Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is thrilled to announce the receipt of approximately $79,000 in funding from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund (GLLAF). This funding will support two vital creek habitat restoration projects in 12 Mile Creek, an important waterway in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
The funding will support habitat restoration efforts at two key sites: St. John's Centre Conservation Area, owned by NPCA, and Camp Wetaskiwin, a property managed by Scouts Canada. These projects aim to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and restore natural creek habitats along the headwaters of 12 Mile Creek, Niagara’s only cold-water ecosystem supporting Brook and Brown Trout.
"These restoration projects represent an important step in safeguarding the health of 12 Mile Creek and enhancing the ecological integrity of this important cold-water fishery that supports native brook trout population, for future generations," said Leilani Lee-Yates, NPCA CAO. "Support from the Great Lakes Local Action Fund is instrumental in helping local organizations like ours work with communities to address environmental challenges and preserve the natural heritage and beauty of the Niagara Peninsula watershed."
The creek faces erosion, sedimentation, and flooding, worsened by upstream development and climate change, with 2024 winter flooding further increasing vulnerability. NPCA staff, along with local youth from Camp Wetaskiwin Scouts and Niagara Catholic District School Board’s Soaring Eagles Program, will restore 150 meters of riparian habitat using bioengineering techniques like conifer revetments and plantings to stabilize stream banks, enhance biodiversity, and improve long-term stability
Building on previous work, including 70 metres of revetments and 1,650 trees planted, the project also involves over 150 youth volunteers in planting and collecting recycled Christmas trees for revetment installations. The initiative focuses on both ecological restoration and community engagement to ensure the creek’s sustainability.
The GLLAF is part of Ontario’s broader commitment to protecting the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds. The MECP has supported numerous environmental initiatives under this program, empowering local organizations and community partners to carry out on-the-ground conservation work.
“We are grateful to receive financial support for these important restoration projects that not only protect and enhance local ecosystems but also contribute to the broader health of our community,” said Steve Gillis, Supervisor Watershed Restoration & Stewardship.
The funding will ensure that vital work is carried out to restore critical creek habitats, reduce erosion, and improve water quality, benefiting both the local wildlife and community members who depend on the creek for recreation, education, and enjoyment.
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 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.
About the Great Lakes Local Action Fund:
The Great Lakes Local Action Fund supports projects that aim to protect, restore, and enhance the health of the Great Lakes Basin. This program is an important part of Ontario's broader efforts to sustain the long-term health and vitality of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca
Questions about the project:
Steve Gillis, Supervisor, Watershed Restoration & Stewardship
Office: 905.788.3135 Ext 236
sgillis@npca.ca