At the recent Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, Conservation Ontario and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) Mayor's Commission on Coastal Resilience signed a Memorandum of Collaboration to help communities prepare for increasing risks from flooding, erosion and severe storms along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.
This initiative aims to maximize the impact of combined resources by working together on implementation strategies, communications, fundraising and to bridge gaps in science. With their extensive capacity and expertise, Conservation Authorities in Ontario are vital partners in bolstering coastal resilience and assisting shoreline communities in addressing climate change vulnerabilities and risks.
A key player in this collaborative effort is the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) that plays a critical role in shoreline hazard management and fostering coastal resilience within its jurisdiction between two Great Lakes — Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
A key focus of NPCA’s hazard management role along the shorelines of both lakes is the protection of people and infrastructure from natural hazards and the enhancement of the diverse coastal communities and ecosystems that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. NPCA is currently in the process of updating its hazard mapping to account for climate change considerations, as well as update its policies and implement best-management practices built upon nature-based solutions.
In tandem with its conservation efforts, NPCA engages shoreline communities and residents on collaborative initiatives to promote shoreline conservation and stewardship. Recognizing the significant contributions of local municipalities, NPCA is thankful for the important work they have already undertaken – alongside government agencies, non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders – to effectively address shoreline issues.
This collaboration agreement highlights the complexity of coastal challenges and paves the way for stakeholders like NPCA, municipalities, ENGOs and community leaders to be at the forefront of coordinating local actions and innovative solutions that will further enhance coastal resilience and the long-term sustainability of these at-risk areas.
QUOTES
“On behalf of the Board of the NPCA, we are very pleased to be a partner in these important coastal resilience initiatives to help us better understand and assess how climate challenges are impacting shorelines across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. This critical work supports and is a continuation of our strategic plans in and around healthy watersheds and resilient shorelines and coastal ecosystems.”
Robert Foster, Board Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
“I am proud of our collective accomplishments to date to protect our shoreline, but there is much more work to be done. As the current Mayor and a lifelong resident of Lincoln, I have seen firsthand the direct impacts of a changing climate on our coastal regions. This important partnership with Conservation Ontario further cements our commitment to coastal resilience and demonstrates our laser focus on protecting our communities and residents.”
Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln; Director, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
“Any opportunity to maximize resources through strategic partnerships like this helps us take steps forward in the fight against climate-related issues like shoreline erosion, flooding and building coastal resilience. In my role as a proud member of the GLSLCI Executive, I’m incredibly happy to see NPCA engaging in this partnership.”
Mat Siscoe, Mayor, City of St. Catharines; Treasurer, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
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About the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
A binational coalition of over 244 municipal and regional U.S. and Canadian mayors and local officials working to advance the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The Cities Initiative works with mayors and municipal staff to protect and preserve the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin at the local, regional and basin-wide levels.
About Conservation Ontario
Conservation Ontario represents Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities, which are local watershed management agencies, mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario's water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs.
About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 65 years of experience, NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship and land management.
The NPCA manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery. To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca