The Ontario government is providing $194,380.00 to the County of Brant to enhance forests and $62,530.00 to Grand River Employment and Training Inc. to restore the Grand River floodplain in Paris and on the territory of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.
The project is to protect and enhance over 100 acres of Carolinian forest and creek banks which will increase sustainability of public use without detrimentally impacting the area’s overall conservation and environmental protection goals. This project increases environmental health and provides access to natural spaces for the fast-growing community of Brant County. Also, this project will restore the Grand River floodplain behind Kayanase through management of invasive species, riverbank restoration, pit and mound construction, and creation of breeding and/or spawning habitat for amphibians, fish, and turtle by creating a diverse wetland habitat that also supports species currently present.
“Nobody understands the state of the environment better than local, dedicated community organizations and municipalities,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “Protecting waterways and green spaces ensures a healthier and more resilient community for generations to come.”
“The Ontario Community Environment Fund taps into the creativity, dedication and experience of local organizations and municipalities. It supports them to safeguard our waterways and greenspaces for healthier communities,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “The projects selected through the program are contributing to more resilient ecosystems and are enhancing our native biodiversity in Ontario.”
“Restoration work, at all levels, along the Grand River is important to many communities,” said Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill. “Thank you, Ontario, for supporting Kayanase and their wetland creation and floodplain habitat restoration project here at Six Nations.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the provincial government for their support of County of Brant parks and green spaces through the Ontario Community Environment Fund. The Paris Parks Enhancement Project is an initiative that will protect and enhance over 100 acres of Carolinian forest, meadows, and creek banks by planting over 5,000 trees and shrubs, managing invasive species, enhancing shorelines and trails, and improving natural lands to ensure that our growing community has access to natural spaces. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection, we are safeguarding the health of our environment for future generations while providing valuable recreational opportunities for our residents.”
