Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Ducks Unlimited Canada restore over 10 hectares of coastal wetlands and secure future funding
WHITBY, ON — September 15 – Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is pleased to announce three new coastal wetland restoration projects at Lynde Shores Conservation Area.
Great Lakes coastal wetlands play a vital role in supporting the freshwater ecosystem, the economy and local communities. Recognizing both the ecological value of these wetlands and the challenges they face, CLOCA and DUC have undertaken a series of projects designed to enhance wetland habitat, improve hydrologic connectivity, support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and provide opportunities for communities to access more “blue space” (being near, on, or in water).
Thanks to a $1,510,000 investment from the Government of Ontario’s Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, future work to advance wetland restoration and strengthen climate resilience along the Lake Ontario watershed is underway.
"The Lynde Shores Restoration and Resilience Plan is an interconnected project focused on improving the connectivity and long-term health of coastal wetlands while enhancing biodiversity, habitat and marsh ecosystems in our watershed," said Chris Darling, CAO of CLOCA. "This funding will enable CLOCA and DUC to continue the important work of protecting and restoring these wetlands, ensuring they remain healthy, resilient and accessible for future generations."
This funding will directly contribute to 9.4 hectares (23 acres) of wetland creation at Lynde Shores Conservation Area and support the completion of the Westside Creek Wetland Restoration and Resilience Project in the Municipality of Clarington. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the project will restore and enhance wetland habitat on municipally owned lands, delivering ecological benefits for wildlife, water quality, and the broader watershed.
"Successful partnerships are essential to building a more resilient Ontario — for nature and future generations,” said Marie-Paule Godin, Manager of Provincial Operations for DUC in Ontario. “This funding represents an investment in the well-being of our communities and the health of our landscapes, including important habitats for migrating waterfowl. We look forward to continuing the work with CLOCA and local partners to deliver impactful conservation on the ground.”
The investment builds on extensive planning and restoration work already completed, with partners at Durham Region, through funding support from Canada Water Agency's Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. As coastal wetlands continue to experience serious threats, this collective work will increase their capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental change.
To celebrate this work, CLOCA and DUC are hosting a free community wetland opening event on October 3 from 9:30am-12:30pm at Lynde Shores Conservation Area. Learn more and register here.
For the full project list and to learn more about the Lynde Shores Restoration and Resilience Project, visit https://www.cloca.com/lynde-shores-restoration.
Quotes from our partners:
MECP
“Our wetlands are vital natural infrastructure and deliver significant benefits - from improving water quality and supporting wildlife habitat to protecting against floods, supporting resilient communities and competitive local economies” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “By supporting the Lynde Shores Restoration and Resilience Project with Ducks Unlimited Canada, our government is joining our conservation partners in delivering on our shared goal of building a healthier, more resilient Ontario.”
Municipality of Clarington
We’re restoring a wildlife oasis next to the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre. This project will create 1.3 hectares of new open-water wetland habitat, rehabilitate 3.9 hectares more, and could allow us to create public trails and lookouts in the future. It will improve habitat for local wildlife, enhance biodiversity and climate resilience, address historic ecological degradation, and invite the community in to enjoy this hidden wetland,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “We’re grateful to our partners in this project, CLOCA and Ducks Unlimited Canada, for overseeing the work and to the Provincial government for the funding that makes it possible. Clarington’s main role is to be a good host while the work is done on our property and to fight back any invasive species that may try to move in after the work is finished."
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Reed
Communications Specialist
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Claire Foran
Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
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