water Agency, the Government is strengthening coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the Great Lakes.
